The strip systems, methods, devices and associated kits disclosed herein are used to determine the presence and/or level a target analyte(s) in sample (e.g., a biological sample such as saliva or nasal swab) wherein the target analyte(s) may be a microorganism (e.g., a whole virus) or molecule (e.g., a viral antigen) associated with a healthy state, disease or injury or otherwise altered physiological condition. In certain embodiments, the systems, methods, devices and kits provide one or more improved properties relative to the lateral flow protein and other assays known in the art for the detection, including but not limited to, assay time, ease of use, risk of infection, accuracy, specificity, selectivity, limit of detection of the assay, quantitative detection and the effect of common interferents to the sensor output, cost, simplicity or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the systems, assays, methods and kids are multiplexed, i.e., permit detection or monitoring of more than one target analyte (e.g., two different viruses or a virus and a bacterium).

A novel IFN-/ independent ligand receptor system which upon engagement leads, among other things, to the establishment of an anti-viral state is disclosed. Further disclosed are three closely positioned genes on human chromosome 19 that encode distinct but highly homologous proteins, designated IFN-1, IFN-2, IFN-3, based inter alia, in their ability to induce antiviral protection. Expression of these proteins is induced upon viral infection. A receptor complex utilized by all three IFN- proteins for signaling is also disclosed. The receptor complex is generally composed of two subunits, a novel receptor designated IFN-R1 or CRF2-12, and a second subunit, IL-10R2 or CRF2-4, which is also a shared receptor component for the IL-10 and IL-22 receptor complexes. The gene encoding IFN-R1 is generally widely expressed, including many different cell types and tissues. Expression of these proteins is induced by immune events, including, for example, upon viral infection. Apoptotosis may also be induced under effective conditions.

The present invention includes methods, systems, and kits, for identifying and modifying the treatment of a systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patient prior to the presence of autoantibodies, comprising: (a) obtaining a dataset representing protein expression level values for cytokines and molecules; (b) assessing the dataset for protein expression levels of at least one innate serum mediator; (c) assessing the dataset for protein expression levels of at least one adaptive serum mediator; and (d) determining the likelihood that the patient will develop SLE prior to the onset of autoantibodies when compared to a control.

The present invention relates to a device and method for determining the presence of a specific compound in solution. The device includes a nanosensor having an electrically conducting pathway between at least a first and second contact. The device also includes a first receptor, suitable for binding a specific compound in the solution, attached to the nanosensor, and a second receptor also suitable for binding the specific compound while the specific compound is bound to the first receptor. The second receptor is attached to an enzyme added to the solution. When the solution having the second receptor is added to the device, and a second compound that is a substrate for the enzyme is subsequently added to the solution, a measured difference in an electrical property in the device before and after the application of the second compound is indicative of the presence of the specific compound in the solution.

A novel IFN-/ independent ligand receptor system which upon engagement leads, among other things, to the establishment of an anti-viral state is disclosed. Further disclosed are three closely positioned genes on human chromosome 19 that encode distinct but highly homologous proteins, designated INF-1, IFN-2, IFN-3, based inter alia, in their ability to induce antiviral protection. Expression of these proteins is induced upon viral infection. A receptor complex utilized by all three IFN- proteins for signaling is also disclosed. The receptor complex is generally composed of two subunits, a novel receptor designated IFN-R1 or CRF2-12, and a second subunit, IL-10R2 or CRF2-4, which is also a shared receptor component for the IL-10 and IL-22 receptor complexes. The gene encoding IFN-R1 is generally widely expressed, including many different cell types and tissues. Expression of these proteins is induced by immune events, including, for example, upon viral infection. Apoptotosis may also be induced under effective conditions.

Methods of diagnosing infections are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises measuring the amount of each of the polypeptides TRAIL, CRP, IP10 and at least one additional polypeptide selected from the group consisting of IL-6 and PCT.

A method and a kit for assessing risk of lung cancer versus benign disease in a subject are provided. The method includes obtaining a biological sample from the subject and determining a measurement for a panel of biomarkers in the biological sample. The panel includes at least two biomarkers selected from the group consisting of IL-6, IL-1ra, IL-10, SDF-1+, TNF-, MIP-1, sIL-2R, CA-125, sE-Selectin, Eotaxin, sEGFR, MMP-2, OPN, MCP-1, CRP, sICAM-1 and CYFRA 21.1. The method further includes comparing the measurement to a reference profile for the panel of biomarkers, sorting the subject into a group and determining whether the subject is at risk for lung cancer based on the group.

An antibody binding to IPC was obtained by using an animal cell in which a cell membrane protein associatable with ILT7 was co-expressed as an immunogen. The antibody of the invention has a high specificity which allows immunological distinction between other ILT family molecules and ILT7. The anti-ILT7 antibody of the invention bound to IPC and inhibited the activity thereof. With the anti-ILT7 antibody of the invention, the IPC activity can be inhibited and an interferon-related disease can be treated or prevented. ILT7 expression is maintained even in IPC in the presence of IFN. Therefore, an inhibitory action of IPC activity by the anti-ILT7 antibody can be expected even in an autoimmune disease patient with an increased production of IFN.

The invention relates to a method and a diagnostic kit for monitoring HIV specific T cell responses and identifying subjects capable of controlling HIV progression or preventing HIV infection altogether. The method is based on the combined use of boosted flow cytometry and toggle peptides and can cover a large set of effector functions. The method is also suitable to detect T cell responses of any desirable cytokine or combination of cytokines to any pathogen.

The present disclosure refers to a method for a specific, versatile and sensitive detection of IFN-/virus-induced genes, a method for quantifying IFN potency and activity in a pharmaceutical preparation or biological sample, a method for distinguishing between IFN- and viral induction, and/or for distinguishing between different viruses, and a method for the quantification of virus activity. Also, the invention provides the necessary molecular tools like expression active response constructs, suitable cell lines, an array to perform the method and a kit.