Abstract: A multinutrient nutritional supplement is provided that is designed to be most effective in optimizing health, increasing the immunity and decreasing the instances and severity of infection particularly among adolescents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fusion polypeptide comprising a chemokine and either a tumor or viral antigen which is administered as either a protein or nucleic acid vaccine to elicit an immune response effective in treating cancer or effective in treating or preventing HIV infection.

Abstract: The invention involves the recognition of IL-9 as a molecule involved in induction of IL-10. Administration of IL-9 leads to protection against conditions where IL-10 production is warranted, such as infections by Gram negative bacteria. Examples of such conditions are septic shock and endotoxemia. Also a part of the invention are methods of treatment where IL-9 and a phosphodiesterase inhibitor are administered to a subject. Compositions, such as kits which include these two components are a part of the invention, as is treatment of conditions involving excess IL-10 production by administering an IL-9 inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved oral dosage form formulations of efavirenz that are useful in the inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the prevention or treatment of infection by HIV, and in the treatment of the resulting acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). In particular, the present invention relates to compressed tablets or capsules comprising efavirenz that contain one or more disintegrants that enhance the dissolution rate of the efavirenz in the gastrointestinal tract thereby improving the rate and extent of absorption of efavirenz in the body. The present invention also relates to the process of making such tablets or capsules.

Abstract: Modifications to RANTES can result in the modified polypeptide acting as a RANTES or MIP-1&agr; antagonist. Such antagonists can be used in therapy to reduce inflammation. They are also useful in studying the properties of RANTES or of MIP-1&agr;.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agent for inhibiting diseases associated with chronic rejection after organ transplantation, such as transplanted heart-accelerated coronary arteriosclerosis, containing as an active ingredient N-(3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl)anthranilic acid represented by formula: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which has an inhibitory effect on vascular thickening in transplanted hearts.

Abstract: A method for activating a mammalian immune system entails a series of IL-2 administrations that are effected intermittently over an extended period. Each administration of IL-2 is sufficient to allow spontaneous DNA synthesis in peripheral blood or lymph node cells of the patient to increase and peak, and each subsequent administration follows the preceding administration in the series by a period of time that is sufficient to allow IL-2 receptor expression in peripheral or lymph node blood of the patient to increase, peak and then decrease to 50% of peak value. This intermittent IL-2 therapy can be combined with another therapy which targets a specific disease state, such as an anti-retroviral therapy comprising, for example, the administration of AZT, ddI or interferon alpha. In addition, IL-2 administration can be employed to facilitate in situ transduction of T cells in the context of gene therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for treating immune-mediated ear disorders, such as IMCVDs, or their symptoms, involving administration of a therapeutically-effective amount of a TNF antagonist, such as etanercept or infliximab, or a therapeutically-effective amount of a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor, such as leflunomide.

Abstract: N-Substituted-1,5-dideoxy-1,5-imino-D-glucitol compounds of Formula I are effective in treatment of hepatitis infections, including hepatitis B and hepatitis C. In treating hepatitis infections, the compounds of Formula I may be used alone, or in combination with another antiviral agent selected from among nucleosides, nucleotides, immunomodulators, immunostimulats or various combinations of such other agents.

Abstract: Provided by the present invention are topical formulations of Interleukin-11 and methods for treating a variety of disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, indeterminate colitis, and infectious colitis), mucositis (e.g., oral mucositis, gastrointestinal mucositis, nasal mucositis, and proctitis), necrotizing enterocolitis, inflammatory skin disorders (e.g., psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and contact hypersensitivity), aphthous ulcers, pharyngitis, esophagitis, peptic ulcers, gingivitis, periodontitis, and ocular diseases (e.g., conjunctivitis, retinitis, and uveitis).

