Abstract: The present invention relates generally to nucleic acids encoding a novel neuropeptide designated cortistatin. The cortistatin nucleic acids, proteins and polypeptides thereof along with anti-cortistatin antibodies are useful in both screening methods, diagnostic methods and therapeutic methods related to modulation of sleep and disorders thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to flea ecdysone receptor and ultraspiracle proteins; to flea ecdysone receptor and ultraspiracle nucleic acid molecules, including those that encode such flea ecdysone receptor and ultraspiracle proteins; to antibodies raised against such flea ecdysone receptor and ultraspiracle proteins; and to compounds that inhibit flea ecdysone receptor and/or ultraspiracle activity. The present invention also includes methods to obtain such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies, and inhibitory compounds. Also included in the present invention are therapeutic compositions comprising a protective compound derived from a protein of the present invention that inhibits the binding between ecdysone receptor and ecdysone as well as the use of such therapeutic compositions to protect animals from flea infestation.

Abstract: The invention relates to monoclonal antibody capable of specific binding to the molecular weight of 20 kDa variant of human growth hormone. This monoclonal antibody has no substantial binding to hGH of molecular weight 22 kDa. The invention also relates to the use of this monoclonal antibody for measurement of hGH 20K, especially in body fluids. The antibodies can be used for detection and quantification of hGH 20K, especially in serum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to at least one novel diabetes related human Ig derived protein or specified portion or variant, including isolated nucleic acids that encode at least one diabetes related Ig derived protein or specified portion or variant, diabetes related Ig derived protein or specified portion or variants, vectors, host cells, transgenic animals or plants, and methods of making and using thereof, including therapeutic compositions, methods and devices.

Abstract: A novel subtype of the P2-purinergic receptor, referred to as the P2U2 receptor, is disclosed. This receptor is activated by four of its agonists in the following order of specificity: UTP>UDP>ADP>ATP. Nucleic acids encoding the receptor, antibodies that bind to the receptor and associated screening and therapeutic methods also are disclosed.

Abstract: A hybridoma producing a monoclonal antibody recognizing the C-terminus of human brain natriuretic peptide (hBNP) was cultivated in a medium or the abdominal cavity of a mouse to recover the monoclonal antibody from the medium or ascites accumulated in the abdominal cavity. An immunoassay for hBNP was established using the monoclonal antibody. The immunoassay for hBNP of the invention is so sensitive that the minimum detection limit is 1 pg/ml and can therefore determine the hBNP level in blood plasma directly, without the extraction of hBNP from blood plasma. It is useful for diagnosing diseases such as hypertension and the like, and states of the heart, kidney, and the like by using the increase/decrease of the hBNP level as an index.

Abstract: The present invention provides monoclonal antibodies, and portions thereof, which are capable of specifically binding to human vascular endothelial cell growth factor (hVEGF) or hVEGF-related protein. The invention also provides hybridoma cell lines that produce such monoclonal antibodies. The monoclonal antibodies of the invention are useful as therapeutic agents, either by themselves or in conjunction with cytotoxic or other chemotherapeutic agents, to treat diseases that are characterized by excessive vascular endothelial cell proliferation. The monoclonal antibodies of the invention also are useful in diagnostic and analytical methods for determining the presence of hVEGF or hVEGF related-protein in a test sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are human VEGF-2 antibodies, antibody fragments, or variants thereof. Also provided are processes for producing such antibodies. The present invention relates to methods and compositions for preventing, treating or ameliorating a disease or disorder comprising administering to an animal, preferably a human, an effective amount of one or more VEGF-2 antibodies or fragments or variants thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides monoclonal antibodies, and portions thereof, which are capable of specifically binding to human vascular endothelial cell growth factor (hVEGF) or hVEGF-related protein. The invention also provides hybridoma cell lines that produce such monoclonal antibodies. The monoclonal antibodies of the invention are useful as therapeutic agents, either by themselves or in conjunction with cytotoxic or other chemotherapeutic agents, to treat diseases that are characterized by excessive vascular endothelial cell proliferation. The monoclonal antibodies of the invention also are useful in diagnostic and analytical methods for determining the presence of hVEGF or hVEGF related-protein in a test sample.

