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: Recombinant retroviruses carrying a vector construct capable of preventing, inhibiting, stabilizing or reversing infectious, cancerous or auto-immune diseases are disclosed. More specifically, the recombinant retroviruses of the present invention are useful for (a) stimulating a specific immune response to an antigen or a pathogenic antigen; (b) inhibiting a function of a pathogenic agent, such as a virus; and (c) inhibiting the interaction of an agent with a host cell receptor. In addition, eucaryotic cells infected with, and pharmaceutical compositions containing such a recombinant retrovirus are disclosed. Various methods for producing recombinant retroviruses having unique characteristics, and methods for producing transgenic packaging animals or insects are also disclosed.

Abstract: Two new isolates of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), J1 and J7, are disclosed. These new isolates comprise nucleotide and amino acid sequences which are distinct from the prototype HCV isolate, HCV1. Thus, J1 and J7 provide new polynucleotides and polypeptides for use, inter alia, in diagnostics, recombinant protein production and vaccine development.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for enhancing the chemiluminescence from a stable 1,2-dioxetane triggered to produce a chemiluminescence are disclosed. Indirect, competitive nucleic acid hybridization assay formats are also described that employ these methods and compositions.

Abstract: Recombinant retroviruses carrying a vector construct capable of preventing, inhibiting, stabilizing or reversing infectious, cancerous or auto-immune diseases are disclosed. More specifically, the recombinant retroviruses of the present invention are useful for (a) stimulating a specific immune response to an antigen or a pathogenic antigen; (b) inhibiting a function of a pathogenic agent, such as a virus; and (c) inhibiting the interaction of an agent with a host cell receptor. In addition, eucaryotic cells infected with, and pharmaceutical compositions containing such a recombinant retrovirus are disclosed. Various methods for producing recombinant retroviruses having unique characteristics, and methods for producing transgenic packaging animals or insects are also disclosed.

Abstract: A virion expression system for a desired protein packaged in an envelope derived from a retrovirus useful in administering proteins which cross cell membranes in order to serve their function. Preferred virions are those that carry an RNA sequence that encodes cytokines or lymphokines, and includes IL-2, multiple drug resistance protein, and TNF.

Abstract: Comb-type branched polynucleotides are used as amplification multimers in nucleic acid hybridization assays.

Abstract: Compositions 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: The present invention provides compositions and method,, for utilizing recombinant alphavirus vectors.

Abstract: Methods and materials are disclosed for the production of purified, active recombinant human neutrophil protease, PR-3, via activation of a pro-form herein referred to as proPR-3. Human PR-3 is useful for discovering inhibitors of excessive release of mature, active TNF.alpha.. Also disclosed are methods for the identification of inhibitors of the conversion of the pro-form of TNF.alpha. to its mature active form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a keratiniocyte growth factor fragment, KGF.sub.des1-23, or an analog thereof that is composed of a portion of an amino acid sequence of mature, full length keratinlocyte growth factor, KGF.sub.163. The fragment exhibits at least a 2-fold increase in mitogenic activity as compared to a mature, recombinant keratinocyte growth factor, rKGF, but lacks a sequence comprising the first 23 amino acid residues, C-N-D-M-T-P-E-Q-M-A-T-N-V-N-C-S-S-P-E-R-H-T-R- (SEQ ID NO: 2) of the KGF.sub.163 N-terminus. The present invention also relates to a DNA molecule encoding KGF.sub.des1-23, an expression vector and a transformed host containing the DNA molecule, and a method of producing KGF.sub.des1-23 by culturing the transformed host. The present invention further relates to a conjugate of KGF.sub.des1-23 and a toxin molecule, and the use thereof for treatment of hyperproliferative disease of the epidermis. Moreover, the present invention relates to a therapeutic composition containing KGF.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for using IGF as inhibitors of inflammatory response, ischemic injury, and organ rejection.

Abstract: A method is provided for more accurately calculating the concentration of analytes or components in test samples. The method includes the use of an algorithm for analysis, and selection of sets of signal measurements from a spectrophotometer. Sets of signal measurements are selected to avoid inhomogeneities, i.e. air bubbles, artifacts and dilution, in test samples being analyzed. The method has application to the spectroscopic determination of the concentration of hemoglobin derivatives or fractions in a blood sample.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for synthesizing biopolymers, such as polypeptides and polynucleotides. The apparatus includes plural reaction vessels in which subunit coupling to biopolymers in a particle suspension is carried out. The vessels are connected to common valving structure for use in mixing the suspension and removing suspension liquid. In one embodiment, a robotic arm in the apparatus is operable to transfer reaction solution to the reaction vessels, and to transfer particle suspensions from the reaction vessels to a mixing vessel and back to the reaction vessels. The method can be used to produce preferably equi-molar amounts of different-sequence biopolymers, such as polypeptides and polynucleotides.

Abstract: Medicaments and methods of using the same are disclosed for treating or preventing diseases resulting from undesirable cell adhesion of IL-1 receptor positive cells to biological materials, particular to endothelial cells, or autoimmune related diseases, preferably graft versus host disease, or IL-1 dependent cancers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vessel apparatus for holding and transferring liquids, in which the level of liquid may be controlled and monitored automatically. A depth sensing device, included in the apparatus, detects the presence or absence of liquid at predetermined levels. The device detects the difference in transmission of a low frequency electromagnetic signal between aerial probes based on the state of immersion (wet or dry) of the transmitting and receiving probes.

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: Host cells may be treated for an infection or a hyperproliferative disorder which is characterized by the presence, in the affected cells, of a trans-acting factor capable of regulating gene expression by inserting into the cells a polynucleotide construct having a cis-acting regulatory sequence which is regulated by the trans-acting factor and an effector gene which renders said cell susceptible to protection or destruction. For example, the cis-acting region may be homologous to the HIV tar region, and the effector gene may encode ricin A or HSV-1 thymidine kinase. Upon infection with HIV, the HIV tat protein activates the tar region, and induces transcription and expression of ricin A, resulting in cell death, or of HSV-1 tk, resulting in cell death upon treatment with dideoxynucleoside agents such as acyclovir and gancyclovir.

Abstract: Coiled-coil molecular recognition is a primary mode of subunit assembly in a large variety of naturally occurring macromolecular complexes. Here we report the use of coiled-coil mediated solution assembly to form a stable, heteromeric complex of Interleukin-2 receptor ectodomains that binds IL-2 cooperatively and with an affinity approaching the comparable cell surface complex. Cross-linking of homomeric or heteromeric receptor subunits is the common signal transmission mechanism employed by hematopoietin receptors. Individual receptor ectodomains, however, often do not bind ligand with measurable affinity. The claimed invention is useful for coiled-coil mediated assembly of receptor complexes for solution analysis. It also shows that hetero-oligomeric complexes can be formed using a leucine zipper domain.

Abstract: A luminometer for determining the composition of a specimen sample includes an annular guide path for sample containing cuvettes within a light tight housing. A rotor moves spaced segments through the guide path with the cuvettes positioned between the segments. The luminometer further includes one or two detector assemblies coupled to the housing and positioned to view and detect light emitted by cuvettes as they pass along the guide path between segments. A cuvette is advanced around the housing via the rotor and rotor segments and when the cuvette reaches a predetermined position on the housing, a reagent, such as a base, is added to the cuvette to initiate a chemiluminescent reaction within the cuvette and provide an emission of light energy in a predetermined spectral range. The luminometer has a waste aspiration probe to remove the contents of the cuvette after it passes the detector.