Abstract: IL4/IL13-binding proteins comprise binding domains, which inhibit IL4/IL13 binding to IL4Ralpaha and common gamma chain complexes (Type 1) and inhibit IL4 binding to IL4Ralpha and IL13Ralpha1 complexes (Type 2), and IL13 binding to IL13Ralpha1 and/or IL13Ralpha2, are useful in the treatment of cancer, inflammatory, and other pathological conditions, such as allergic or fibrotic conditions, especially pulmonary conditions.

Abstract: The invention discloses a novel interaction between a TNF receptor (TACI) and its interacting ligand (TACI-L). Also disclosed are methods of screening candidate molecules to determine potential antagonists and agonists of the TACI/TACI-L interaction. The use of the antagonists and agonists as therapeutics to treat autoimmune diseases, inflammation, and to inhibit graft vs. host rejections is further disclosed.

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: 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: Provided are methods for inducing an increase in the number of CD4+ T-lymphocytes in HIV-infected patients by administering human GM-CSF. The GM-CSF may be administered concurrently with at least one antiretroviral agent.

Abstract: A method of treatment of and composition for human degenerative neurologic diseases discloses the administration of therapeutically amounts of an enhancement agent, such as thrombopoietin, to enhance the repair of neurons, including re-myelinization. A regulatory agent, such as thyroid hormone or thyrotropin, may also be included as part of the method and composition as a regulator of cell division and oligodendroglia production.

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: Novel chemokines for mobilizing stem cells are provided. Methods of mobilizing stem cells are also provided.

Abstract: Human TNF-gamma-alpha and TNF-gamma-beta polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptides and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptides to inhibit cellular growth, for example in a tumor or cancer, for facilitating wound-healing, to provide resistance against infection, induce inflammatory acitvities, and stimulating the growth of certain cell types to treat diseases, for example restenosis. Also disclosed are diagnostic methods for detecting a mutation in the TNF-gamma-alpha and TNF-gamma-beta nucleic acid sequences or overexperession of the TNF-gamma-alpha and TNF-gamma-beta polypeptides. Antagonists against such polypeptides and their use as a therapeutic to treat cachexia, septic shock, cerebral malaria, inflammation, arthritis and graft-rejection are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are methods for inducing an increase in the number of CD4+ T-lymphocytes in HIV-infected patients by administering human GM-CSF. The GM-CSF may be administered concurrently with at least one antiretroviral agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of IL-15 or active variants thereof and/or IL-15 activity enhancing compounds for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition for manipulating memory cells of the immune system, such as manipulating viability ad/or responsiveness of said memory cells. The IL-15 activity enhancing compound is for example lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The invention further relates to the use of IL-15 inhibiting or eliminating compounds for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition for manipulating memory cells of the immune system. Such inhibiting or eliminating compounds are for example anti-IL-15 antibodies, anti-IL-15R&agr; antibodies, fragments of these antibodies, e.g. the Fab or F(ab′)2 fragment, soluble IL-15R&agr;, fusion proteins consisting of soluble IL-15R&agr;, and Fc fragment, compounds, e.g. peptides, binding-and/or inhibiting functional IL-15 receptor, IL-15 antisense oligonucleotides.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of IL-15 or active variants thereof and/or IL-15 activity enhancing compounds for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition for manipulating memory cells of the immune system, such as manipulating viability ad/or responsiveness of said memory cells. The IL-15 activity enhancing compound is for example lipopolysaccharidc (LPS). The invention further relates to the use of IL-15 inhibiting or eliminating compounds for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition for manipulating memory cells of the immune system. Such inhibiting or eliminating compounds are for example anti-IL-15 antibodies, anti-IL-15R&agr; antibodies, fragments of these antibodies, e.g. the Fab or F(ab′)2 fragment, soluble IL-15R&agr;, fusion proteins consisting of soluble IL-15R&agr;, and Fc fragment, compounds, e.g. peptides, binding and/or inhibiting functional IL-15 receptor, IL-15 antisense oligonucleotides.

Abstract: The invention is directed to LERK-6 as a purified and isolated protein, the DNA encoding the LERK-6, host cells transfected with cDNAs encoding LERK-6.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for recovering peripheral blood containing a population of cells enhanced in human mesenchymal stem cells from an individual by (i) administering to said individual at least one growth factor and, thereafter, (ii) recovering peripheral blood from said individual. The growth factors preferably include G-CSF, GM-CSF and combinations thereof. Any of the known human growth factors or combinations thereof are suitable. Also disclosed is a method for recovering an isolated, culture-expanded population of human mesenchymal stem cells from the mesenchymal stem cell-enriched peripheral blood of an individual. Also disclosed is a method for preserving ex vivo an isolated, culture-expanded population of human mesenchymal stem cells from the mesenchymal stem cell-enriched peripheral blood. Also disclosed is a method for treating an individual with an isolated, culture-expanded population of human mesenchymal stem cells.

