Abstract: Multifunctional proteins having M-CSF activity and at least one other bioactivity not found together in a single naturally occuring molecule are described. These multifunctional M-CSF proteins can be produced by the expression of fused genes which are also described. These multifunctional M-CSF proteins have increased therapeutic potential.

Abstract: Peptides, that inhibit GAP stimulated ras p21 hydrolysis of GTP; peptides that mediate dissociation of GDP from ras p21-GTP complex; and antibodies to the peptides are described. These peptides are useful as cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, particularly to detect cancer cells with an over expression of normal or oncogenic ras p21 protein and to treat cancer caused by ras oncogene. Methods for assaying products of oncogenes using the described peptides and antibodies are also disclosed. Method for treating cancer caused by ras oncogenes is also disclosed.

Abstract: DNA for new forms of CSF-1 are provided which relate to N-terminal and C-terminal truncations. Specifically, N-.gradient.3 terminal truncations of the short and long forms of CSF-1 have been found to be particularly advantageous. These forms may have a C-terminal truncation at a variety of different amino acids beyond position 149.

Abstract: New forms of CSF-1 are provided which relate to N-terminal truncations. Specifically, N-.gradient.3 terminal truncations of the long form of CSF-1 have been found to be particularly advantageous. These forms may have a C-terminal truncation at a variety of different amino acids beyond position 150.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of CSF-1 heterodimers and pharmaceutical formulations of the heterodimers. The heterodimers can be formed using CSF-1 monomers that have variations in sequence, N or C-terminal processing. For example, CSF/C.gradient.150 can be dimerized with LCSF/C.gradient. 190 to form a heterodimer. Dimerization may occur by separately preparing homodimers and mixing them together under the appropriate conditions. Thereafter, homodimers may be separated from the heterodimers by various chromatographic techniques. Once the heterodimers are isolated, pharmaceutical preparations can be prepared.

Abstract: New forms of CSF-1 are provided which relate to N-terminal truncations. Specifically, N-.gradient.3 terminal truncations of the short form of CSF-1 have been found to be particularly advantageous. These forms may have a C-terminal truncation at a variety of different amino acids beyond position 150.

Abstract: A colony stimulating factor, CSF-1, is a lymphokine useful in treating or preventing bacterial, viral or fungal infections, neoplasms, leukopenia, wounds, and in overcoming the immunosuppression induced by chemotherapy or resulting from other causes. CSF-1 is obtained in usable amounts by recombinant methods, including cloning and expression of the murine and human DNA sequences encoding this protein.

Abstract: A process for recovering microbially produced IL-2 in a highly pure form from the cellular material of the microorganisms that produced it comprising: disrupting the-cell membranes of the microorganisms; extracting the disruptate with a chaotropic agent, such as urea, that selectively extracts microbial proteins from the cellular material; solubilizing the IL-2 in the solid phase of the extraction mixture with an aqueous solution of a solubilizing agent, such as SDS, containing a reducing agent; and separating the IL-2 from the resulting solution by an optional extraction with 2-butanol or 2-methyl-2-butanol followed by gel filtration chromatography, oxidizing the IL-2 and purifying the oxidized IL-2 by RP-HPLC.

Abstract: A colony stimulating factor, CSF-1, is a lymphokine useful in treating or preventing bacterial, viral or fungal infections, neoplasms, leukopenia, wounds, and in overcoming the immunosuppression induced by chemotherapy or resulting from other causes. CSF-1 is obtained in usable amounts by recombinant methods, including cloning and expression of the murine and human DNA sequences encoding this protein.

Abstract: A process is described for producing M-CSF from bacteria. It includes: fermentation of bacteria containing M-CSF DNA; harvest of the fractions that contain the M-CSF protein (refractile bodies); primary recovery of the protein; solubilization and denaturation of refractile bodies; M-CSF refolding; purification by column chromatography and other methods; and formulation of the properly refolded M-CSF. This method is advantageous over prior methods in terms of yield and purity.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for preparing an activated ester of polyethylene glycol or a polyoxyethylated polyol. After the activated ester is prepared, it can be reacted with a protein to form a polymer/protein conjugate. Conjugation with a polymer can reduce the protein's immunogenicity, increase its solubility, and increase its circulating in vivo half-life. Preferred proteins are IL-2, CSFs, and interferons.

Abstract: A new polypeptide, called IFN-.alpha.76, produced by E. coli transformed with a newly isolated and characterized human IFN-.alpha. gene is described. The polypeptide exhibits interferon activities such as antiviral activity, cell growth regulation, and regulation of production of cell-produced substances.

Abstract: Stable pharmaceutical compositions suitable for parenteral administration to mammals are prepared which are in a pH range of about 2 to about 4 and comprise a therapeutically effective amount of a recombinant interferon-.beta. protein (IFN-.beta.) dissolved in an inert carrier medium comprising as a stabilizer/solubilizer an effective amount either of glycerol or of polyethylene glycol polymers having an average molecular weight from about 190 to about 1600 daltons. Further disclosed and claimed are methods for extracting IFN-.beta. from a microbial host transformed to produce it and then purifying and formulating said IFN-.beta. and methods for screening for other polyhydric non-detergent stabilizer/solubilizers or combinations thereof as solubilizer/stabilizers for pharmaceutical compositions of IFN-.beta..

Abstract: A new polypeptide, called IFN-.alpha.61, produced by E. coli transformed with a newly isolated and characterized human IFN-.alpha. gene is described. The polypeptide exhibits interferon activities such as antiviral activity, cell growth regulation, and regulation of production of cell-produced substances.