Abstract: Isolated ligands which bind a molecule expressed on the surface of T cells and induce antigen specific apoptosis in activated T cells are disclosed. Preferably, the T cell surface molecule is CTLA4 and the ligand is a monoclonal anti-CTLA4 antibody that binds to an epitope of CTLA4 distinct from the binding sites of B7-1 and B7-2. Upon binding of the antibody to CTLA4 on an activated T cell, in the presence of an antigenic signal, antigen specific apoptosis is induced. The invention also describes a novel natural CTLA4 ligand, distinct from B7-1 and B7-2, which mediates induction of apoptosis. Pharmaceutical compositions of anti-CTLA4 antibodies or other isolated CTLA4 ligands which can be administered to subjects to induce T cell apoptosis, thereby clonally deleting antigen specific T cells, such as alloreactive T cells in transplantation situations or autoreactive T cells in autoimmune disorders, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substance specific to human PD-1 comprising a part that recognizes human PD-1, a part that recognizes a membrane protein in cell membrane of human PD-1-expressing cells, and linkers. Since the substance specific to human PD-1 selectively can recognize human PD-1 and a membrane protein on cell membrane of human PD-1-expressing cells and can transmit inhibitory signal of human PD-1, it is useful for therapy and/or prevention of diseases caused by immunopathy.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibody polypeptides that monovalently bind CD40L. Antibody polypeptides that are monovalent for binding of CD40L can inhibit CD40L activity while avoiding potential undesirable effects that can occur with antibodies capable of divalent or multivalent binding of CD40L. In one aspect, a monovalent anti-CD40L antibody polypeptide consists of or comprises a single immunoglobulin variable domain that specifically binds and antagonizes the activity of CD40L, preferably without substantially agonizing CD40 activity. In another aspect, the monovalent anti-CD40L antibody polypeptide is a human antibody polypeptide. The invention further encompasses methods of antagonizing CD40/CD40L interactions in an individual and methods of treating diseases or disorders involving CD40/CD40L interactions, the methods involving administering a monovalent anti-CD40L antibody polypeptide to the individual.

Abstract: Inducing tolerance in a primate by use of a compound, or a combination of at least two compounds, that has certain characteristics when tested in vitro. The compound, alone or in combination, is preferably TRX1 antibody and the compound or combination is preferably used in accordance with a specified dosing regimen.

Abstract: A first bispecific antibody molecule comprises at least one binding site with a variable domain on a light chain (VL) and a variable domain for the T-cell receptor CD-28, linked thereto on a heavy chain (Vh). The antibody molecule further comprises at least one binding site with a variable domain on a heavy chain (VH) and a variable domain for a tumour antigen, linked thereto on a light chain (VL). The variable domains on the heavy chains for both specificities are connected to each other by means of a peptide linker. A second bispecific antibody molecule is bivalent for CD-28 and at least monovalent for the tumour antigen.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for targeting therapeutic and diagnostic molecules to particular types of cells using targeting antibodies or other targeting moeities.

Abstract: The instant invention provides compositions and methods for downmodulation of immune responses, e.g., autoimmune responses. For example, methods of downmodulating an immune response using agents that specifically block CD28-mediated signaling are provided. The subject methods are useful for both prophylactic and therapeutic downmodulation of immune responses.

Abstract: GM-CSF administered before immunization exerted a sustained suppressive effect against the induction of myasthenia gravis (MG). This suppression was associated with lowered serum autoantibody levels, reduced T cell proliferative responses to AChR, and an expansion in the population of FoxP3+ regulatory T cells. Manipulating DCs to expand regulatory T cells is useful for the control of autoimmune diseases such as myasthenia gravis MG.

Abstract: The present invention provides to a humanized monoclonal antibody having immunostimulatory effects. This antibody binds specifically to B lymphoblastoid cells, induces proliferation and activation of peripheral blood lymphocytes, particularly T cells, and is capable of eliciting an anti-tumor effect upon administration to subjects suffering from cancer.