Abstract: The nerve growth factor (NGF) is used for the storage of corneas in culture, for the production and the storage in vitro of single cell populations of the corneal morphological and functional unit (i.e., epithelium, stroma/keratocytes and endothelium) and of the conjunctival epithelium, and for the production and the storage of corneal and conjunctival tissues, in particular for transplantation purposes. The NGF is also proposed for use in the therapy and/or the prophylaxis of diseases of the corneal surface, wherein a lack of integrity of the corneal and conjunctival morphological and functional unit occurs, in particular for pathologies having a dystrophic or neurodystrophic basis, both congenital and acquired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for modulating the heterotypic adhesion between E-cadherin expressing cells and T lymphocytes. Monoclonal antibodies which specifically bind to E-cadherin and isolated peptides which mimic the binding function of E-cadherin also are provided. The antibodies and peptides are useful in screening assays to identify pharmaceutical lead compounds which are capable of modulating adhesion between T lymphocytes and E-cadherin expressing cells. Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for modifying the mucosal immune response of a subject also are provided.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies to transforming growth factor beta (TGF-B) are prepared from hybrid cell lines by immunizing with TGF-B2. The antibodies may be of any isotype and may be of any mammalian origin such as murine or human origin. Therapeutic applications utilizing the TGF-B monoclonal antibody are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides monoclonal antibodies, and portions thereof, which are capable of specifically binding to human vascular endothelial cell growth factor (hVEGF) or hVEGF-related protein. The invention also provides hybridoma cell lines that produce such monoclonal antibodies. The monoclonal antibodies of the invention are useful as therapeutic agents, either by themselves or in conjunction with cytotoxic or other chemotherapeutic agents, to treat diseases that are characterized by excessive vascular endothelial cell proliferation. The monoclonal antibodies of the invention also are useful in diagnostic and analytical methods for determining the presence of hVEGF or hVEGF related-protein in a test sample.

Abstract: Described is a monoclonal antibody capable of specifically binding to fibroblast growth factor-8 (FGF-8) which is related to growth factors of hormone-dependent tumor cells such as prostatic cancer and breast cancer, and inhibits the FGF-8 activity. The monoclonal antibody is useful in analyzing the role and biological function of FGF-8 in hormone-dependent tumor cells such as prostatic cancer and breast cancer and can be beneficial in the treatment of these cancers.

Abstract: The invention relates to Cytostatin III polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, methods for producing the polypeptides, in particular by expressing the polynucleotides, and agonists and antagonists of the polypeptides. The invention further relates to methods for utilizing such polynucleotides, polypeptides, agonists and antagonists for applications, which relate, in part, to research, diagnostic and clinical arts.

Abstract: The present invention provides vascular endothelial cell growth factor (hVEGF) antagonists, including monoclonal antibodies, hVEGF receptors, and hVEGF variants that inhibit the mitogenic, angiogenic, or other biological activity of hVEGF. The antagonists thus are useful for the treatment of diseases and disorders characterized by undesirable or excessive endothelial cell proliferation or neovascularization. The monoclonal antibodies and receptors of the invention also are useful in diagnostic and analytical methods for determining the presence of hVEGF in a test sample.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for detecting the presence of human malignant cells in a sample of tumor cells; determining whether a tumor present in a human subject is malignant; obtaining an enriched population of live human malignant cells; determining the amount of intact luteinizing hormone in a sample; determining the ovulatory stage of a subject; determining the amount of intact follicle stimulating hormone in a sample; determining the ovulatory stage of a subject; determining the amount of intact human chorionic gonadotropin in a sample; determining whether a subject is pregnant; determining the ovulatory stage of a subject; determining the amount of free &agr; subunit of human luteinizing hormone in a sample; determining whether a subject has a malignant tumor; determining the amount of nicked human chorionic gonadotropin in a sample; and determining the likelihood of a fetus's being afflicted with Down's syndrome.

Abstract: This is a method for treating reproductive disorders associated with a failure of gamete maturation in subjects by administering a composition containing a complex of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3).

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated nucleic acid encoding a human MCH1 receptor, a purified human MCH1 receptor, vectors comprising isolated nucleic acid encoding a human MCH1 receptor, cells comprising such vectors, antibodies directed to a human MCH1 receptor, nucleic acid probes useful for detecting nucleic acid encoding human MCH1 receptors, antisense oligonucleotides complementary to unique sequences of nucleic acid encoding human MCH1 receptors, transgenic, nonhuman animals which express DNA encoding a normal or mutant human MCH1 receptor, methods of isolating a human MCH1 receptor, methods of treating an abnormality that is linked to the activity of a human MCH1 receptor, as well as methods of determining binding of compounds to mammalian MCH1 receptors.

