Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding various proteases, from a mammal, reagents related thereto, including specific antibodies, and purified proteins are described. Methods of using said reagents and related diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: A method of treating EBV infections is provided. The method comprises administering an effective amount of an monoclonal antibody antagonist to the EBV protein, BCRF1. Preferably, the antagonist is a blocking monoclonal antibody specific for BCRF1, or a fragment or binding composition derived therefrom.

Abstract: BCRF1 proteins are provided for treating conditions associated with excessive production of IFN-.gamma.. Also provided are expression vectors for producing BCRF1 proteins. Compositions of the invention are useful in treating a variety of disorders, including allergy, psoriasis, tissue rejection, and MHC-linked autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: BCRF1 proteins are provided for treating conditions associated with excessive production of IFN-.gamma.. Also provided are expression vectors for producing BCRF1 proteins. Compositions of the invention are useful in treating a variety of disorders, including allergy, psoriasis, tissue rejection, and MHC-linked autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Camouflage materials that are highly visible to humans but inconspicuous to dichromatic animals are provided. The camouflage materials emit, or simulate emission, of light at or about the neutral point of a dichromatic animal. One kind of camouflage material contains a coloring agent, which limits photopic light emissions from the material to occur at or about the neutral point. Another kind of camouflage material contains at least two coloring agents, which limit photopic light emissions to at least two bands of wavelengths. The respective proportions and spectral properties of these coloring agents are chosen so that the combination of photopic light emitted by camouflage materials incorporating them simulates the appearance of monochromatic light at or about the neutral point.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods of prenatal diagnosis that can be performed earlier in pregnancy, and/or with greater safety, and/or rapidity, and/or with greater accuracy than conventional methods. A volume of amniotic fluid containing fetal cells is extracted from a pregnant woman, and the fetal T-cells are propagated in a culture medium comprising one or more cytokines. The fetal T-cells are then diagnosed for genetic defects.

Abstract: The invention provides in vivo methods and compositions for using IL-10 to treat inflammatory bowel disease in a mammal. The method comprises administering to the mammal an effective amount of IL-10, preferably intravascularly, alone or in combination with other therapeutic reagents.

Abstract: Chimeric G-protein linked receptors are constructed which retain ligand binding specificity yet gain the ability to elevate intracellular free calcium as a result of agonist binding. This easily assayed function is provided by the insertion of or replacement with sequences substantially homologous to the i3 loop of a second G-protein-linked receptor. Such receptors are employed, for example, in methods of screening for compounds capable of acting as agonists or antagonists of G-protein-linked receptors.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for immobilizing anti-ligands, such as antibodies or antigens, hormones or hormone receptors, oligonucleotides, and polysaccharides on surfaces of solid substrates for various uses. The methods provide surfaces covered with caged binding members which comprise protecting groups capable of being removed upon application of a suitable energy source. Spatially addressed irradiation of predefined regions on the surface permits immobilization of anti-ligands at the activated regions on the surface. Cycles of irradiation on different regions of the surface and immobilization of different anti-ligands allows formation of an immobilized matrix of anti-ligands at defined sites on the surface. The immobilized matrix of anti-ligands permits simultaneous screenings of a liquid sample for ligands having high affinities for certain anti-ligands of the matrix. A preferred embodiment of the invention involves attaching photoactivatable biotin derivatives to a surface.

Abstract: A DNA sequence is described, which is a promoter for Streptomyces. This promoter is stronger than the wild type and ultimately increases transcription initiation and protein expression. Typically, a nucleotide base, such as guanine, is inserted into the promoter sequence between positions -50 and -75 to increase transcription initiation or protein expression. In a preferred embodiment, guanine is inserted between positions -62 and -63 of the promoter regulated by thiostrepton (tipA).

