Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for the directed delivery of ribozymes or other compounds to specific cells which express the heme receptor on their surface using heme-bearing microparticles. Such microparticles are useful in the directed delivery and accumulation of drugs designed to treat hepatic diseases such as viral hepatitis or hepatoma.

Abstract: The present invention comprises spumavirus isolated from humans. More specifically, the spumavirus of the present invention was isolated from humans who had exposure to nonhuman primates. Importantly, the spumavirus of the present invention or antibodies to the spumavirus can be used to detect the presence of spumavirus or antibodies in body fluids, for pathogenicity studies of related viruses, and as a vector for gene therapies.

Abstract: A purified preparation of a peptide consisting essentially of an amino acid sequence identical to that of a segment of a naturally-occurring human protein, said segment being of 10 to 30 residues in length, inclusive, wherein said peptide binds to a human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II allotype.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a non-naturally occurring non-human vertebrate animal incapable of expressing a functional Fc receptor which may optionally be capable of expressing a protein which comprises a domain of a human Fc receptor, as well as DNA encoding such Fc receptor-based proteins. Also disclosed are in vivo methods for identifying proinflammatory agents that depend on a functional Fc receptor, in vivo methods for identifying proinflammatory agents that do not depend on a functional Fc receptor, and both in vivo and in vitro methods of identifying anti-inflammatory agents. Pharmaceutical compositions containing, and methods of treating inflammation with anti-inflammatory agents are also described.

Abstract: Non-human chimeric mammals are created from a mammal having hematopoietic cells replaced with hematopoietic cells from a hematopoietic deficient mammal donor, and optionally in which xenogeneic cells and/or tissue are engrafted. The xenogeneic, preferably human, cells or tissue may be hematopoietic cells, in which case the chimeric mammal can produce xenogeneic B and/or T cells, and can be used as a source of mammalian, preferably human, monoclonal antibodies and/or T cells. Alternatively, the xenogeneic cells or tissue may be non-hematopoietic, such as normal or pathological cells or tissue, which can form a stable transplant in the chimeric mammal and thus can be used as an animal model of various pathologies or to test therapeutic or diagnostic agents or modalities.

Abstract: Immunodeficient animals are generated by introducing a mutation in RAG-1 into the germline of the animals via gene targeting in embryonic stem cells. The production of mutant RAG-1 deficient mice is detailed. RAG-1 deficient mice have no mature B and T lymphocytes. The arrest of B and T cell differentiation occurs at an early stage and correlates with the inability to perform V(D)J recombination. To date, these mice do not have mature B and T lymphocytes, nor do they express immunoglobulin or T cell receptors. The same strategy can be applied to the generation of other RAG-1 deficient animals, such as rabbits, rats, and pigs, using known techniques. These animals are all useful for the same general purposes as the scid mice, for example, cultivation of human lymphocytes for expression of human immunoglobulin.

Abstract: An animal harboring a non-native germ cell, its corresponding line, and the corresponding germ cells, are obtained by colonizing the testis (or testes) of a host animal with primitive cells followed by raising and/or breeding the host.

Abstract: Transgenic mice express increased levels of neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) in epithelium when their ancestors are microinjected with the NT-3 gene. The NT-3 growth factor expressing transgenic mice are useful in the study of neurodegenerative disorders of the brain such as Parkinson's syndrome and Alzheimer's disease, of the spinal cord motor neurons such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and for testing drug candidates for the treatment of these diseases.

Abstract: A non-human chimeric animal is obtained by transplanting a non-human mammal host having a T cell deficiency with a human liver tissue preparation or with a liver tissue preparation from a non-human animal capable of being infected by the hepatitis virus (HV). The non-human chimeric animal is useful as an HV model for evaluating anti-HV therapy and prophylaxis.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes genetic engineering techniques to prepare non-human transgenic mammals that express human .alpha.-lactalbumin in their milk at a concentration of 2 mg/ml or greater. The invention also includes methods of preparing human .alpha.-lactalbumin in, for example, mice and cows. Also taught are methods for preparing human .alpha.-lactalbumin in which from one to four of its natural phenylalanine residues have been substituted by another amino acid.

