Abstract: Novel bactericidal antibodies against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B ("MenB") are disclosed. The antibodies either do not cross-react or minimally cross-react with host tissue polysialic acid and hence pose minimal risk of autoimmune activity. The antibodies are used to identify molecular mimetics of unique epitopes found on MenB or E. coli K1. Examples of such peptide mimetics are described that elicit serum antibody capable of activating complement-mediated bacteriolysis of MenB. Vaccine compositions containing such mimetics can be used to prevent MenB or E. coli K1 disease without the risk of evoking autoantibody.

Abstract: IGF-1 and a hypocaloric amount of nutrient are used to treat a catabolic state in a patient. The IGF-1 and nutrient can be administered simultaneously, separately or sequentially. The amounts of IGF-1 and hypocaloric amount of nutrient are effective for the treatment of the catabolic state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a recombinant protein in high yields by adding alkali to a cell culture that is capable of producing recombinant protein. The recombinant protein can be any protein that is suitable to be made by recombinant techniques, such as IGF.

Abstract: Effective urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor antagonists have sequences selected from the group LNFGQYLWYT, LCFGCYLWYT, LNFGCYLWCT, LNFGQYLnAYT, LNFdSQYLWYT, LCFGCYLWY, LNFdSQYLnAYT, LNFGdCYLWCT, LCFdSCYLWYT, LCFdSCYLnAYT, LNFdSCYLWCT, or active analogs or active portions thereof.

Abstract: Molecular mimetics of unique epitopes of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B ("MenB") are disclosed. Compositions containing such molecular mimetics can be used to prevent MenB or E. coli K1 disease without the risk of evoking autoantibody responses.

Abstract: A novel kinase has been identified which phosphorylates I.kappa.B. Reagents which inhibit this kinase can be used as therapeutic tools to inhibit inflammation. The kinase can also be used as a target for drug screening to identify anti-inflammatory compounds.

Abstract: A family of cDNA sequences derived from hepatitis C virus (HCV) are provided. These sequences encode antigens which react immunologically with antibodies present in individuals with non-A non-B hepatitis (NANBH), but which are absent from individuals infected with hepatitis A virus, or hepatitis B virus, and also are absent in control individuals. The HCV cDNA sequences lack substantial homology to the sequences of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) and HBV. A comparison of the sequences of amino acids encoded in the HCV cDNA with the sequences of Flaviviruses indicates that HCV may be related to the Flaviviruses.The HCV cDNA sequences and the polypeptides encoded therein are useful as reagents for the detection and therapy of HCV. The reagents provided in the invention are also useful for the isolation of NANBH agent(s), for the propagation of these agents in tissue culture, and for the screening of antiviral agents for HCV.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for crystallizing macrophage colony stimulating factor. The present invention is also directed to methods for designing and producing M-CSF agonists and antagonists using information derived from the crystallographic structure of M-CSF. The invention is also directed to methods for screening M-CSF agonists and antagonists. In addition, the present invention is directed to an isolated, purified, soluble and functional M-CSF receptor.

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: The present invention provides compositions and methods for utilizing recombinant alphavirus vectors. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for making and utilizing eukaryotic layered vector initiation systems.

Abstract: Polynucleotide sequences are provided for the diagnosis of the presence of retroviral infection in a human host associated with lymphadenopathy syndrome and/or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, for expression of polypeptides and use of the polypeptides to prepare antibodies, where both the polypeptides and antibodies may be employed as diagnostic reagents or in therapy, e.g., vaccines and passive immunization. The sequences provide detection of the viral infectious agents associated with the indicated syndromes and can be used for expression of antigenic polypeptides.