Abstract: Novel biologically active polypeptides, including a new class of transforming growth factor (TGF) polypeptides, which exhibit cell growth promoting properties are disclosed, as well as a process for isolating the TGF polypeptides from both human and murine cell lines in homogeneous form. Also disclosed are antigenic oligopeptides derived from the TGF polypeptides and antibodies raised therefrom which have application in the detection and treatment of malignancies and oligipeptides which have the ability to bind with cellular growth factor receptors and thus to interfere with transformation of certain cell lines into a cancerous state. Compositions and methods based on the disclosed peptides for detection and treatment of cancer and other proliferative diseases and for cell or tissue growth associated treatment, e.g., wound healing, ulcer therapy and bone loss are also described.

Abstract: Peptides of the formula: ##STR1## wherein: NH is the .alpha. amino group of amino acid AA.sup.1 ; ##STR2## is the carbonyl group of amino acid AA.sup.7 ; X is H--, ##STR3## GLU-VAL-, or VAL-TYR-HIS-GLU-VAL; Y is --OH, --NH.sub.2, or --PRO; AA.sup.1 is LYS, GLU, GLN, pGLU, .beta.ALA, PRO, PRO-OH, PIC, or AIB; AA.sup.2 is VAL, LEU, ILE, MET, or AIB; AA.sup.3 is ASP, TYR, GLU, HIS, or PHE; AA.sup.4 is VAL, MET, ILE, LEU, or AIB; AA.sup.5 is TYR, HIS, or GLU; AA.sup.6 is ALA, PRO, SER, .beta.ALA, PRO-OH, or AIB; and AA.sup.7 is VAL, LEU, ILE, or AIB;and salts thereof are claimed as effective blood pressure regulators. Further provided, are antibodies to these peptides, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic methods for blood pressure regulation.

Abstract: Compounds are described of the formula ##STR1## or an acid addition salt thereof; in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 independently represent hydrogen, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.2-4 alkenyl, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl C.sub.1-4 alkyl, halogen, C.sub.1-4 haloalkyl, C.sub.1-4 alkanoyl, nitro, amino, C.sub.2-4 acylamino, cyano, hydroxyl, C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, C.sub.1-4 alkylthio, C.sub.1-4 haloalkoxy or a group of the formula --SO.sub.2 N(R.sup.8).sub.2, --SO.sub.2 R.sup.8 or --SO.sub.3 R.sup.8 where R.sup.8 is C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.1-4 haloalkyl or optionally substituted phenyl; in which R.sup.5 is a group of the formula ##STR2## where R.sup.9 is hydrogen, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.1-4 haloalkyl, C.sub.2-4 alkenyl, C.sub.1-4 alkanoyl, benzyl, cyano or optionally substituted phenyl, where R.sup.10 is hydrogen, C.sub.1-4 alkyl or optionally substituted phenyl and where n is 0 or 1; in which R.sup.6 is hydrogen, C.sub.1-10 alkyl, C.sub.

Abstract: This invention relates to a class of quinoline quinones, which are useful for the therapy of immediate hypersensitivity reactions, such as asthma, and in treating any condition characterized by excessive release of leukotrienes. This invention also includes a method for treating these conditions, which comprises administering to animals, including humans, an effective dose of the quinoline quinone compounds. A further part of this invention is pharmaceutical formulations containing these pharmacologically-active compounds.

Abstract: Compounds are described of the formula ##STR1## or an acid addition salt thereof; in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 independently represent hydrogen, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.2-4 alkenyl, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl C.sub.1-4 alkyl, halogen, C.sub.1-4 haloalkyl, C.sub.1-4 alkanoyl, nitro, amino, C.sub.2-4 acylamino, cyano, hydroxyl, C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, C.sub.1-4 alkylthio, C.sub.1-4 haloalkoxy or a group of the formula -SO.sub.2 N(R.sup.8).sub.2, -SO.sub.2 R.sup.8 or -SO.sub.3 R.sup.8 where R.sup.8 is C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.1-4 haloalkyl or optionally substituted phenyl; in which R.sup.5 is a group of the formula ##STR2## where R.sup.9 is hydrogen, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.1-4 haloalkyl, C.sub.2-4 alkenyl, C.sub.1-4 alkanoyl, benzyl, cyano or optionally substituted phenyl, where R.sup.10 is hydrogen, C.sub.1-4 alkyl or optionally substituted phenyl and where n is 0 or 1; in which R.sup.6 is hydrogen, C.sub.1-10 alkyl, C.sub.

