Abstract: Nucleic acid constructs encoding mutated human immunodeficiency virus gp41 polypeptides are described. The mutated polypeptides are effective to disrupt viral replication of HIV or disrupt the assembly of viral Env proteins in an HIV infected cell.

Abstract: A novel expression system using the heat-inducible bovine hsp70A promoter and associated cis-acting elements is disclosed. The system provides for the continuous production of a highly pure, authentic protein, substantially free of infectious viral and cellular protein contaminants.

Abstract: A method of immunization, and compositions therefor, are provided for substantially preventing or reducing the symptoms of at least one infectious disease and at least one chronic immune mediated disorder. An immunogenic challenge which supplements the normal childhood immunization schedule can help ensure the proper maturation of the immune system and prevent the development of chronic immune mediated disorders.

Abstract: An overall efficient process for the preparation and recovery of 7-aminodesacetoxycephalosporanic acid (7-ADCA) via 2-(carboxyethylthio)acetyl- and 3-(carboxymethylthio)propionyl-7-ADCA, using a Penicillium chrysogenum transformant strain expressing expandase in conjunction with acyltransferase, is provided.

Abstract: A retroviral vector which includes a nucleic acid sequence encoding a retroviral envelope. The nucleic acid sequence encoding a retroviral envelope includes a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a first envelope portion which is a portion of MCF viral gp 70 protein, a nucleic acid sequence which encodes xenotropic envelope, a nucleic acid sequence which encodes an amphotropic envelope portion, and a nucleic acid sequence which encodes p15E protein. Such retroviral envelopes encoded by such nucleic acid sequence may be included in infectious viral particles. The infectious viral particles also may include gene(s) encoding therapeutic agents, and thus may be used in gene therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the cloning of novel cDNA sequences encoding human and rat inositol monophosphatase (IMP); to the preparation of IMP enzyme by incorporation of the cDNAs into an expression vector and the expression thereof in recombinant host cells; and to the use of the enzyme thereby obtained in designing and developing medicaments which are inhibitors of human or rat IMP.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plasmid containing a promoter sequence, a nucleotide sequence encoding an exogenous protein, and a nucleotide sequence encoding an enzyme capable of modifying the exogenous protein. In a specific embodiment of the invention the encoded exogenous protein is human .beta.-casein and the encoded enzyme is a human kinase capable of phosphorylating recombinant .beta.-casein in a bacterial system. Phosphorylated recombinant human .beta.-casein having 3 or more phosphate groups and synthesized using the plasmid of the invention is shown to have the same bioactivity as native human .beta.-casein.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions relating to human tata-binding protein associated factor 105 (hTAF.sub.II 105) and related nucleic acids. The proteins may be produced recombinantly from transformed host cells from the disclosed hTAF.sub.II 105 encoding nucleic acids or purified from human cells. The invention provides isolated hTAF.sub.II 105 hybridization probes and primers capable of specifically hybridizing with the disclosed hTAF.sub.II 105 gene, hTAF.sub.II 105-specific binding agents such as specific antibodies, and methods of making and using the subject compositions in diagnosis, therapy and in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Abstract: Nucleic acid constructs encoding mutated human immunodeficiency virus matrix proteins are described. The mutated proteins lower the incorporation of envelope polypeptides in viral particles, disrupt viral assembly or disrupt viral entry into uninfected cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of body weight disorders, including, but not limited to, obesity. Specifically, the present invention identifies and describes genes which are differentially expressed in body weight disorder states, relative to their expression in normal, or non-body weight disorder states, and/or in response to manipulations relevant to appetite and/or weight regulation. Further, the present invention identifies and describes genes via the ability of their gene products to interact with gene products involved in body weight disorders and/or appetite and/or body weight regulation. Still further, the present invention provides methods for the identification and therapeutic use of compounds as treatments of body weight disorders. Additionally, the present invention describes methods for the diagnostic evaluation and prognosis of various body weight disorders, and for the identification of subjects exhibiting a predisposition to such conditions.

Abstract: Anchorage-dependent cells are grown on a novel substratum which is believed to increase the oxygenation of the cells and reduce the formation of free-radicals. The substratum consists of a perfluorocarbon reservoir which is coated with a layer of protein (e.g.,collagen or gelatin) which has been perfluoroalkylated. The perfluoroalkylated protein forms a very stable surface to which anchorage-dependent cells can attach and grow. Using this system, mammalian cell cultures have been grown to densities exceeding 10.sup.7 cells/cm.sup.2. The increased density is attributed to the formation of multiple cell layers which resemble tissue-like structures.

Abstract: A herpes simplex virus (HSV) mutant, UL41NHB, is disclosed which is deficient in the virion host shutoff (vhs) function. This mutant is shown to be profoundly attenuated in its ability to replicate at the periphery and in the nervous system, and in its ability to reactivate from latency.

