Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid molecules containing nucleotide sequences encoding helminth aminopeptidase enzymes, and antigenic fragments and functionally-equivalent variants thereof, their use in the preparation of vaccines for use against helminth parasites, and synthetic polypeptides encoded by them.

Abstract: The invention concerns a composition useful for the manufacture of vaccines containing particles having the immunogenic properties characteristic of the antigen HBsAg, these particles being more particularly characterized by the fact that the particles equally contain a receptor for polymerized human albumin. They are obtained by transformation of human or animal cells by a vector containing a DNA sequence coding for the S and pre-S regions of a genome of viral hepatitis B, this DNA sequence being placed under the direct control of a promoter permitting the effective transcription of the sequence in the human or animal cells transformable by the vector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a 120-kDa protein gene of Ehrlichia canis, amplified by PCR using primers derived from the DNA sequences flanking the Ehrlichia chaffeensis 120-kDa protein gene. The recombinant E. canis 120-kDa protein contains 14 tandem repeat units with 36 amino acids each. The repeat units are hydrophilic and predicted to be surface-exposed. Also disclosed is that the recombinant E. canis 120-kDa protein is antigenic and reacts with sera from dogs convalescent from canine ehrlichiosis.

Abstract: A novel plasmid has inserted therein the cDNA for prostaglandin synthase. The present invention further provides a method of increasing prostanoid production in vivo including the general steps of delivering a prostaglandin synthase gene to cells in vivo and hyperexpressing the gene to enhance prostanoid production in the cells.

Abstract: A substantially pure, covalently linked human T cell reactive feline protein (TRFP) has been isolated from vacuum bag extract obtained by affinity purification of house dust collected from several homes with cats; DNA encoding all or a portion of the TRFP or peptide; compositions containing such a protein or peptide or portions thereof; and antibodies reactive with the TRFP or peptide are disclosed. Also disclosed are recombinant TRFP or peptide; modified or mutated TRFP peptides; their use for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated mammalian nucleic acid molecule encoding an alternatively spliced prostate-specific membrane (PSM') antigen. This invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a prostate-specific membrane antigen promoter. This invention provides a method of detecting hematogenous micrometastic tumor cells of a subject, and determining prostate cancer progression in a subject.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid compounds encoding a multiple drug resistance protein of Aspergillus nidulans. Vectors and transformed host cells comprising the multiple drug resistance-encoding DNA of Aspergillus nidulans atrD are also provided. The invention further provides assays which utilize these transformed host cells.

Abstract: The invention provides spoIIIE polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encodig spoIIIE polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utlizng spoIIIE polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: The invention provides gbpA polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding gbpA polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing gbpA polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: The invention provides folC polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding folC polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing folC polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: The invention provides M Protein polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding M Protein polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing M Protein polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: The invention provides a DNA encoding at least one part of genetic information of protein which has biochemical and immunological properties of a major allergen of Dermatophagoides farinae (Derf II).

Abstract: A family of tumor rejection antigen precursors, and the nucleic acid molecules which code for them, are disclosed. These tumor rejection antigen precursors are referred to as BAGE tumor rejection antigen precursors, and the nucleic acid molecules which code for them are referred to as BAGE coding molecules. Various diagnostic and therapeutic uses of the coding sequences and the tumor rejection antigen precursor molecules are described.

Abstract: Antigens derived from Taenia crassiceps have been isolated which have specificity and sensitivity in their reactivity with antibodies against Taenia saginata and Taenia solium. These antigens may therefor be used in diagnostic testing for the serological screening of livestock for cysticercosis, rather than relying upon methods involving dissection and visual examination.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid encoding an approximately 26 kilodalton antigen, PEB1A, of Campylobacter jejuni, or an antigenic fragment thereof, wherein the antigen is associated with diarrheal disease. The present invention also provides methods of detecting the presence of a Campylobacter jejuni strain possessing the PEB1A antigen in a subject. Vaccines and treatments for C. jejuni infection are provided, as is a mutant C. jejuni not expressing a functional PEB1A antigen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protein containing the extracellular domain of LAG-3, and DNA sequences coding for the protein and the pharmaceutical and biological uses of the protein.

