Abstract: The present invention is related to a conjugate of a hapten to a natural or synthetic &bgr;-lactam derivative, comprising at least a side chain, wherein the side chain of the &bgr;-lactam derivative is at least partially constitutive of the conjugating arm.

Abstract: The compound (W-Z-M) according to the invention comprises a component (M) chosen from the group consisting of markers and therapeutic agents possessing an intracellular active site (A.S.), linked to a ligand (W-Z) comprising an arm (Z) linked to a terminal group (W), characterized in that the linkage between the arm (Z) of the ligand (W-Z) and the component (M) prevents intracellular entry of the compound (W-Z-M) and/or inhibits expression of the marker (M), in that said linkage can be selectively cleaved by factors secreted by target cells so as to permit expression of the marker (M) or entry of the therapeutic agent (M) into said target cells, and in that the terminal group (W) provides for the stability of the compound (W-Z-M) in the serum and circulating blood.

Abstract: The probe comprises: a) an oligonucleotide or oligodeoxyribonucleotide part constituted by a DNA or RNA nucleic acid sequence S, depending on the type of molecule to be detected, and b) a non-nucleotide part possessing chemical properties enabling direct or indirect atttachment of one or more detection units or marking elements M detectable non-isotopically by production of colour or light. The probe is characterized by the fact that part b) is constituted by a chain of phosphate units interspersed with alkyl groups, viz.: b1) certain alkyl groups uniting the different phosphate groups and presenting no special functionality b2) alkyl groups presenting primary amine groups which allow splicing with varied reagents to carry out direct or indirect detection, the b2) groups being bonded to part a) or sequence S by way of groups b1). Sequence S is bonded at its 5' and/or 3' extremity to one or more marking elements M.

Abstract: A method of preparing biologically active human myeloperoxidase including the steps of preparing a vector for the expression of human myeloperoxidase. The vector includes plasmid pNIV2703. The plasmid includes a HindIII-SnaBI, HindIII-EcoRV or HindIII-HpaI cassette, the cassette including a complete DNA sequence for hMPO as shown in FIG. 1. CHO cells are transformed with the vector. The cells are cultured. The biologically active human myeloperoxidase is recovered.