Abstract: The present invention relates generally to molecules such as peptides, polypeptides and proteins which interact immunologically with antibodies or T-cells in subjects having pre-clinical or clinical Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM). These molecules are preferentially immunoreactive to T-cells in subjects having pre-clinical or clinical IDDM and are useful in the development of diagnostic, therapeutic and prophylactic agents for IDDM.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a isolated leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF)-binding protein (LBP) in soluble form and obtainable from a first mammalian species, said LBP capable of inhibiting the ability of LIF from a second mammalian species to induce differentiation of M1 myeloid leukaemic cells in vitro to a greater extent when compared to its ability to inhibit LIF from said first mammalian species.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated DNA molecules encoding human and murine LIF and methods of producing LIF by the expression of the isolated DNA and suitable host cells. The invention further provides human and murine LIF polypeptides, pharmaceutical compositions containing LIF, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification, cloning and sequencing of nucleic acid molecules encoding an isoform of the enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase and further relates to the use of these molecules and/or peptides and polypeptides encoded thereby in diagnostic tests for Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus and other diseases in which glutamic acid decarboxylase is an autoantigen and in the treatment of patients suffering from these diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to molecules carrying one or more binding determinants for &agr;-chain of human Leukaemia Inhibitory Factor binding receptor and to genetic sequences encoding same. More particularly, the present invention contemplates a molecule which is non-naturally occurring and which comprises a carrier portion and an active portion and wherein the active portion comprises amino acid residues or chemical equivalents thereof which constitute a binding determinant for the &agr; chain of the human leukaemia inhibitory factor (hLIF) binding receptor.

Abstract: The invention provides a recombinant or synthetic receptor or a derivative thereof, for granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The GM-CSF receptor is useful, inter alia, in the treatment or diagnosis of GM-CSF-related diseases, and in the screening of agonists and antagonists of GM-CSF receptors. The invention further provides antibodies directed against GM-CSF receptor or derivatives thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising either the GM-CSF receptor, the receptor derivative, or an antibody thereto, and methods of using thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for regulating neuron development, maintenance and regeneration in the central and peripheral nervous systems of a mammal and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising leukaemia inhibitory factor with or without nerve growth factor useful for same. The present invention is particularly useful in the treatment of developmental and cerebral anomalies and neuropathies in mammals and in particular humans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated receptor-type tyrosine kinase. The receptor-type tyrosine, in its naturally occurring form, is characterized by being reactive to monoclonal antibody III.A4, having an apparent molecular weight of approximately 120-150 kD in its glycosylated form, and having the N-terminal amino acid sequence E L I P Q P.

Abstract: Leukemia inhibitory factor or LIF as an addition to culture media promotes the development of embryos to the implantation stage. Growth in the presence of LIF increases the percentage of embryos that reach the implantation stage than growth without LIF. LIF is isolatable from several mammalian species such as murine, sheep, pig, cow, horse or donkey.

Abstract: Isolated peptides and polypeptides exhibiting the antigenicity of the 70 kD mitochondrial autoantigen of primary biliary cirrhosis are provided. The peptides, polypeptides and antigenic fragments thereof are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification, cloning and sequencing of nucleic acid molecules encoding an isoform of the enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase and further relates to the use of these molecules and/or peptides and polypeptides encoded thereby in diagnostic tests for Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus and other diseases in which glutamic acid decarboxylase is an autoantigen and in the treatment of patients suffering from these diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated DNA molecules encoding human and murine LIF, and methods of producing LIF by the expression of the isolated DNA in suitable host cells. The invention further provides human and murine LIF polypeptides, pharmaceutical compositions containing LIF, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to monoclonal antibodies specific for the receptor for human granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (hGM-CSF). The antibodies inhibit the biological activity of hGM-CSF. Methods and compositions for treatment of GM-CSF dependent condition, and methods for screening of selective antagonists to GM-CSF, are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: The invention provides a recombinant or synthetic receptor for granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and biochemical and/or biological equivalents, homologues, or derivatives thereof. The GM-CSF receptor is useful inter alia in treatment and diagnosis of GM-CSF related diseases, and in screening of agonists and antagonists of binding of GM-CSF to its cell-bound receptors. The invention further provides nucleic acid sequences encoding GM-CSF receptor, recombinant DNA molecules comprising these sequences, and transformed hosts carrying the recombinant DNA molecules, as well as antibodies directed against GM-CSF receptor, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising either the GM-CSF receptor or antibody thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed is the in vitro development of mammalian embryos to the implantation stage by culturing the embryos in a medium containing leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Inclusion of LIF in the medium containing embryos also enhances the ability of the embryos to develop normally.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of screening for ligands to a receptor-type tyrosine kinase. The receptor-type tyrosine, in its naturally occurring form, is characterized by being reactive to monoclonal antibody III.A4, having an apparent molecular weight of approximately 120-150 kD in its glycosylated form, and having the N-terminal amino acid sequence E L I P Q P.

Abstract: A recombinant DNA molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence which codes for expression of a fusion protein in which a foreign protein or peptide is fused with the enzyme glutathione-S-transferase, is disclosed, as well as expression vectors or host cells containing such a molecule. Optionally, the foreign protein or peptide is fused to the enzyme through a cleavable link. Also disclosed is an expression vector having inserted therein a nucleotide sequence capable of being expressed as the enzyme glutathione-S-transferase followed by at least one restriction endonuclease recognition site for insertion of a nucleotide sequence capable of being expressed as a foreign protein or peptide fused to the glutathione-S-transferase.

Abstract: Disclosed is the in vitro development of mammalian embryos to the implantation stage by culturing the embryos in a medium containing leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF).

Abstract: The invention provides a recombinant or synthetic receptor for granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and biochemical and/or biological equivalents, homologues, or derivatives thereof. The GM-CSF receptor is useful inter alia in treatment and diagnosis of GM-CSF related diseases, and in screening of agonists and antagonists of binding of GM-CSF to its cell-bound receptors. The invention further provides nucleic acid sequences encoding GM-CSF receptor, recombinant DNA molecules comprising these sequences, and transformed hosts carrying the recombinant DNA molecules, as well as antibodies directed against GM-CSF receptor, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising either the GM-CSF receptor or antibodies thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of leukaemia inhibitory factor and pharmaceutial compositions comprising same in the treatment of undifferentiated tumours and sarcomas in mammals.