Abstract: Retroviral vector constructs are described which have a 5' LTR, a tRNA binding site, a packaging signal, one or more heterologous sequences, an origin of second strand synthesis and a 3' LTR, wherein the vector construct lacks retroviral gag/pol or env coding sequences. In addition, gag/pol, and env expression-cassettes are described wherein the expression cassettes lack a consecutive sequence of more than 8 nucleotides in common. The above-described retroviral vector constructs, gag/pol and env expression cassettes may be utilized to construct producer cell lines which preclude the formation of replication competent virus.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing microspheres, films and coatings from protein or modified protein in which the protein product is stabilized by carrying out the preparation in the presence of an aqueous solution of at least one .alpha.-hydroxy acid. Preferred .alpha.-hydroxy acids are glycolic acid, lactic acid, .alpha.-hydroxybutyric acid or a mixture of two or more thereof. The microspheres, films and coatings so produced have improved stability in aqueous solution.

Abstract: Compositions involving I.kappa.B (i.e., inhibitor of Nuclear Factor-.kappa.B or NF-.kappa.B) and methods of using the same are described that have applications for the identification of prophylactics or therapeutics for the treatment of diseases resulting from altered gene expression, including genes that encode cytokines or related molecules.

Abstract: Two novel cytokines which are involved in an inflammatory response (inflammatory cytokines) are disclosed. The inflammatory cytokines have been isolated from activated peripheral blood, preferably monocytes adhered to plastic; or peripheral blood leukocytes induced with calcium ionophore and mezerin. The two cytokines are Gro .beta. and .gamma., and their cDNA and amino acid sequences are disclosed. The expression of the genes in various cells is presented. Assay and diagnostic utilities using the cytokines; recombinant materials and procedures; purification procedures; and monoclonal antibodies to the cytokines are also shown.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the solubilization and/or stabilization of polypeptides, especially proteins, using cyclodextrin selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl, hydroxyethyl, glucosyl, maltosyl and maltotriosyl derivatives of .beta.- and .gamma.-cyclodextrin. Solubilized and/or stabilized compositions comprising a polypeptide, especially a protein, and the selected cyclodextrin are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant viral vectors carrying a vector construct which directs the expression of a gene product (e.g., HSVTK) that activates a compound with little or no cytotoxicity into a toxic product. Also provided are methods of destroying or inhibiting pathogenic agents in a warm blooded animal, comprising the step of administering to the animal a viral vector such as that described above, in order to inhibit or destroy the pathogenic agent.

Abstract: A combination of insulin and an insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) as used in the manufacture of a medicament for counteracting a decrease in nitrogen balance and for counteracting a decrease in protein synthesis. The medicament can be used for the treatment of catabolism which is a protein catabolism due to glucocorticoid excess.

Abstract: The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) NS3 protein contains amino acid motifs of a serine proteinase, a nucleotide triphosphatase (NTPase), and an RNA helicase. A carboxy fragment of the HCV NS3 protein was purified and possessed RNA helicase activity. Detections from the amino terminus resulted in the protein becoming soluble. Deletions from the carboxy terminus do not result in a loss of helicase activity until at least 50 amino acids are deleted. The helicase activity requires ATP and divalent cations such as Mg.sup.2+ and Mn.sup.2+. The helicase activity was blocked by monoclonal antibody specific to the HCV NS3 protein.

Abstract: A solid-phase method for the synthesis of N-substituted oligomers, such as poly (N-substituted glycines) (referred to herein as poly NSGs) is used to obtain oligomers, such as poly NSGs of potential therapeutic interest which poly NSGs can have a wide variety of side-chain substituents. Each N-substituted glycine monomer is assembled from two "sub-monomers" directly on the solid support. Each cycle of monomer addition consists of two steps: (1) acylation of a secondary amine bound to the support with an acylating agent comprising a leaving group capable of nucleophilic displacement by --NH.sub.2, such as a haloacetic acid, and (2) introduction of the side-chain by nucleophilic displacement of the leaving group, such as halogen (as a resin-bound .alpha.-haloacetamide) with a sufficient amount of a second sub-monomer comprising an --NH.sub.2 group, such as a primary amine, alkoxyamine, semicarbazide, acyl hydrazide, carbazate or the like.