Fully human monoclonal Abs includes (i) an antigen-binding variable region that exhibits very high binding affinity for IL-1 and (ii) a constant region that is effective at both activating the complement system though C1q binding and binding to several different Fc receptors.

The invention relates to biocompatible, bioabsorbable derivatized non-crosslinked chitosan compositions optionally crosslinked to gelatin/collagen by 1-ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl]carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) for biomedical use and methods of making and testing such compositions, including a modified acute systemic toxicity test. The compositions comprise derivatized chitosan reacetylated to a degree of N-deacetylation (DDA) of between about 15% and 40%. The compositions are typically bioabsorbed in about 90 days or less and can be made to bioabsorb at differing rates of speed. The compositions are initially soluble in aqueous solution below pH 6.5. The compositions have an acid content that can be adjusted between about 0% (w/w) and about 8% (w/w) to customize the composition for uses that require and/or tolerate differing levels of cytotoxicity, adhesion, composition cohesion, and cell infiltration into the composition.

The invention provides methods for treating pathological conditions associated with an undesirable inflammatory component. The invention is generally directed to reducing inflammation by administering cells that have one or more of the following effects in an injured subject: interact with splenocytes, preserve splenic mass, increase proliferation of CD4.sup.+ and CD8.sup.+ T-cells, increase IL-4 and IL-10, decrease IL-6 and IL-1, and increase M2:M1 macrophage ratio at the site of injury. The invention is also directed to drug discovery methods to screen for agents that modulate the ability of the cells to have these effects. The invention is also directed to cell banks that can be used to provide cells for administration to a subject, the banks comprising cells having desired potency for achieving these effects.

The present invention relates to anti-IL-1 beta antibodies and in particular to monovalent high potency IL-1 beta-binding antibody fragments being highly stable. Such antibodies can be used in the treatment of inflammatory and other diseases as well as in diagnostics. Also provided are related nucleic acids, vectors, cells, and compositions.

Provided herein are antibodies and antigen-binding antibody fragments that bind to human soluble Growth Stimulation-Expressed Gene 2 (ST2) protein, kits containing these antibodies and antibody fragments, and methods of using these antibodies and antibody fragments.

The present invention relates to astrocyte-derived exosomal complement protein biomarkers and diagnostic and prognostic methods for neurological disease (e.g., Alzheimer's disease). The invention also provides compositions for detecting astrocyte-derived exosomal complement protein biomarkers as well as compositions and methods useful for treating neurological disease (e.g., Alzheimer's disease).

The present invention provides compositions and methods for detecting components of the inflammasome in a sample from a subject as markers for brain injuries such as multiple sclerosis, stroke or traumatic brain injury. Methods of using such inflammasome markers to determine prognosis, direct treatment and monitor response to treatment for the subject with a brain injury such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, mild cognitive impairment or traumatic brain injury are also described.

Disclosed herein are methods of identifying biomarkers (such as genes (e.g., RNA or mRNA), proteins, and/or small molecules) that can be used to predict organ or tissue function or dysfunction. In some embodiments, the methods include ex vivo perfusion of the organ or tissue, collection of samples from the organ or tissue (for example, perfusate, fluids produced by the organ (such as bile or urine), or tissue biopsies) and measuring the level of one or more biomarkers in the sample. It is also disclosed herein that an analysis of biomarkers (such as genes (e.g., RNA or mRNA), proteins, and/or small molecules) present in a biological sample from an organ, tissue, or subject can be used to identify whether the organ, tissue, or subject is at risk for (or has) organ dysfunction or organ failure.

Method for detecting a urinary tract infection (UTI) in a subject comprising determining levels of one or more biomarkers selected from MMP8, HNE, Cystatin C, MMP9, HSA, IL-8, interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1b), fibrinogen, RBP4, active MMP9 and MMP2, NGAL, Desmosine, MPO and CRP in a urine sample obtained from the subject. The determined levels may then be compared with a threshold level, wherein increased levels of at least one of the biomarkers in the urine sample relative to the threshold level is indicative of the presence of a urinary tract infection. Methods for monitoring a UTI and monitoring treatment of a UTI are also provided as are companion systems or test kits.

The present invention relates to a non-invasive, specific and rapid diagnostic method of Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) in a subject said method comprising the step of measuring the level of cytokine (IL-18 or IL-1 beta) secreted by immune primary cells (or cell death level of these cells) obtained from said subject, which have been beforehand treated with a Protein Kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, and optionally beforehand treated with a NF-kB activator such as LPS. Inventors show based on the extensive study of the inflammasome process of the monocytes, that PKC superfamily inhibitors trigger inflammasome activation in monocytes from FMF patients while they are not sufficient to do so in monocytes from healthy donors (HD) or from patient having hyperimmunoglobulinemia D syndrome (HID S). Using cytokine release quantification or determination of real time cell death kinetics, inventors demonstrate that PKC superfamily inhibitors can discriminate FMF patients from HD or from patients with systemic inflammation from other aetiologies. These results thus set-up the basis for the development of a rapid functional specific diagnostic test for FMF. Methods of treatment are disclosed.