Abstract: Recombinant PB2 tryptophan variant influenza viruses, RNA, cDNA and vectors are provided. Also provided are immunogenic compositions containing the variant viruses, methods of producing such viruses and methods for the prophylactic treatment of influenza in humans.

Abstract: Provided are novel Toledo and Towne Human cytomegalovirus DNA sequences (HCMV) and proteins encoded thereby. The sequences are useful in methods and compositions for detecting HCMV infections and in immunogenic compositions for preventing HCMV infections.

Abstract: Provided by the present invention are topical formulations of Interleukin-11 and methods for treating a variety of disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, indeterminate colitis, and infectious colitis), mucositis (e.g., oral mucositis, gastrointestinal mucositis, nasal mucositis, and proctitis), necrotizing enterocolitis, inflammatory skin disorders (e.g., psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and contact hypersensitivity), aphthous ulcers, pharyngitis, esophagitis, peptic ulcers, gingivitis, periodontitis, and ocular diseases (e.g., conjunctivitis, retinitis, and uveitis).

Abstract: Recombinant PB2 tryptophan variant influenza viruses, RNA, cDNA and vectors are provided. Also provided are immunogenic compositions containing the variant viruses, methods of producing such viruses and methods for the prophylactic treatment of influenza in humans.

Abstract: The invention provides for a novel Varicella-Zoster Virus gene, mutant Varicella-Zoster Virus and immunogenic compositions based on such novel genes and mutant VZV. Also provided are proteins, diagnostic assays and methods of producing reconstructed VZV.

Abstract: Provided are novel phospholipase D DNA and amino acid sequences. The sequences are useful in methods and compositions for identifying phospholipase D mediator molecules which are in turn useful in therapeutic pharmacuetical compositions for treating rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, in wound healing and for treating other diseases or conditions characterized by exhibition of an inflammatory response or in the treatment of cancer and other diseases characterized by pathogenic mitogenicity.

Abstract: Provided are novel Toledo and Towne human cytomegalovirus DNA sequences (HCMV) and proteins encoded thereby. The sequences are useful in methods and compositions for detecting HCMV infections and in immunogenic compositions for preventing HCMV infections.

Abstract: Agents which modulate pathways of apoptotic induction or repression in which products of opioid peptide precursors genes participate, useful as inducers of apoptosis in cells and in tumor cells in particular, are disclosed. Methods of treatment employing such agents and pharmaceutical compositions containing them are also described.

Abstract: Cells producing recombinant retroviral particles are provided. The cells contain a first vector having a coding region encoding retroviral LTRs and a packaging signal under the control of an expression control system, a tRNA binding site located upstream from the packaging signal and origin of second strand DNA synthesis located downstream from the packaging signal. The cells also contain a second vector having a coding region encoding retroviral capsid proteins gag and pol under the control of an expression control system and a third vector having a coding region encoding a simian type D retrovirus envelope glycoprotein under the control of an expression control system.

Abstract: Provided are novel Toledo and Towne human cytomegalovirus DNA sequences (HCMV) and proteins encoded thereby. The sequences are useful in methods and compositions for detecting HCMV infections and in immunogenic compositions for preventing HCMV infections.

Abstract: A live, attenuated HSV-2 virus and methods of making and using the virus are provided. The live, attenuated HSV-2 virus is constructed using recombinant techniques and can be used in a pharmaceutical composition for prophylactic treatment of HSV-2 infections and for treatment of recurrent HSV-2 related diseases and conditions. Additionally, a plasmid vector is disclosed for expressing a GST-UL56 fusion protein wherein the protein comprises the Glutathione S Transferase gene product fused to at least an immunogenic portion of the HSV-2 UL56 gene product. The GST-UL56 fusion protein can be used to produce polyclonal antisera to the HSV-2 UL56 gene product, to detect whether recombinant HSV-2 deletion mutants express UL56, and as a type-specific reagent capable of discerning HSV-1 from HSV-2.

Abstract: Transcriptional activator Islet-Brain 1 (IB1) is disclosed which is involved in the control of the GLUT2 and insulin genes by interacting with homologous cis-regulatory elements of the GLUT2 and insulin promoters, and to materials and methods deriving from this work. In particular, the use of IB1 nucleic acid, IB1 polypeptides and anti-IB1 antibodies in the diagnosis, and prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of conditions such as diabetes and neurological diseases such as dementia and/or parkinsonism is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for preserving an infectious recombinant virus for subsequent reconstitution are provided. Within one aspect, the method comprises the steps of (a) combining an infectious recombinant virus with an aqueous solution comprising a saccharide, a high molecular weight structural additive, a buffering component and water to form an aqueous suspension, thereby stabilizing the infectious virus; (b) cooling the aqueous suspension containing the virus to a temperature below the glass transition state temperature or below the eutectic point temperature of the formulation; and (c) removing water from the cooled aqueous suspension by sublimation to form a lyophilized virus having less than 10% water by weight of the lyophilized virus, the virus being capable of infecting mammalian cells upon reconstitution.

Abstract: Provided are novel Toledo and Towne human cytomegalovirus DNA sequences (HCMV) and proteins encoded thereby. The sequences are useful in methods and compositions for detecting HCMV infections and in immunogenic compositions for preventing HCMV infections.

Abstract: Recombinant PB2 variant influenza viruses, RNA, cDNA and vectors are provided. Also provided are immunogenic compositions containing the variant viruses, methods of producing such viruses and methods for the prophylactic treatment of influenza in humans.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods and novel compositions for enzyme complementation assays for qualitative and quantitative determination of a suspected analyte in a sample. The use of enzyme-acceptor and enzyme-donor polypeptides prepared by recombinant DNA techniques, DNA synthesis or chemical polypeptide synthesis techniques which are capable of interacting to form an active enzyme complex having catalytic activity characteristic of .beta.-galactosidase is described. Both homogeneous and heterogeneous assays utilizing these polypeptides are described.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods and novel compositions for enzyme complementation assays for qualitative and quantitative determination of a suspected analyte in a sample. The use of enzyme-acceptor and enzyme-donor polypeptides prepared by recombinant DNA techniques, DNA synthesis or chemical polypeptide synthesis techniques which are capable of interacting to form an active enzyme complex having catalytic activity characteristic of .beta.-galactosidase is described. Both homogeneous and heterogeneous assays utilizing these polypeptides are described.

Abstract: A novel family of primate CSF-1-like polypeptides is provided via recombinant techniques, including compositions and methods for their production and use.

Abstract: A method for reducing or eliminating tyramine interference from amphetamine and methamphetamine immunoassays, comprising treating the sample with aqueous tyramine oxidase for a time and at a temperature and pH sufficient to deaminate any tyramine present in the sample, is provided.

Abstract: Galactopyranoside derivative compounds for use as substrates for hydrolysis by enzymes with .beta.-galactosidase activity are provided. The concentration of the reaction products can be measured by spectroscopy. The compounds find particular use in diagnostic assays for detection of analyte.