Abstract: Provided is a method of treating an autoimmune disease in an animal comprising administering to the animal an antibody-DT mutant immunotoxin which routes by the anti-CD3 pathway, or derivatives thereof, under conditions such that the autoimmune disease is treated. In a further embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating T cell leukemias or lymphomas in an animal comprising administering to the animal an antibody-DT mutant immunotoxin which routes by the anti-CD3 pathway, or derivatives thereof, under conditions such that the T cell leukemias or lymphomas are treated.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing the immune response of a mammal to an antigen by engaging the OX-40 receptor on the surface of T-cells are disclosed, comprising administering to the mammal a composition comprising a purified antibody that specifically binds the OX-40 receptor and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein said composition is administered to the mammal such that the antibody that specifically binds the OX-40 receptor is presented to T-cells of the mammal during or shortly after priming of the T-cells by the antigen. Such compositions and methods can be used in immunization and cancer treatment.

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 disclosure provides antibodies and antigen-binding fragments that can act as agonists and/or antagonists of PD-1 (Programmed Death 1), thereby modulating immune responses in general, and those mediated by TcR and CD28, in particular. The disclosed compositions and methods may be used for example, in treating autoimmune diseases, inflammatory disorders, allergies, transplant rejection, cancer, and other immune system disorders.

Abstract: An isolated polynucleotide encodes JAK-3 protein. JAK-3 protein is a protein tyrosine kinase having a molecular weight of approximately 125 kDa which has tandem non-identical catalytic domains, lacks SH2 or SH3 domains, and is expressed in NK cells and stimulated or transformed T cells, but not in resting T cells. The protein itself and antibodies to this protein are also presented. Further, methods of identifying therapeutic agents for modulating the immune system make use of the foregoing.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed recombinant anti-VLA-4 antibody molecules, including humanized recombinant anti-VLA-4 antibody molecules. These antibodies are useful in the treatment of specific and non-specific inflammation, including asthma and inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, the humanized recombinant anti-VLA-4 antibodies disclosed can be useful in methods of diagnosing and localizing sites of inflammation.

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 present invention provides a genetic method for tethering polypeptides to the yeast cell wall in a form accessible for binding to macromolecules. Combining this method with fluorescence-activated cell sorting provides a means of selecting proteins with increased or decreased affinity for another molecule, altered specificity, or conditional binding. Also provided is a method for genetic fusion of the N terminus of a polypeptide of interest to the C-terminus of the yeast Aga2p cell wall protein. The outer wall of each yeast cell can display approximately 10 protein agglutinins. The native agglutinins serve as specific adhesion contacts to fuse yeast cells of opposite mating type during mating. In effect, yeast has evolved a platform for protein-protein binding without steric hindrance from cell wall components.

Abstract: The present invention provides method of treatment using human sequence antibodies against human CTLA-4. In particular, methods of treating cancer are provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for regulating immunity are disclosed. For enhancing an immune response, agents that inhibit OX-2 are administered. Such methods are useful in treating cancer. For suppressing an immune response, an OX-2 protein or a nucleic acid encoding an OX-2 protein is administered. Such methods are useful in preventing graft rejection, fetal loss, autoimmune disease, allergies and in inducing tumor cell growth.

Abstract: A humanized antibody derived from mouse monoclonal anti-CD4 antibody B-F5 is able to activate CD25+CD4+ regulatory T cells and is useful for preparing immunosuppressive compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a counter-receptor, termed CD40CR, for the CD40 B-cell antigen, and to soluble ligands for this receptor, including fusion molecules comprising at least a portion of CD40 protein. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that a soluble CD40/immunoglobulin fusion protein was able to inhibit helper T-cell mediated B-cell activation by binding to a novel 39 kD protein receptor on helper T-cell membranes. The present invention provides for a substantially purified CD40CR receptor; for soluble ligands of CD40CR, including antibodies as well as fusion molecules comprising at least a portion of CD40 protein; and for methods of controlling B-cell activation which may be especially useful in the treatment of allergy or autoimmune disease.