Abstract: Substituted 1-thia-3-aza-4-ones having utility as plant fungicides, herbicides and terrestrial and aquatic plant growth regulators, together with methods for the use thereof and compositions containing the compounds.

Abstract: This invention relates to a class of isoquinoline quinones, which are useful for the therapy of immediate hypersensitivity reactions, such as asthma, and in treating any condition characterized by excessive release of leukotrienes. This invention also includes a method for treating these conditions, which comprises administering to animals, including humans, an effective dose of the isoquinoline quinone compounds. A further part of this invention is pharmaceutical formulations containing these pharmacologically-active compounds.

Abstract: Compounds are described of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 is COOR.sup.5, CONHR.sup.5, cyano, 5-tetrazolyl or R.sup.6, where R.sup.5 is hydrogen or C.sub.1-8 alkyl and R.sup.6 is phenyl or naphthyl, the phenyl or naphthyl group being optionally substituted by one or more group selected from halogen, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, hydroxy, benzyloxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, carboxyl, C.sub.1-4 alkylsulphinyl, C.sub.1-4 alkylsulphonyl, N(R.sup.5).sub.2, NHCOR.sup.5 and SR.sup.5 ; R.sup.2 is R.sup.6 or --CH.dbd.CH--R.sup.6 when R.sup.1 is COOR.sup.5, CONHR.sup.5, cyano or 5-tetrazolyl, or R.sup.2 is --CH.dbd.CH--R.sup.6 when R.sup.1 is R.sup.6 ; R.sup.3 is hydrogen, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, halogen, hydroxy or --OCH.sub.2 R.sup.6 ; and R.sup.4 is hydrogen, C.sub.1-6 alkyl or halogen; and salts thereof. The compounds have pharmaceutical properties and in particular are useful in the treatment of immediate hypersensitivity conditions such as asthma.

Abstract: This invention discloses a process for removing a sulfonyl group from the 1-position of a benzimidazole to allow conversion of 2-amino-1,5-substituted-benzimidazole compounds into 2-amino-1,6-substituted-benzimidazole compounds. The 5-isomer is reacted with an alkali metal hydroxide or carbonate in an inert aqueous organic solvent system. The reaction is acidified to precipitate the base and form the intermediate benzimidazole tautomer. The intermediate is then reacted with a sulfonyl acylating agent or a haloalkyl isothiocyanate to form a mixture of 2-amino-1,5(6)-substituted-benzimidazole compounds. This invention also discloses the same process for removing a sulfonyl group from the 1-position of a benzimidazole to allow conversion of 2-amino-1,6-substituted-benzimidazole compounds into 2-amino-1,5-substituted-benzimidazole compounds.

Abstract: Compounds are described of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 is COOR.sup.5, CONHR.sup.5, cyano, 5-tetrazolyl or R.sup.6, where R.sup.5 is hydrogen or C.sub.1-8 alkyl and R.sup.6 is phenyl or naphthyl, the phenyl or naphthyl group being optionally substituted by one or more group selected from halogen, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, hydroxy, benzyloxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, carboxyl, C.sub.1-4 alkylsulphinyl, C.sub.1-4 alkylsulphonyl, N(R.sup.5).sub.2, NHCOR.sup.5 and SR.sup.5 ; R.sup.2 is R.sup.6 or --CH.dbd.CH--R.sup.6 when R.sup.1 is COOR.sup.5, CONHR.sup.5, cyano or 5-tetrazolyl, or R.sup.2 is --CH.dbd.CH--R.sup.6 when R.sup.1 is R.sup.6 ; R.sup.3 is hydrogen, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, halogen, hydroxy or --OCH.sub.2 R.sup.6 ; and R.sup.4 is hydrogen, C.sub.1-6 alkyl or halogen; and salts thereof. The compounds have pharmaceutical properties and in particular are useful in the treatment of immediate hypersensitivity conditions such as asthma.