Abstract: A method of assaying the growth hormone status of an individual by immuno-assay for the 150 KDa Insulin-like Growth Factor ternary complex (IGF/IGFBP-3/ALS). Alternatively, a binary complex may be assayed. The method involves capturing the IGFBP complex with a first antibody coupled to a solid phase and detecting the complex with a second antibody coupled to a label. A set of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies usefutl for the assay is also provided.

Abstract: An animal cell capable of producing an antibody specific to a human growth hormone having a molecular weight of 20,000 (20 k hGH) was prepared from an animal immunized with 20 k hGH. The animal cell was fused with a myeloma cell to produce a monoclonal antibody which specifically reacted to 20 k hGH, but substantially not to 22 k hGH. The monoclonal antibody was useful for immunoassay of 20 k hGH.

Abstract: An animal cell capable of producing an antibody specific to a human growth hormone having a molecular weight of 20,000 (20 k hGH) was prepared from an animal immunized with 20 k hGH. The animal cell was fused with a myeloma cell to produce a monoclonal antibody which specifically reacted to 20 k hGH, but substantially not to 22 k hGH. The monoclonal antibody was useful for immunoassay of 20 k hGH.

Abstract: Disclosed are an antibody which have a binding activity to human betacellulin protein or a mutein thereof with specificity; especially a monoclonal antibody which does not have cross reactitivity with human epidermal growth factor (EGF) and human transforming growth factor a (TGF-&agr;), belongs to the immunoglobulin class of IgG, and,specifically binds to human betacellulin protein to neutralize biological activity thereof; a hybridoma for producing the monoclonal antibody; and a method for producing the monoclonal antibody. Said monoclonal antibody neutralizes biological activity of a human BTC protein, and bind to the protein with high sensitivity and specificity, so that they can be used as a therapeutic agent for diseases such as arterial sclerosis and cancers, and also used as a reagent for assaying the human BTC protein or a mutein thereof and as a diagnostic agent for diabetes or complications thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides reagents and assays for the quantification of hBNP in biological fluid samples such as plasma or serum. Antibodies are provided which are monospecific to epitopes comprising the amino acid sequences 5-13, 1-10 and 15-25 of hBNP. These antibodies, and peptide fragments containing these sequences, can be employed in the assays of the invention, which may be carried out in a sandwich format or a competition format.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the control of body weight of animals including mammals and humans, and more particularly to materials identified herein as modulators of body weight, and to diagnostic and therapeutic uses of such modulators. In its broadest aspect, the present invention relates to nucleotide sequences corresponding to the murine and human OB gene, and two isoforms thereof, and proteins expressed by such nucleotides or degenerate variations thereof, that demonstrate the ability to participate in the control of mammalian body weight and that have been postulated to play a critical role in the regulation of body weight and adiposity. The present invention further provides nucleic acid molecules for use as molecular probes or as primers for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. In further aspects, the present invention provides cloning vectors and mammalian expression vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecules of the invention.

Abstract: A novel cytokine, designated Apo-2 ligand, which induces mammalian cell apoptosis is provided. The Apo-2 ligand is believed to be a member of the TNF cytokine family. Compositions including Apo-2 ligand chimeras, nucleic acid encoding Apo-2 ligand, and antibodies to Apo-2 ligand are also provided. Methods of using Apo-2 ligand to induce apoptosis and to treat pathological conditions such as cancer, are further provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification and characterization of a novel, membrane-anchored chemokine, neurotactin. Sequence analysis of neurotactin reveals that, while it includes an amino terminal domain which resembles that of other chemokines, it has an overall structure which distinguishes it from all presently identified chemokines. Neurotactin is highly expressed in normal mammalian brain. Inhibitors of neurotactin expression or activity can be used to treat inflammation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides and polypeptides derived from the submaxillary gland of the rat. In particular, the present invention discloses a purified peptide of formuls:X-His-Asn-Pro-Yin which X represents a Gln or Pro-Glu residue and Y represents an OH group or residue of a basic amino acid. The present invention also relates to corresponding polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies as well as corresponding hybridomas. The products of the present invention are useful for therapeutic, diagnosis and detection purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to monoclonal antibodies to human leukemia inhibitory factor. The disclosed monoclonal antibodies are believed to recognize unique epitopes on hLIF and are useful in the treatment of conditions wherein the presence of hLIF causes or contributes to undesirable pathological effects, such as cachexia, dysregulated calcium metabolism, or excessive bone cell proliferation, and in the detection of hLIF, for example, in clinical samples or specimens.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody is produced from a cloned hybridoma, and the monoclonal antibody combines specifically with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Therefore, the monoclonal antibody can be advantageously used for assay reagents on bFGF or for purification of bFGF.