Abstract: A colony stimulating factor, CSF-1, is a lymphokine useful in regulating the immune system, is a lymphokine useful in overcoming the immunosuppression induced by chemotherapy or resulting from other causes. CSF-1 is obtained in usable amounts by recombinant methods, including cloning and expression of the murine and human DNA sequences encoding this protein. Both “long” and “short” forms of this protein and muteins corresponding to the cDNA-encoded forms are disclosed.

Abstract: Human chemokine polypeptides and DNA/(RNA) encoding such chemokine polypeptides and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such chemokine polypeptides for the treatment of leukemia, tumors, chronic infections, autoimmune disease, fibrotic disorders, wound healing and psoriasis. Antagonists against such chemokine polypeptides and their use as a therapeutic to treat rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune and chronic inflammatory and infective diseases, allergic reactions, prostaglandin-independent fever and bone marrow failure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A colony stimulating factor, CSF-1, is a lymphokine useful in regulating the immune system is a lymphokine useful in overcoming the immunosuppression induced by chemotherapy or resulting from other causes. CSF-1 is obtained in usable amounts by recombinant methods, including cloning and expression of the murine and human DNA sequences encoding this protein. Both "long" and "short" forms of this protein and muteins corresponding to the cDNA-encoded forms are disclosed.

Abstract: At least two substantially purified tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are disclosed which are glycoproteins that are active against TNF. The isolation of 3O kDa and 40 KDa TNF inhibitor from urine is disclosed. The deglycosylated form of the 3O kDa TNF inhibitor and 40 kDa TNF inhibitor are described as being active against TNF. The 40 kDa TNF inhibitor is active against both TNF alpha a TNF beta. The amino acid sequence of the 30 kDa TNF inhibitor and the 40 kDa TNF inhibitor are disclosed. Methods for isolating the TNF inhibitors from human U937 cell medium and producing the proteins by recombinant-DNA methods are also described.

Abstract: There are disclosed therapeutic compositions and methods using isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a human chemokine beta-11 (Ck beta-11) polypeptide and a human leukocyte adhesion inhibitor-1 (LAI-1) polypeptide (previously termed chemokine .alpha.1(CK.alpha.1 or ck.alpha.-1), as well as Ck beta-11 and/or LAI-1 polypeptides themselves, as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same.

Abstract: A colony stimulating factor, CSF-1, is a lymphokine useful in regulating the immune system. is a lymphokine useful in overcoming the immunosuppression induced by chemotherapy or resulting from other causes. CSF-1 is obtained in usable amounts by recombinant methods, including cloning and expression of the murine and human DNA sequences encoding this protein. Both "long" and "short" forms of this protein and muteins corresponding to the cDNA-encoded forms are disclosed.

Abstract: A colony stimulating factor, CSF-1, is a lymphokine useful in regulating the immune system. is a lymphokine useful in overcoming the immunosuppression induced by chemotherapy or resulting from other causes. CSF-1 is obtained in usable amounts by recombinant methods, including cloning and expression of the murine and human DNA sequences encoding this protein. Both "long" and "short" forms of this protein and muteins corresponding to the cDNA-encoded forms are disclosed.

Abstract: A chemokine, human L105, is disclosed.

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 provides a polynucleotide (PTEC) isolated from a prostate cDNA library which identifies and encodes a novel human rantes homolog PTEC (prostate expressed chemokine). The invention provides for genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequence encoding PTEC. The invention also provides for the therapeutic use of purified PTEC in the treatment of immune deficiency diseases, and for the therapeutic use of antisense molecules, antibodies, antagonists or inhibitors in the treatment of conditions or diseases associated with the expression of PTEC. The invention also describes diagnostic assays which utilize diagnostic compositions comprising the polynucleotide, or fragments thereof, or antibodies which specifically bind to the polypeptide.

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 co 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: There are disclosed therapeutic compositions and methods using isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a human myeloid progenitor inhibitory factor-1 (MPIF-1) polypeptide (previously termed MIP-3 and chemokine .beta.8(CK.beta.8 or ckb-8)); a human monocyte-colony inhibitory factor (M-CIF) polypeptide (previously termed MIP1-.gamma. and chemokine .beta.1(CK.beta.1 or ckb-1)), and a macrophage inhibitory protein-4 (MIP-4), as well as MPIF-1, M-CIF and/or MIP-4 polypeptides themselves, as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same.

