WEI ZHANG, M.D.
Osteopathic Medicine at 14 Ave, Ardmore, OK

6280944, Aug 28, 2001

Aug 2, 1999

9/366103

Morris Reichlin - Oklahoma City OK
Eugen Koren - Oklahoma City OK
Wei Zhang - Oklahoma City OK

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation - Oklahoma City OK

C12Q 168, G01N 3353, G01N 33567, G01N 33537, G01N 33543

435 6

Assays that are prognostic for patients that will develop nephritis have been developed where patient serum is screened for the presence of anti-dsDNA antibodies that are cross reactive with A and D SnRNP proteins. The assays are based on the use of either peptides containing epitopes bound by the anti-dsDNA antibodies, or the antigens for the antibodies, A and D SnRNP proteins. Therapeutic compositions have also been developed using either antibodies that block the pathogenicity of the anti-dsDNA antibodies, such as the naturally occurring anti-La/SSB, anti-Ro/SSA and anti-U. sub. 1 RNP antibodies that are cross reactive with the anti-dsDNA or using the peptides or A and D proteins to induce tolerance.