Abstract: Methods and assays examining expression of one or more biomarkers in a mammalian tissue or cell sample are provided. According to the disclosed methods and assays, detection of the expression of one or more such biomarkers is predictive or indicative that the tissue or cell sample will be sensitive to apoptosis-inducing agents such as Apo2L/TRAIL and anti-DR5 agonist antibodies. Certain biomarkers which may be examined include fucosyltransferases, in particular fucosyltransferase 3 (FUT3) and/or fucosyltransferase 6 (FUT6), as well as sialyl Lewis A and/or X antigens. Kits and articles of manufacture are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of making Apo-2 ligand and formulations of Apo-2 ligand using divalent metal ions are provided. Such divalent metal ions include zinc and cobalt which improve Apo-2 ligand trimer formation and stability. The crystal structure of Apo-2 ligand is also provided, along with Apo-2 ligand variant polypeptides identified using oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis.

Abstract: The inventions include Apo2L/TRAIL formulations and methods of using such formulations. Lyophilized and crystal formulations of Apo-2L/TRAIL which are stable and have improved Apo2L/TRAIL trimer formation are provided. Methods of making Apo-2L/TRAIL formulations, as well as devices and kits containing such formulations are also provided.

Abstract: The inventions include Apo2L/TRAIL formulations and methods of using such formulations. Lyophilized and crystal formulations of Apo-2L/TRAIL which are stable and have improved Apo2L/TRAIL trimer formation are provided. Methods of making Apo-2L/TRAIL formulations, as well as devices and kits containing such formulations are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and assays examining expression of one or more biomarkers in a mammalian tissue or cell sample are provided. According to the disclosed methods and assays, detection of the expression of one or more such biomarkers is predictive or indicative that the tissue or cell sample will be sensitive to apoptosis-inducing agents such as Apo2L/TRAIL and anti-DR5 agonist antibodies. Certain biomarkers which may be examined include fucosyltransferases, in particular fucosyltransferase 3 (FUT3) and/or fucosyltransferase 6 (FUT6), as well as sialyl Lewis A and/or X antigens. Kits and articles of manufacture are also provided.

Abstract: A method of making monoclonal antibodies according to a mixed antigen immunization protocol is described. In addition, antibodies obtainable by the method are disclosed which specifically cross-react with two or more different receptors to which Apo-2 ligand (Apo-2L) can bind.

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 TNFR homolog, identified as DcR3, is provided. Nucleic acid molecules encoding DcR3, chimeric molecules and antibodies to DcR3 are also 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: A novel cytokine, designated Apo-2 ligand, which induces mammalian cancer 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 cytotoxic protein designated tumor necrosis factor is identified in nature. It is recovered in substantially homogeneous form by treatment with hydrophobic substances and ion exchange resins. The protein is conclusively identified by its amino acid sequences. Therapeutic compositions are provided.

Abstract: The invention provided improved methods of making and producing recombinant proteins in in vitro cultures of host cells using apoptosis inhibitors. The use of one or more apoptosis inhibitors in the methods can reduce apoptosis in the cell cultures and markedly improve yield of the desired recombinant proteins.

Abstract: Tumor necrosis factors, alone or together with cytokines such as IL-1 or IFN-&ggr;, are capable of serving as non-toxic vaccine adjuvants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides having homology to members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention concerns new tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factors, designated TRAF. The new factors are capable of specific association with the intracellular domain of the type 2 TNF receptor (TNF-R2), and are involved in the mediation of TNF biological activities.

Abstract: Novel polypeptides, designated Apo-3 and Apo-2LI, involved in apoptosis are provided. Compositions including chimeric molecules, nucleic acids, and antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: Novel polypeptides, designated Apo-3, which are capable of stimulating or inducing apoptosis are provided. Compositions including Apo-3 chimeras, nucleic acid encoding Apo-3, and antibodies to Apo-3 are also provided.

Abstract: A stable pharmaceutically acceptable aqueous formulation containing human growth hormone, a buffer, a non-ionic surfactant, and, optionally, a neutral salt, mannitol, or, a preservative, is disclosed. Also disclosed are associated methods for preparing, storing, and using such formulations.

Abstract: Wnt-1-Induced Secreted Proteins (WISPs) are provided, whose genes are induced at least by Wnt-1. Also provided are nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides, as well as vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides, and methods for producing the polypeptides.

Abstract: Novel polypeptides, designated Apo-2, which are capable of modulating apoptosis are provided. Compositions including Apo-2 chimeras, nucleic acid encoding Apo-2, and antibodies to Apo-2 are also provided.