Abstract: Mammalian synovial phospholipase A.sub.2 (sPLA.sub.2) enzymes are provided, as well as DNA constructs encoding these enzymes, methods of producing the enzymes recombinantly, and antibodies thereto. Therapeutic methods employing anti-synovial phospholipase antibodies are also provided, in addition to diagnositc methods and other applications of sPLA.sub.2.

Abstract: Recombinant vaccines for immunizing horses against equine influenza virus (EIV) are disclosed. The DNA sequences encoding the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) glycoproteins from the two strains of EIV currently infective in horses are used to construct vaccinia carried vaccines, to design synthetic peptides for primer and booster administration, and to permit recombinant synthesis of HA and/or NA protein based vaccines. These DNA sequences also provide probes useful for preparing similar vaccines from fresh isolates of new strains generated by genetic drift.

Abstract: The invention offers an early detection method for atherosclerosis using genetic analysis to detect a polymorphisms shown to be correlated with this disease which are proximal to the apolipoprotein AI (apoAI) and aplipoprotein CIII (apoCIII) gene complex. All individuals with a 300 bp deletion 4 kb upstream of the apoAI gene are destined to experience severe atherosclerotic symptomologies. Individuals with a polymorphism 5.4 kb 5' of the apoAI gene or a PvuII polymorphism in the first intron of the apoCIII gene also seem to be at greater risk. A haplotype with MspI and XmnI/7.2 polymorphisms in this general region seem to be protected. Additional polymorphic sites in the DNA sequence associated with the apoAI/CIII gene complex provide a means for genetically fingerprinting individuals, and for identifying persons at risk with respect to disorders relating to lipid metabolism and transport.

Abstract: Polymorphisms in genes related to lipid metabolism, specifically apolipoproteins B, CII, E, and apoAIV, have been identified. Presence or absence of these polymorphisms in particular individuals may be correlated with propensity to show symptoms of atherosclerosis. Also thus correlated are two insertion polymorphisms 5' of the insulin gene.

Abstract: Recombinant vaccines for immunizing horses against equine influenza virus (EIV) are disclosed. The DNA sequences encoding the hemagluttinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) glycoproteins from the two strains of EIV currently infective in horses are used to construct vaccinia carried vaccines, to design synthetic peptides for primer and booster administration, and to permit recombinant synthesis of HA and/or NA protein based vaccines. These DNA sequences also provide probes useful for preparing similar vaccines from fresh isolates of new strains generated by genetic drift.