Abstract: The subject invention concerns a nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding human interleukin-1 (IL-1), and fragments thereof, and the polypeptides and peptides obtained. Specifically, the subject invention comprises the cloning of a cDNA synthesized by reverse transcription of poly(A)RNA isolated from adherent human monocytes stimulated with bacterial endotoxin. Human IL-1 is useful to induce the production of IL-2 by activated T-cells; it also acts on B-cells and NK-cells. The subject invention further concerns antibodies that are immunoreactive with human IL-1.beta. proteins.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel compounds which are used as linkers to bind peptides to solid support. The novel compounds can be used for the purification of synthesized peptides and are represented by the following structural formula:X--NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.n --SO.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O--CO--Y;n is an integer from 1-4; X is a thiol functionalized with a protecting group that is cleavable under acidic conditions; and Y is a leaving group.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel inhibitors of oligosaccharyl transferase, methods for producing Glc.sub.3 Man.sub.9 (GlcNAc).sub.2 --P--P--Dol, and methods for producing glycopeptides.

Abstract: A process for preparing and purifying cyclic peptides having disulfide moieties in a two step processing operation including reverse phase chromatography which simplifies synthesis and reduces production costs, yet produces high, quality yield. The improved process is particularly useful for the preparation of vasopressin and oxytocin and their respective derivatives and analogs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for purifying follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) from biological samples, for example, from human pituitary glands or human postmenopausal urine, wherein the FSH is contaminated with other proteins, by use of dye-ligand affinity chromatography (DAC). This process may be used to generate affinity pure FSH suitable for therapeutic applications.

Abstract: Methods are provided for eluting peptides that are bound to major histocompatibility complex ("MHC") molecules expressed on the cell surfaces of viable cells that have at least one MHC-peptide complex on the surfaces of the cells, the method comprising incubating the cells in the presence of peptide elution buffer, preferably comprising iso-osmotic, citrate-phosphate buffer at a pH of approximately 3.3, for between about 15 seconds and one minute. Using these methods a naturally processed melanoma peptide recognized by CD8.sup.+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes has been identified.

Abstract: Purified mammalian thrombopoietin proteins and methods of making them are disclosed. The proteins are characterized by a M.sub.r =70,000.+-.10,000 daltons as determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under denaturing conditions and are at least 90% pure with respect to contaminating proteins. The proteins can be prepared by a method in which thrombopoietin is adsorbed to and eluted from a polypeptide comprising a ligand-binding domain of an MPL receptor, then the eluted thrombopoietin is fractionated by anion exchange chromatography.

Abstract: Protein surfactants are recovered from processed menhaden fish. Stick water is clarified and soluble proteins contained therein are precipitated by the addition of ammonium sulfate. The precipitated proteins are recovered from the solution.

Abstract: Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Inhibitory Protein is isolated and substantially purified. It has the ability to inhibit: (a) the binding of TNF to its receptors, and (b) the cytotoxic effect of TNF. TNF Inhibitory Protein and salts, functional derivatives and active fractions thereof can be used to antagonize the deleterious effects of TNF.

Abstract: A liquid phase process for preparing GnRH peptide analogs of the formula:G-AA.sub.1 -(A)D-Phe-AA.sub.3 -AA.sub.4 -(R.sub.2)-AA.sub.5 -AA.sub.6 AA.sub.7 -AA.sub.8 -Pro-AA.sub.10 -NH.sub.2Formula 1which comprises:(a) reacting a peptide of the formula:T-(R.sub.2)AA.sub.5 -AA.sub.6 -Xwhere T is (P.sub.2)AA4 orP.sub.2 and X is AA.sub.7 --OH or is --OH, with a peptide of the formula:X'-AA.sub.8 -Pro-AA.sub.10 -NH.sub.2or acid-addition salt form thereof, where X' is AA.sub.7 when X is absent and X' selected from P-Ala, Gly, GABA, the D- and L- isomers of Ala, amino isobutyric acid, 6-amino-hexanoic acid, Ser, Thr, His, Tyr, Asn, and Gln' is absent when X is AA.sub.7 --OH;in a liquid reaction medium in the presence of a peptide coupling reagent and a strong organic amine base to obtain a product of the formula:T-(R.sub.2)AA.sub.5 -AA.sub.6 -AA.sub.7 -AA.sub.8 -Pro-AA.sub.10 -NH.sub.2(b) removing the P.sub.

Abstract: A process for isolating insulin which entails performing high-pressure liquid chromatography with pressure-stable acidic cation exchange material under a pressure of from 1.1 MPa to 40 MPa.

