Abstract: A procedure for the preparation of the solubilized and purified gastrin releasing peptide receptor, in an active form, from a gastrin releasing peptide receptor source such as Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts.

Abstract: Methods are provided of preventing and treating chemotherapy or radiotherapy induced oral mucositis in a mammal by administering an effective dose of a growth factor, such as TGF-.alpha.. The growth factor may be used alone or in combination with other growth factors. Typically the effective dose is within the range of about 0.01-100 .mu.g/dose, administered 2-4 times daily.

Abstract: A method of treating patients having viral infections exhibiting a synergistic antiviral effect in combination therapy of viral infections is comprised of combining synergistically effective amounts of a halogenated pyrimidine and human recombinant interferon-beta, said agents to be delivered separately or as a single combined composition of matter.

Abstract: The present invention discloses synthetic peptides and antibodies raised thereto wherein the synthetic peptides represent important epitopic sites recognized by the 0.5 .alpha. antibody, a human monoclonal antibody which can neutralize HTLV-I. Also, the uses of these peptides or antibodies thereto either alone or in combination with peptides representing the epitopic site for the predominant antibodies found in HTLV-I env seropositive sera as diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines are disclosed.

Abstract: The mRNA coded by the "anti-sense" strand of the complementary DNA produced by HTLV-I infection contains significant open reading frames. Cells infected by HTLV-I virus produce mRNA that is anti-sense to the viral RNA genome. Infected cells may produce proteins from the newly discovered mRNA. The production of the anti-sense in mRNA initiates from a newly discovered transcriptional promoter located within 1.8 kb from the 3' terminus of the viral genome. The mRNA, protein, and antibodies directed thereto can be used in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of HTLV-I infections.

Abstract: Novel biologically active polypeptides, including a new class of transforming growth factor (TGF) polypeptides, which exhibit cell growth promoting properties are disclosed, as well as a process for isolating the TGF polypeptides from both human and murine cell lines in homogeneous form. Also disclosed are antigenic oligopeptides derived from the TGF polypeptides and antibodies raised therefrom which have application in the detection and treatment of malignancies and oligipeptides which have the ability to bind with cellular growth factor receptors and thus to interfere with transformation of certain cell lines into a cancerous state. Compositions and methods based on the disclosed peptides for detection and treatment of cancer and other proliferative diseases and for cell or tissue growth associated treatment, e.g., wound healing, ulcer therapy and bone loss are also described.