Abstract: Superantigens, including staphylococcal enterotoxins, are useful agents in the killing of tumor cells, the enhancement of antitumor immunity and in the treatment of cancer in a tumor-bearing host. In particular, the immune system of a subject with cancer is contacted with tumor cells that have been transfected with nucleic acid encoding a superantigen or biologically active polypeptide of a superantigen. Alternatively, transfected accessory cells, immunocytes or fibroblasts are used. When the superantigen is expressed in the host, T cell proliferation is induced leading to increased antitumor immunity and tumor cell killing. The nucleic acid encoding a superantigen may be administered to the tumor in vivo to transfect tumor cells wherein superantigen expression induces a similar tumoricidal immune response.

Abstract: Treatment of solid tumors, including their metastases, without radiation, surgery or standard chemotherapeutic agents is described. Ex vivo stimulation of cells, selection of specific V&bgr; subsets of stimulated cells and reinfusion of the V&bgr; subsets of stimulated cells is employed for cancer therapy.

Abstract: Agonists of the adenosine A.sub.2 receptor promote the migration of endothelial cells, fibroblasts and epithelial cells. Thus, methods and pharmaceutical compositions useful for treating wounds and promoting wound healing comprise agents which cause stimulation of the adenosine A.sub.2 receptor, preferably receptor agonists and adenosine uptake blockers. Preferred agonists include 2-phenylaminoadenosine, 2-para-2-carboxyethylphenyl-amino-5'N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine, 5'N-ethylcarbox-amidoadenosine, 5'N-cyclo-propyladenosine, 5'N-methylcarboxamidoadenosine and PD-125944. Preferred uptake blockers include dipyridamole, nitrobenzylthio-inosine, dilazep and R75231.

Abstract: Shigella IpaB protein or functional derivative binds to interleukin-1.beta.-converting enzyme (ICE) or an ICE homologue and activates a program of apoptosis. DNA encoding the Shigella IpaB protein, the IpaB protein or a functional derivative thereof is provided to a eukaryotic, preferably human, cell to induce apoptosis of that cell. This approach useful in treating diseases or disorders treatable by the eradication of unwanted cells, including cancer, autoimmunity, inflammation and chronic viral infections. Protein or peptide molecules (and the DNA coding therefor) which act as competitive antagonists for ICE binding without activating the apoptosis program are useful in treating or preventing diseases which involve an apoptotic mechanisms in their pathogenesis, for example AIDS, degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, myelodysplastic disorders, ischemic injuries or toxin-induced liver diseases.

Abstract: Cyclic peptide compounds having 11 amino acids joined by a linking unit L, such that the linear dimension between the C.sup..alpha. carbon of the first amino acid and the C.sup..alpha. carbon of eleventh amino acid is between about 4 and 12 .ANG.ngstrom units; are useful for inhibiting the binding of uPA to the uPAR receptor. Methods for using the cyclic peptide compounds, and compositions containing them, for inhibiting the growth or metastasis of cancerous tumors are also disclosed.