Abstract: The invention provides a Vitaxin antibody and a LM609 grafted antibody exhibiting selective binding affinity to ?v?3. The Vitaxin antibody consists of at least one Vitaxin heavy chain polypeptide and at least one Vitaxin light chain polypeptide or functional fragments thereof. Also provided are the Vitaxin heavy and light chain polypeptides and functional fragments. The LM609 grafted antibody consists of at least one CDR grafted heavy chain polypeptide and at least one CDR grafted light chain polypeptide or functional fragment thereof. Nucleic acids encoding Vitaxin and LM609 grafted heavy and light chains as well as nucleic acids encoding the parental non-human antibody LM609 are additionally provided. Functional fragments of such encoding nucleic acids are similarly provided. The invention also provides a method of inhibiting a function of ?v?3. The method consists of contacting ?v?3 with Vitaxin or a LM609 grafted antibody or functional fragments thereof under conditions which allow binding to ?v?3.

Abstract: The invention provides a Vitaxin antibody and a LM609 grafted antibody exhibiting selective binding affinity ?v?3. The Vitaxin antibody consists of at least one Vitaxin heavy chain polypeptide and at least one Vitaxin light chain polypeptide or functional fragments thereof. Also provided are the Vitaxin heavy and light chain polypeptides and functional fragments. The LM609 grafted antibody consists of at least one CDR grafted heavy chain polypeptide and at least one CDR grafted light chain polypeptide or functional fragment thereof. The invention additionally provides a high affinity LM609 grafted antibody comprising one or more CDRs having at least one amino acid substitution, where the ?v?3 binding activity of the high affinity LM609 grafted antibody is enhanced. Nucleic acids encoding Vitaxin and LM609 grafted heavy and light chains as well as nucleic acids encoding the parental non-human antibody LM609 are additionally provided. Functional fragments of such encoding nucleic acids are similarly provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides to a humanized monoclonal antibody having immunostimulatory effects. This antibody binds specifically to B lymphoblastoid cells, induces proliferation and activation of peripheral blood lymphocytes, and is capable of eliciting an anti-tumor effect upon administration to subjects suffering from cancer.

Abstract: The invention concerns an antibody directed against the CD28 receptor and capable of blocking CD28/B7 interaction, and proteins derived from said antibody, for use in particular to block CD28-dependent activation of lymphocytes.

Abstract: The invention identifies the CTLA4 receptor as a ligand for the B7 antigen. The complete amino acid sequence encoding human CTLA4 receptor gene is provided. Methods are provided for expressing CTLA4 as an immunoglobulin fusion protein, for preparing hybrid CTLA4 fusion proteins, and for using the soluble fusion proteins, fragments and derivatives thereof, including monoclonal antibodies reactive with B7 and CTLA4, to regulate T cell interactions and immune responses mediated by such interactions.

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 polypeptide (8F4 molecule) with a T-cell costimulating biological activity is disclosed, as well as monoclonal antibodies against the 8F4 molecule and hybridoma cells which produce the monoclonal antibodies, the use as medicaments of substances which inhibit the biological activity of the 8F4 polypeptide, in particular monoclonal antibodies, natural or synthetic ligands, agonists or antagonists, in particular for preventing or treating diseases which involve the immune system, the use of the 8F4 molecule or cells containing the 8F4 molecule as medicaments, in particular for preventing or treating diseases which involve the immune system, and the use of substances which specifically recognize the 8F4 polypeptide, in particular monoclonal antibodies, natural or synthetic ligands, agonists or antagonists, for diagnosing diseases which involve the immune system.

Abstract: T cell memory can persist in the absence of antigen. However, some memory cells by default are subject to signals accompanying periodic antigen exposure. OX40 is essential to the extent and persistence of Th2 memory when antigen is re-encountered. In an animal model of allergic asthma, inhibiting OX40/OX40L signaling during the secondary response to inhaled antigen suppressed lung inflammation. Inhibiting OX40 at the time of memory cell reactivation reduced the longevity of memory with further inflammation prevented upon tertiary encounter with antigen.

Abstract: Fully human antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof that bind to human 4-1BB and that allow binding of human 4-1BB to a human 4-1BB ligand. In one aspect, the antibody is an IgG4 antibody. Also provided is a method for treating a disease in a subject comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the antibody to said subject.