Abstract: An inflammatory cytokine is disclosed which has been isolated from cells that have been incubated with a stimulator material. The inflammatory cytokine comprises a protein that is capable of binding to heparin, inducing localized inflammation characterized by polymorphonuclear cell infiltration when administered subcutaneously and inducing in vitro polymorphonuclear cell chemokinesis, while lacking the ability to suppress the activity of the anabolic enzyme lipoprotein lipase, cause the cytotoxicity of cachectin/TNF-sensitive cells, stimulate the blastogenesis of endotoxin-resistant C3H/HeJ thymocytes, or induce the production of cachectin/TNF by primary thioglycollate-elicited mouse macrophage cells. A particular inflammatory cytokine MIP-1 has been isolated and has been found to comprise a peptide doublet of similar molecular weights of about 8,000 daltons, and to show a pI of about 4.6. The doublet has been resolved into its component peptides, MIP-1.alpha. and MIP-1.beta.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide and amino acid sequences that identify and encode a novel expressed chemokine (FSEC) from human fetal spleen cells. The present invention also provides for antisense molecules to the nucleotide sequences which encode FSEC, expression vectors for the production of purified FSEC, antibodies capable of binding specifically to FSEC, hybridization probes or oligonucleotides for the detection of FSEC-encoding nucleotide sequences, genetically engineered host cells for the expression of FSEC, diagnostic tests for chemokine activation based on FSEC-encoding nucleic acid molecules and antibodies capable of binding specifically to the protein.

Abstract: Novel receptor polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods are disclosed. The polypeptides comprise an extracellular domain of a cell-surface receptor that is expressed in kidneys, pancreas, prostate, adrenal cortex and nervous tissue. The polypeptides may be used within methods for detecting ligands that promote the proliferation and/or differentiation of these organs.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide and amino acid sequences that identify and encode novel expressed chemokines (ECs) from liver and pituitary gland tissues. The present invention also provides for antisense molecules to the nucleotide sequences which encode ECs, expression vectors for the production of purified ECs, antibodies capable of binding specifically to ECs, hybridization probes or oligonucleotides for the detection of EC-encoding nucleotide sequences, genetically engineered host cells for the expression of ECs, diagnostic tests for inflammation or disease based on on EC-encoding nucleic acid molecules or antibodies capable of binding specifically to ECs, pharmaceutical compositions to treat inflammation or disease based on EC-encoding nucleic acid molecules or antibodies capable of binding specifically to ECs.

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

Abstract: Disclosed are interleukin-6 receptor agonists. These receptor agonists were enerated by mutating amino acid positions 175, 176, 177, 181, and/or 183 of human interleukin-6.

Abstract: The invention relates to stable compositions of proteins and related methods wherein a protein capable of transitioning into the molten globular state is contacted with a negatively charged lipid vesicle, thereby stabilizing the protein against thermally-induced aggregation, denaturation, and loss of activity. The protein:phospholipid complex directly stabilizes the secondary and tertiary structure of the protein, and the compositions are useful in high temperature formulations and in novel delivery vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a biologically active CSF-1 dimer comprising a first CSF-1 monomer and a second CSF-1 monomer, wherein at least one of the monomers is truncated at the C-terminus after residue position 223. The dimers also include point mutations in one or both of the CSF-1 monomer. The invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions that comprise the CSF-1 dimer in a pharmaceutical excipient.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide and amino acid sequences that identify and encode a novel expressed chemokine (ADEC) from inflamed adenoid tissue. The present invention also provides for antisense molecules to the nucleotide sequences which encode ADEC, expression vectors for the production of purified ADEC, antibodies capable of binding specifically to ADEC, hybridization probes or oligonucleotides for the detection of ADEC-encoding nucleotide sequences, genetically engineered host cells for the expression of ADEC, diagnostic tests for inflammation or disease based on ADEC-encoding nucleic acid molecules or antibodies capable of binding specifically to ADEC.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel proteins, referred to as megakaryocyte growth and development factors (MGDFs; also generally referred to as Mpl ligands or thrombopoietin, that have a biological activity of stimulating the growth of megakaryocytes and augmenting the differentiation or maturation of megakaryocytes, ultimately to result in the production of platelets. MGDF derivatives comprising MGDF molecules attached to water soluble polymers, such as polyethylene glycol, are also disclosed, along with methods for their preparation. Also disclosed are processes for obtaining the MGDFs in homogeneous form from natural sources and producing them by recombinant genetic engineering techniques from mammals, including humans.

