Abstract: Methods of treating cancer in patients in need thereof with human interleukin-18 (IL-18) polypeptides and substitution mutants thereof that are conjugated to water-soluble polymers at specific sites on the human IL-18 protein are disclosed.

Abstract: A chemokine receptor binds to MCP-1, MIP-1? and/or RANTES. It can be used in screening for agents which act as antagonists to MCP-1, MIP-1? and/or RANTES. Such agents may be useful in treating various disorders, including allergies, atheromas and diseases mediated by viruses. They may also be useful in preventing graft rejection and in protecting stem cells from potentially damaging effects of chemotherapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the use of human IL-18, also known as interferon-?-inducing factor (IGIF), in the treatment of skin wounds, surgical wounds, leg ulcers, diabetic ulcers, gastrointestinal mucositis, oral mucositis, and lung injury.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing physiologically active human Interleukin-18 (“IL-18”).

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated protein which is a member of the TNF ligand superfamily and comprising: i) a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of FIG. (1) or ii) a variant of the polypeptide of i).

Abstract: An inactivated influenza virus preparation is described which comprises a haemagglutinin antigen stabilized in the absence of thiomersal, or at low levels of thiomersal, wherein the haemagglutinin is detectable by a SRD assay. The influenza virus preparation may comprise a micelle modifying excipient, for example ?-tocopherol or a derivative thereof in a sufficient amount to stabilize the haemagglutinin.

Abstract: Human interleukin-18 (IL-18) polypeptides and substitution mutants thereof were conjugated to water-soluble polymers at specific sites on the human IL-18 protein. These conjugated human IL-18 and substitution mutants thereof retain biological activity. These conjugated cytokines demonstrate enhanced and unexpected biological properties when compared to the corresponding unconjugated cytokines.

Abstract: The invention provides an attenuated rotavirus population comprising a single variant or substantially a single variant which is defined by a nucleotide sequence encoding at least one of the major viral proteins designated as VP4 and VP7. The invention particularly provides a rotavirus population designated as P43. The invention further provides a novel formulation for a rotavirus vaccine which is in the form of a quick dissolving tablet for immediate dissolution when placed on the tongue.

Abstract: A novel human IL-18 native crystalline structure is identified.

Abstract: The invention provides a monovalent influenza vaccine comprising a low dose of egg-derived influenza virus antigen from an influenza virus strain that is associated with a pandemic outbreak or has the potential to be associated with a pandemic outbreak, in combination with an aluminium adjuvant. The invention also provides vaccine kits comprising a combination of a parenteral and a mucosal influenza vaccine, wherein the combined dose of antigen is no more than the conventional antigen dose. Also provided are methods for preparing the vaccines.

Abstract: A method for producing a physiologically active polypeptide, comprising contacting a precursor polypeptide with an activating enzyme, or co-expressing the polypeptide with an activating protease.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibodies which bind to the CD23 (FC?RII) type II molecule particularly altered antibodies including antibodies which bind to the CD23 (FC?RII) type II molecule characterized by an affinity constant equal to or greater than 1×109 Ka Mol?1, the preparation of such antibodies, pharmaceutical compositions which contain such antibodies and their use in therapy particularly in the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.

Abstract: AXOR34 polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing AXOR34 polypeptides and polynucleotides in diagnostic assays. Further disclosed are screening assays to identify agonists and antagonists of the interaction between AXOR34 and its ligands, NmU-8, NmU-25, and NmU-23.

Abstract: Polypeptides of HFGAN72 receptor ligands and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides are provided. Methods of using these polypeptides to diagnose diseases relating to the under- or over-expression of HFGAN72 receptor ligands are also provided. In addition, methods of identifying agonists or antagonists of the interaction of HFGAN72 receptor ligands with the HFGAN72 receptor are provided. Methods of treatment by administering the identified agonists or antagonists to patients in need thereof are further disclosed.

Abstract: Chimeric, humanized and other IL-18 mAbs, derived from high affinity neutralizing mAbs, pharmaceutical compositions containing same, methods of treatment and diagnostics are provided.

Abstract: Polypeptides of HFGAN72 receptor ligands and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides are provided. Methods of using these polypeptides to diagnose or treat diseases relating to the under- or over-expression of HFGAN72 receptor ligands are also provided. In addition, methods of identifying agonists or antagonists of the interaction of HFGAN72 receptor ligands with the HFGAN72 receptor are provided. Methods of treatment by administering the identified agonists or antagonists to patients in need thereof are further disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to compositions comprising potentiators, such as IL-18, also known as interferon-&ggr;-inducing factor (IGIF), in combination with a chemotherapeutic agent, processes for making such compositions, the use of such compositions for the prevention and/or treatment of cancer, and the use of such compositions to inhibit the growth of tumors or cancerous cells in mammals.

Abstract: Improved purification methods for ansamitocins are disclosed.

Abstract: HMTMF81 polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing HMTMF81 polypeptides and polynucleotides in the design of protocols for the treatment of infections such as bacterial, fungal, protozoan and viral infections, particularly infections caused by HIV-1 or HIV-2; pain; cancers; anorexia; bulimia; asthma; Parkinson's disease; acute heart failure; hypotension; hypertension; urinary retention; osteoporosis; angina pectoris; myocardial infarction; ulcers; asthma; allergies; benign prostatic hypertrophy; and psychotic and neurological disorders, including anxiety, schizophrenia, manic depression, delirium, dementia, severe mental retardation and dyskinesias, such as Huntington's disease or Gilles dela Tourett's syndrome, among others and diagnostic assays for such conditions.

Abstract: AXOR34 polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing AXOR34 polypeptides and polynucleotides in diagnostic assays. Further disclosed are screening assays to identify agonists and antagonists of the interaction between AXOR34 and its ligands, NmU-8, NmU-25, and NmU-23.