Abstract: Mammalian Interleukin-7 proteins (IL-7s)g DNAs and expression vectors encoding mammalian IL-7s, end processes for producing mammalian IL-7s as products of cell culture, including recombinant systems, are disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a polypeptide (CD40-L) and DNA sequences, vectors and transformed host cells useful in providing CD40-L polypeptides. More particularly, this invention provides isolated human and murine CD40-L polypeptides that bind to the extracellular binding region of a CD40 receptor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for modulating interaction between IgE and Fc.epsilon.R1. The present invention also relates to compounds that modulate IgE binding to Fc.epsilon.R1.

Abstract: Cosmetic/pharmaceutical compositions, well suited for the treatment of a variety of mammalian disorders of, for example, the skin, hair and/or mucous membranes, a manifestation of which is an excess in the synthesis and/or in the release of substance P, e.g., for the treatment of cutaneous disorders and sensitive skin, comprise an effective substance P antagonist amount of at least one .beta.-adrenergic agonist, e.g., salbutamol, in a cosmetically/pharmaceutically acceptable medium therefor.

Abstract: The invention provides for peptides and methods of using peptides to block or inhibit a pathogenic autoimmune response to central nervous system components. One class of peptides are antigens derived from mycobacterial heat shock proteins and may immunologically cross-react with or are homologous to myelin components. The peptides can also be derived from myelin components such as 2',3' cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase and immunologically cross-react with and/or are homologous to mycobacterial heat shock proteins. A method of the invention involves administering a pharmaceutical composition including at least one peptide to an animal in an amount effective to block or inhibit a pathogenic autoimmune response to central nervous system components. The peptides are useful for the prevention, and treatment of autoimmune inflammatory central nervous system disease.

Abstract: Provided by the present invention are methods of treating psoriasis using IL-11.

Abstract: The present invention concerns new lipid derivatives of phosphonocarboxylic acids of the general formula I, ##STR1## in which the meaning of the symbols is elucidated in the description, tautomers thereof and their physiologically tolerated salts of inorganic and organic bases as well as processes for the production thereof and pharmaceutical agents containing these compounds.

Abstract: An ophthalmic composition particularly in the form of eye-drops suitable for the treatment of diseases of the eye and surrounding areas. The composition contains a cyclosporin and a surfactant selected from polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ethers and polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method of treating rheumatoid arthritis comprising administering human Interleukin-4 (IL-4) to an individual afflicted with the disease. The IL-4 is administered with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in a dose ranging from 1 .mu.g to 100 mg.

Abstract: Methods of using relaxin (RLX), a peptide hormone of the insulin family, which has been found to produce effects on the walls of blood vessels, on blood clotting and on blood lipids and electrolytes, per se, and through the stimulation of the synthesis and release of the two powerful substances: nitric oxide (NO) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), are contemplated whereby RLX is administered to a patient for increasing blood flow, producing dilation of the arteries, influencing blood clotting and fibrinolysis, reducing blood lipids, inducing reduction of blood osmolarity and sodium concentration, and through NO for inhibiting release of histamine from mast cells. RLX is accordingly used as a therapeutic agent in methods for treating arteriosclerosis and vascular diseases, ischemia and thrombosis, hypertension and pregnancy's gestosis, and other diseases, or allergic and inflammatory disorders as dysfunctions in fluid and electrolyte balance.

Abstract: Provided by the present invention are methods of treating a variety of disorders including AIDS, arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, spondyloarthropathies), antibiotic induced diarrheal diseases (Clostridium difficile), multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, gingivitis, peptic ulcer disease, esophagitis, diabetes, retinitis, uveitis, reperfusion injury after myocardial infarction (MI) or cerebral vascular accident (CVA), aphthous ulcers (oral), atherosclerosis (plaque rupture), prevention of tumor metastases, asthma, preeclampsia, and allergic disorders such as rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and urticaria.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient suffering from allergic diseases, comprises administering to said patient an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition in dosage unit form comprising a dry powder of guava leaves.

Abstract: Methods of suppressing a humoral immune response to a thymus-dependent (TD) antigen are disclosed. The methods involve administering to a subject a TD antigen with an antagonist of a molecule which mediates contact-dependent helper effector functions. In a preferred embodiment, the antagonist is an antagonist of gp39. Primary and secondary humoral immune responses can be suppressed and suppression is prolonged.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns novel materials and methods for the treatment and/or prevention of autoimmune disease. In a specific embodiment, elevated production of prostaglandin synthase-2 (PGS-2) is correlated with autoimmune dysfunction.