Abstract: A pharmaceutically acceptable salt of 2-methyl-3-butenyl-1-pyrophosphoric acid; an agent for treating lymphocytes which comprises at least one of 2-methyl-3-butenyl-1-pyrophosphoric acid, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a hydrate thereof; V&ggr;2V&dgr;2 type T cells treated by the same; and a medicine containing the same specifically stimulate and proliferate the human V&ggr;2V&dgr;2 type T cells, and also induce and enhance an antitumor activity thereof.

Abstract: A chimeric protein comprising a Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin (PE) moiety linked to a myelin basic protein (MBP) moiety is disclosed. The MBP moiety is selected from the group comprising: (a) MBP; (b) amino acids 69-88 of guinea-pig myelin basic protein or an antigenic portion thereof; (c) amino acids 84-102 of human myelin basic protein or an antigenic portion thereof; (d) amino acids 143-168 of human myelin basic protein or an antigenic portion thereof; and (e) an amino acid sequence in which one or more amino acids have been deleted, added, substituted or mutated in the amino acid sequences of (a), (b), (c) or (d), the modified sequence of (e) retaining at least 75% homology with the amino acid sequences of (a), (b), (c) or (d), respectively. Each of the MBP moieties of (b), (c) and (d) are linked to the PE moiety by a pentapeptide linker repeated 1-3 times. The chimeric protein is useful in treating autoimmune diseases, and especially multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: This invention relates to use of betel leaf extract to induce IFN&ggr; from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and as a Th1 type immuno modulator, wherein the said method comprises the steps of, preparing water extract of betel leaf, preparation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, incubation of hPBMC with betel leaf extract for a period of 18-48 hours, extraction of RNA for cytokine specific RT-PCR or for flow cytometry for the detection of intracellular cytokine protein, subjecting RNA for RT-PCR to obtain PCR products using IFN&ggr; specific known primers, and enhancement of IFN&ggr; as reflected by IFN&ggr; specific band.

Abstract: There are provided according to the invention novel compounds of formula I wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as described in the specification, processes for preparing them, formulations containing them and their use in therapy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of inhibiting tumor growth in a mammal, by administering to the mammal composition containing taurolidine, taurultam, or a biologically active derivative thereof. The composition is administered to directly contact a tumor cell at a dose sufficient to induce cell death by apoptosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of cycloventabenzofuran derivatives for the production of a medicament for the treatment of nuclear factor of &kgr;B-dependent diseases.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and compositions for use in inhibiting egg production by parasitic trematode worms comprising administering to an individual in need thereof an effective amount of an agent which transiently inhibits the influx of calcium through a cell membrane calcium channel. Inhibition of egg production in the worms ameliorates many of the symptoms and pathology related to infection by trematode related diseases, including Schistosomiasis. The methods can also effect disease transmission by reducing the number of eggs released into the environment available to continue the worm life cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAM-2) which are 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 uses for adhesion molecules and for the antibodies that are capable of binding them.

Abstract: A method of activating the immune system of a subject comprises the chronic administration of low doses of an agent having cytokine activity, including natural and recombinant cytokines, fragments, analogues, fusion proteins, and derivatives thereof, that are pharmaceutically acceptable, and their mixtures with other biologically active agents and formulation ingredients. The agent is provided as a unit dosage form, in systemic and topical product form, as an implant, inhalant, transdermal delivery device, and ultrasound and electrotransport devices, as well as in the form of a kit for self-administration.

Abstract: Particular members of the multisubunit immune recognition receptor (MIRR) family of receptors, specifically, the B cell antigen receptor (BCR), the pre-B cell receptor (pre-BCR), the pro-B cell receptor (pro-BCR), Ig Fc receptors (FcR), and NK receptors, can be physically uncoupled from their associated transducers. The invention describes regulatory compounds and methods for mimicking such dissociation/destabilization for the purposes of receptor desensitization and for treatment of conditions in which receptor desensitization or alternatively, enhanced or prolonged receptor sensitization, is desirable. Compounds and methods for enhancing or prolonging receptor sensitization are also disclosed, as are methods for identifying regulatory compounds suitable for use in the present methods.