Abstract: The invention relates to the Ob gene transcriptional promoter. The subject promoters generally comprise a C/EBP binding site and a novel untranslated Ob gene exon. Ob gene promoters are used in diagnosis and pharmaceutical development. In particular, transfected adipocytes comprising Ob gene promoters operably linked to a reporter are used in high-throughput pharmaceutical screens.

Abstract: A novel nucleotide sequence in the genome of Marek's disease virus (MDV) containing an open reading frame, whose expression is associated with lytic infection and tumor cell development in MDV-infected cells, is described. Also described is the use of this novel sequence for molecular diagnostics of serotype 1 MDV; and to generate a recombinant MDV by inserting one or more endogenous or exogenous genes, operably linked to a control element for expression, into a region of the MDV genome comprising the novel nucleotide sequence, wherein the insertion interrupts expression of the open reading frame.

Abstract: Recombinant retroviruses carrying a vector construct capable of preventing, inhibiting, stabilizing or reversing infectious, cancerous or auto-immune diseases are disclosed. More specifically, the recombinant retroviruses of the present invention are useful for (a) stimulating a specific immune response to an antigen or a pathogenic antigen; (b) inhibiting a function of a pathogenic agent, such as a virus; and (c) inhibiting the interaction of an agent with a host cell receptor. In addition, eucaryotic cells infected with, and pharmaceutical compositions containing such a recombinant retrovirus are disclosed. Various methods for producing recombinant retroviruses having unique characteristics, and methods for producing transgenic packaging animals or insects are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to cells that demonstrate characteristics of tissue macrophages (CCTM), including all substances obtained therefrom, such CCTM are induced from human fibroblasts (HF) by the Snyder-Theilen feline sarcoma virus (ST:FeSV(FeLV)) and are used for the treatment of immunodeficient states. A method for the de novo induction of cells that demonstrate characteristics of tissue macrophages (CCTM) from human fibroblasts (HF), said method comprising isolating and converting HF cultures from human organs, most conveniently skin, performing transformation assays on said HF cultures by transducing with said ST:FeSV(FeLV)-derived DNA sequences, including the corresponding gene products, to demonstrate conversion of HF to CCTM, and to establish the objects and advantages for the production and use of CCTM and CCTM-associated substances in molecular immunotherapy, somatic cell therapy, and gene therapy.

Abstract: A substantially pure protein that is a member of the apoptotic Ced-3/Ice cysteine protease gene family, Mch2.alpha., and an inactive isoform of it, Mch2.beta., are disclosed. Isolated nucleic acid molecules that encode Mch2.alpha. and Mch2.beta., respectively, are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in combination with the protein or the nucleic acid molecules are disclosed. Fragments of nucleic acid molecules that encode Mch2.alpha. and Mch2.beta. having at least 10 nucleotides and oligonucleotide molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence complimentary to a nucleotide sequence of at least 10 nucleotides are disclosed. Recombinant expression vectors that comprise the nucleic acid molecule that encode Mch2.alpha. or Mch2.beta., and host cells that comprise such recombinant vectors are disclosed. Antibodies that bind to an epitope on Mch2.alpha. and/or Mch2.beta. are disclosed. Methods of identifying inhibitors, activators and substrates of Mch2.alpha.

Abstract: This invention provides an infectious retrovirus having inserted between the 5' and 3' long terminal repeat sequences of the retrovirus a nucleic acid encoding an anti-HIV-type specific agent under the control of a pol III promoter. Host cells containing the retroviral vectors of this invention also are provided. Further provided are methods of interfering with or preventing HIV viral replication in a cell infected with HIV or likely to be infected with HIV.

Abstract: Packaging defective and packaging proficient HIV vectors are disclosed. These vectors can be used to establish HIV packaging defective cell lines, and to package desired genes. These cell lines can be used in developing a vaccine, HIV antibodies and as part of a system for gene transfer. The packaging proficient vector can be used to target HIV target cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is an isolated and purified feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) culture having the identifying characteristics of FIV isolate NCSU.sub.1. A biologically pure culture of host cells containing a FIV having the identifying characteristics of FIV isolate NCSU.sub.1 is also disclosed, along with isolated and purified DNA coding for (a) an FIV having the identifying characteristics of FIV isolate NCSU.sub.1, or (b) an antigenic fragment of an FIV having the identifying characteristics of FIV isolate NCSU.sub.1. Various vaccine formulations containing active agents derived from the foregoing FIV virus, DNA encoding the virus, and DNA encoding antigenic fragments of the virus are also disclosed herein.Also disclosed are immunodeficient mice containing feline tissue, which feline tissue is capable of infection with a feline immunodeficiency virus such as (but not limited to) FIV isolate NCSU.sub.1.