Abstract: The invention relates to cDNA genetic sequences, vehicles containing same as well as hosts transformed therewith, for the production of chimeric immunoglobulin molecules, functional fragments thereof and immunoglobulin derivatives exhibiting novel functional properties comprising human constant region modules and non-human variable region modules, or for class switching antibody molecules and/or chains. The invention also relates to DNA coding for pectate lyase signal peptide has been cloned on a plasmid to create a secretion vector which is capable of producing a chosen protein which is transported across the bacterial membrane. The secretion vector has been used to secrete extracellular thaumatin and extracellular chimeric antibody fragments. The proteins produced by this vector have biological activity. The thaumatin is properly folded and the antibody fragments are capable of binding antigens on target cancer cells.

Abstract: A one-pack composition conferring flame-retardant and fabric-softening properties on fabrics comprises a THP.sup.+ salt, an organic nitrogen compound (eg urea) and a hydroxyl-reactive organic compound having 12 or more carbon atoms. Preferred examples of such compounds include C.sub.12 amine, C.sub.18 amine and tallow amine (viz C.sub.16 /C.sub.18 /C.sub.20 amine mixture).

Abstract: The invention relates to the secretion of heavy chain immunoglobulin fragments and light chain immunoglobulins from prokaryotic hosts using a prokaryotic secretion signal peptide wherein the heavy chain fragments and light chains are capable of associating to form an antigen binding antibody fragment.

Abstract: The invention relates to cDNA genetic sequences, vehicles containing same as well as hosts transformed therewith, for the production of chimeric immunoglobulin molecules, functional fragments thereof and immunoglobulin derivatives exhibiting novel functional properties comprising human constant region modules and non-human variable region modules, or for class switching antibody molecules and/or chains.The invention also relates to DNA coding for pectate lyase signal peptide has been cloned on a plasmid to create a secretion vector which is capable of producing a chosen protein which is transported across the bacterial membrane. The secretion vector has been used to secrete extracellular thaumatin and extracellular chimeric antibody fragments. The proteins produced by this vector have biological activity. The thaumatin is properly folded and the antibody fragments are capable-of binding antigens on target cancer cells.

Abstract: Gene expression elements and their use in production of chimeric antibodies with human constant regions and murine variable regions, and mouse human chimeric antibodies having specificity to human tumor cells, methods of their production, and their use.

Abstract: The invention relates to DNA coding for a pectate lyase signal peptide which has been inserted into plasmids to create secretion vectors which are capable of producing a chosen protein by directing transport across the bacterial membrane. The secretion vectors have been used to secrete extracellular thaumatin and extracellular antibody fragments. The proteins produced by these vectors have biological activity. The thaumatin is properly folded and the antibody fragments are capable of binding antigens on target cancer cells.

Abstract: Genetically engineered E. coli carry vectors containing inserts that code for Clostridium histolyticum collagenase. These inserts code for: (a) a form of collagenase having a molecular weight of about 68,000 daltons in the essential absence of larger forms of collagenase; (b) the 68 kd form of collagenase and a fusion polypeptide consisting of the collagenase protein fused to at least a portion of the .beta.-galactosidase protein of E. coli or (3) the 68 kd form of collagenase and polypeptides of molecular weight of from above about 68,000 daltons to about 100,000 daltons and having the enzymatic activity of C. histolyticum collagenase as indicated by digestion of .sup.3 H-acetylated collagen and by specific inhibition by 1,10-phenanthroline plus EDTA. The collagenase genes in the transformed E. coli are expressed efficiently in the transformed cells to yield enzymatically active and immunologically cross-reactive collagenase.

Abstract: The present invention provides purified and isolated polynucleotides encoding Type I ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) such as gelonin and analogs of the RIPs having a cysteine available for disulfide bonding to targeting molecules. Vectors comprising the polynucleotides and host cells transformed with the vectors are also provided. The RIPs and RIP analogs are particularly suited for use as components of cytotoxic therapeutic agents of the invention which include gene fusion products and immunoconjugates. Cytotoxic therapeutic agents or immunotoxins according to the present invention may be used to selectively eliminate any cell type to which the RIP component is targeted by the specific binding capacity of the second component of the agent, and are suited for treatment of diseases where the elimination of a particular cell type is a goal, such as autoimmune disease, cancer and graft-versus-host disease.

Abstract: Genetically engineered E. coli carry vectors containing inserts that code for Clostridium histolyticum collagenase. These inserts code for: (a) a form of collagenase having a molecular weight of about 68,000 daltons in the essential absence of larger forms of collagenase; (b) the 68 kd form of collagenase and a fusion polypeptide consisting of the collagenase protein fused to at least a portion of the .beta.-galactosidase protein of E. coli; or (3) the 68 kd form of collagenase and polypeptides of molecular weight of from above about 68,000 daltons to about 100,000 daltons and having the enzymatic activity of C. histolyticum collagenase as indicated by digestion of .sup.3 H-acetylated collagen and by specific inhibition by 1,10-phenanthroline plus EDTA. The collagenase genes in the transformed E. coli are expressed efficiently in the transformed cells to yield enzymatically active and immunologically cross-reactive collagenase.