Abstract: The invention describes the RAGE tumor rejection antigen precursor family, including nucleic acids encoding such tumor rejection antigen precursors, tumor rejection antigen peptides or precursors thereof and antibodies relating thereto. Methods and products also are provided for diagnosing and treating conditions characterized by expression of a RAGE tumor rejection antigen precursor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the prevention and/or treatment of allergic, autoimmune, septic shock or infectious diseases using magnesium gluconate alone or in combination with one or more antioxidants or an antiinflammatory agent. The invention also relates to the inhibition of production of inappropriate levels of lipid mediators and cytokines.

Abstract: A method for the treatment and prevention of immune disorders and fibrosis associated disorders is disclosed. The method involves administering interleukin-9 in an effective amount to the subject. Among the conditions treatable are thyroiditis, autoimmune diabetes and silicosis.

Abstract: A combination of a mucosally administrable bystander antigen and an orally, enterally, or parenterally administrable methotrexate is employed to make a pharmaceutical formulation and to treat or prevent autoimmune disease.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is disclosed. The method comprises administration of an antibody, polypeptide or other molecule recognizing VLA-4, a surface molecule expressed on most types of white blood cells and involved in leukocyte adhesion to endothelium and other tissus in the gut.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of Formula I: ##STR1## that are matrix metalloprotease inhibitors, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, methods for their use and methods of preparing these compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination of IL-12 and IFN.alpha. together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier useful for treatment and prophylaxis of infectious diseases, preferably chronic infectious diseases and more preferably viral infections, e.g. HSV, HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, papilloma etc., bacterial infections, e.g. tuberculosis, salmonellosis, listeriosis, etc., and parasite infections, e.g. malaria, leishmaniasis, and schistosomiasis. These compositions are characterized by the synergistic interaction of IL-12 and IFN.alpha.. The present invention also provides the use of the above combination for the treatment and prophylaxis of infectious diseases.

Abstract: An isloated, synthetic preparation of a novel neutrophil-specific chemotactic factor (NCF), monoclonal antibodies having specific binding affinity for NCF and a clone containing the complete cDNA coding sequence for NCF are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides novel methods and compositions for the treatment of immune system-mediated arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis. The subject compositions comprise one or more different types of collagen or collagen derivatives and a mucosa binding structure. Specific combinations of collagen and/or collagen derivatives may be used to treat specific types of arthritis. The collagen(s) and/or collagen(s) derivatives used in the subject compositions may be either obtained from natural sources or produced by recombinant genetic engineering techniques by chemical modification. Another aspect of the invention is to provide methods for treating various types of arthritis by administering an effective amount of the subject collagen-containing compositions. The methods of the invention involve the oral administration of a collagen or collagens found in a specific tissue, e.g.

Abstract: An agent for the prevention or alleviation of allergy symptoms contains as an effective component a dioxabycyclo?3.3.0!octane derivative represented by the following general formula (I): ##STR1## where R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or alkyl group of 1-3 carbon atoms, or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 and/or R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 together represent a methylene or ethylene group, and n, m and l represent 0 or 1.An agent for the prevention or alleviation of allergy symptoms also contains as an effective component an antioxidant in addition to the dioxabicyclo?3.3.0!octane derivative.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates therapeutic compositions containing a fibrinogen homolog capable of binding to endothelial cells in an RGD-independent manner that inhibits fibrinogen binding to endothelial cells. Also described are therapeutic compositions containing an ICAM-1 homolog capable of binding to fibrinogen in an RGD-independent manner that inhibits fibrinogen binding to endothelial cells. Methods of inhibiting endothelial cell and fibrinogen mediated inflammation within a patient by administering a homolog of this invention are also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition that can be used in alleviating symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome or acquired immune deficiency syndrome. The composition is derived from the herbs Chimaphila umbellate, Apocynum andro-saemifolium, Symphytum officianale, and Equisetum hyemale. In addition, the invention is directed to a method of treating patients using this composition.