Abstract: Antibodies directed to the antigen TNF? and uses of such antibodies. In particular, fully human monoclonal antibodies directed to the antigen TNF?. Nucleotide sequences encoding, and amino acid sequences comprising, heavy and light chain immunoglobulin molecules, particularly sequences corresponding to contiguous heavy and light chain sequences spanning the framework regions and/or complementarity determining regions (CDR's), specifically from FR1 through FR4 or CDR1 through CDR3. Hybridomas or other cell lines expressing such immunoglobulin molecules and monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: Antibodies which specifically recognize the human CD45 isoform RB are presented. These antibodies may be used to block undesirable immune reactions in patients with transplant rejection and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and autoimmune diabetes. Preferred antibodies are fully human, monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: A polypeptide (8F4 molecule) with a T-cell costimulating biological activity is disclosed, as well as monoclonal antibodies against said 8F4 molecule and hybridoma cells which produce the monoclonal antibodies, the use as medicaments of substances which inhibit the biological activity of the disclosed 8F4 polypeptide, in particular monoclonal antibodies, natural or synthetic ligands, agonists or antagonists, in particular for preventing or treating diseases which involve the immune system, the use of said 8F4 molecule or cells containing said 8F4 molecule as medicaments, in particular for preventing or treating diseases which involve the immune system, and the use of substances which specifically recognize the disclosed polypeptide, in particular monoclonal antibodies, natural or synthetic ligands, agonists or antagonists, for diagnosing diseases which involve the immune system.

Abstract: The present invention provides CDR-grafted antibodies against human tissue factor that retain the high binding affinity of rodent monoclonal antibodies against tissue factor but have reduced immunogenicity. The present humanized antibodies are potent anticoagulants and are thus useful in the treatment and prophylaxis of human thrombotic disease. The invention also provides methods of making the CDR-grafted antibodies and pharmaceutical compositions for the attenuation or prevention of coagulation.

Abstract: T cell activation in response to antigen is increased by the administration of binding agents that block CTLA-4 signaling. When CTLA-4 signaling is thus blocked, the T cell response to antigen is released from inhibition. Such an enhanced response is useful for the treatment of tumors, chronic viral infections, and as an adjuvant during immunization.

Abstract: The present invention provides non-single-chain antigen-binding units that is stabilized by leucine zipper sequences. The experimental design is particularly useful for generating and screening for Nsc Abus that remain the binding capabilities to their respective antigens within a cell. The present invention also provides recombinant polynucleotides, host cells and kits comprising the vectors. Further provided by the invention are methods of using the subject vectors.

Abstract: A CD154 binding molecule, in particular an antibody to human CD154, especially a human antibody to human CD154 is provided, wherein the CDRs of the heavy chain and light chain have amino acid sequences as defined, for use in the treatment and/or prevention of diseases or disorders wherein CD154 modulation and/or interference with or inhibition of the CD154:CD40 interactions is therapeutically beneficial.

Abstract: Immunization of human antibody-producing transgenic mice, which have been created using genetic engineering techniques, with AILIM molecule as an antigen resulted in various human monoclonal antibodies capable of binding to AILIM and capable of controlling a variety of biological reactions (for example, cell proliferation, cytokine production, immune cytolysis, cell death, induction of ADCC, etc.) associated with AILIM-mediated costimulatory signal (secondary signal) transduction. Furthermore, it has been revealed that the human monoclonal antibody is effective to treat and prevent various diseases associated with AILIM-mediated costimulatory signal transduction, being capable of inhibiting the onset and/or advancement of the diseases.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed recombinant anti-VLA-4 antibody molecules, including humanized recombinant anti-VLA-4 antibody molecules. These antibodies are useful in the treatment of specific and non-specific inflammation, including asthma and inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, the humanized recombinant anti-VLA-4 antibodies disclosed can be useful in methods of diagnosing and localizing sites of inflammation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to humanized immunoglobulins having binding specificity for ?4?7 integrin, comprising an antigen binding region of nonhuman origin (e.g., rodent) and at least a portion of an immunoglobulin of human origin (e.g., a human framework region, a human constant region). In one embodiment, the humanized immunoglobulin can compete with murine Act-1 for binding to human ?4?7 integrin. In a preferred embodiment, the antigen binding region of the humanized immunoglobulin comprises each of the complementarity determining regions of the light and heavy chains of the murine Act-1 antibody.