Abstract: Disclosed are interleukin-6 receptor antagonists. These receptor antagonists are generated by mutating amino acid positions 31, 35, 118, 121, 175, 176 and/or 183 of human interleukin-6.

Abstract: Muteins of human tumor necrosis factor (hTNF), a process for production thereof, and DNAs encoding these muteins are found to have a superior antitumor activity and lower acute lethal toxicity compared to the wild-type human tumor necrosis factor.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel proteins, referred to as megakaryocyte growth and development factors (MGDFs; also generally referred to as Mpl ligands), that have a biological activity of stimulating the growth of megakaryocytes and augmenting the differentiation or maturation of megakaryocytes, ultimately to result in the production of platelets. MGDF derivatives comprising MGDF molecules attached to water soluble polymers, such as polyethylene glycol, are also disclosed, along with methods for their preparation. The MGDF proteins and derivatives are useful in methods for treating mammals to increase platelets and/or megakaryocytes. Also disclosed are processes for obtaining the MGDFs in homogeneous form from natural sources and producing them by recombinant genetic engineering techniques from mammals, including humans.

Abstract: Isolated CHF, isolated DNA encoding CHF, recombinant or synthetic methods of preparing CHF, and a method of purifying CHF are disclosed. These CHF molecules are shown to influence hypertrophic activity and neurological activity. Accordingly, these compounds or their antagonists may be used for treatment of heart failure, arrhythmic disorders, inotropic disorders, and neurological disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated protein or polypeptide capable of production by T cells and capable of ultimately activating production of B cells. The present invention further provides an isolated DNA molecule encoding the protein or polypeptide capable of production by T cells and capable of ultimately activating production of B cells. The isolated DNA molecule can be inserted as a heterologous DNA in an expression vector forming a recombinant DNA expression system for producing the protein or polypeptide. Likewise, the heterologous DNA can be incorporated in a cell to achieve this objective. The isolated protein or polypeptide of the present invention can be combined with a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier or used alone for administration to mammals for activating production of B cells.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to mutant interleukin 6, which has the amino acid arginine in position 176, replacing serine in position 176 with wild-type interleukin 6. The mutant interleukin 6 of the present invention has greater biological activity than the wild-type protein. The present invention is further drawn to methods of making mutant interleukin 6, having arginine at position 176 and methods of using the same.

Abstract: elk ligand (elk-L) polypeptides as well as DNA sequences, vectors and transformed host cells useful in providing elk-L polypeptides. The elk-L polypeptide binds to a cell surface receptor that is a member of the tyrosine kinase receptor family.

Abstract: elk ligand (elk-L) polypeptides as well as DNA sequences, vectors and transformed host cells useful in providing elk-L polypeptides. The elk-L polypeptide binds to a cell surface receptor that is a member of the tyrosine kinase receptor family.

Abstract: CD27 ligand (CD27L) polypeptide and DNA sequences, vectors and transformed host cells useful in providing CD27L polypeptides. The CD27L polypeptide binds to the CD27 receptor.

Abstract: Isolated CHF, isolated DNA encoding CHF, and recombinant or synthetic methods of preparing CHF are disclosed, These CHF molecules are shown to influence hypertrophic activity and neurological activity. Accordingly, these compounds or their antagonists may be used for treatment of heart failure, arrhythmic disorders, inotropic disorders, and neurological disorders.

Abstract: elk ligand (elk-L) polypeptides as well as DNA sequences, vectors and transformed host cells useful in providing elk-L polypeptides. The elk-L polypeptide binds to a cell surface receptor that is a member of the tyrosine kinase receptor family.

Abstract: Bifunctional proteins, obtainable by genetic manipulation, composed of an interleukin-2 and a granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor constituent have the biological activity of both components but are distinguished by increased stability. These proteins are thus medicaments which are suitable for the treatment of malignant neoplasms.

Abstract: A novel human megakaryocytopoietic factor capable of stimulating the growth and development of colonies of megakaryocytes is provided, including procedures for its purification and use as a pharmaceutical agent.

Abstract: Expression of a gene coding for human granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (CSF) in bacteria results in CSF proteins which are biologically active. Modification of the natural or of a synthetic gene structure results in biologically active derivatives with a modified amino acid sequence.