Abstract: Described are preferred processes and compositions for suppressing myeloid cells in mammals. Preferred processes and compositions involve the use of chemokines in synergistic combinations or while they are substantially completely in monomeric form (i.e. substantially free from their polymerized or aggregated forms).

Abstract: Novel oligopeptides comprising a sequence associated with HLA-B .alpha..sub.1 domain, but comprising a tyrosine-tyrosine-tryptophan triad are provided for use in inhibiting cytotoxic activity of CTLs and natural killer cells. By combining the subject compositions with mixtures of cells comprising the cytotoxic cells and cells which would otherwise activate the cytotoxic cells, lysis of the target cells can be substantially inhibited. The oligopeptides may be joined to a wide variety of other groups or compounds for varying the activity of the subject compositions. The subject compositions may be administered by any convenient means to a host to inhibit CTL and NK attack on tissue, particularly involved with xenogeneic or allogeneic transplants.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) to enhance the immune system in neonates by increasing the Absolute Neutrophil Count and/or increasing the Fc.sub..gamma. receptor density on the surface of neutrophils in neonates. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of G-CSF to enhance neutrophil production and/or Fc.sub..gamma. receptor density in very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) neonates, pre-eclamptic neutropenic neonates, and septic-neutropenic neonates. The invention also includes the use of G-CSF in association with IUGG to enhance opsonziation of infectious organisms either by prophylaxis or as a therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating interleukin-1 mediated diseases including arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, sepsis and septic shock, ischemia injury, reperfusion injury, multiple sclerosis and cerebral infarctions such as cerebral palsy. The methods are accomplished by administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of an interleukin-1 inhibitor.

Abstract: Purified DNA encoding LCF and the recombinant proteins expressed from such DNA are disclosed. In addition, the invention provides methods for suppressing an LCF-CD4 interaction and screening candidate LCF agonists or antagonists. The invention also provides compositions and methods useful for stimulating proliferation of CD4+ T-cells in a mammal.

Abstract: A keratan sulfate oligosaccharide which comprises from two to five sugar units and has sulfated N-acetylglucosamine at the reducing end and in a molecule of which at least two hydroxyl groups are sulfated, preferably, which contains at least disaccharide represented by the formula Gal(6S)-GlcNAc(6S) (in the formula, Gal, GlcN, Ac, and 6S represent a galactose, a glucosamine, an acetyl group, and a 6-O-sulfate ester, respectively) as a constitutional ingredient, and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof are used as active ingredients of anti-inflammatory agents, antiallergic agents, immunomodulators, cell differentiation inducers, and apoptosis inducers.

Abstract: Anti-malarial compositions for prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of vertebrates exposed to malaria parasites are disclosed. These compositions comprise one or more pyrimidine analogue inhibitors of nucleic acid biosynthesis, e.g., 5-fluoro-orotic acid, alone or together with one or more "rescue" compounds, e.g., a normal pyrimidine base or nucleoside that can be used by the host vertebrate, but not by malaria-causing parasites, for nucleic acid biosynthesis. Also claimed are methods of prophylactic and therapeutic use of these compositions.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions in the form of an emulsion preconcentrate or microemulsion preconcentrate which comprise a cyclosporin as active ingredient, propylene carbonate as hydrophilic solvent, glycerides as lipophilic solvent, and a surfactant.

Abstract: The invention relates to an agent for preventing and treating ulcerous colitis and/or Crohn's disease, comprising conagenin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient. According to the present invention, there is provided an agent for preventing and treating ulcerous colitis and/or Crohn's disease, which has high therapeutic effect and safety.

Abstract: Modifications to RANTES can result in the modified polypeptide acting as a RANTES or MIP-1.alpha. 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.alpha..

Abstract: A method for treating human immuno-deficiency virus infection (HIV-1), comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a mammalian liver extract characterized by being heat stable, insoluble in acetone, and soluble in water. A rectal suppository colloidal dispersion delivery system for use in the treatment of HIV-1 infection further comprises an emulsion of resolubilized, concentrated mammalian liver extract.

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

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of treating hepatitis B viral infections in mammals comprising the administration of .beta.-L-5-fluoro-2',3'-dideoxycytidine and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof.

Abstract: An agent comprising a mucosa-binding molecule linked to a specific microbial antigen is disclosed. Further, a method of inducing immunological tolerance in an individual against a specific microbial antigen, including hapten, which causes an unwanted immune response in said individual, comprising administration by a mucosal route of an immunologically effective amount of an immunological tolerance-inducing agent of the invention to said individual, is described.