Abstract: This invention provides an antibody which specifically binds to hLH.beta.cf without cross-reacting with hLH, hLH.beta. or hCG.beta.cf. In an embodiment, the monoclonal antibody is designated B505. In a further embodiment, the hybridoma cell line producing the monoclonal antibody B 505 is designated ATCC Accession No.12000. This invention provides different uses of the antibodies. Finally, this invention provides a method for determining the amount of hLH.beta.cf or hLH.beta.cf-related molecule in a sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to the family of the protein (PAP) associated with acute pancreatitis in man and in the rat. It also relates to the nucleotide fragments coding for the above proteins. Also included in the framework of the invention are antibodies which recognize the PAP and which are capable of being used for the purpose of diagnosing pancreatitis. The invention also relates to the production of the PAP, in particular by genetic engineering.

Abstract: The invention relates to monoclonal antibody capable of specific binding to the molecular weight of 20 kDa variant of human growth hormone. This monoclonal antibody has no substantial binding to hGH of molecular weight 22 kDa. The invention also relates to the use of this monoclonal antibody for measurement of hGH 20K, especially in body fluids. The antibodies can be used for detection and quantification of hGH 20K, especially in serum.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody which specifically binds to an antigen on the membrane of mitochondria in apoptotic cells. The antigen is a 38 kD protein that is detectable in cells undergoing apoptosis and undetectable in normal cells. This selectivity of the monoclonal antibody provides a method of distinguishing between normal and apoptotic cells in a sample of human hemopoietic cell populations. A method for detecting and measuring cells undergoing apoptosis is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies that define Oncostatin M, a novel cytokine. The monoclonal antibodies of the invention are capable of binding to Oncostatin M, inhibiting Oncostatin M receptor binding, and/or inhibiting Oncostatin M bioactivity. Such antibodies may be used to detect the presence at Oncostatin M and/or to modulate Oncostatin M bioactivities in an in vivo or in vitro system.

Abstract: The invention includes a nucleic acid encoding a nuclear localization protein which binds to, stabilizes and translocates to the nucleus a protein involved in circadian rhythms. Also included are the protein encoded by the nucleic acid, antibodies to the protein, and compositions and kits for the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the sleep-wake cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of diagnosis of pathological pregnancy which relies on an evaluation of the amount of placental isoferritin (PLF) in the serum or amniotic fluid of a pregnant woman. Diagnosis may also be achieved by observation of percentages of PLF-bearing lymphocytes in the pregnant female. Detection of PLF levels is achieved by immunoassay with a PLF-specific antibody. Also described is a method of treating or preventing pathological pregnancies and transplant or graft rejection by administration of effective amounts of PLF and/or a PLF-specific antibody in combination with immunization.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody is produced from a cloned hybridoma, and the monoclonal antibody combines specifically with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Therefore, the monoclonal antibody can be advantageously used for assay reagents on bFGF or for purification of bFGF.

Abstract: Provided are hybridomas for producing monoclonal antibodies against acetylated lysine residues of rbSt. The antibodies are specific to the presence of at least a single acetylated lysine in a protein and can differentiate between .alpha.-acetyl and .epsilon.-acetyl lysine as free amino acids.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of treating a disease that results from a deficiency of a biological factor which comprises administering to a mammal Sertoli cells and cells that produce the biological factor. In particular, the present invention describes a method of treating diabetes mellitus by transplanting pancreatic islet of Langerhans cells in conjunction with Sertoli cells to create an immunologically privileged site. A method of creating an immunologically privileged site in a mammal for cellular transplants is further described by the present invention. A pharmaceutical composition and compartmentalized kit comprising Sertoli cells and cells that produce a biological factor is also provided.

