Abstract: There is disclosed a method of detecting a mutation in a CD40 ligand gene, comprising isolating nucleic acid from an individual, selectively amplifying nucleic acid derived from the CD40 ligand gene, and analyzing the amplified nucleic acid to determine if there is a mutation (or mutations) in the CD40 ligand gene. The ability of a CD40 ligand protein expressed from the gene may be determined. Methods of treating individuals exhibiting a defective CD40 ligand gene (i.e., X-linked hyper IgM patients and certain individuals afflicted with combined variable immunodeficiency) are also disclosed. Also disclosed are non-human animals that lack functional CD40 ligand as a result of gene targeting technology.

Abstract: 2F1 polypeptides are provided, along with DNA sequences, expression vectors and transformed host cells useful in producing the polypeptides. Soluble 2F1 polypeptides find use in inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis and treating inflammation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a polypeptide (CD40-L) and DNA sequences, vectors and transformed host cells useful in providing CD40-L polypeptides. More particularly, this invention provides isolated human and murine CD40-L polypeptides that bind to the extracellular binding region of a CD40 receptor.

Abstract: There are disclosed nucleotide sequences which can improve expression of recombinant proteins two to eight fold in stable cell pools when present in an expression vector.

Abstract: Antigen-expressing, activated dendritic cells are disclosed. Such dendritic cells are used to present tumor, viral or bacterial antigens to T cells, and can be useful in vaccination protocols. Other cytokines can be used in separate, sequential or simultaneous combination with the activated, antigen-pulsed dendritic cells. Also disclosed are methods for stimulating an immune response using the antigen-expressing, activated dendritic cells.

Abstract: Isolated receptors, DNAs encoding such receptors, and pharmaceutical compositions made therefrom, are disclosed. The isolated receptors can be used to regulate an immune response. The receptors are also useful in screening for inhibitors thereof.

Abstract: A novel polypeptide functions as the .beta. chain of an oncostatin M receptor and is thus designated OSM-R.beta.. Heterodimeric receptor proteins comprising OSM-R.beta. and gp130 bind oncostatin M and find use in inhibiting biological activities mediated by oncostatin M.

Abstract: A novel polypeptide functions as the .beta. chain of an oncostatin M receptor and is thus designated OSM-R.beta.. Heterodimeric receptor proteins comprising OSM-R.beta. and gp130 bind oncostatin M and find use in inhibiting biological activities mediated by oncostatin M.

Abstract: The invention is directed to LERK-6 as a purified and isolated protein, the DNA encoding the LERK-6, host cells transfected with cDNAs encoding LERK-6.

Abstract: Compositions comprising an immunogenic amount of an antigen encapsulated in a stabilized hydrogel microbead are disclosed. The compositions provide a delivery system for antigens such as vaccines. Also provided are methods of stimulating an immune response comprising administration of the inventive compositions.

Abstract: A novel polypeptide functions as the .beta. chain of an oncostatin M receptor and is thus designated OSM-R.beta.. Heterodimeric receptor proteins comprising OSM-R.beta. and gp130 bind oncostatin M and find use in inhibiting biological activities mediated by oncostatin M.

Abstract: A protein designated p35 binds to a number of the chemotaxis-stimulating cytokines known as chemokines. p35 may be used to treat conditions that are mediated by chemokines, such as inflammation. p35 is a secreted protein that can be purified from the culture supernatant of cells infected with certain viruses, or produced using recombinant DNA techniques. Isolated DNA sequences encoding p35 are provided, along with expression vectors comprising the p35 DNA, and purified p35 protein.

Abstract: Leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIF-R) proteins, DNAs and expression vectors encoding LIF-R, and processes for producing LIF-R as products of recombinant cell culture, and antibodies that are immunoreactive with LIF-R are disclosed.

Abstract: 2F1 polypeptides members of the IL-1 receptor family are provided, along with DNA sequences, expression vectors and transformed host cells useful in producing the polypeptides. Soluble 2F1 polypeptides find use in inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis and treating inflammation.

Abstract: Type II IL-1 receptor (type II IL-1R) proteins, DNAs and expression vectors encoding type II IL-1R, and processes for producing type II IL-1R as products of recombinant cell culture, are disclosed. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for regulating an IL-1 mediated immune or inflammatory response in a mammal.

Abstract: A detection system for sequentially and repetitively scanning a plurality of sample volumes and detecting electromagnetic radiation emitting from each of the sample volumes includes a plurality of coplanar side-by-side capillaries each containing a sample volume, an electromagnetic radiation source, a mirror aligned to receive and reflect electromagnetic radiation, a scanner for moving the mirror, and a detector aligned to receive electromagnetic radiation collected from the sample volumes. In operation, the scanner adjusts the mirror position so that the mirror is positioned to receive the electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic radiation source and reflect the electromagnetic radiation sequentially and repetitively to the sample volumes. Emitted electromagnetic radiation from the sample volume is collected and directed to a detector where a signal is generated in response to the interaction of the electromagnetic radiation with the sample.

Abstract: A technique and circuit for measuring direct current flowing through a conductor at a high voltage employs a capacitor connected in series with the conductor, and a neon lamp connected in parallel with the capacitor. The series connected capacitor and conductor are connected to a high voltage source such that the current flowing through the series connected capacitor and conductor charges up the capacitor. Since the capacitor and the neon lamp are connected in parallel, the voltage across the electrodes of the neon lamp follows the voltage across the capacitor. When the voltage across the electrodes of the neon lamp reaches the lamp's ignition voltage, the neon lamp fires, and discharges the capacitor until the voltage across the electrodes of the neon lamp falls to the lamp's extinction voltage. The light signal generated by the neon lamp is picked up by a fiber optic cable and transmitted to a remote receiver for processing.

Abstract: Double stranded nucleic acid duplexes serve as universal harvestable and cleavable link systems in a variety of different types of immunoassays (e.g., sandwich, competitive, etc.). Depending upon the type of assay, at least one specific component involved in the assay system is attached to a first member of a pair of sequences forming a double stranded nucleic acid (i.e., two oligonucleotides comprising substantially complementary sequences). The assay is carried out in the presence of a support to which is attached an oligonucleotide which is the other member of the pair of sequences forming a double-stranded nucleic acid duplex under hybridization conditions. Upon the hybridization of the two complementary oligonucleotides to form a duplex, the component of the assay system to which the first member of the pair of oligonucleotides is attached may thereby be effectively removed from the solution phase and harvested onto the support.

Abstract: A gel pump operated by a stepper motor may be used to deliver fresh gel to one or more capillaries through one or more manifolds and valves. By controlling the valves, fresh gel delivered by the pump will replace the old gel in the capillaries for an automated gel replacement system. In a different setting of the valves, the manifolds may be purged of the old gel prior to delivery of fresh gel to the capillaries. The gel delivery system may also be combined with an electrophoresis system so that sealing connection capable of withstanding high pressure adequate for gel injection need not be frequently broken when the gel is to be replaced. Manifold/reflector assembly is advantageously used in the system that facilitates electrical circuit for electrophoresis and for gel replacement.

Abstract: An electrophoretic system employing a capillary with at least one end having an electrically conductive coating or layer directly thereon. In order to introduce a plug of sample from a small amount of the sample in a vial, the conductive tip is submersed into the small amount of sample and an electric field is applied at the end by applying the high voltage to the tip in order to electrokinetically inject a plug of the sample. The conductive tip may also be used as a terminal for completing the circuit for applying the high voltage across the capillary column for electrophoresis. The separated components may be collected on a surface or small amount of buffer to reduce sample dilution or mixing of one sample component with a different sample component from the electrophoretic process.