Abstract: A polypeptide which has the activity of an inhibitor DE-3 from Erythrina caffra and which reversibly and selectively binds serine proteases from a protein mixture is obtainable by culturing prokaryotic or eukaryotic host cells which have been transformed or transfected with a nucleic acid that codes for the said polypeptide in a manner that allows the host cells to express the said polypeptide under suitable nutrient conditions and isolating the said polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is functionally analogous to SEQ ID NO:2, has a partial region that is more than 85% homologous to the region of amino acids 39-139 of this sequence, has two disulfide bridges and begins N-terminally with SEQ ID NO:4 or with a SEQ ID NO:4 extended N-terminally by methionine and has a binding capacity for tissue plasminogen activators of 1.25 MU/ml and more and is particularly suitable for purifying plasminogen activators such as tissue plasminogen activators (t-PA and derivatives).

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies against heart muscle actin, processes for the production of such antibodies and their use.

Abstract: Purification of poly-amino acid-tagged recombinant proteins has been improved by the use of a carboxymethylated aspartate ligand complexed with a third-block transition metal having an oxidation state of 2.sup.+ and a coordination number of 6. A method for synthesizing the metal ion-CM-Asp complex is also described. Further, the metal ion-CM-Asp complex can be used for screening protein function.

Abstract: A protein or peptide which has an amino-terminus serine or threonine which has an acetylated alpha-amino group is allowed to react with an acid, and then allowed to react with an isothiocyanate under acidic conditions to thereby obtain a thiocarbamyl compound. Then the compound is to be analyzed using Edman degradation. Analysis can be performed with fewer operation steps and without using enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a peptide having an amino acid sequence of Val-Val-Tyr-Pro as well as an agent for inhibiting elevation of triglyceride levels in blood, a food for specified health use (the so-called physiologically functional food) and a feed comprising the above peptide as an active component. According to the present invention, a peptide inhibiting elevation of triglyceride levels in blood as well as an agent for inhibiting elevation of triglyceride levels in blood, a physiologically functional food and a feed, all comprising the peptide as an active component are obtained. With these products of the invention, it becomes possible to prevent or treat obesity and hyperlipemia of human and animals as well as circulatory system diseases such as hypertension and arteriosclerosis associated therewith. Furthermore, the materials of the invention make it possible to improve the meat quality of livestock and hatchery fish.

Abstract: Conjugates of chlorophyll (Chl) and bacteriochlorophyll (Bchl) derivatives with amino acids, peptides and proteins are provided by the invention. The amino acid, peptide or protein residue is linked to the 17-propionic acid group of a Chl or Bchl residue directly or through a chain. The conjugates are for use as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy and in diagnostics of tumors. Conjugation with cell-specific ligands, such as hormones, growth factors or tumor-specific antibodies, will target the Chl or Bchl moiety to the tumor site. Thus, conjugates with melanocyte stimulating hormones are suitable for photodynamic therapy of melanoma tumors.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel secreted antigens from mycobacteria capable of evoking early (within 4 days) immunological responses from T-helper cells in the form of gamma-interferon release in memory immune animals after rechallenge infection with mycobacteria of the tuberculosis complex. The antigens are present in short term filtrates (ST-CF) from cultured mycobacteria belonging to the tuberculosis complex. One of these antigens, a polypeptide with an apparent molecular weight of 6 kDa, has been identified, and the DNA encoding the polypeptide has been cloned and sequenced. The antigens of the invention are believed useful especially in vaccines, but also in diagnostic compositions, especially for diagnosing infection with virulent mycobacteria. Also disclosed are nucleic acid fragments encoding the antigens as well as methods of immunizing animals/humans and methods of diagnosing tuberculosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel antimicrobial peptide isolated from Bufo bufo gargarizans exhibiting therapeutic antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Abstract: Novel compositions are disclosed for use in the treatment or diagnosis of bovine pasteurellosis, commonly referred to as Shipping Fever. Cell-free Pasteurella haemolytica supernatants are employed to provide individual antigen compositions, identified through reaction with sera from naturally-infected or convalescent cattle. In particular, at least seven individual P. haemolytica antigen groups were recognized in cell-free culture supernatants. Purified P. haemolytica supernatant, formulated in a suitable pharmaceutical vaccine composition is shown to elicit a specific immune response, in both cows and rabbits, directed against the individual immunoreactive P. haemolytica polypeptides identified. Also disclosed are novel recombinant cells, plasmids and bacteriophage which include transcriptionally active P. haemolytica antigen genes. Recombinant clones are similarly selected to be reactive with naturally-infected antisera.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing active agent complexes from at least one initial complex having components in which the initial complex is caused at least partially to assume a homogeneous phase by means of a denaturing process and by being broken into its components, said phase having at least partially the components with an at least partially altered structure. By means of a renaturing process, a final complex is formed from at least one predetermined component together with at least one part of the homogeneous phase. Said final complex forms the active agent complex after at least one cycle consisting of a denaturing and renaturing process. The process of the invention provides active agent complexes, the effect of which can be triggered at the desired place and for a desired time even when short-lived active agents are used in a living organism.