Abstract: A leukemia inhibitory factor antagonist, alone or in combination with an endothelin antagonist, may be used for treatment of heart failure. The antagonist(s) are administered in a chronic fashion, in therapeutically effective amounts, to achieve this purpose.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to antibodies, in particular monoclonal antibodies, which specifically bind to somatotropin binding proteins of animals, but not with the corresponding somatotropin receptors. The antibodies may be used alone to enhance the growth of animals, or may be used together with somatotropin to potentiate the effect of somatotropin in animals. The antibodies may also be used to assay the level of somatotropin binding protein of animals.

Abstract: The present invention provides monoclonal antibodies against peptides having an amino acid sequence described in Sequence No. 1 or No. 2, the peptides being found in human thymidine phosphorylase and human platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor. The Invention also provides an immunoassay for human thymidine phosphorylase and/or human platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor using the monoclonal antibodies. The monoclonal antibodies of the invention recognize human thymidine phosphorylase and human platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor, and thus are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of various tumors and their metastasis and diseases accompanying abnormal angiogenesis.

Abstract: An enzymatic RNA molecule which cleaves bcl.2 mRNA associated with development or maintenance of follicular lymphoma.

Abstract: A novel polypeptide, designated neurotrophic factor-4 (NT-4), has been identified by PCR amplification of human genomic DNA. Provided herein is nucleic acid encoding NT-4 useful in diagnostics and in the recombinant preparation of NT-4. Also provided herein are nucleic acids encoding naturally occurring amino acid sequence variants of NT-4, designated NT-4.beta., NT-4.gamma., and NT-4.DELTA.. The neurotrophic factors of the invention are useful in the treatment of nerve cells and in diagnostic assays.

Abstract: Cleavage site blocking antibody that binds to prohormones, preferable Tumor Necrosis Factor, thereby preventing the formation of prohormone fragment(s) by proteolysis of the prohormone, and uses of the antibody including prophylactic and therapeutic methods to treat disease, and diagnostic assays for determining the amount of the prohormone and prohormone fragments present in a patients body.

Abstract: The present invention provides purified and isolated polynucleotide sequences encoding a novel human macrophage-derived C--C chemokine designated MDC. Also provided are materials and methods for the recombinant production of the chemokine, and purified and isolated chemokine protein.

Abstract: Cleavage site blocking antibody that binds to prohormones, preferable Tumor Necrosis Factor, thereby preventing the formation of prohormone fragment(s) by proteolysis of the prohormone, and uses of the antibody including prophylactic and therapeutic methods to treat disease, and diagnostic assays for determining the amount of the prohormone and prohormone fragments present in a patients body.

Abstract: Disclosed are (A) an antibody to a peptide including at least 8 successive amino acids of an amino acid sequence represented by formulaTyrAlaGluHisLysSerHisArgGlyGluTyrSerValCys AspSerGluSerLeuTrpValThrAspLysSerSerAlaIle AspIleArgGlyHisGlnValThrValLeuGlyGluIleLys ThrGlyAsnSerProValLysGlnTyrPheTyrGluThrArg CysLysGluAlaArgProValLysAsnGlyCysArgGlyIle AspAspLysHisTrpAsnSerGlnCysLysThrSerGlnThr TyrValArgAlaLeuThrSerGluAsnAsnLysLeuValGly TrpArgTrpIleArgIleAspThrSerCysValCysAlaLeu SerArgLysIleGlyArg[1],wherein said antibody has no substantial cross-reactivity with human NGF,(B) a method for producing the antibody, (C) a cloned hybridoma which produces the antibody, (D) a method for producing the cloned hybridoma, (E) a partial peptide of a polypeptide (I) including an amino acid sequence represented by formula (1), (F) a conjugate of a peptide including at least 8 successive amino acids of formula (1) with a carrier protein, (G) a method for purifying the polypeptide (I) and (H) a method for detecting and assaying t

Abstract: Discoveries are disclosed that show particular aspects of recombinant DNA technology can be used successfully to produce hitherto unknown human keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) protein free of other polypeptides. These proteins can be produced in various functional forms from spontaneously secreting cells or from DNA segments introduced into cells. These forms variously enable biochemical and functional studies of this novel protein as well as production of antibodies. Means are described for determining the level of expression of genes for the KGF protein, for example, by measuring mRNA levels in cells or by measuring antigen secreted in extracellular or body fluids.