Abstract: A novel a selectable fusion protein having aminoglycoside phosphotransferase activity is disclosed. The marker comprises the coding sequences for aminoglycoside phosphotransferase I (APH-I) which has been modified and truncated so as to render its use in recombinant vectors more convenient. The modified, truncated sequence (mtAPH-I) gene is capable, upon expression, of conferring resistance to a number of antibiotics on the host. One of these antibiotics, G418, is toxic to eucaryotic as well as procaryotic hosts. Also disclosed are methods of constructing fusion proteins having N-terminal sequences corresponding to a desired peptide sequence, and C-terminal sequences comprising the amino acids encoded by mtAPH-I. The preferred N-terminal sequences are the first 11 amino acids of .beta.-isopropyl malate dehydrogenase, and the first 7 amino acids of yeast enolase.

Abstract: A biologically active reference therapeutic protein is protected against oxidation by a method involving substituting a conservative amino acid for each methionyl residue susceptible to chloramine T or peroxide oxidation, wherein additional, non-susceptible methionyl residues are not so substituted. The oxidation-resistant mutein so produced is preferably a human mutein of interleukin-2 or interferon-.beta., and the conservative amino acid is most preferably alanine.

Abstract: HLA typing based on restriction length polymorphism is carried out by: digesting an individual's DNA with a restriction endonuclease that produces a polymorphic digestion pattern with HLA DNA; subjecting the digest to genomic blotting using a labeled DNA hybridization probe that hybridizes to an HLA DNA sequence involved in the polymorphism; and comparing the resulting genomic blotting pattern with a standard. This technique may be adapted to make paternity or transplant or transfusion compatibility determinations or to make disease association correlations to diagnose diseases or predict susceptibility to diseases. Locus specific cDNA hybridization probes, particularly probes for genes of Class II loci, for use in the typing procedure are described.

Abstract: A colony stimulating factor, CSF-1, is a lymphokine useful in overcoming the immunosuppression induced by chemotherapy or resulting from other causes. CSF-1 is obtained in usable amounts by recombinant methods, including cloning and expression of the murine and human DNA sequences encoding this protein.

Abstract: Compositions useful for detecting ras gene proteins are described consisting of GTP and a protein having an apparent reduced molecular weight of about 115,000-120,000 daltons, or fragments derived therefrom, that stimulate ras protein guanosine triphosphatase activity. Also described are methods whereby the compositions are used to identify cancer therapeutics.

Abstract: Shipping fever, and other stress-related diseases in livestock, are treated by administration of a microencapsulated composition comprising IL-2 conjugated with a polyoxyethylene polymer, and mixed with a release-modulating amount of humen serum albumin. The microcapsules are administered parenterally, and release an effective amount of conjugated IL-2 continuously over a period of 14-30 days. These microcapsules are also effective in the treatment of cancer in mammals.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing the immune response to vaccination in animals, including humans, comprise administering interleukin-2 (IL-2) as part of the vaccination regimen, preferably for 5 to 14 days post-vaccination. In addition, compositions for enhancing the immune response of an animal to a vaccine employ IL-2 as an active ingredient, preferably human IL-2.

Abstract: Anti-tumor activity in mammals can be augmented by administering to the mammalian host a synergistically effective amount of TNF and IL-2 or of TNF and IFN-.beta., or of TNF, IL-2 and IFN-.beta. in combination. The composition of TNF and IL-2 and/or IFN-.beta. may be prepared in vitro or administered separately to the host. If the TNF and IL-2 are administered sequentially, the TNF must be administered prior to the IL-2 to obtain synergy. The composition is useful for treating such cancers as mastocytoma, melanoma, leukemia, lymphoma, mammary adenocarcinoma, and pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Abstract: A new polypeptide, called IFN-.alpha.76, produced by E. coli transformed with a newly isolated and characterized human IFN-.alpha. gene is described. The polypeptide exhibits interferon activities such as antiviral activity, cell growth regulation, and regulation of production of cell-produced substances.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of cell culture. The invention presents pH based methods for controlling the glycosylation patterns of cell products, particularly proteins produced by cells in vitro, preferably via a multi-level pH control strategy. Preferably, this invention is applied to manage the effect of high level of ammonia on the glycosylation of cell products. The glycosylation affected is preferably that of terminal sialylations of the oligosaccharide of glycoproteins.

Abstract: Structure-independent amplification of DNA by the polymerase chain reaction can be achieved by incorporation of 7-deaza-2'-deoxyguanosine-5'-triphosphate into the amplified DNA.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for preparing a pharmaceutical composition comprising a biologically active conjugated protein. It comprises a polyethylene glycol or a polyoxyethylated polyol conjugated to IL-2. This protein is conjugated to reduce its immunogenicity, and increase its solubility, and increase its circulating in vivo half-life.

Abstract: An extraction composition has been found useful for extracting antigen from herpes simplex virus. This composition has a pH of from about 8.5 to about 12, and comprises an alcoholamine or salt thereof, a nonionic surfactant comprised of a condensation product of an alkylphenol and ethylene oxide, cholic acid or a salt or derivative thereof and an anionic surfactant. Extraction of antigen is accomplished by contacting the extraction composition with a specimen suspected of containing herpes organisms under suitable conditions. Extracted antigen can be determined by forming an immunological complex with antibodies thereto and by detecting that complex. The extraction composition can be supplied as part of a diagnostic test kit.

Abstract: The present invention is a pharmaceutical composition for proteins which are not stably soluble. The preferred protein is IL-2 and the preferred composition includes amino acids, vitamins, polymers, fatty acids or low molecular weight acids.

Abstract: The presence or absence of a nucleic acid sequence of an isolate of HTLVI and/or HTLVII in a sample containing one or more nucleic acids and suspected of containing such sequence can be detected by amplifying the sequence using primers to form extension products as templates and detecting the amplified product if it is present. This may be accomplished by adding a labeled hydridization probe to the amplified product, either free in solution or after immobilization on a solid support.

Abstract: Ricin B muteins, ricin and ricin precursors having at least one amino acid of at least one galactoside binding site altered to decrease the binding of ricin B to galactosides are claimed. DNA sequences encoding the ricin B muteins, ricin and ricin precursor in which the B chain thereof is the ricin B mutein are claimed. Recombinant expression vectors effective in expressing the DNA sequences of the ricin B muteins, ricin and ricin precursors are claimed. Host cells transformed with the foregoing expression vectors are also claimed. Conjugates comprising binding moieties such as antibodies, hormones, and lymphokines bound to the ricin B mutein and ricin wherein the B chain thereof is the mutein is also claimed.

Abstract: Recombinant DNA vectors that encode a thermostable DNA polymerase are useful in the recombinant production of thermostable DNA polymerase. The recombinant thermostable polymerase is preferred for use in the production of DNA in a polymerase chain reaction. Especially useful vectors encode the .about.94,000 dalton thermostable DNA polymerase from thermus aquaticus.

Abstract: Dideoxynucleotide DNA sequencing methods can be dramatically improved by utilizing the DNA polymerase from Thermus aquaticus to catalyze the primer extension reactions.

Abstract: Therapeutic treatment of malignant melanoma in humans is disclosed wherein a synergistically effective amount of DTIC in combination with IL-2 is administered to an individual having such cancer.

Abstract: Single stranded DNA can be generated by the polymerase chain reaction using two oligonucleotide primers, one persent in a limiting concentration. The single stranded DNA is useful in procedures involving utilizing nucleic acid probes and for purposes of nucleic acid sequencing.