Abstract: A method for treating an organ donor prior to harvesting organ to reduce graft rejection in a recipient. An amount effective to reduce graft rejection of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds having formulas I, II, III, IV, V, VI, and VII is administered to the organ donor: wherein Y is X is F or Cl; and the remaining groups are as defined in the specification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for optimizing ciprofloxacin treatment of anthrax-exposed patients according to the patient's characteristics. More particularly, the invention optimizes the survival outcome of a ciprofloxacin treatment for an anthrax-exposed patient, with the ciprofloxacin dose regimen adjusted according to the patient's characteristics, including age, body weight, gender, and renal function.

Abstract: Aryl phosphate nucleoside derivatives show potent activity against HIV without undesirable levels of cytotoxic activity. Examples of aryl phosphate nucleoside derivatives include aryl phosphate derivatives of d4T with para-bromo substitution on the aryl group. In particular, these derivatives are potent inhibitors of HIV reverse transcriptase. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the phosphorus of the aryl phosphate group is further substituted with an amino acid residue that may be esterified or substituted, such as a methoxy alaninyl group.

Abstract: Antigen-expressing, activated dendritic cells are disclosed. Such dendritic cells are used to present tumor, viral or bacterial antigens to T cells, and can be useful in vaccination protocols. Other cytokines can be used in separate, sequential or simultaneous combination with the activated, antigen-pulsed dendritic cells. Also disclosed are methods for stimulating an immune response using the antigen-expressing, activated dendritic cells.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating or preventing cerebral stroke, cerebral infarction, cerebral edema, reperfusion injury and increased cerebral vascular permeability which employ an agent that prevents the binding of IL-8 to its receptor are disclosed.

Abstract: An immunosuppressant comprising Glucopyranose derivatives of the formula (I): wherein R is H, OH etc; G is —CH2CH(R1—R2)(R3—R4), in which R1 is a single bond, OCO-alkyl; R2, R4 is H, phenyl which may be substituted by halogen atoms etc.; R3 is alkylene; R5 is OCO-alkyl, R6 is H, phenyl which may be substituted by halogen atoms etc. or R5—R6 is OCO—Z-(dialkoxyphenyl); R7 is H, CH2OH etc; or non-toxic salts thereof as active ingredient. Glucopyranose derivatives of the formula (I) or non-toxic salts thereof possess an activity of immunosuppression, and being useful as the prevention and/or treatment of diseases caused by abnormal enhancement of immunity, e.g. allergic diseases, autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: A series of 2-(Purin-9-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-3,4-diol derivatives with broad anti-inflammatory properties which inhibit leukocyte recruitment and activation and which are agonists of the adenosine 2a receptor are described.

Abstract: Methods for inducing antigen-specific T cell tolerance are disclosed. The methods involve contacting a T cell with: 1) a cell which presents antigen to the T cell, wherein a ligand on the cell interacts with a receptor on the surface of the T cell which mediates contact-dependent helper effector function; and 2) an antagonist of the receptor on the surface of the T cell which inhibits interaction of the ligand on the antigen presenting cell with the receptor on the T cell. In a preferred embodiment, the cell which presents antigen to the T cell is a B cell and the receptor on the surface of the T cell which mediates contact-dependent helper effector function is gp39. Preferably, the antagonist is an anti-gp39 antibody or a soluble gp39 ligand (e.g., soluble CD40). The methods of the invention can be used to induce T cell tolerance to a soluble antigen or to an allogeneic cell.

Abstract: This invention relates to a conjugate, comprising a saccharide and one or more therapeutic or diagnostic agents, as well as the use of the conjugate. The conjugate of the present invention may be used for diagnosing cancer or viral diseases. The conjugate of the present invention may also be used to prevent and/or treat neurological diseases.

