Abstract: The present application discloses nucleic acid constructs comprising nucleic acids which encode a protein which inhibits the cellular protein p27 and thereby relieves the inhibition of the proliferation of the cell which is brought about by p27, fragments and variants thereof, some of which possess a dominant interfering character.

Abstract: Nucleic acid constructs are disclosed which possess a nuclear retention signal which is linked, downstream in the reading direction, to a transgene. The nuclear retention signal can regulate the presence of the transcription product in the cell nucleus or else the intracellular transport of the transcription product.

Abstract: The promoter of the human endoglin gene, parts thereof, and compositions containing these are useful for high level control of gene expression, particularly in endothelial cells. The promoter, and promoter active portions of the promoter are shown to have unexpected activity and are particularly relevant for therapeutic use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nucleic acid construct for expressing an active substance which is activated by an enzyme which is released from mammalian cells, which construct comprises the following components: a) at least one promoter element, b) at least one DNA sequence which encodes an active compound (protein B) c) a least one DNA sequence which encodes an amino acid sequence (part structure C) which can be cleaved specifically by an enzyme which is released from a mammalian cell, and d) at least one DNA sequence which encodes a peptide or protein (part structure D) which is bound to the active compound (protein B) by way of the cleavable amino acid sequence (part structure C) and inhibits the activity of the active compound (protein B), and also to the use of the nucleic acid construct for preparing a drug for treating diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides the promoter of the cdc25B gene, a process for finding cdc25B promoters and methods for using the promoters for preparing a pharmaceutical.

Abstract: Target cell-specific, non-viral vectors for inserting genes into cells, pharmaceuticals composition comprising such vectors, and methods of their use. Target cell-specific, non-viral vectors for inserting at least one gene into cells of an organism, comprising a complex comprising the following components:a) a non-viral carrier for the gene to be inserted,b) a ligand which can bind specifically to the desired target cell,c) a fusion protein for the penetration of the vector into the cytoplasm of the target cell, andd) the gene to be introducedare disclosed. Vectors of this nature are used, for example, in gene therapy.

Abstract: Nucleic acid constructs comprising an activator sequence, a promoter module, and a structural gene are disclosed. The promoter module comprises a a CHR region and a nucleic acid sequence that binds a protein of the E2F family. These constructs are used in gene therapy, such as the treatment of disorders characterized by excess cell proliferation.

Abstract: The invention relates to promoter sequences for a gene comprising a tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3). This inhibitor is found in particular in macrophages, synovial cells, and connective tissue cells. The invention also relates to cell-specific gene therapy of a subject, wherein expression of a gene in a tissue is regulated by the aforementioned promoter sequence operationally coupled to said gene. The promoter may also be used in diagnostic methods.

Abstract: A DNA sequence for the gene therapy of tumors is described. In its essential elements, the DNA sequence is composed of an activator sequence, a promoter module and a gene for the active substance. The activator sequence is activated, in a cell-specific manner, in proliferating endothelial cells or in cells which are adjacent to these endothelial cells. This activation is regulated by the promoter module in a cell cycle-specific manner. The active substance is an inhibitor of angiogenesis or a cytostatic or cytotoxic molecule. The DNA sequence is inserted into a viral or non-viral vector which is supplemented with a ligand which possesses affinity for the activated endothelial cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of using a pair of leucine zipper peptides for in vitro diagnosis, in particular, for the immunochemical detection and determination of an analyte in a biological liquid. In one method, the first leucine zipper peptide is immobilized by attaching it to a solid support, the second leucine zipper peptide is coupled to a specific binding partner for the analyte, the two peptides are brought into contact, the sample of the biological liquid is brought into contact with the immobilized first peptide and the specific binding partner for the analyte, and the amount of analyte bound to the binding partner is determined. The leucine zipper peptides are preferably v-fos and c-jun.

Abstract: Substituted phenols of the formula I ##STR1## processes for their preparation and compositions containing substituted phenols of the formulae I and II ##STR2## for the treatment of disorders caused by cell proliferation, such as psoriasis, tumor disorders and immunological disorders, are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel mono-functional and bis-functional anthraquinone-(oxy-2,3-oxido-propanes) and to a process for their preparation. The compounds according to the invention are useful as intermediates in the preparation of drugs possessing a .beta.-receptor blocker action and as crosslinking agents in the preparation of polymers, and moreover exhibit cytostatic activity.

Abstract: Heterocyclic sulfides of the general formula heterocycle-S-R, a process for their preparation and, in particular, their use for immunostimulation, immunorestoration and cytostatic treatment, and pharmaceutical agents, which contain a sulfide of this type, for these indications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the micro-organism Streptomyces purpurascens (DSM 2658), its mutants and variants, a process for the preparation of anthracycline derivatives by fermentation of these cultures and to the anthracycline derivatives themselves. The new compounds are distinguished by antibacterial activity and, in addition, they act against various types of tumors.

Abstract: The fact that Lycorine can be used for suppression of the immune system of mammals is described. Lycorine is therefore suitable for the therapy of autoimmune diseases, immune complex diseases and allergic and rheumatic conditions and for prophylaxis against transplant rejections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound of the formula ##STR1## and to a process for its isolation from plants of the family comprising the meliaceae. The compound has, in particular, immunosuppressive properties, and can therefore be used as a medicament.

Abstract: The possibility of using the diterpene derivative forskolin (1.alpha., 6.beta., 9.alpha.-trihydroxy-7.beta.-acetoxy-8,13-epoxy-14-labden-11-one) to increase the immunological responsiveness of mammals is described.

Abstract: The invention relates to an agent for stimulating the immunologic reactivity, comprising a mixture of an antigen and neuraminidase.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a method for the therapy of immunocomplex diseases with an agent which contains Fc-reagents that react with the Fc-part of the antibody contained in the immunocomplex, but which themselves do not posses an immunologically active Fc-part or an Fc-part capable of being activated.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a method for the immunological determination of an immuno-complex, comprising an antigen and an antibody, in a liquid containing said immuno-complex, which method comprises(a) incubating said liquid containing said immumo-complex with a first reagent bound to a carrier, said first reagent being specific for an antigenic determinant of the antigen in said immuno-complex and being present in an amount sufficient to fix said immuno-complex;(b) separating the carrier from said liquid containing said immuno-complex and incubating it in a solution of a second reagent, said second reagent being specific for an antigenic determinant of the antibody in said immuno-complex and being present in an amount sufficient to fix said immuno-complex; and(c) separating the carrier from said solution of the second reagent and determining the amount of bound or unbound second reagent.