Abstract: The compound (W-Z-M) according to the invention comprises a component (M) chosen from the group consisting of markers and therapeutic agents possessing an intracellular active site (A.S.), linked to a ligand (W-Z) comprising an arm (Z) linked to a terminal group (W), characterized in that the linkage between the arm (Z) of the ligand (W-Z) and the component (M) prevents intracellular entry of the compound (W-Z-M) and/or inhibits expression of the marker (M), in that said linkage can be selectively cleaved by factors secreted by target cells so as to permit expression of the marker (M) or entry of the therapeutic agent (M) into said target cells, and in that the terminal group (W) provides for the stability of the compound (W-Z-M) in the serum and circulating blood.

Abstract: The compound (W-Z-M) according to the invention comprises a component (M) chosen from the group consisting of markers and therapeutic agents possessing an intracellular active site (A.S.), linked to a ligand (W-Z) comprising an arm (Z) linked to a terminal group (W), characterized in that the linkage between the arm (Z) of the ligand (W-Z) and the component (M) prevents intracellular entry of the compound (W-Z-M) and/or inhibits expression of the marker (M), in that said linkage can be selectively cleaved by factors secreted by target cells so as to permit expression of the marker (M) or entry of the therapeutic agent (M) into said target cells, and in that the terminal group (W) provides for the stability of the compound (W-Z-M) in the serum and circulating blood.

Abstract: Methods of screening and identifying tumor-activated prodrug forms of therapeutic agents are described.

Abstract: The compound (W-Z-M) according to the invention comprises a component (M) chosen from the group consisting of markers and therapeutic agents possessing an intracellular active site (A.S.), linked to a ligand (W-Z) comprising an arm (Z) linked to a terminal group (W), characterized in that the linkage between the arm (Z) of the ligand (W-Z) and the component (M) prevents intracellular entry of the compound (W-Z-M) and/or inhibits expression of the marker (M), in that said linkage can be selectively cleaved by factors secreted by target cells so as to permit expression of the marker (M) or entry of the therapeutic agent (M) into said target cells, and in that the terminal group (W) provides for the stability of the compound (W-Z-M) in the serum and circulating blood.

Abstract: The compound (W-Z-M) according to the invention comprises a component (M) chosen from the group consisting of markers and therapeutic agents possessing an intracellular active site (A.S.), linked to a ligand (W-Z) comprising an arm (z) linked to a terminal group (W), characterized in that the linkage in the arm (Z) of the ligand (W-Z) and the component (M) prevents intracellular entry of the compound (W-Z-M) and/or inhibits expression of the marker (M), in that said linkage can be selectively cleaved by factors secreted by target cells so as to permit expression of the marker (M) or entry of the therapeutic agent (M) into said target cells, and in that the terminal group (W) provides for the stability of the compound (W-Z-M) in the serum and the circulating blood.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oligonucleotide agent suited to use in evidencing at least one strain of Borrelia burgdorferi.Proposed are sequences common to all the groups of Borrelia burgdorferi strains, suited to use either as primers during genetic amplification reactions, or as capture probes in a hybridization test on a solid support on which the target DNA is "sandwiched" between the said capture probe and a disclosure probe, or else as disclosure probes in the said hybridization test on a solid support.Also proposed are sequences specific to each of the groups of Bb strains, suited to use as primers during genetic amplification reactions or as disclosure or capture probes in the hybridization test on the solid support mentioned above.

Abstract: A substantially pure recombinant human myeloperoxidase heme-containing precursor, comprising a glycoprotein of 84 KD with the amino acid sequence coded for by the nucleotide sequence from 145 to 2235 corresponding to codons 49 to 745 in phase after the first methionine codon in FIG. 1 produced by culturing prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells transformed by a vector for the expression of human myeloperoxidase precursor in said cells.