Abstract: The present invention relates to a new IL-6 mutein, a DNA sequence coding for it, its use in therapy as well as a pharmaceutical composition comprising it. It is a potent IL-6 antagonist and can be advantageously used as a medicament in the treatment of diseases in which IL-6 has a pathogenetic action, such as, for example, plasmocytoma/myeloma, osteoporosis and neoplastic and auotoimmune diseases.

Abstract: A hybrid protein includes two coexpressed amino acid sequences forming a dimer. Each sequence contains the binding portion of a receptor, such as TBP1 or TBP2, or a ligand, such as IL-6, IFN-&bgr; and TP0, linked to a subunit of a heterodimeric proteinaceous hormone, such as hCG. Each coexpressed sequence contains a corresponding hormone subunit so as to form a heterodimer upon expression. Corresponding DNA molecules, expression vectors and host cells are also disclosed as are pharmaceutical compositions and a method of producing such proteins.

Abstract: The use of hCG Beta-core or hCG fragments, deglycosylated hCG in the treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma is described. Inhibition of tumor production or regression on a variety of KS cell lines is shown. Purified hCG preparations do not inhibit the growth of KS cell lines.

Abstract: The lymphocyte ativation gene (LAG-3) is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily that is selectively transcribed in human activated T and NK cells. Surface LAG-3 expression correlated with IFN-&ggr; but not IL-4, production in antigen-stimulated T-cells and it was up-regulated by IL-12 and is preferentially associated with CD4+ T-cells producing Th1-type cytokines. The presence of LAG-3 on the surface of Th1 lymphocytes is used as a marker to detect and identify Th1 lymphocytes and differentiate them from Th2 lymphocytes. Monoclonal antibodies to LAG-3 are used in methods of detecting and isolating Th1 cells as well as methods of diagnosing Th1-mediated disease. The present invention also relates to methods of treating infectious diseases, cancer, and disorders assocated with Th1/Th2 imbalance.

Abstract: A hybrid protein includes two coexpressed amino acid sequences forming a dimer. Each sequence contains the binding portion of a receptor, such as TBP1 or TBP2, or a ligand, such as IL-6, IFN-&bgr;and TPO, linked to a subunit of a heterodimeric proteinaceous hormone, such as hCG. Each coexpressed sequence contains a corresponding hormone subunit so as to form a heterodimer upon expression. Corresponding DNA molecules, expression vectors and host cells are also disclosed as are pharmaceutical compositions and a method of producing such proteins.

Abstract: A hybrid protein includes two coexpressed amino acid sequences forming a dimer. Each sequence contains the binding portion of a receptor, such as TBP1 or TBP2, or a ligand, such as IL-6, IFN-&bgr; and TPO, linked to a subunit of a heterodimeric proteinaceous hormone, such as hCG. Each coexpressed sequence contains a corresponding hormone subunit so as to form a heterodimer upon expression. Corresponding DNA molecules, expression vectors and host cells are also disclosed as are pharmaceutical compositions and a method of producing such proteins.

Abstract: SCF which includes the following C-terminal sequence: Glu Ile Cys Ser Leu Leu Ile Gly Leu Thr Ala Tyr Lys Glu Leu Ser Leu Pro Lys Arg Lys Glu Thr Cys Arg Ala Ile Gln His Pro Arg Lys Asp or a C-terminal sequence which is substantially homologous thereto and its use in medicine, particularly in ensuring the correct development of pre-implantation embryos.

Abstract: Soluble polypeptide fraction consisting of all or part of one at least one of the four immunoglobulin-type extracellular LAG-3 protein domains (amino acids 1-159, 160-230, 240-330 and 331-412 of the SEQ ID NO:1 sequence) or consisting of one peptide sequence derived from these domains by replacement, addition or deletion of one or more amino acids. The fraction of the invention has a specificity at least equal to that of LAG-3 in relation to its ligand.

