Abstract: A novel family of growth regulatory proteins termed "epithelins" are described. The epithelins comprise several distinct members sharing significant structural homology. Two members of the epithelin family, epithelin 1 and epithelin 2, have been purified from natural sources. In addition, cDNA and PCR clones encoding mature and precursor epithelins from various chordate sources have been obtained and sequenced, including the complete human, mouse and rat epithelin precursors. The recombinant expression of rat epithelin precursor and mature forms is described. Purified epithelin 1 is a bifunctional growth regulator, capable of stimulating the growth of some cell types while inhibiting the growth of others. Purified epithelin 2 is functionally similar to epithelin 1 with respect to growth inhibitory bioactivity. In contrast, however, epithelin 2 is apparently not capable of eliciting the growth stimulatory activity characteristic of epithelin 1 and, in fact, antagonizes this epithelin 1 activity.

Abstract: The molecular cloning and expression of biologically active ribosome-inactivating protein bryodin 1 are described. A complete amino acid and oligonucleotide sequence encoding bryodin 1 are also described. Further, plasmids, expression vectors comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding bryodin 1 and transformed host cells are described. Isolation and characterization of the nucleotide sequence for bryodin 1 enables the recombinant production of large amount of bryodin 1 for use in vitro or in vivo directly or as ligand/toxin conjugates or fusion proteins. These compositions can be used to selectively kill undesired cells such as cancer cells, infected cells, bacteria and the like.

Abstract: A novel family of growth regulatory proteins termed "epithelins" are described. The epithelins comprise several distinct members sharing significant structural homology. Two members of the epithelin family, epithelin 1 and epithelin 2, have been purified from natural sources. In addition, cDNA and PCR clones encoding mature and precursor epithelins from various chordate sources have been obtained and sequenced, including the complete human, mouse and rat epithelin precursors. The recombinant expression of rat epithelin precursor and mature forms is described. Purified epithelin 1 s a bifunctional growth regulator, capable of stimulating the growth of some cell types while inhibiting the growth of others. Purified epithelin 2 is functionally similar to epithelin 1 with respect to growth inhibitory bioactivity. In contrast, however, epithelin 2 is apparently not capable of eliciting the growth stimulatory activity characteristic of epithelin 1 and, in fact, antagonizes this epithelin 1 activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides monoclonal antibodies, antigen binding fragment and recombinant binding proteins specific for human gp39. These antibodies are specific for at least eight different epitopes on gp39. Hybridomas secreting specific antibodies which bind to these epitopes are also provided. Further, the present invention discloses the amino acid sequence of immunoglobulin light and heavy chain variable regions which bind to epitopes of gp39 and provide sFv and humanized antibodies which bind gp39. Also, provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the monoclonal antibodies, antigen binding fragments and recombinant binding proteins which bind gp39 and methods for using these compositions in diagnosing disease states, inhibiting B cell activation and for treating immunological disorders, such as autoimmune diseases, allergic responses, organ rejection and graft-versus-host disease.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a novel method for the delivery of antitumor drugs to tumor cells by the administration of a tumor-selective antibody-.beta.-lactamase conjugate that binds to tumor cells, and the additional administration of a cephalosporin prodrug that is converted at the tumor site, in the presence of the antibody-.beta.-lactamase, to an active cytotoxic drug. According to the preferred embodiment of this invention, a cephalosporin mustard has been constructed which when cleaved by .beta.-lactamase yields a cytotoxic nitrogen mustard. The methods, antibody-enzyme conjugate, prodrugs, pharmaceutical compositions, and combinations of this invention provide for enhanced selective killing of tumor cells and are thus useful in the treatment of cancers and other tumors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods which utilize anti-idiotypic antibodies, or fragments thereof, for tumor immunotherapy or immunoprophylaxis. Monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies which recognize an idiotype present on a second antibody or on a T lymphocyte or on an immune suppressor factor which is directed against a defined tumor antigen, can be used for immunization against a tumor, for immune anti-tumor activation or inhibition of suppression, or for in vitro activation of lymphocytes to be used in adoptive immunotherapy. The anti-idiotypic antibodies, or fragments thereof, can also be used to monitor anti-antibody induction in patients undergoing passive immunization to a tumor antigen by administration of anti-tumor antibody. In another embodiment, administration of T lymphocytes which express an idiotype directed against a defined tumor antigen can be used to transfer delayed-type hypersensitivity to the tumor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods for treating an infection caused by an organism susceptible to a .beta.-lactam antibiotic comprising two or more active agents. In one embodiment, the composition comprises: (1) a .beta.-lactam antibiotic and (2) a cationic oligopeptide. In another embodiment, the invention is also directed to a composition comprising: (1) a .beta.-lactam antibiotic which inhibits the growth of Enterobacteriaceae bacteria and (2) at least one membrane active substance. Further, the invention is also directed to improved methods for screening potential bactericidal compositions in vitro wherein components of an active complement cascade are included.