Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for AIDS diagnosis and monitoring of anti-AIDS drug therapy, and more particularly to a method of assaying for human immunodeficiency virus. The present invention uses a focal immunoassay (FIA) which utilizes HIV-specific antibodies and indirect immunoassay techniques to detect local areas of HIV infection in susceptible target cells growing in monolayers on plastic dishes. The present invention further relates to specific cell lines used as the susceptible target cells in the disclosed methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for detecting the effects of selected growth factors and pharmaceuticals on the growth and development of hair follicles by assaying hair follicle cell proliferation and cellular collagenolytic factor secretion. In particular, isolated hair follicle cells maintained as intact functioning folliculoids are embedded in a three-dimensional culture system, and exposed to the chemical agent of choice. The effect of this agent can then be determined with respect to its ability to modify cellular proliferation or secretion of proteolytic factors. Each determination involves the use of a separate assay.

Abstract: A new method of detecting cancer by determining the presence of autocrine motility factor (AMF) in the body fluid is described. The method utilizes induction of motility in suitable responder cells by a sample of the body fluid. If the responder cells demonstrate motility, cancer is indicated in the person from whom the body fluid was obtained.

Abstract: Inbred Lewis (LEW/N) female rats develop an arthritis in response to Group A streptococcal cell wall peptidoglycanpolysaccharide (SCW) which mimics human rheumatoid arthritis. Histocompatible Fischer (F344/N) rats, on the other hand, do not develop arthritis in response to the same SCW stimulus. To evaluate this difference in inflammatory reactivity between the two strains, the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and its ability to modulate the development of the inflammatory response was studied. It has been found that, in contrast to F344/N rats, LEW/N rats had markedly impaired plasma ACTH and corticosterone responses to SCW, recombinant human Interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha), the serotonin agonist, quipazine, and synthetic rat corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). In addition, LEW/N rats compared to F344/N rats had smaller adrenal glands and larger thymuses. Treatment of LEW/N rats with replacement doses of dexamethasone decreased the severity of their SCW-induced arthritis.

Abstract: A chimeric gene directing the synthesis of hybrid recombinant fusion protein in a suitable expression vector has been constructed. The fusion protein possesses the property of selective cytotoxicity against specific virus-infected cells. A CD4(178)-PE40 hybrid fusion protein has been made for selectively killing HIV-infected cells.