Abstract: Methods for making preparations of homogenous peptides are disclosed. In these methods, reversible alterations of the physicochemical properties of the peptides are exploited. In preferred embodiments, the methods include the following sequential steps: (1) exhaustive capping is carried out during solid-phase synthesis of a desired peptide; (2) a cleavable linker is attached to the peptide, (3) a polymer is added to the peptide either by condensation with preformed polymer or by in situ polymerization such that the linker is interposed between the polymer moiety and the peptide moiety of the resultant adduct; alternatively, steps (2) and (3) can be conducted simultaneously by attaching a combination polymer/linker to the peptide; (4) the polymer-peptide adduct is cleaved from the resin; (5) the polymer-peptide adduct is purified from undesired, nonadducted peptides; and (6) the polymer-peptide adduct is cleaved at the linker, and the desired peptide is purified from the polymer.

Abstract: A method of preparing .varies.-glucan lyase enzymes is described. The method comprises isolating the enzymes from a culture of fungus wherein the culture is substantially free of any other organisms. Also described are the amino acid sequences for the enzymes and their coding sequences.

Abstract: A method of providing zinc containing crystals of a protein derivative which has a lysine residue which carries a lipophilic substituent on the .epsilon.-amino group, said method comprising providing a solution of the protein derivative in an alkaline buffer, which further contains a zinc salt, adjusting the pH value of the solution to a value between 7 and 10, and isolating the crystals formed.

Abstract: The protective group having the following formula (I):Ar--L-- (I)whereinAr represents a substantially planar, fused ring system containing at least 4 aromatic rings, andL represents a group containing at least one carbon atom which is capable of bonding to a group to be protected.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of highly purifying a polypeptide or other biological compounds from a contaminant by crystallization comprising contacting a mixture containing uncrystallized polypeptides and a contaminant with an exogenous nucleating agent, crystallizing the polypeptides, thereby forming at least one crystal of the polypeptide attached to the nucleating agent, the attached crystal being of a high purity, and at least one polypeptide crystal unattached to the nucleating agent, the unattached crystal being of a lower purity than the attached crystal, and separating the crystal attached to the nucleating agent from the crystal unattached to the nucleating agent.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new process for the purification of vancomycin hydrochloride by combining preparative chromatography on a silica gel column and the precipitation with ethanol from a salt-water-ethanolic solution without intermediary filtering, whereby the chromatographic purity of the product is improved.The chromatography is carried out on a column containing a silica gel stationary phase and an alkaline water-methanolic mobile phase at defined pH, mobile phase flow and temperature as well as the amount and concentration of vancomycin hydrochloride. The process is distinguished by the yield and chromatographic purity of the obtained product of about 93% area.Vancomycin hydrochloride purified according to the present invention is useful for peroral as well as parenteral administration since the portion of impurities it contains is for one third smaller than in hitherto available product.

Abstract: A method for purifying an artificial polymer that exhibits a reversible inverse temperature transition is provided. The method involves (a) dissolving the polymer in an aqueous medium so that the temperature of the medium is below the effective transition temperature; (b) adjusting the temperature of the aqueous medium relative to the effective transition temperature of the polymer; (c) removing any particulate material from the medium; (d) adjusting the temperature of the aqueous medium relative to the effective transition temperature of the polymer so that the temperature of the medium is above the effective transition temperature; (e) collecting the polymer from the medium as a more dense phase; and (f) optionally repeating any of steps (a)-(e) until a desired level or purity is reached; with the proviso the order of steps can be (a)-(d)-(e)-(a)-(b)-(c).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new method for the purification of vancomycin hydrochloride by preparative HPLC (method of displacement chromatography), whereby the chromatographic purity of the product is essentialy improved.The chromatography is performed on a reverse stationary phase with a mobile phase consisting of an organic or inorganic acid or of a buffer with possible additives, with different displacing agents, at a defined pH and temperature as well as the amount and concentration of vancomycin hydrochloride.The process is distinguished by the excellent yield and exceptional chromatographic purity 95.5% area of the obtained product and, besides, it represents an ecologically irreproachable process.The vancomycin hydrochloride purified according to the present invention is useful for all types of application since the portion of impurities it contains is for one third lower than in hitherto known commercially available products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for the production of bioactive peptides. Specifically the present invention relates to improved methods for the chemical hydrolysis of proteins by organic acids in the presence of metallic ions.

