Abstract: Biologically active tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) variants with decreased clearance as compared to wild-type t-PA are prepared, including variants that have one or more amino acid alterations in at least the kringle-1 and/or kringle-2 domain(s) of the molecule. DNA sequences can be prepared that encode the variants, as well as expression vectors incorporating the DNA sequences and host cells transformed with the expression vectors. The variants may be used in pharmaceutical preparations to treat a vascular disease or condition, or to prevent fibrin deposition or adhesion formation or reformation in mammals.

Abstract: Novel derivatives of cell surface proteins which are homologous to the immunoglobulin superfamily (adhesons) are provided. Amino acid sequence variations are introduced into adheson, the most noteworthy of which are those in which the transmembrane and, preferably, cytoplasmic domains are rendered functionally inactive, and in which adheson extracellular domains replace an immunoglobulin variable region. These variants are useful in therapy or diagnostics.

Abstract: The invention is from the field of heterobifunctional cross-linking reagents. More particularly, the invention concerns cross-linking reagents which combine a nucleophilic hydrazide residue with an electrophilic maleimide residue, thereby allowing coupling of aldehydes to free thiols.

Abstract: The invention concerns hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) variants that compise an amino acid alteration at a site within the protease domain of HGF and retaining substantially full receptor binding affinity of the corresponding wild-type HGF.

Abstract: The invention concerns hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) variants that are resistant to proteolytic cleavage by enzymes capable of in vivo conversion of HGF into its two-chain form. The single-chain HGF variants, which preferably have an amino acid alteration at or adjacent to any of amino acid positions 493, 494, 495 and 496 of the wild-type human HGF sequence, retain their ability to bind the HGF receptor.

Abstract: The invention relates to glycoprotein ligands of selectins. The invention further relates to methods and means for preparing and to nucleic acids encoding these ligands. The invention further concerns a method of treating a symptom or condition associated with excessive binding of circulating leukocytes to endothelial cells by administering to a patient in need of such treatment a glycoprotein ligand of a selectin.

Abstract: A fibrinolytically active amino acid sequence variant of a plasminogen activator is prepared that has one or more glycosylation sites in regions that are not glycosylated in the native molecule. DNA sequences can be prepared that encode the variants, as well as expression vectors incorporating the DNA sequences, and host cells transformed with the expression vectors. The variants may be used in a pharmaceutical preparation to treat a vascular disease or condition in patients.

Abstract: A balanced constitutive inducible transcriptional control system is provided to facilitate the expression of polypeptides incompatible with recombinant host cells. Use of this system has, for the first time, made it possible to produce mature, unglycosylated human tissue plasminogen activator in prokaryotes which is water soluble and fully enzymatically active. In accordance with this invention, t-PA is produced by recombinant bacterial host cell culture in commercially significant amounts without in vitro renaturation and processing.

Abstract: Tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) zymogens and variants are prepared, including a fibrinolytically active variant of t-PA that has an amino acid alteration at a site within the protease domain of t-PA as compared with the corresponding wild-type t-PA, which alteration renders the variant zymogenic in the presence of plasmin-degraded fibrinogen, and/or fibrin (or plasma clot) specific, as compared to the corresponding wild-type t-PA. DNA sequences can be prepared that encode the zymogens and variants, as well as expression vectors incorporating the DNA sequences, and host cells transformed with the expression vectors. The zymogens and variants may be used in a pharmaceutical preparation to treat a vascular disease or condition or to prevent fibrin deposition or adhesion formation or reformation in mammals.

Abstract: A tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) variant is prepared that has an amino acid deletion at positions 466 to 470 of the corresponding wild-type t-PA. This alteration renders the variant fibrin (and plasma clot) specific as compared to the corresponding wild-type t-PA. DNA sequences can be prepared that encode the variant, as well as expression vectors incorporating the DNA sequences, and host cells transformed with the expression vectors. The variant may be used in a pharmaceutical preparation to treat a vascular disease or condition or to prevent fibrin deposition or adhesion formation or reformation in mammals.

Abstract: The invention relates in general to the prevention and treatment of microbial infections in transplant patients. More particularly, the invention concerns the use of lymphokines, and specifically gamma interferon (IFN-.gamma.) for the prophylaxis and treatment of microbial infections in transplant recipients, without increasing the incidence of graft rejections.

Abstract: Biologically active tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) variants with decreased clearance as compared to wild-type t-PA are prepared, including variants that have one or more amino acid alterations in at least the kringle-1 and/or kringle-2 domain(s) of the molecule. DNA sequences can be prepared that encode the variants, as well as expression vectors incorporating the DNA sequences and host cells transformed with the expression vectors. The variants may be used in pharmaceutical preparations to treat a vascular disease or condition, or to prevent fibrin deposition or adhesion formation or reformation in mammals.

Abstract: The invention relates to the synergistic interaction of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and gamma-interferon (IFN-.gamma.) in the stimulation of hepatocyte growth. Accordingly, the invention concerns a method of enhancing the biological activity of HGF by administering a biologically effective amount of HGF and a synergistically effective amount of IFN-.gamma. to a patient in need.

Abstract: Novel polypeptides are provided, together with methods for making and using them, and nucleic acids encoding them. These polypeptides are useful as cell surface adhesion molecules and ligands, and are useful in therapeutic or diagnostic compositions and methods.

Abstract: DNA isolates coding for the lymphocyte homing receptor and methods of obtaining such DNA are provided, together with expression systems for recombinant production of the lymphocyte homing receptor useful in therapeutic or diagnostic compositions.

Abstract: Methods for the treatment of allergic reactions are provided, wherein a pharmaceutically effective dose of gamma interferon is administered to a patient within a predetermined temporal period prior to or following exposure to an allergen.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of relaxin in the cardiovascular therapy, and specifically in the treatment of acute and chronic heart failure.

Abstract: A liquid pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of non-lyophilized gamma-interferon. The liquid pharmaceutical composition which additionally includes a buffer capable of maintaining the pH of the liquid composition within the range of 4.0 to 6.0, a stabilizing agent and a non-ionic detergent.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of superconducting polycrystalline ceramic materials by the decomposition of a mixture of isopropoxides.

Abstract: Immunoglobulin fusion polypeptides are provided, together with methods for making and using them, and nucleic acids encoding them. These polypeptides are useful as cell surface adhesion molecules and ligands, and are useful in therapeutic or diagnostic compositions and methods.