Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid encoding calcium channel &agr;1F-subunits, including subunits encoded by nucleic acid that arises as splice variants of primary transcripts, is provided. Cells and vectors containing the nucleic acid and methods for identifying compounds that modulate the activity of calcium channels that contain &agr;1F-subunits are also provided.

Abstract: Isolated DNA encoding each of human calcium channel &agr;1-, &agr;2-, &bgr;- and &ggr;-subunits, including subunits that arise as splice variants of primary transcripts, is provided. Cells and vectors containing the DNA and methods for identifying compounds that modulate the activity of human calcium channels are also provided.

Abstract: The invention discloses a cDNA consisting of human cyclooxygenase-2 cDNA attached to 3′ flanking sequence of human cyclooxygenase-1 methods for increasing the expression of human cyclooxygenase-2 in transformed cells and assays for preferentially and independently measuring cyclogenase-2 in samples.

Abstract: This invention is directed to compounds and ligands that bind to peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPAR) &ggr;1 and &ggr;2 and which function as antiproliferative, antiviral and antitumour agents. The invention is also directed to the use of PPAR &ggr;1 and &ggr;2 to identify such compounds and methods of using the compounds for medical uses.

Abstract: Vaccine stabilizers, vaccine formulations and lyophilized vaccines with enhanced thermostability are disclosed. The vaccine formulations comprise an increased amount of a 6-carbon polyhydric alcohol (such as sorbitol), an increase amount of a disaccharide (such as sucrose) and an amount of a physiologically active buffer to adjust the pH from about 6.0 to about 7.0.

Abstract: A method of immunizing against disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae is provided in which children are immunized at age 2 and again at age 4 months with a conjugated pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. These immunizations are followed by an immunization at 6 months with an unconjugated pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. Optionally, a fourth immunization at 12 months with unconjugated pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is given.

Abstract: Herpes Zoster, or varicella related post herpetic neuralgia is alleviated by immunizing people at risk of developing herpes zoster with varicella zoster virus (VZV) antigen.

Abstract: Compositions are provided for improving the stability of live virus vaccines containing, e.g., live varicella zoster, measles, mumps, and rubella viruses. Such improved stabilizers are aqueous solutions containing recombinant human serum albumin (rHA) as a component at from 1-100 g/l. Live virus vaccines as well as methods of preparing live virus vaccines containing the stabilizers are also provided.

Abstract: A complementary DNA (cDNA) encoding full length form of ICE.sub.rel -II is identified, sequenced and isolated. The cDNA is cloned into expression vectors for expression in recombinant hosts. The cDNA is useful to produce recombinant full length ICE.sub.rel -II. The cDNA and the recombinant ICE.sub.rel -II protein derived therefrom are useful in diagnostic kits, laboratory reagents and assays. The cDNA and the recombinant ICE.sub.rel -II protein may be used to identify compounds that affect ICE.sub.rel -II function, inflammation and cell apoptosis. ICE.sub.rel -II function, inflammation and cell apoptosis may also be modulated by ICE.sub.rel -II antisense or gene therapy.

Abstract: The invention discloses a cDNA consisting of human cyclooxygenase-2 cDNA attached to 3'flanking sequence of human cyclooxygenase-1 methods for increasing the expression of human cyclooxygenase-2 in transformed cell and assays for preferentially and independently measuring cyclogense-2 in samples.

Abstract: A complementary DNA (cDNA) encoding full length form of ICE.sub.rel -II is identified, sequenced and isolated. The cDNA is cloned into expression vectors for expression in recombinant hosts. The cDNA is useful to produce recombinant full length ICE.sub.rel -II. The cDNA and the recombinant ICE.sub.rel -II protein derived therefrom are useful in diagnostic kits, laboratory reagents and assays. The cDNA and the recombinant ICE.sub.rel -II protein may be used to identify compounds that affect ICE.sub.rel -II function, inflammation and cell apoptosis. ICE.sub.rel -II function, inflammation and cell apoptosis may also be modulated by ICE.sub.rel -II antisense or gene therapy.