Abstract: The invention relates to chemotactic factors for human spermatozoa that are purifiable from human follicular fluid. The factors are of peptidic and hydrophilic nature and have, one, a molecular size of about 13 kDa and, the other, an apparent molecular size smaller than 1.3 kDa, as determined by high pressure gel filtration. They are for use in procedures related to human fertilization, such as in various types of assisted fertilization, particularly artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, micromanipulation and direct microinjection of sperm into oocytes.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing pre-hypertension, hypertension, congestive cardiomyopathy, renal failure, salt-sensitivity and adenomas and endocrine cell hyperplasias are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for monitoring hypertension therapy, congestive cardiomyopathy therapy, renal failure therapy and adenoma and endocrine cell hyperplasia therapy. These methods involve using an antibody having binding specificity to ouabain to immunologically measure the level of human ouabain in body fluid or tissue of a subject. Additionally, methods for treating a hypertensive subject by inducing passive or active immunity to human ouabain in the subject are disclosed, along with an antibody having binding specificity for ouabain.

Abstract: A novel process for enhancing activity of an oligopeptide or polypeptide comprising the steps of: providing an oligopeptide or polypeptide, dissolving the oligopeptide or polypeptide in an organic solvent, heating, removing the solvent, and recovering an oligopeptide or polypeptide with enhanced activity is disclosed. Also disclosed are novel oligopeptides and polypeptides enhanced by the process according the invention.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a compound of formula ##STR1## in which R represents a hydroxyl, alkyloxy, phenylalkyloxy or --NH--CH.sub.2 --COOH radical, R.sub.1 represents a hydrogen atom, an adamantylacetyl, adamantylcarbonyl, norbornylacetyl, norbornylphenoxycarbonyl, benzoyl, nicotinoyl, 4-phenylbenzoyl, 4-tert-butylbenzoyl or 2-pyrrolidinecarbonyl radical or a protective group for an amine functional group, R.sub.2 represents an Arg or Lys residue, R.sub.3 represents an Arg or Lys residue, R.sub.4 represents a Pro residue, m, n and p, which are the identical or different, represent a number equal to 0 or 1, R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 are identical and represent a hydroxyl or methoxy radical and R.sub.7 represents a hydrogen, chlorine, bromine or iodine atom or a nitro radical, or the compound wherein one or a number of peptide bonds between two amino acid residues are replaced by --CH.sub.2 --NH bonds or the peptide bond between the R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 amino acid residues is replaced by a CH.dbd.

Abstract: The invention relates to substantially pure transfer factor with a specific activity of at least 5000 units per absorbance unit at 214 nm. The present invention also relates to a process for preparing the transfer factor from cell lysates. The present invention includes the use of substantially pure transfer factor with a specific activity of at least 5000 units per absorbance unit at 214 nm to treat infectious diseases.

Abstract: An enzymatic method for producing N-formyl-.alpha.-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester by a condensation reaction between N-formyl-L-aspartic acid and L-phenylalanine methyl ester or D,L-phenylalanine methyl ester, which comprises: supplying an organic phase comprising a water-immiscible solvent containing N-formyl-L-aspartic acid and L- or D,L-phenylalanine methyl ester onto an aqueous phase comprising a thermolysin-like metalloprotease; proceeding the condensation reaction in the aqueous phase to produce N-formyl-.alpha.-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester; and extracting the N-formyl-.alpha.-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester thus produced from the aqueous phase to the organic phase.

Abstract: A human Activated Protein C preparation with a high specific activity of 3500 U/mg or more and substantially free from thrombin or other proteases which can convert Protein C into Activated Protein C is provided. A process for preparing this human Activated Protein C, which involves, contacting a solution of human Activated Protein C, after activation of Protein C with thrombin or other activating protease, with a cation exchanger to allow for adsorption of both thrombin or another activating protease and Activated Protein C to the cation exchanger followed by elution of the human Activated Protein C alone.