Abstract: The compounds secoisolariciresinol (SECO), enterodiol (ED) and enterolactone (EL), which are metabolites of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside obtained from flaxseed, are used for the treatment of diseases or conditions requiring administration of an antioxidant. Diseases or conditions that may be treated include hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis, type I and type II diabetes, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, endotoxic and hemmorhagic shock, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson's disease, and stroke.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions using one or more CD40 agonists, such as CD40 ligands and/or agonistic anti-CD40 antibodies, to reduce or prevent cell death, or apoptosis, in bone cells. Methods of treating or preventing bone loss, including osteoporosis, as well as methods of reducing or eliminating the bone loss associated with steroid administration are particularly provided. Further disclosed are a variety of therapeutic kits and cocktails.

Abstract: Lymphotactin can be used as an adjunct to vaccines to provide enhanced immune response, particularly mucosal immune response.

Abstract: The present invention includes peptides derived from nucleosomal histone proteins which are useful for delaying the onset and progression of systemic lupus erythematosus (i.e. lupus or SLE). The peptides of the invention span the histone proteins (i.e. H1, H2A, H2B, H3, and H4). The invention additionally encompasses isolated nucleic acids which encode these histone peptides as well as pharmaceutical compositions which comprise one or more of a histone peptide. Further, the invention provides kits which comprise one or more histone peptides or isolated nucleic acids encoding histone peptides and an instructional material. The invention also provides methods of using these compositions and analogs of histone peptides to inhibit an immune response and associated inflammation in an animal and to treat disorders in an animal which are related to the production of autoantibodies and complications thereof, such as inflammatory diseases, autoimmune disorders, and nephritis.

Abstract: The invention concerns an immune system stimulator comprising Hericium, Radix Astragali, Cordyceps Sinensus, Radix Glycyrrhizae and Dioscoreae Oppositae. The composition is capable of mediating enhanced production of Interleukin-1 beta without causing an increase in the production of Interleukin-4.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method to diminish the pre-existing immune response to the administration of a therapeutic virus by the selective elimination of antiviral antibodies from the serum. The present invention provides a chromatographic material for the elimination of such antibodies. The invention further provides plasmapheresis apparatus comprising this material. The invention further provides methods for the employment of such apparatus as part of therapeutic treatment regiments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for growth inhibition of human leukemic cells or therapeutic treatment method of a leukemic patient by using a medicament of which the effective ingredient is a methylsulfinylalkyl isothiocyanate such as 4-(methylsulfinyl)butyl isothiocyanate and 6-(methylsulfinyl)hexyl isothiocyanate, which can be prepared by extraction from the tissues of certain plants and can induce apoptosis in human leukemic cells. This medicament compound is little growth-inhibitive against normal cells as compared with leukemic cells, so that a remarkable therapeutic effect can be expected.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of decreasing or inhibiting vascular permeability and/or plasma leakage in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal a TIE-2 receptor activator. The invention also provides for a method of decreasing or inhibiting vascular permeability and/or plasma leakage in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal an Ang-2 inactivator such as an anti-Ang-2 neutralizing antibody.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions and methods for using the S(+) enantiomer of desmethylselegiline (N-methyl-N-(prop-2-ynyl)-2-aminophenylpropane), for the treatment of selegiline-responsive diseases and conditions. Diseases and conditions responsive to selegiline include those produced by neuronal degeneration or neuronal trauma and those due to immune system dysfunction. Effective dosages are a daily dose of at least about 0.015 mg/kg of body weight.

Abstract: This invention provides for an isolated protein specifically recognized by monoclonal antibody 5c8 produced by the hybridoma having ATCC Accession No. HB 10916. This invention also provides for an isolated protein having substantially the same biological activity as the aforementioned isolated protein. In addition, this invention provides for a pharmaceutical composition comprising the isolated protein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A topically applied composition capable of treating subcutaneous tissue comprising an alkali metal hypohalite (AMH) (preferably, sodium hypochlorite) and a conventional skin lotion. The skin lotion serves both as a carrier and as an antidrying agent for the AMH. The AMH penetrates through the skin's pores and lymph nodes into the subcutaneous tissue. The AMH stimulates the immune system to alleviate, and sometimes cure, inflammation, aches, pains, and other symptoms caused by microbial (e.g., viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic) infection, arthritis, hemorrhoids, allergies, etc . . .