Abstract: A DNA-sequence comprising a first sequence coding for a native or mutant subunit of a bacterial toxin that confers enzymatic ADP-ribosylating activity, and a second sequence coding for a peptide such that the resulting fusion protein is in possession of water solubility and capability of targeting the fusion protein to a specific cell receptor different from receptors binding to the native toxin, thereby mediating intracellular uptake of at least said subunit;fusion proteins coded for by such DNA-sequence;compositions for use in improving immune functions; andrecombinant expression vectors and transformed bacterial cells containing such DNA-sequence.

Abstract: The present invention involves the use of Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook F extracts in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. An alcohol extract of this plant (T2) inhibited antigen- and mitogen-stimulated proliferation of T cells and B cells, cell cycle progression, interleukin-2 (IL-2) production by T cells, immunoglobulin production by B cells and interleukin-2 mRNA production. T2 did not affect IL-2 receptor expression by T cells, IL-1 production by monocytes, the capacity of monocytes to present antigen, or signaling pathways. Inhibition could not be accounted for by nonspecific toxicity. These results support the conclusion that T2 exerts a powerful suppressive effect on human immune responses. Suppressing autoimmune disease is a most preferred embodiment of this invention.

Abstract: A method and composition for the treatment of HIV and HBV infections in humans is disclosed that includes administering an effective amount of 2-hydroxymethyl-5-(5-fluorocytosin-1-yl)-1,3-oxathiolane, a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, including a 5' or N.sup.4 alkylated or acylated derivative, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.A process for the resolution of a racemic mixture of nucleoside enantiomers is also disclosed that includes the step of exposing the racemic mixture to an enzyme that preferentially catalyzes a reaction in one of the enantiomers.

Abstract: The invention covers a method of implanting a living donor cell into a host animal without inflammatory response or rejection of the donor cell by the host animal, by obtaining an uncoated particle of a biocompatible, temperature-independent gel that encapsulates the living donor cell, wherein the uncoated particle provides a molecular weight cutoff that prevents host animal immune cells from entering the particle, yet does not have to prevent entry of host animal IgG and complement into the particle, and implanting the uncoated particle into the host animal.

Abstract: A compound comprising a polyether backbone bearing a plurality of ligands that are individually bound to chiral carbon atoms located within said backbone, at least one of said ligands including a moiety selected from the group consisting of a naturally occurring nucleobase, a nucleobase binding group and a DNA intercalator; a process of synthesizing the compound, monomers to be used in this process and their synthesis process and processes for using the compound in biochemistry and medicine.

Abstract: Abnormalities in the circulating immune complexes in a patient's blood, such as observed in patients having inflammatory disorders, viral infections, or simply deranged immune function, are restored to normal or viral immunity conferred by the administration of a matched or mismatched dsRNA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to (2-aminoacylamino-2-deoxy-glycosyl)-amides, which are substituted on the nitrogen atom of the amino acid, of the general formula (I) ##STR1## in which the substituents have the meaning given in the description, to processes for their preparation and to their use in medicaments.

Abstract: A compound of the formula: ##STR1## is disclosed as a retroviral protease inhibitor compound. Also disclosed are methods and compositions for inhibiting an HIV infection.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for treating patients having basal cell carcinoma comprising subcutaneous, intralesional or topical administration of Product R, a peptide-nucleic acid preparation.

Abstract: Methods for inducing T cell tolerance to a tissue or organ graft in a transplant recipeint are disclosed. The methods involve administering to a subject: 1) an allogeneic or xenogeneic cell which expresses donor antigens and which has a ligand on the cell surface which interacts with a receptor on the surface of a recipient T cell which mediates contact-dependent helper effector function; and 2) an antagonist of the receptor which inhibits interaction of the ligand with the receptor. In a preferred embodiment, the allogeneic or xenogeneic cell is a B cell, preferably a resting B cell, and the molecule on the surface of the T cell which mediates contact-dependent helper effector function is gp39. A preferred gp39 antagonist is an anti-gp39 antibody. The allogeneic or xenogeneic cell and the gp39 antagonist are typically administered to a transplant recipient prior to transplantation of the tissue or organ.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for stimulating, the proliferation of V.gamma.2V.delta.2 T cells comprising contacting V.gamma.2V.delta.2 T cells with a V.gamma.2V.delta.2 T cell proliferation stimulating amount of a compound selected from the group-consisting of a monoalkyl phosphate, a hydroxy monoalkyl phosphate, a carboxy monoalkyl phosphate, a monoalkyl pyrophosphate, an alkenyl pyrophosphate, a .gamma.-monoalkyl nucleoside triphosphate, a .gamma.-monoalkyl deoxnucleoside triphosphate, a .gamma.-alkenyl nucleoside triphosphate, and a .gamma.-alkenyl deoxynucleoside triphosphate.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of (-)-pimara-9(11),15-diene-19-oic acid(acanthoic acid) and pharmaceutical compositions comprising acanthoic acid useful for the treatment of diseases caused by an excessive production of interleukin-1 or tumor necrosis factor-.alpha..