Abstract: Compounds useful as affinity chromatography supports and as labeled reagents are disclosed. The compounds are peptides which can be constituted in families of positively charged, negatively charged or uncharged small peptides or the amidated forms thereof with varying characteristics as to charge, charge distribution, hydrophobicity, cyclization, and helical conformation propensity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for refolding insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3(IGFBP-3). The method involves mixing of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 together in a cofolding reaction. The inventive cofolding method results in substantially higher yields of correctly folded protein for both molecules and alters the kinetics of refolding. The method includes the production of correctly folded IGF-I, IGFBP-3, and/or IGF-I/IGFBP-3 complex.

Abstract: Reduction (preferably elimination) of the HSP150 protein in a yeast used to produce desired foreign proteins, especially human albumin, facilitates purification of the protein.

Abstract: This application describes a high throughput assay for screening for compounds capable of binding to a fusion protein which consists of a target protein and an FK506-binding protein. The method for preparing the DNA encoding for the fusion protein and for expressing that DNA is also described in the application. The invention also discloses the recombinant DNA and protein sequences for several fusion proteins.

Abstract: This application describes a high throughput assay for screening for compounds which are capable of binding to a fusion protein which consists of a target protein and an FKS506-binding protein.

Abstract: A method for peptide synthesis using an N-?N'-nitroso-(R')carbamoyl!amino acid as the starting compound. The compound is separated into N.sub.2, R'OH and N-carboxyanhydride of formula (II). ##STR1## The compound (II) together with an amino acid or peptide with at least one free .alpha.-amino function is introduced into a reactive medium to obtain a dipeptide or a higher peptide than the added peptide.

Abstract: An improved method for isolating and purifying a glutathione derivative is disclosed. More particularly, the invention provides a method for isolating and purifying S-(1, 2-dicarboxyethyl)glutathione or its pharmacologically acceptable salt from a reaction mixture available upon reacting glutathione or its salt with either fumaric acid or its salt or maleic acid or its salt, which comprises a first step of converting the S-(1, 2-dicarboxyethyl)glutathione or salt thereof in the reaction mixture to the corresponding copper salt, dissolving the copper salt in an aqueous solution of acetic acid, formic acid or propionic acid, and removing the contaminant glutathione, oxidized glutathione and fumaric acid copper salts with the aid of activated carbon and a second step of dissolving or suspending the isolated S-(1,2-dicarboxyethyl)glutathione copper salt in water and blowing hydrogen sulfide gas through the resulting aqueous solution or suspension to remove copper.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of inverse solid phase synthesis in which reactants are reacted in solution and a solid phase matrix is used to separate unreacted reactants from desired product.

Abstract: Unique ecdysis triggering hormone nucleic acid molecules and ETH peptides/proteins having biological activity for promoting ecdysis in insects are disclosed. Methods of preparing the peptides/proteins by recombinant means, and use of the peptide/proteins in an insect controlling agent are also provided. Methods of inducing ecdysis using the sequences encoding the ETH peptides/proteins are outlined. Insecticidal preparations that are specific to insects that shed their skin, and that do not pose an environmental threat to humans or animals, are also disclosed employing the nucleic and molecules and peptides and proteins they encode. Processes employing the ETH nucleic acid encoding sequences to identify ETH receptors are also defined. The ETH receptors are employed in screening assays to select organic molecules capable of binding the ETH receptor and inducing ecdysis and eclosion, particularly in insects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a protein composition soluble in organic solvents, comprising mixing a protein of interest with a surfactant and a water immiscible organic solvent in amounts and under conditions conducive to the formation of a reverse micelle solution, and evaporating the resulting reverse micelle solution to dryness.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the determination of allele-specific peptide motifs on molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of classes I and II as well as the peptide motifs which are obtainable by the method according to the invention. In addition the use of the peptide motifs according to the invention for the production of a diagnostic or therapeutic agent is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stable control serum or plasma for tumor diagnosis, wherein the control contains the tumor markers relevant for the diagnosis of tumors. The serum or plasma has a reduced lipid content. The present invention also provides for a method of making the control.

Abstract: A method to obtain selected individual peptides or families thereof which have a target property and optionally to determine the amino acid sequence of a selected peptide or peptides to permit synthesis in practical quantities is disclosed. In general outline, the method of the invention comprises synthesizing a mixture of randomly or deliberately generated peptides using standard synthesis techniques, but adjusting the individual concentrations of the components of a mixture of sequentially added amino acids according to the coupling constants for each amino acid/amino acid coupling. The subgroup of peptides having the target property can then be selected, and either each peptide isolated and sequenced, or analysis performed on the mixture to permit its composition to be reproduced. Also included in the invention is an efficient method to determine the relevant coupling constants.