Abstract: Compositions of lymphotactin in cellular immune enhancing amounts may advantageously be administered at very low levels in conjunction with vaccines to provide improved immune response, Suggested dosage such as 1 to 10 .eta.g in small animals and from 10 .mu.g to 10 mg in large mammals may be administered.

Abstract: A method for preventing or treating autoimmune diseases (excluding type I diabetes) by administering an insulin resistance improving substance as an active ingredient.

Abstract: The invention provides novel uses for n-glycolylated gangliosides and N-acetylated gangliosides, or derivatives and/or oligosaccharides thereof The invention further provides methods of obtaining such gangliosides, as well as vaccine compositions comprising said gangliosides. The gangliosides may be coupled to carriers and may be accompanied by adjuvants. The vaccine compositions can be used in the treatment of breast cancers, whereby the gangliosides are used to elicit an immune response to corresponding gangliosides on breast tumor cells.

Abstract: A method for treating or eliminating a protozoal or parasitic disease in an animal in which a sufficient amount of a bacterial cell wall extract is administered to the animal having the protozoal or the parasitic disease. The cell wall extract is preferably a mycobacterial cell wall extract or a cornybacterium cell wall extract. The cell wall extract is most preferably a Mycobacterium phlei cell wall extract.

Abstract: An agent of the chemical formula C.sub.7 N.sub.3 H.sub.8 O.sub.2 R.sup.1 R.sup.2 XX.sup.1, wherein X and X.sup.1 are each independently C or N but not simultaneously, R.sup.1 is lower alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl, halogen or haloalkyl, and R.sup.2 is H, --N.sub.3 --OH, amino or halogen; or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. A method of treating a disorder associated with the overexpression of cytidine deaminase or deoxycytidine deaminase comprises administering to a subject in need of the treatment a compound of the chemical formula ##STR1## wherein X and X.sub.1 are each independently C or N; R.sup.1 is lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, lower alkynyl, halogen, or haloalkyl; and R.sup.2 H, --N.sub.3, --OH, amino, or halogen;or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in an amount effective to treat the disorder. Pharmaceutical formulations useful in the method of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Cyclosporin(s) are formulated as a pharmaceutical preparation that provides good and uniform resorption of the cyclosporin(s) with no nonphysiological pharmaceutical adjuvants, by combining the cyclosporin(s) with (i) monoglycerides, diglycerides, and/or triglycerides of natural fatty acids, (ii) natural fatty acids and/or alkaline salts of natural fatty acids, and (iii) 3-sn-phosphatidyl choline(s), and/or phosphatidyl ethanolamine(s), and optionally also (iv) natural bile acids and/or alkaline salts of natural bile acids, and (v) a natural alcohol. The pharmaceutical preparation does not contain water and is not an emulsion.

Abstract: The use of compound 1 and/or 2 of the formulae ##STR1## and of physiologically tolerable salts of compound 2 for the treatment of rejection reactions of the organ recipient to the transplanted organ is described.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising a prostaglandin such as misoprostol and TGF-B in amounts sufficient to stimulate production of chondrocyte matrix is disclosed which exhibit therapeutic synergy.

Abstract: The application concerns a method of identifying compounds that can be used to inhibit undesired human CD4.sup.+ T cell immune responses by identifying compounds that block the interaction of CD4 and class II MHC gene products and a method of treatment which comprises administering such an identified compound. The compounds that inhibit undesired human CD4.sup.+ T cell immune responses can be used to treat disease such as multiple sclerosis and to prevent graft rejection and graft versus host disease. More specifically, the application concerns compounds having molecular weights between about 500 and 150 that bind to the GFCC'C" portion of the D1 domain of human CD4 lymphocyte cell surface antigen.

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: An external preparation for topical administration which aims at inhibiting rejection reactions at organ or bone marrow transplantation or treating autoimmune diseases or allergic diseases and contains as the active ingredient 2-amino-2-(2-(4-octylphenyl)ethyl)propane-1,3-diol or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof.

Abstract: Molecular Complexes, comprising of S-(+)-adenosylmethionine and 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxy nucleosides are prepared, and shown to have synergistic inhibitory effects on the replication of human-immunodeficiency virus 1 & 2 in vitro and in vivo, particularly on the reverse transcriptase, and having a high therapeutic index.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein X is selected from the group consisting of ##STR2## Y is thio, oxy or a methylene group; Z is hydrogen or --C(O)--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --Q wherein Q is hydrogen or --COOH and m is an integer 1, 2, 3 or 4;R.sub.1 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl; andR.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are each independently hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl;or a stereoisomer thereof; useful for the treatment of atherosclerosis and chronic inflammatory disorders; for inhibiting cytokine-induced expression of VCAM-1 and/or ICAM-1; for inhibiting the peroxidation of LDL lipid; for lowering plasma cholesterol; and as anti-oxidant chemical additives useful for preventing oxidative deterioration in organic materials.

