Abstract: A method of inhibiting growth of tumor cells which overexpress a growth factor receptor or growth factor by treatment of the cells with antibodies which inhibit the growth factor receptor function, is disclosed. A method of treatment tumor cells with antibodies which inhibit growth factor receptor function, and with cytotoxic factor(s) such as tumor necrosis factor, is also disclosed. By inhibiting growth factor receptor functions tumor cells are rendered more susceptible to cytotoxic factors.

Abstract: Isolated SMDF, isolated DNA encoding SMDF, and recombinant or synthetic methods of preparing SMDF are disclosed. SMDF contains a .beta.-type EGF-like domain and a N-terminal sequence which is distinct from all neuregulins reported so far. SMDF, when expressed in recombinant cell culture, activates tyrosine phosphorylation of the HER2/neu receptor in human breast cancer cells and displays mitogenic activity on Schwann cells. Northern blot and in situ hybridization analysis show that SMDF differs from other neuregulins in that it is nervous tissue specific, and is very highly expressed, in comparison to other neuregulins, in the human and rat spinal cord motor neurons and sensory neurons.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting growth of tumor cells which overexpress a growth factor receptor or growth factor by treatment of the cells with antibodies which inhibit the growth factor receptor function, is disclosed. A method of treating tumor cells with antibodies which inhibit growth factor receptor function, and with cytotoxic factor(s) such as tumor necrosis factor, is also disclosed. By inhibiting growth factor receptor functions tumor cells are rendered more susceptible to cytotoxic factors.

Abstract: An assay for measuring activation (i.e., autophosphorylation) of a tyrosine kinase receptor of interest is disclosed.(a) A first solid phase is coated with a substantially homogeneous population of cells so that the cells adhere to the first solid phase. The cells have either an endogenous tyrosine kinase receptor or have been transformed with DNA encoding a receptor or "receptor construct" and the DNA has been expressed so that the receptor or receptor construct is presented in the cell membranes of the cells.(b) A ligand is then added to the solid phase having the adhering cells, such that the tyrosine kinase receptor is exposed to the ligand.(c) Following exposure to the ligand, the adherent cells are solubilized, thereby releasing cell lysate.(d) A second solid phase is coated with a capture agent which binds specifically to the tyrosine kinase receptor, or, in the case of a receptor construct, to the flag polypeptide.

Abstract: This application relates to nucleic acids encoding decay accelerating factor (hereinafter abbreviated as DAF), as well as vectors and cells which comprise such nucleic acids. Additionally, nucleic acids which encode variants of DAF, such as insertion, deletion or substitution variants, are described. This application also relates to the preparation of DAF in recombinant cell culture. In particular, it is concerned with the large scale manufacture of DAF suitable for pharmaceutical or diagnostic use.

Abstract: Isolated SMDF, isolated DNA encoding SMDF, and recombinant or synthetic methods of preparing SMDF are disclosed. SMDF contains a .beta.-type EGF-like domain and a N-terminal sequence which is distinct from all neuregulins reported so far. SMDF, when expressed in recombinant cell culture, activates tyrosine phosphorylation of the HER2/neu receptor in human breast cancer cells and displays mitogenic activity on Schwann cells. Northern blot and in situ hybridization analysis show that SMDF differs from other neuregulins in that it is nervous tissue specific, and is very highly expressed, in comparison to other neuregulins, in the human and rat spinal cord motor neurons and sensory neurons.

Abstract: A method for activating the HER2 receptor comprising contacting a cell which expresses this receptor with SMDF polypeptides is discussed. A method for enhancing differentiation and/or proliferation of a cell using SMDF polypeptides is also disclosed. These methods may be performed in vitro or in vivo.

Abstract: A novel bronchial or bronchiolar epithelial cell from normal neonatal mammalian lung has been isolated, established and maintained for multiple passages in the absence of serum, without undergoing crisis or senescence. By careful manipulation of the nutritional/hormonal microenvironment we have been able to select, from a heterogeneous population, a single epithelial cell type which can maintain highly differentiated features in vitro. This cell type has characteristics of bronchiolar epithelial cells. A clonal line, RL-65, has been selected and observed for more than 3 years in continuous culture. It has been characterized by ultrastructural, morphological and biochemical criteria.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing heteromultimeric polypeptides such as bispecific antibodies, bispecific immunoadhesins and antibody-immunoadhesin chimeras. The invention also relates to the heteromultimers prepared using the method. Generally, the method involves introducing a protuberance at the interface of a first polypeptide and a corresponding cavity in the interface of a second polypeptide, such that the protuberance can be positioned in the cavity so as to promote heteromultimer formation and hinder homomultimer formation. "Protuberances" are constructed by replacing small amino acid side chains from the interface of the first polypeptide with larger side chains (e.g. tyrosine or tryptophan). Compensatory "cavities" of identical or similar size to the protuberances are created in the interface of the second polypeptide by replacing large amino acid side chains with smaller ones (e.g. alanine or threonine).

