Abstract: A novel endothelial cell molecule, VAP-1, is described that mediates lymphocyte binding in man. Further described are anti-VAP-1 monoclonal antibodies and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases by the administration of VAP-1 binding compounds, such as anti-VAP-1 antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel anion channel (NANCH) and polynucleotides which identify and encode NANCH. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding NANCH and a method for producing NANCH. The invention also provides for agonists, antibodies, or antagonists specifically binding NANCH, and their use, in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of NANCH. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding NANCH for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of NANCH. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, and antibodies specifically binding NANCH.

Abstract: The present invention involves the preparation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) variants which provide materials that are selective in respect to binding characteristics to the kinase domain region and the FMS-like tyrosine-kinase region, respectively KDR and FLT-1. The respective KDR and FLT-1 receptors are bound by corresponding domains within the VEGF compound domains. The variants hereof define those two binding regions and modify them so as to introduce changes that interrupt the binding to the respective domain. In this fashion the final biological characteristics of the VEGF molecule are selectively modified.

Abstract: The present invention concerns isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the novel TIE ligands NL1, NL5, NL8, and NL4, the proteins encoded by such nucleic acid molecules, as well as methods and means for making and using such nucleic acid and protein molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human retinoid binding protein (Hu-RBP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode Hu-RBP. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of Hu-RBP, as well as diagnostic assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for expression of high levels of heterologous proteins in Drosophila cells.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided relating to novel IgE isoforms and their use in immune hypersensitivity diagnosis and treatment. The compositions include transcription and translation products of the immunoglobulin epsilon locus, specific probes for epsilon transcription products, and compounds that specifically bind epitopes of epsilon translation products. Novel products of the epsilon locus include the following transcription products and translation products thereof: CH4-M2", CH4'-CH5-M1'-M2, CH4'-CH5-M2', CH4'-CH5-M2.increment. and CH4-M2'. Such epsilon products, specific probes and binding compounds find use in methods and kits for immune hypersensitivity diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed are various compositions and methods for use in achieving specific blood coagulation. This is exemplified by the specific in vivo coagulation of tumor vasculature, causing tumor regression, through the site-specific delivery of a coagulant using a bispecific antibody.

Abstract: Quality control of an analyzing system that includes a portable analyzer with insertable single-use cartridges whose sample chamber contains optical and/or electrochemical sensors is accomplished by bringing the sensors in the single-use cartridge into contact, or are in contact with, a calibrating and/or conditioning medium, the calibrating and/or conditioning medium exhibiting chemical and/or physical parameters which influence the characteristic of at least one of the sensors. Just before a sample is measured, the sensors are contacted with a quality control liquid which is identical with the calibrating and/or conditioning medium within a predetermined desired range of accuracy for the sample components to be measured, as regards the chemical and/or physical parameters influencing the characteristic of at least one sensor during calibration and/or conditioning. The instantaneous control values obtained on the basis of the calibration values are subsequently compared to known target control values.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human cytokine/steroid receptor protein (CYSTAR) and polynucleotides which identify and encode CYSTAR. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of CYSTAR, as well as diagnostic assays.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel human integral membrane protein (TMP-2) and polynucleotides which encode TMP-2. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antisense molecules, antibodies, or antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating disorders associated with expression of TMP-2.

Abstract: Chimeric proteins, which comprise a ligand-binding domain of a first receptor and a carrier domain which binds a cell surface receptor other than the first receptor, useful in transporting a selected substance present in extracellular fluids, such as blood or lymph, into cells; quantitative assays for the selected substance using chimeric proteins; DNA encoding the chimeric proteins; plasmids which contain DNA encoding the chimeric proteins; mammalian cells, modified to contain DNA encoding the chimeric proteins, which express and, optionally, secrete the chimeric proteins; a method of producing the chimeric proteins; a method of isolating the chimeric proteins; a method of using the chimeric proteins to assay the selected substance; and a method of reducing extracellular levels of the selected substance through administration of the chimeric protein, which results in transport of the selected substance into cells.

Abstract: Compounds and methods are described for the differential inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase C-.gamma.1 for the prevention or reversal of transplant rejection as well as therapy for autoimmune diseases. Methods for the treating or preventing tissue or organ transplant rejection and methods for treating an autoimmune disease comprising the administration of monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to the CD45RB epitope of the CD45RB isoform are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention involves the isolation of a nucleic acid molecule which encodes a melanoma associated antigen. Cell lines and expression vectors which include this and related sequences, as well as uses of these molecules, are described.

Abstract: The invention provides a human Ras-like protein (PRAS) and polynucleotides which identify and encode PRAS. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antibodies and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating disorders associated with expression of PRAS.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel antibodies, antibody fragments and antibody conjugates and single-chain immunotoxins reactive with human carcinoma cells. More particularly, the antibodies, conjugates and single-chain immunotoxins of the invention include: a murine monoclonal antibody, BR96; a human/murine chimeric antibody, ChiBR96; a F(ab').sub.2 fragment of BR96; ChiBR96-PE, ChiBR96-LysPE40, ChiBR96 F(ab').sub.2 -LysPE40 and ChiBR96 Fab'-LysPE40 conjugates and recombinant BR96 sFv-PE40 immunotoxin. These molecules are reactive with a cell membrane antigen on the surface of human carcinomas. The BR96 antibody and its functional equivalents, displays a high degree of selectivity for carcinoma cells and possess the ability to mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and complement-dependent cytotoxicity activity.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions that are radiolabeled scintigraphic imaging agents, comprising a polybasic compound covalently linked to a radiolabel binding moiety and the composition further comprising a polysulfated glycan. The invention also provides methods for producing and using such compositions. Specifically, the invention relates to compositions comprised of technetium-99m (Tc-99m) labeled scintigraphic imaging agents comprising a polybasic compound having at least 5 chemical functionalities that are basic at physiological pH and a radiolabel-binding moiety, the composition further comprising a polysulfated glycan, the composition being capable of accumulating at inflammatory sites in vivo. Methods and kits for making such compositions, and methods for using such compositions to image sites of infection and inflammation in a mammalian body, are also provided.

Abstract: Transaldolase is an enzyme which acts as an autoantigen in immune-related neurodegenerative diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis. Human transaldolase, the DNA coding therefore, peptides derived therefrom, and DNA control elements associated therewith and anti-transaldolase antibodies are disclosed. These compositions are useful in methods such as immunoassays for detecting subjects making anti-transaldolase antibodies and diagnosing the neurodegenerative disease.

Abstract: Neurotransmission by excitatory amino acids (EAAs) such as glutamate is mediated via membrane-bound surface receptors. DNA coding for one family of the kainate-binding type of EAA receptor, has now been isolated and the receptor protein characterized. Herein described are recombinant cell lines which produce the EAA receptor as a heterologous membrane-bound product. Also described are related aspects of the invention, which are of commercial significance. Included is use of the cell lines as a tool for discovery of compounds which modulate EAA receptor stimulation.

Abstract: A DNA enhancer element and the use of this syndecan enhancer element to regulate the expression of genes are provided.