Abstract: Methods for treating and preventing coccidiosis in poultry, and inflammation, infection, and diarrhea in mammals are provided utilizing an antimicrobial pharmaceutical composition comprising an herbal essential oil which contains thymol and carvacrol as its main ingredients. The essential oil is preferably obtained from the genus Origanum, especially Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of detecting a mutation in a CD40 ligand gene, comprising isolating nucleic acid from an individual, selectively amplifying nucleic acid derived from the CD40 ligand gene, and analyzing the amplified nucleic acid to determine if there is a mutation (or mutations) in the CD40 ligand gene. The ability of a CD40 ligand protein expressed from the gene may be determined. Methods of treating individuals exhibiting a defective CD40 ligand gene (i.e., X-linked hyper IgM patients and certain individuals afflicted with combined variable immunodeficiency) are also disclosed. Also disclosed are non-human animals that lack functional CD40 ligand as a result of gene targeting technology.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating tumors, e.g., lymphocytic leukemias, which comprises administering to a mammal an effective amount of interleukin-10.

Abstract: An inflammatory cytokine is disclosed which has been isolated from cells that have been incubated with a stimulator material. The inflammatory cytokine comprises a protein that is capable of binding to heparin, inducing localized inflammation characterized by polymorphonuclear cell infiltration when administered subcutaneously and having potent in vitro chemotactic activity while inducing little or no in vitro chemokinesis in polymorphonuclear cells, while lacking the ability to suppress the activity of the anabolic enzyme lipoprotein lipase, cause the cytotoxicity of cachectin/TNF-sensitive cells, stimulate the blastogenesis of endotoxin-resistant C3H/HeJ thymocytes, or induce the production of cachectin/TNF by primary thioglycollate-elicited mouse macrophage cells. A particular inflammatory cytokine has been isolated and its cDNA has been sequenced. The sequence predicts a cDNA of 74 amino acids in length and a molecular weight of 7,908.

Abstract: Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) antagonists of formula I: ##STR1## and their use in treating psychiatric disorders and neurological diseases, anxiety-related disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, supranuclear palsy and feeding disorders as well as treatment of immunological, cardiovascular or heart-related diseases and colonic hypersensitivity associated with psychopathological disturbance and stress in mammals.

Abstract: Multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis can be treated effectively using photodynamic therapy. In this protocol, a photoactive compound is administered, allowed to distribute in the effected subject, and the subject is then irradiated to activate the photoactive compound. Alternatively, the blood of a subject to be treated can be subjected to PDT extracorporeally. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, localized treatment at the joints may also be employed.

Abstract: Isolated receptors for IL-17, DNA's encoding such receptors, and pharmaceutical compositions made therefrom, and methods of treatment using the IL-17 receptors are disclosed. The isolated receptors can be used to regulate an immune response.

Abstract: Methods for stimulating erythropoiesis using the hematopoietic protein thrombopoietin, optionally in combination with erythropoietin, are provided. The methods provided may be used to stimulate erythropoiesis in bone marrow and peripheral blood cells and in vitro and in vivo. In addition, methods for treatment of thrombocytopenia and anemia in patients are disclosed.

Abstract: A composition for immunostimulation contains an effective amount of an Echinacea extract, Bromelain and Lysozyme. In particular, a treatment for excessive bacterial growth in the oral cavity includes administration of such a composition.

Abstract: For the therapy of neurological complications in AIDS sufferers, the use of pharmaceutical compositions containing as an active principle at least one compound selected from the group consisting of S-adenosyl-L-methionine salt, 5-methyl-tetrahydro-folic acid, 5-formyltetrahydro-folic acid, when the active principle consists of S-adenosyl-L-methionine and of a derivative of tetrahydro folic acid, the weight ratio between the S-adenosyl-L-methionine salt and 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid or 5-formyl-tetrahydrofolic acid is comprised between 10/1 and 4/1, in pharmaceutical form, suitable for oral or parenteral administration.

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.

Abstract: Skin cells are genetically altered to express a gene product encoded by an introduced polynucleotide. Specifically, the invention involves introduction of a nucleotide of interest into a skin cell by topical application of a polynucleotide that is substantially free of liposomes or charged lipids, where the skin can be either treated or untreated prior to application. Similarly, the invention involves introduction of a nucleotide of interest into a skin cell by topical application of a polynucleotide formulation comprising a liposome or charged lipid, wherein the skin is not treated by removal of hair prior to application. The method of the invention serves as a platform for delivering polynucleotides to skin cells for expression therein for any of a variety uses including, but not limited to genetic immunization.