Abstract: A gene is provided which is present in the deletion region of a chromosome common in lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal cancer and encodes a novel protein, a protein encoded by the gene (PRLTS protein), and a method of discriminating tumor cells. With respect to the human chromosome 8, a detailed gene map was prepared, the chromosome of each of lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal cancer tissues was analyzed, and a gene encoding a novel protein was cloned to thereby determine the structure thereof. A gene analysis was conducted with the use of a DNA probe derived from the above gene, and consequently mutations in the gene were confirmed in the lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal cancer tissues.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant cell lines, in particular mamalian cell lines, capable of expressing recombinant CDw52 antigen or an antigenic fragment thereof. The cell lines can be used for the production of recombinant CDw52 antigen and in assaying for anti-CDw52 antibody in a sample.

Abstract: The invention provides CTLA4 mutant molecules as ligands for the B7 antigen. Methods are provided for expressing CTLA4 mutant molecules as soluble, functional molecules, for preparing CTLA4 mutant fusion proteins, and for using these soluble molecules to regulate T cell interactions and immune responses mediated by such interactions.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant DNA molecules comprising a sequence encoding a pseudorabies virus (PRV) glycoprotein selected from the group consisting of gI, gp50, and gp63, host cells transformed by said recombinant DNA molecule sequences, the gI, gp50 and gp63 polypeptides. The present invention also provides subunit vaccines for PRY, methods for protecting animals against PRV infection and methods for distinguishing between infected and vaccinated animals.

Abstract: Packaging defective and packaging proficient HIV vectors are disclosed. These vectors can be used to establish HIV packaging defective cell lines, and to package desired genes. These cell lines can be used in developing a vaccine, HIV antibodies and as part of a system for gene transfer. The packaging proficient vector can be used to target HIV target cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is an isolated and purified feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) culture having the identifying characteristics of FIV isolate NCSU.sub.1. A biologically pure culture of host cells containing a FIV having the identifying characteristics of FIV isolate NCSU.sub.1 is also disclosed, along with isolated and purified DNA coding for (a) an FIV having the identifying characteristics of FIV isolate NCSU.sub.1, or (b) an antigenic fragment of an FIV having the identifying characteristics of FIV isolate NCSU.sub.1. Various vaccine formulations containing active agents derived from the foregoing FIV virus, DNA encoding the virus, and DNA encoding antigenic fragments of the virus are also disclosed herein.Also disclosed are immunodeficient mice containing feline tissue, which feline tissue is capable of infection with a feline immunodeficiency virus such as (but not limited to) FIV isolate NCSU.sub.1.

Abstract: The invention features a method for diagnosis of pancreatitis by detecting an elevation in the amount of GP2 pancreatic glycoprotein in a sample of bodily fluid such as human blood, serum, or urine. The invention also features isolated DNA encoding human GP2, a method for producing recombinant human GP2, antibodies which specifically bind to human GP2, a method for producing anti-human GP2 antibodies, and a kit for use in the diagnosis of pancreatitis.

Abstract: A hybrid vector carrying a first and second DNA segments operationally linked thereto, the first DNA segment encoding a protein capable of cross-linking to the cap structure of mRNA and mediating ribosome-binding, and the second DNA segment encoding a polypeptide or protein, the vector being capable of replication, transcription and translation to express the factor and the polypeptide or protein upon transformation of a eukaryotic host, and the polypeptide or protein being expressed at a level higher than the level of expression thereof in the absence of the first DNA segment. A eukaryotic host is transformed with this hybrid vector. Also disclosed is a method of increasing the synthesis of a polypeptide or protein in a eukaryotic host cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides the nucleotide sequence for a synthetic gene for the plant toxin gelonin and a process for producing, cloning and expressing this synthetic gene. The DNA sequence for a synthetic gene for gelonin as shown in sequence ID NO. 1. The present invention also provides expression vectors containing the DNA sequences for gelonin and cells transformed with these vectors. In addition, an immunotoxin comprising an antibody of conjugated to the protein gelonin.

Abstract: A new family of tumor rejection antigen precursors, and the nucleic acid molecules which code for them, are disclosed. These tumor rejection antigen precursors are referred to as GAGE tumor rejection antigen precursors, and the nucleic acid molecules which code for them are referred to as GAGE coding molecules. Various diagnostic and therapeutic uses of the coding sequences and the tumor rejection antigens, and their precursor molecules are described.