Abstract: Isolated DNA encoding each of human calcium channel .alpha..sub.1 -, .alpha..sub.2 -, .beta.- and .gamma.-subunits, including subunits that arise as splice variants of primary transcripts, is provided. In particular DNA clones encoding each of the .alpha..sub.1A-1, .alpha..sub.1A-2, .alpha..sub.1E-1, .alpha..sub.1C-2, .alpha..sub.1E-3, .beta..sub.3-1, .beta..sub.2C, .beta..sub.2D, .beta..sub.2E and .beta..sub.4 subunits of human calcium channels are provided. Cells and vectors containing the DNA, subunit specific antibodies and nucleic acid probes and methods for identifying compounds that modulate the activity of human calcium channels are also provided.

Abstract: Vaccine stabilizers, vaccine formulations and lyophilized vaccines with enhanced thermostability are disclosed. The vaccine formulations comprise an increased amount of a 6-carbon polyhydric alcohol (such as sorbitol), an increase amount of a disaccharide (such as sucrose) and an amount of a physiologically active buffer to adjust the pH from about 6.0 to about 7.0.

Abstract: Herpes Zoster, or varicella related post herpetic neuralgia is alleviated by immunizing people at risk of developing herpes zoster with varicella zoster virus (VZV) antigen.

Abstract: The DNA encoding glucan synthesis gene 1 (GLS1) is cloned and used in an in vitro assay to screen for compounds that modulate 1,3 .beta.-D glucan synthase activity.

Abstract: Through the use of the novel receptor NER in a screening procedure, TOFA (5-tetradecyloxy)-2-furan-carboxylic acid) has been found to modulate other receptors and to be a potent potentiator of other drugs. TOFA activates the NER receptor. The NER receptor is a novel member of the steroid hormone receptor family and has been prepared by cDNA cloning from a human osteosarcoma SAOS-2/B10 cell library. Also disclosed is the complete sequence of human NER cDNA; a COS stable expression system; the expressed NER protein; and an assay using the COS expression system. In addition, the invention relates to a method for identifying functional ligands of the NER receptor.

Abstract: Type-specific capsular polysaccharide preparations from Streptococcus pneumoniae, having on average less than about 1000 oligosaccharide repeat units per molecule, polydispersities between 1.0 and 1.4, intrinsic viscosities between 0.6 and 3.0 dL/g, and less than 3% contamination of type-specific polysaccharide by group-specific C-polysaccharide, are produced by a novel process. The novel type specific polysaccharide products are useful in the preparation of vaccines, especially covalent conjugates comprising the novel polysaccharide linked to a T-cell stimulatory carrier protein. Vaccines comprising the novel polysaccharides are useful in the prevention of infection and of diseases associated with infection by Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Abstract: The apopain:Ac-DEVD-CHO complex has been crystallized and its structure determined by x-ray crystallography. Based upon this crystal structure of the complex, a method for identifying inhibitors of apopain is presented which comprises designing putative inhibitors having specific contacts with apopain, making the putative inhibitors, and testing the putative inhibitors for their ability to inhibit apopain.

Abstract: A transgenic mouse has been prepared that expresses a human interluekin-1.beta. transgene. Expression of the transgene is mediated by a mouse metallothionein promoter. As a result of the expression of this transgene, the mouse has inflammation of its kidney and liver. The claimed animals are useful as screening tools for agents that are potentially useful for treating inflammation.

Abstract: DNA molecules encoding proteins involved in biosynthesis of 1,3-beta-D glucan are identified, cloned, expressed and used in in vitro assays to screen for antifungal compounds, including compounds that affect cell wall biosynthesis. The invention includes but is not limited to the purified DNA molecules, assays employing the DNA molecules, proteins encoded by the DNA molecules, cells expressing the DNA molecules and altered forms of the molecules.