Abstract: A stable emulsion composition containing cyclosporin, a polyalkyl ester of polycarboxylic acid in the form of liquid at ordinary temperature, an oil component having an I.O.B. of 0 to 0.25 in the form of a liquid at ordinary temperature, and a surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAM-3) which is involved in the process through which lymphocytes recognize and migrate to sites of inflammation as well as attach to cellular substrates during inflammation. The invention is directed toward such molecules, screening assays for identifying such molecules and antibodies capable of binding such molecules. The invention also includes therapeutic and diagnostic uses for adhesion molecules and for the antibodies that are capable of binding them.

Abstract: The invention discloses the discovery that a pharmaceutical composition containing complex carbohydrates and natural or synthetic essential oils can work effectively as a topical pharmaceutical composition. Such pharmaceutical compositions reduce inflammation, assist in wound healing, protect against bruising, relieve itching, relieve pain and swelling and treat topical bacterial infections such as acne and decubitus ulcers. Such pharmaceutical compositions can be administered to mammals including humans. Also included in this invention are methods to deliver topically applied macromolecules into the tissue of mammals and methods of blocking the adhesion cascade.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of treatment of patients having lesions resulting from cancer cells and to an application as an anti-cancer composition of undenatured whey protein concentrate.

Abstract: A transdermal therapeutic system (TTS) comprises compounds releasing carbon monoxide in organisms to increase the CO-concentration in the organism.

Abstract: The invention concerns fractions from echinoderms of the class Holothuroidea (sea cucumber) that can be used directly as active therapeutic agents or as raw materials in producing biologically active derivatives thereof. The fractions can be used alone or in combination and are derived from a) the epithelial layer, free of muscle and collagenous tissues, b) the isolated flower, or c) the whole body wall substantially free muscle, viscera and flower. The invention also concerns processes for obtaining these fractions that involve the use of thermal/mechanical and/or enzymatic means.

Abstract: Disclosed is an antiallergic composition comprising, as an active ingredient, a peptide which is capable of binding to human IgE, more specifically the high-affinity immunoglobulin E receptor .alpha.-chain or a soluble fragment, which is capable of binding to human IgE, or the high-affinity immunoglobulin E receptor .alpha.-chain. The composition is clinically useful for blocking allergic responses. An animal model for use in the screening of prophylactic and therapeutic compositions for IgE-related diseases is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of reducing an immune response to a recombinant adenovirus which involves co-administration of the recombinant adenovirus and a selected immune modulator. The immune modulator functions by inhibiting the formation of neutralizing antibodies and/or reducing CTL killing of the virally infected cells. The method additionally encompasses the step of re-administering the recombinant adenovirus.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating autoimmune diseases in mammals and for preventing or treating transplantation rejection in a transplant recipient. The methods of treatment involve the use of drugs capable of suppressing expression of MHC Class I molecules. In particular the use of the drug methimazole to suppress expression of MHC Class I molecules in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and the prevention or treatment of rejection in a transplant recipient is disclosed. In addition in vivo and in vitro assays are provided for the assessment and development of drugs capable of suppressing MHC Class I molecules.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of asthma is disclosed. The method comprises administration of an antibody, polypeptide or other molecule recognizing VLA-4, a protein expressed on the surface of certain leukocytes such as eosinophils.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel transdermal delivery system for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Using phospholipids as vehicles, DHEA can be administered into and through the skin when topically applied. Numerous advantages apply to this modality of therapy.

Abstract: A method of enhancing tolerance of a porcine transplant in a xenogeneic recipient by administering porcine bone marrow cells to the recipient and of enhancing proliferation and engraftment of the porcine bone marrow cells by exposing said cells to at least one substantially pure porcine cytokine and porcine cytokines that are substantially free of other porcine proteins and preferentially enhance the proliferation and engraftment of porcine bone marrow cells in the presence of bone marrow cells of other species. Protein and DNA sequence(s) for such porcine cytokines.