Abstract: Disclosed are DNAs produced by recombinant techniques for inducing the expression and subsequent secretion of a target protein. The DNAs encode, in their 5' to 3' direction, a secretion cassette, including a signal sequence and an immunoglobulin Fc region, and a target protein. The DNAs can be transfected into a host cell for the expression, production and subsequent secretion of the target protein as a fusion protein. The secreted protein can be collected from the extracellular space, and further purified as desired. The secreted fusion protein additionally can be proteolytically cleaved to release the target protein from the secretion cassette.

Abstract: A bis-azo compound represented by the following general formula (1), a tautomer thereof or a salt thereof: ##STR1## wherein R represents a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl group and X represents a substituted or unsubstituted phenylene group. These compounds exhibit low toxicity and do not have any undesirable effect such as mutagenecity.

Abstract: Disclosed are chemical agents with unexpected antimicrobial activity against the microbes, especially Porphyromonas gingivalis, known to be important in the cause and progression of gingivitis, periodontitis, and destruction of hard and soft oral tissues leading to tooth loss. The agents have additional unexpected anticollagenase activity useful in the direct mitigation of tissue damage. The agents can be formulated to produce various compositions and dental implements useful in management of peridental diseases, particularly those involving infection with certain gram-negative anaerobes.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting retroviral infection in a subject comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a naphthalenesulfonic acid compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, as herein defined.