Abstract: A polypeptide (8F4 molecule) with a T-cell costimulating biological activity is disclosed, as well as monoclonal antibodies against said 8F4 molecule and hybridoma cells which produce the monoclonal antibodies, the use as medicaments of substances which inhibit the biological activity of the disclosed 8F4 polypeptide, in particular monoclonal antibodies, natural or synthetic ligands, agonists or antagonists, in particular for preventing or treating diseases which involve the immune system, the use of said 8F4 molecule or cells containing said 8F4 molecule as medicaments, in particular for preventing or treating diseases which involve the immune system, and the use of substances which specifically recognize the disclosed polypeptide, in particular monoclonal antibodies, natural or synthetic ligands, agonists or antagonists, for diagnosing diseases which involve the immune system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the prevention and treatment and prevention of immune system disorders, including cancer, AIDS, asthmatic disorders, autoimmune diseases, organ transplant rejection and chronic viral diseases such as HCV or HBV infections. The therapeutic methods of the invention comprise administering molecules that modulate the activity of 8F4, thereby modulating costimulation of T cells. The present invention further provides monoclonal antibodies against the 8F4 molecule and hybridoma cells which produce said monoclonal antibodies. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising molecules that modulate the activity of 8F4 are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides an antibody capable of specifically inhibiting the fusion of an HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein+ cell with an appropriate CD4+ cell without cross reacting with the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein or CD4 and capable of inhibiting infection by one or more strains of HIV-1. This antibody is then used to identify a molecule which is important for HIV infection. Different uses of the antibody and the molecule are described.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds comprising at least one phosphohalohydrin group of the formula: where X is a halogen selected from among I, Br, Cl, R1 is selected from among —CH3 and —CH2—CH3, Cat+ is an organic or inorganic cation, and n is an integer between 2 and 20, processes for the production thereof and uses thereof, in particular therapeutic uses and for activating primate T?9?2 lymphocytes.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided fully human monoclonal antibodies against human cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4). Nucelotide sequences encoding and amino acid sequences comprising heavy and light chain immunoglobulin molecules, particularly contiguous heavy and light chain sequences spanning the complementarity determining regions (CDRs), specifically from within FR1 and/or CDR1 through CDR3 and/or within FR4, are provided. Further provided are antibodies having similar binding properties and antibodies (or other antagonists) having similar functionality as antibodies disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides of using multimeric MHC class II/peptide complexes. In one aspect, methods provided for identifying MHC class II-restricted immune epitopes of a predetermined polypeptide antigen. Methods for identifying an immunostimulatory epitope for a predetermined polypeptide antigen are provided. In a related aspect, methods for screening a therapeutic polypeptide agent for an MHC class II epitope are provided. In other aspects, methods for modulating T cells and for determining or monitoring an MHC class II-restricted immune status of a patient are also provided.

Abstract: A method for determining a soluble human ST2 in a sample conveniently at a high sensitivity and an assay kit are provided. By an immunological method comprising a step for bringing a sample into contact with an immobilized antibody formed by binding to an insoluble support a first anti-human ST2 antibody which binds specifically to a non-denatured human ST2, a step for labelling a first reaction product generated in the previous step by reacting said first reaction product with a second anti-human ST2 antibody which binds specifically to a non-denatured human ST2 by recognizing a site different from the site on ST2 where said first anti-human ST2 antibody binds and which is labelled with a label, and a step for determining the amount of the label on said first reaction product which has been labelled, a soluble human ST2 in a sample is determined. In addition, a recombinant ST2 is employed as a standard to prepare a calibration curve, based on which the ST2 in a sample is quantified.

Abstract: The invention relates to transgenic non-human animals capable of producing high affinity human sequence antibodies. The invention is also directed to human sequence antibodies specific for human antigens, such as, human CD4. The invention also is directed to methods for producing human sequence antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to humanized antibodies which bind human gp39 and their use as therapeutic agents. These humanized antibodies are especially useful for treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: This invention provides for methods of inhibiting inflammation with antibodies that bind the 5c8 protein.