Abstract: The use of CYB medium for the storage and/or transportation of semen at ambient temperature.

Abstract: The present invent embraces essentially pure human FSH receptor, or a fragment or mutant thereof which binds FSH, DNA encoding said receptor, fragment or mutant, expression vectors comprising said DNA, cells transfected with said expression vectors, and methods of producing said receptor, fragment or mutant by culturing said transfected cells. The present invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions comprising said receptor, fragment or mutant, as well as methods of treating patients with such compositions to reduce endogenous FSH bioactivity. An improved assay for human FSH using the receptor, fragment or mutant of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: Soluble polypeptides of human prolactin receptor, corresponding to products expressed from differentially spliced mRNA and obtainable from various human tissues, are reported and recombinant molecules containing nucleic acid sequences encoding the soluble polypeptides of human prolactin receptor can be constructed and inserted into expression vectors for production in transformed host cells.

Abstract: Soluble polypeptides of human prolactin receptor, corresponding to products expressed from differentially spliced mRNA and obtainable from various human tissues, are reported and recombinant molecules containing nucleic acid sequences encoding the soluble polypeptides of human prolactin receptor can be constructed and inserted into expression vectors for production in transformed host cells.

Abstract: The extracellular domain, or fragment thereof, of a gonadotropin glycoprotein hormone receptor is expressed and secreted in a soluble and functionally hormone-binding form. A recombinant baculovirus transfer vector is constructed to include a gene segment encoding the extracellular domain, or fragment thereof, of the glycoprotein hormone receptor joined in frame with a gene segment encoding a baculovirus signal peptide and operably linked to a baculovirus promoter. Recombinant baculovirus generated by transfection or co-transfection of insect cells are then used to infect insect host cells for the expression and secretion of soluble receptor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a serum uric acid decreasing agent which contains interleukin-6 (IL-6) as the active ingredient together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; and a method for decreasing the serum uric acid level which comprises administering interleukin-6 (IL-6) in an effective amount to a patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nucleotide sequence, which is able to inhibit the IL-6 activity, its use in therapy as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing it.In particular, it relates to a nucleotide sequence which comprises:i) at least one nucleotide sequence that is an APRE element of general formula ZXMYKGKAA, wherein Z represents T or G or can also be absent, X represents T or can also be absent, M represents C or A, Y represents C or T and K represents T or G,in conjunction withii) at least one nucleotide sequence constituting a transcription factor binding site other than the APRE element, such as those present in promoter regions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of Component B as cicatrizant, in particular in the treatment of wounds, ulcers and other traumatic lesions to any of the tissues in the body.

Abstract: Human CD16-II variants, DNA sequences coding for them, their use in therapy and/or in diagnosis of autoimmune diseases and inflammatory illnesses, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, are disclosed. The sequence listing for the new polypeptides is provided.

Abstract: Sensor devices for use in assaying for a substance selected from (i) enzymes capable of producing a change in their environment as a result of catalytic reaction with a substrate and (ii) substrates for such enzymes is described, the devices comprising an optical waveguide having immobilized directly or indirectly on a discrete region ("the measurement region") of one longitudinal surface thereof a species whose optical properties change as a result of the aforementioned change in its environment together with the member of an enzyme substrate/enzyme pair complementary to the substance under assay. Methods of assay using such devices are also described.

Abstract: Described are new glycoprotein hormones capable of competing with natural hormones for the normal receptor binding sites but substantially incapable of effecting post receptor activities. The glycoprotein hormones of the present invention have had specific (rather than all) oligosaccharide chains removed so as to effectively diminish biologic activity while not significantly reducing plasma half-life, thus improving the molecules effectiveness as an antagonist compared with conventionally-produced molecules. The preferred glycoprotein hormones are ideally obtained by site-directed mutagenesis to selectively deglycosylate the protein. Also described are therapeutic treatments comprising the administration of the recombinant glycoprotein hormones of the present invention as hormone antagonists.