Abstract: A method for treating serum samples to remove sialic acid from ligands to expose binding sites to enhance immunological binding, for use in assays and to generate novel anti-ligands is described. The method includes treatment of serum using neuraminidase.

Abstract: Novel compositions comprising Oncostatin M and congeners thereof, as well as methods for their preparation and methods for their use are provided. The compositions may be prepared by isolation from natural sources, or by recombinant means in either prokaryotic or eukaryotic host cells. In addition, the DNA and polypeptide sequences for Oncostatin M are disclosed. The compositions find use in modulating growth of cells, in particular inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, and stimulation of normal cell growth, especially cells involved in hematopoiesis. Cell growth inhibition compositions may additionally include an adjunctive agent comprising at least one of a transforming growth factor, tumor necrosis factor, or an interferon. Receptors having high affinity for Oncostatin M may additionally be used to screen polypeptides for Oncostatin M-like activity. Methods for use of antibodies to the compositions and probes specific for Oncostatin M mRNA as a means for detecting tumor cells are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel antibodies reactive with human carcinoma cells. More particularly, the antibodies of the invention include: a murine monoclonal antibody, BR96; a human/murine chimeric antibody, ChiBR96; and a F(ab').sub.2 fragment of BR96. These antibodies are reactive with a cell membrane antigen on the surface of human carcinomas. The antibodies display a high degree of selectivity for carcinoma cells and possess the ability to mediate ADCC and CDC activity. In addition, the antibodies of the invention internalize within the carcinoma cells to which they bind. The antibodies also have a unique feature in that they are cytotoxic when used in the unmodified form, at specified concentrations.

Abstract: Novel compositions comprising Oncostatin M and congeners thereof, as well as methods for their preparation and methods for their use are provided. The compositions may be prepared by isolation from natural sources, or by recombinant means in either prokaryotic or eukaryotic host cells. In addition, the DNA and polypeptide sequences for Oncostatin M are disclosed. The compositions find use in modulating growth of cells, in particular inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, and stimulation of normal cell growth, especially cells involved in hematopoiesis. Cell growth inhibition compositions may additionally include an adjunctive agent comprising at least one of a transforming growth factor, tumor necrosis factor, or an interferon. Receptors having high affinity for Oncostatin M may additionally be used to screen polypeptides for Oncostatin M-like activity. Methods for use of antibodies to the compositions and probes specific for Oncostatin M mRNA as a means for detecting tumor cells are also provided.

Abstract: Novel compositions comprising Oncostatin M and congeners thereof, as well as methods for their preparation and methods for their use are provided. The compositions may be prepared by isolation from natural sources, or by recombinant means in either prokaryotic or eukaryotic host cells. In addition, the DNA and polypeptide sequences for Oncostatin M are disclosed. The compositions find use in modulating growth of cells, in particular inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, and stimulation of normal cell growth, especially cells involved in hematopoiesis. Cell growth inhibition compositions may additionally include an adjunctive agent comprising at least one of a transforming growth factor, tumor necrosis factor, or an interferon. Receptors having high affinity for Oncostatin M may additionally be used to screen polypeptides for Oncostatin M-like activity. Methods for use of antibodies to the compositions and probes specific for Oncostatin M mRNA as a means for detecting tumor cells are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with novel monoclonal antibody L53 which binds strongly to a glycoprotein antigen associated with human tumors, including carcinomas of the colon, breast, and lung, as well as melanomas. The antibody binds to normal human cells to a much lesser degree than to tumor cells. The antibody finds use in diagnostic methods for as the detection of malignant cells associated with tumors. Also disclosed is a novel 70,000-75,000 dalton glycoprotein antigen recognized by MAb L53. The L53 antigen is found on the cell surface of human tumor cells. The amino terminal amino acid sequence of this antigen is: ##STR1## in which X represents an unidentified amino acid.

Abstract: Thermally stable cytosine deaminase (CDase), and the gene coding therefor, is disclosed as well as methods of isolating, purifying, and recombinantly producing the same. The thermally stable CDase can be isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The yeast isolated enzyme has a molecular weight of approximately 32 kDa, as determined by gel filtration chromatography, and is composed of two subunits, each with a molecular weight of about 17 kDa. Thermally stable yeast CDase so purified shows no significant sequence homology with other known sequenced proteins.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a novel monoclonal antibody which binds strongly to a protein antigen associated with human tumors, including carcinomas of the colon, breast, ovary and lung, as well as melanomas and sarcomas. The antibody binds to normal human cells to a much lesser degree than to tumor cells. The antibody finds use both in diagnostic methods such as the detection of malignant cells associated with tumors and in therapeutic methods for treatment of humans with tumors. Also disclosed is a novel 100,000 dalton glycoprotein antigen found on the cell surface of human tumor cells. The amino terminal amino acid sequence of this antigen is: ##STR1## in which X represents an unidentified amino acid.