Abstract: The invention relates to Novel DNA and amino acid sequences for a heparin bending neurotrophic factor, (HBNF). Also described are expression vectors and host cells useful in a method for production of the HBNF protein.

Abstract: Modified ciliary neurotrophic factor, methods for production and methods of use, especially in the treatment of Huntington's disease, obesity, and gestational or adult onset diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a gene, designated as musk, that encodes a novel tyrosine kinase receptor expressed in high levels in denervated muscle. The invention also provides for an isolated polypeptide which activates MuSK receptor. The invention further provides for a polypeptide which is functionally equivalent to the MuSK activating polypeptide. The invention also provides assay systems that may be used to detect and/or measure ligands that bind the musk gene product. The present invention also provides for diagnostic and therapeutic methods based on molecules that activate MuSK.

Abstract: Novel dorsal growth inducing factors, complexes including the factors, and DNA or RNA coding sequences for the factors are described.

Abstract: A two-hybrid system that can detect homo- and heterodimeric protein interactions in E. coli and other cells. This system is useful for the same applications as a yeast two-hybrid system; i.e. interaction cloning, mapping protein interaction domains, analyzing protein interactions, detecting protein interactions and detecting modulators thereof.

Abstract: Novel compositions of immunosuppressants, such as cyclosporin, and polypeptide inhibitors of cytoplasmic protein nuclear translocation are disclosed. The compositions have, in addition to at least one immunosuppressant, at least one polypeptide inhibitor of nuclear translocation that has a signal sequence and at least one, preferably two, nuclear localization sequences. The compositions are useful as immunosuppression, antiviral and antitumor agents, preferably to prevent rejection of transplanted organs or tissue.

Abstract: Yeast cell having the ability to express the kinase domain of N-Pak. The expressed kinase domain restores the mating function of a ste20 mutant and such cells are therefore useful in an assay to screen for inhibitors of N-Pak. Such inhibitors may be useful in treatment and/or prevention of Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract: The invention identifies the CTLA4 receptor as a ligand for the B7 antigen. The complete amino acid sequence encoding human CTLA4 receptor gene is provided. Methods are provided for expressing CTLA4 as an immunoglobulin fusion protein, for preparing hybrid CTLA4 fusion proteins, and for using the soluble fusion proteins, fragments and derivatives thereof, including monoclonal antibodies reactive with B7 and CTLA4, to regulate T cell interactions and immune responses mediated by such interactions.

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: Soluble fusion molecules were prepared which contained a CD11a/CD18 specific binding region operatively linked to an immunoglobulin constant region. These molecules particularly include extracellular portions of adhesion molecules such as ICAM-1 and ICAM-2 attached to IgG constant regions.The fusion molecules described are utilized as costimulatory agents for the activation of T cells and in methods for increasing CD4.sup.+ T cell proliferative response and IL-2 induction.

Abstract: The invention identifies the CTLA4 receptor as a ligand for the B7 antigen. The complete amino acid sequence encoding human CTLA4 receptor gene is provided. Methods are provided for expressing CTLA4 as an immunoglobulin fusion protein, for preparing hybrid CTLA4 fusion proteins, and for using the soluble fusion proteins, fragments and derivatives thereof, including monoclonal antibodies reactive with B7 and CTLA4, to regulate T cell interactions and immune responses mediated by such interactions.

Abstract: Branched hydrazone linkers for linking a targeting ligand such as an antibody to a therapeutically active drug. The point of branching is at a polyvalent atom and the number of drugs increases by a factor of two for each generation of branching. A preferred drug is doxorubicin.

Abstract: A novel method for preventing, stabilizing or causing regression of vascular leak syndrome is disclosed. The method comprises administering to a patient in need thereof a compound selected from the group consisting of a corticosteroid, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, 15-deoxyspergualin and related compounds, and phospholipase A.sub.2 inhibitors.

Abstract: Mixed specificity fusion proteins capable of binding to cellular adhesion molecules have been produced. The fusion proteins contain a polypeptide region, such as an IgG constant region, operatively attached to at least two binding regions each of which corresponds to either an extracellular domain of a cell surface receptor for cellular adhesion molecules, or a variable region of an antibody directed to a cellular adhesion molecule.A method of inhibiting inflammation is a patient is disclosed in which the present fusion proteins are administered to a patient to inhibit the attachment of inflammatory cells to vascular endothelium.A method of inhibiting metastasis is disclosed in which the present fusion proteins are administered to a patient to inhibit the metastasis of responsive tumor cells.

Abstract: Provided are drug/ligand compounds of Formula (I): ##STR1## (I) in whichD is a drug moiety;n is an integer from 1 to 10;p is an integer from 1 to 6;Y is O or NH.sub.2.sup.+ C1.sup.- ;z is 0 or 1;q is about 1 to about 10;X is a ligand; and,A is a Michael Addition Adduct.In a preferred embodiment, the ligand is an immunoglobulin, preferably a chimeric antibody or fragment thereof. Also provided are formulations comprising as an active ingredient a compound of Formula (I), intermediates useful for preparing the compounds of Formula (I), processes for preparing the compounds of Formula (I), and methods for using the compounds of the invention.

Abstract: A new TGF-.beta. induced gene and protein is described. Treatment of TGF-.beta. growth arrested cells induces the production of a novel gene which encodes a 683 amino acid protein, designated BIG-H3, that contains four homologous repeat regions and which may represent a cell surface recognition molecule. This gene and protein is induced in mammalian cells, and specifically human cells, upon treatment with TGF-.beta., and is shown to inhibit the growth of tumor cells.