Abstract: The invention is directed to chemical processes of preparing fractions from North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) and pharmaceutical compositions containing these fractions. The products of the present invention may be used to stimulate the production of cytokines and/or antibodies, or as therapeutics targeted at conditions characterized by low immunity, such as the common cold, influenza, chronic fatigue syndrome, AIDS and cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inhibiting HIV infection of cells susceptible to HIV infection. The method comprises contacting such cells with an agent (such as an anti-CD44 antibody) that inhibits CD44-facilitated HIV infection of the cells.

Abstract: A composition, device, kit and method for countering or diagnosing cytidine deaminase or deoxycytidine deaminase over-expression or a disorder associated with it, or an increase in number or toxicity of pro-inflammatory cells that over-express cytidine deaminase or deoxycytidine deaminase or a disorder associated with it, utilizing an agent of the formula C7N3H8O2R1R2XX1, wherein X and X1 are each independently C or N, R1 is lower alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl, halogen or haloalkyl, and R2 is H, —N3 —OH, amino or halogen; or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Abstract: Cosmetic compositions and methods for lightening the skin using a low molecular weight fraction of gugulipid in combination with an alpha-hydroxy acid, or niacinamide, or L-phenylalanine.

Abstract: An immunostimulating complex matrix comprising a saponin preparation, a sterol and a phospholipid, the matrix further comprising a metal-chelating moiety capable of binding a protein or polypeptide having at least one chelating amino acid sequence in the presence of metal ions. An immunogenic immunostimulating complex which comprises this matrix and an immunogenic protein or polypeptide having at least one chelating amino acid sequence, the protein or polypeptide being bound to the matrix in the presence of metal ions.

Abstract: An immunoregulatory molecule that regulates costimulatory signal transduction through interaction with the molecules involved in costimulatory signal transduction present on antigen presenting cells and/or T cells in the activation of T cells by antigen presenting cells and a process for preparing the same are provided. Said immunoregulatory molecule comprises a peptide which has two cysteine (Cys) residues forming Cys-Cys linkage and comprises at least six amino acid residues between said Cys-Cys linkage. Said immunoregulatory molecule is obtained by screening a phage random peptide library with a monoclonal antibody to CTLA-4 on T cells involved in costimulatory signal transduction.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical applications of a chemodenervating agent reduce pain by altering release of pain and inflammation-mediating autocoids, with a duration of action between 12-24 weeks. The limiting factor in dosing for this application is weakness and paralysis created by higher doses of the chemodenervating pharmaceutical. This weakness and paralysis is mediated by action of the neurotoxin component of the chemodenervating pharmaceutical. The invention described herein represents a novel mechanism and pharmaceutical formulation which eliminates the neurotoxin component of the chemodenervating pharmaceutical, while retaining the cytotoxin component which provides an essential bioeffect for the relief of pain and inflammation. The invention allows for improvement in administering the pharmaceutical agent for the reduction of pain and/or inflammation without causing muscular weakness and paralysis.

Abstract: There are provided according to the invention novel compounds of formula (I) wherein R1, R2, and R3 are as described in the specification, processes for preparing them, formulations containing them and their use in therapy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: A polysaccharide and fragments thereof derived from Klebsiella oxytoca or Klebsiella pneumonia inhibit the IgE antibody production and response and, therefore, are useful in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of type I allergy-related diseases.

Abstract: A method of treating pneumonia caused by a microorganism by administering directly into the lower respiratory tract of a host an amount of an anti-inflammatory agent effective to reduce inflammation is provided. The method may further include administering to a host an amount of an anti-infectious agent which activity against the microorganism effective to reduce the concentration of the microorganism.