Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided relating to novel IgE isoforms and their use in immune hypersensitivity diagnosis and treatment. The compositions include transcription and translation products of the immunoglobulin epsilon locus, specific probes for epsilon transcription products, and compounds that specifically bind epitopes of epsilon translation products. Novel products of the epsilon locus include the following transcription products and translation products thereof: CH4-M2", CH4'-CH5-M1'-M2, CH4'-CH5-M2', CH4'-CH5-M2.increment. and CH4-M2'. Such epsilon products, specific probes and binding compounds find use in methods and kits for immune hypersensitivity diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: Novel peptide analogues of platelet-derived growth factor, for use in inhibiting or stimulating growth and/or chemotaxis of cells, e.g., smooth muscle cells, are provided. Also provided are compositions of matter comprising those peptide analogues.

Abstract: This invention concerns novel receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase polypeptides. Specifically, this invention concerns the novel receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase .lambda. which is related to the homotypically adhering receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases .kappa. and .mu.. The invention further relates to analogs of these polypeptides in other mammals, functional derivatives thereof, antibodies which are capable of specifically binding to these polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding these polypeptides, vectors containing and capable of expressing such nucleic acid and recombinant host cells transformed with such nucleic acid. Methods for the recombinant production of these receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase polypeptides and assays for identifying agonists and antagonists of these polypeptides are also within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant DNA vehicles which are suitable for the microbial expression of DNA encoding a heterologous polypeptide which comprises a portion of the trp operon having the promoter-operator and leader ribosome binding site, and a restriction site providing an insertion site for the DNA sequences encoding the heterologous polypeptide, wherein the restriction site is located 3' of the leader ribosome binding site as a substitute for the Taq I site of the trp promoter-operator and is selected from the group consisting of Xba I and Eco RI. Also provided are E. coli strains transformed with the above described recombinant DNA vehicles.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an improved bifunctional cation-exchange composition has been formed which comprises synthetic resin support particles and both crown ether and non-crown ether functional groups attached thereto. The compositions of the present invention provide for novel, enhanced cation separation capabilities and, depending upon the type of functional groups employed, permit effective separation of cations which elute at approximately the same time off standard and commonly used cation-exchange columns. The presently described bifunctional cation-exchange compositions also permit the effective separation of one cation from a mixture comprising another cation that is present at a significantly greater concentration. Formed articles and methods employing the bifunctional cation-exchange composition are also provided.

Abstract: Cellular components are quantitated using stained cell samples, computerized image analysis, and cellular standards, where the computerized image analysis value can be translated into the amount of the component per cell. The methodology is demonstrated with breast cancer cells and quantitation of the HER-2/neu gene. The quantitation is shown to have prognostic capability as to the future course of the disease.

Abstract: Isolated polypeptides useful in ameliorating GAD-associated autoimmune disease as well as diagnostic and therapeutic methods of using the peptides are disclosed.