Abstract: Methods are provided for the preparation in recombinant host cells of biologically active soluble variants of discretely encoded, heteromultimer polypeptide receptors. Such variants are synthesized by the secretion from recombinant transformants of transmembrane-modified heteromultimer receptors. Preferred receptors are extracellular matrix, cell surface, or plasma protein-binding receptors such as GPIIb-IIIa.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the preparation in recombinant host cells of biologically active soluble variants of discretely encoded, heteromultimer polypeptide receptors. Such variants are synthesized by the secretion from recombinant transformants of transmembrane-modified heteromultimer receptors. Preferred receptors are extracellular matrix, cell surface, or plasma protein-binding receptors such as GPIIb-IIIa.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting growth of tumor cells which overexpress a growth factor receptor or growth factor by treatment of the cells with antibodies which inhibit the growth factor receptor function, is disclosed. A method of treating tumor cells with antibodies which inhibit growth factor receptor function, and with cytotoxic factor(s) such as tumor necrosis factor, is also disclosed. By inhibiting growth factor receptor functions tumor cells are rendered more susceptible to cytotoxic factors.

Abstract: In vivo assay methods for detecting tumors having amplified expression of the HER2 receptor are disclosed. In the assay, cells within the body of a mammal are exposed to an antibody which specifically binds to the extracellular domain of the HER2 receptor and inhibits growth in vitro of SK-BR-3 breast tumor cells which overexpress p185.sup.HER2. The antibody is generally tagged with a radioactive isotope to permit the extent of binding of the antibody to the cells to be quantified.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the survival and/or proliferation of Schwann cells (especially human Schwann cells) in cell culture is disclosed which involves culturing the cells in serum free culture medium comprising gas6 and other mitogenic agents, such as heregulin and forskolin. The culturing step is generally preceded by a pre-incubation period wherein nerve tissue comprising the Schwann cells is cultured under appropriate conditions and for a period of time such that demyelination occurs. The isolated Schwann cells can be used as cellular prostheses to treat patients with nervous system injuries. The invention also provides a cell culture medium for culturing Schwann cells.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting growth of tumor cells which overexpress a growth factor receptor or growth factor by treatment of the cells with antibodies which inhibit the growth factor receptor function, is disclosed. A method of treating tumor cells with antibodies which inhibit growth factor receptor function, and with cytotoxic factor(s) such as tumor necrosis factor, is also disclosed. By inhibiting growth factor receptor functions tumor cells are rendered more susceptible to cytotoxic factors.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the survival and/or proliferation of Schwann cells (especially human Schwann cells) in cell culture is disclosed which involves culturing the cells in serum free culture medium comprising gas6 and other mitogenic agents, such as heregulin and forskolin. The culturing step is generally preceded by a pre-incubation period wherein nerve tissue comprising the Schwann cells is cultured under appropriate conditions and for a period of time such that demyelination occurs. The isolated Schwann cells can be used as cellular prostheses to treat patients with nervous system injuries. The invention also provides a cell culture medium for culturing Schwann cells.

Abstract: The protein tyrosine kinase receptors, designated Rse and HPTK6, have been purified from human and/or murine cell tissues. Rse and HPTK6 have been cloned from a cDNA library of a human liver carcinoma cell line (i.e., Hep 3B) using PCR amplification. Provided herein are nucleic acid sequences encoding Rse and HPTK6 useful as diagnostics and in the recombinant preparation of Rse and HPTK6. Rse and HPTK6 are used in the preparation and purification of antibodies thereto and in diagnostic assays.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies which bind to the extracellular domain of the HER2 receptor and inhibit growth of SK-BR-3 breast tumor cells, which overexpress HER2, are disclosed. The monoclonal antibodies can be used for in vitro assays for detecting a tumor characterized by amplified expression of HER2.

Abstract: Isolated SMDF, isolated DNA encoding SMDF, and antibodies to SMDF are disclosed. SMDF contains a .beta.-type EGF-like domain and a N-terminal sequence which is distinct from all neuregulins reported so far. SMDF, when expressed in recombinant cell culture, activates tyrosine phosphorylation of the HER2/neu receptor in human breast cancer cells and displays mitogenic activity on Schwann cells. Northern blot and in situ hybridization analysis show that SMDF differs from other neuregulins in that it is nervous tissue specific, and is very highly expressed, in comparison to other neuregulins, in the human and rat spinal cord motor neurons and sensory neurons.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the preparation of liposomes utilizing aerosolization of a solution comprising bilayer-forming materials and optional additional molecules onto an aqueous surface, the aerosolization being mist spraying through a frequency-generated vibrating nozzle.