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: A method for the treatment or prevention of autoimmune diseases, allergic or atopic disorders, and graft rejection is provided, comprising inducing the death by apoptosis of a subpopulation of T lymphocytes that is capable of causing such diseases, while leaving substantially unaffected the majority of other T lymphocytes. Cell death is achieved by cycle(s) comprising challenging via immunization these T cells with antigenic substance at short time intervals, or by immunization followed by administering interleukin-2 (IL-2) when these T cells are expressing high levels of IL-2 receptor so as to cause these T cells to undergo apoptosis upon re-immunization with the antigenic peptide or protein. These methods are applicable to the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as, for example, multiple sclerosis, uveitis, arthritis, Type I insulin-dependent diabetes, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Grave's thyroiditis, autoimmune myocarditis, etc.

Abstract: This invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising polymeric matrices, especially those comprising IL-6 as an active ingredient. Specific novel poly(ethylene carbomate) polymers are also provided for more general use as matrix materials in sustained release compositions containing pharmacologically active compounds, as are methods of using of IL-6 for treatment of conditions mediated by IL-1 and/or TNF.alpha., e.g., certain autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, as well as septic shock.

Abstract: A controlled release pharmaceutical composition includes a biocompatible polymeric material, preferably polyethylene-vinyl acetate or poly(lactic-glucolic acid), having incorporated therein a soluble receptor capable of binding to its ligand and thus affecting the ligand's function. The soluble receptor is preferably the soluble form of TNF.alpha. receptor. Such compositions are for use in the treatment of disorders in which neutralization of the deleterious effects of TNF.alpha. is required.

Abstract: Novel multicomponent clostridial vaccine formulations using readily dispersible, non-depot adjuvants, such as saponin, are disclosed. The vaccines can be administered to cattle intramusculary or subcutaneously without the severe persistent local reactions, such as granulomas, abscesses, and scarring, normally seen with other multicomponent clostridial vaccines.

Abstract: Two new forms of prodrug for phenylacetate, of even congeners of phenylalkanoic acid and phenylalkenoic acids, which are the phenylalkanoic or phenylalkenoic esters of glycerol, or the ethyl esters of phenylalkanoic acid or phenylalkenoic acids. These forms of the drugs provide a convenient dosage form of the drugs. The prodrugs of the invention are useful to treat patients with diseases of nitrogen accumulation, patients with certain .beta.-hemoglobinopathies, anemia, and cancer.

Abstract: The invention features a method for treating a patient infected with a virus. The method includes administering to the patient a molecule which is capable of specifically binding to a proteinaceous cell receptor expressed on a cell of the patient which cell contributes to the disease state of the patient, the molecule being capable of decreasing the viability of the cell.

Abstract: A therapeutic method comprising counteracting or preventing pathologies mediated by IL-5, including those characterized by eosinophil infiltration, degranulation and inflammation, by administering to a mammal in need of such therapy, one or more compounds that bind to the eosinophil sulfonylurea receptor, optionally in combination with one or more topical anesthetics and/or glucocorticoids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to membrane-permeable peptides which are intracellular agonists and/or antagonists of chemotactic factor receptors rendered hydrophobic through acylation and acetoxymethylation of their amine and acid functional groups. The modified peptides of the present invention are loaded into cells. The acetoxymethyl esters are cleaved by non-specific esterases rendering the peptides active in the intracellular compartments of the cells. The effects of the introduction of transformed specific peptides corresponding to intracellular regions common to the major chemokine receptors are illustrated. These peptides completely inhibited chemotactic factor and chemokine-induced calcium mobilization. Furthermore, leukocytes of mice intravenously injected with these peptides failed to migrate towards chemokines(IL-8).

Abstract: A novel mammalian cytokine, IL-11, and processes for producing it are disclosed. IL-11 may be used in pharmaceutical preparations for stimulating and/or enhancing cells involved in the immune response and cells involved in the proper functioning of the hematopoietic system.

Abstract: An improved method for the prevention of the inactivation of natural killer (NK) cells and the enhanced activation of NK cells in the presence of monocytes using a combination of a natural killer cell activator and a compound effective to inhibit the production or release of intracellular hydrogen peroxide, or a hydrogen peroxide scavenger, is disclosed. The method is useful, for example, in the treatment of solid tumors, metastases and viral infection.