Abstract: Chimeric mouse and rat models useful as models for human hepatitis virus (HV) infection are disclosed. These chimeras are made by substantially destroying the hematopoietic cells of a host mouse or rat and then transplanting into the resultant animal hematopoietic cells from SCID mice. The resultant chimera is then used as a host for transplantation of xenogeneic liver tissue, including liver tissue from humans. The liver tissue may be infected with HV either prior to or after transplantation.

Abstract: Eggs that affect lipid and cholesterol levels obtained from avian species that are hyperimmunized against a variety of bacterial antigens are disclosed. These eggs are useful as a dietary supplement for humans and other animals.

Abstract: Non-human chimeric mammals are created from a mammal having hematopoietic cells replaced with hematopoietic cells from a hematopoietic deficient mammal donor, and in which xenogeneic hematopoietic cells and/or tissue are engrafted. The chimeric mammal can produce xenogeneic, preferably human, B and/or T cells, and can be used as a source of mammalian, preferably human, monoclonal antibodies and/or T cells.

Abstract: There is provided an inhibitor of expression of human IL-6R, whose effective component is an antisense oligonucleotide derivative which hybridizes to the region of a nucleotide sequence of 9 to 30 nucleotides including the translation initiation codon of mRNA coding for human interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R).

Abstract: One or more population of cells enriched for human hematopoietic stem cells is disclosed. HSC in this population of cells are capable of limited self-renewal and are capable of differentiating into all elements of the hematopoietic system. This population of cells has the phenotype of CD34.sup.+ /CD38.sup.- and more preferably CD34.sup.+ /CD38.sup.- /HLA-DR.sup.+. Cells within this population have been found to express CD13, CD33 and CD71. Hematopoietic stem cells can be used in a number of therapies, including autologous transplantation and in gene therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated DNA molecules encoding the murine SM22.alpha. promoter, gene transfer vectors containing the same, and method of use of the same to target gene expression in arterial smooth muscle cells.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to compositions of and methods for obtaining and using a polypeptide other than BCL-2 that affects programmed vertebrate cell death. The invention relates as well to polynucleotides encoding those polypeptides, recombinant vectors carrying those sequences, the recombinant host cells including either the sequences or vectors, and recombinant polypeptides. The invention further provides methods for using the isolated, recombinant polypeptides in assays designed to select and improve substances capable of altering programmed cell death for use in diagnostic, drug design and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inducing reendothelialization of the lining of an injured blood vessel comprising contacting the injured portion of the vessel with nucleic acid encoding an endothelial cell mitogen such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) operably linked to a promoter to result in expression of the mitogen when delivered to the cells at the site of vascular injury. The resulting reendothelialization of the injured blood vessel inhibits smooth muscle cell proliferation and consequently reduces restenosis. The methods of the present invention may be used to treat any blood vessel injury that results in denuding of the endothelial lining of the vessel wall, including, for example, those injuries resulting from balloon angioplasty and deployment of endovascular stents.

Abstract: The invention discloses nucleic acids encoding variant Bile Salt Stimulated Lipase (BSSL; EC 3.1.1.1). The encoded variant BSSL enzymes maintain catalytic activity but contain fewer glycosylation sites that full-length BSSL. This reduced glycosylation facilitates purification and characterization of recombinant BSSL proteins.

Abstract: A transgenic mouse has been prepared that expresses a human interluekin-1.beta. transgene. Expression of the transgene is mediated by a mouse metallothionein promoter. As a result of the expression of this transgene, the mouse has inflammation of its kidney and liver. The claimed animals are useful as screening tools for agents that are potentially useful for treating inflammation.