The present invention provides compounds and methods for the treatment of LFA-1 mediated diseases. In particular, LFA-1 antagonists are described herein and these antagonists are used in the treatment of LFA-1 mediated diseases. One aspect of the invention provides for diagnosis of an LFA-1 mediated disease and administration of a LFA-1 antagonist, after the patient is diagnosed with a LFA-1 mediated disease. In some embodiments, the LFA-1 mediated diseases treated are dry eye disorders. Also provided herein are methods for identifying compounds which are LFA-1 antagonists.

This disclosure provides isolated or recombinant polypeptides that are useful to vaccinate individuals suffering from chronic/recurrent biofilm disease or as a therapeutic for those with an existing infection. The individual's immune system will then naturally generate antibodies which prevent or clear these bacteria from the host by interfering with the construction and or maintenance of a functional protective biofilm. Alternatively, antibodies to the polypeptides can be administered to treat or prevent infection. Bacteria that cannot form functional biofilms are more readily cleared by the remainder of the host's immune system and/or traditional antibiotics.

The invention relates to methods of using variants of fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) for treating primary biliary cirrhosis.

Provided herein are systems and methods for characterizing target/ligand engagement. In particular, luciferase-labeled polypeptide targets are used to detect or quantify target/ligand engagement (e.g., within a cell or cell lysate).

The present invention provides compositions and methods useful for regulating fertilization and for use as a contraceptive based on the discovery herein of an oocyte specific protein, SAS1R (Sperm Acrosomal SLLP1 Receptor), which is a sperm protein receptor. Six SAS1R variants, including the full length SAS1R, were identified. mSLLP1 and SAS1R co-localized to oocytes and to acrosomes of acrosome-reacted sperm. Interactions between mSLLP1 and SAS1R were demonstrated by far-western analysis, in a yeast two-hybrid system under stringent selection conditions, and by immunoprecipitation of SAS1R by anti-mSLLP1 as well as the converse. Purified recombinant SAS1R was found to have protease activity, to inhibit fertilization in-vitro, and to induce an immune response in females. Together, the results suggest SAS1R is a proteolytically active, oocyte and early embryo specific oolemmal metalloprotease receptor for the sperm intra-acrosomal ligand SLLP1 and is a target for regulating fertilization and as a contraceptive.

The present disclosure provides a high-throughput screening system and method for identification of novel drugs and drug targets. The method enables large-scale analysis of interactions between allogeneic pairs of target cells and immune cells by using an immune-bridge protein, library of guide RNA, and/or 3D tumor model.

Complexes of coronavirus spike proteins, as well as fragments or mutants thereof wherein the fragment or mutant thereof at least contains a receptor binding domain of said coronavirus spike protein, with linoleic acid, or a derivative or a salt or a mimetic thereof. Methods for producing the complexes of the invention by incubating coronavirus spike proteins with linoleic acid or a derivative or a salt or a mimetic thereof. . In vitro methods for identifying molecules which have therapeutic potential for diseases caused by coronaviruses by contacting the molecule with a coronavirus spike protein and linoleic acid or a derivative or salt or mimetic thereof. A method of treatment of coronavirus infection by administration of linoleic acid, or a derivative, a salt or a mimetic thereof to a subject in need thereof, by administration of an aerosol formulation or dry powder formulation to the respiratory tract, preferably by nasal administration.

The invention relates to variants and fusions of fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), variants and fusions of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), fusions of FGF19 and/or FGF21, and variants or fusions of FGF19 and/or FGF21 proteins and peptide sequences (and peptidomimetics), having one or more activities, such as bile acid homeostasis modulating activity, and methods for and uses in treatment of bile acid and other disorders.

This document provides methods and materials related to genetic variations of neurological disorders. For example, this document provides methods for using such genetic variations to assess susceptibility of developing Parkinson's disease.

The purpose of the invention is to provide a novel hematopoiesis-promoting agent and a medicament comprising the hematopoiesis-promoting agent as an active ingredient for preventing or treating anemia, in particular refractory anemia. The present invention provides a hematopoiesis-promoting agent comprising an S-adenosylmethionine synthase inhibitor.