Abstract: DNA molecules that code for IL-1 antagonists with improved biological activity arc described. DNA molecules coding for improved IL-1 antagonists inserted into expression vectors and host cells transformed with the said vectors containing the DNA coding for improved IL-1 antagonists and a method for the production of improved IL-1 antagonists in essentially pure form are also described. Preparations that can be injected or can be administered by some other route, consisting of a pharmaceutical preparation of the said mutants, are particularly useful as drugs in the field of therapy.

Abstract: The specification relates to a synthetic peptide converted into a salt comprising one or more amine groups and capable of potentiating in vivo the primary and secondary antibody response to thymo-dependent and thymo-independent antigens having low immunogenicity.Injectable preparations comprising a solution of the peptide in a pharmacologically acceptable solvent are particularly useful as adjuvants in therapy.

Abstract: Synthetic peptide with human interleukin 1 activity, which peptide can be used as a stimulant of the immune functions and can be defined by the general formula:Val-Gln-Gly-Glu-Glu-Ser-Asn-Asp-Lys-X (I)where: Val=L-valine; Gln=L-glutamine; Gly=glycine; Glu=L-glutamic acid; Ser=L-serine; Asn=L-asparagine; Asp=L-aspartic acid; Lys=L-lysine; X=cysteine (Cys), OH, NH.sub.2, a benzyl ester or an alkyl ester group having a number of carbon atoms from 1 to 7.