Abstract: A chimeric transforming growth factor-beta termed TGF-.beta.1/.beta.2, a DNA molecule encoding TGF-.beta.1/.beta.2, a mammaliam cell transformed with said DNA molecule, and a method for producing chimeric TGF-.beta.1/.beta.2 are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel monoclonal antibody reactive with human carcinoma cells. More particularly, the antibody of the invention is a monoclonal antibody reactive with a glycolipid cell membrane antigen on the surface of human carcinomas. The antibody displays a high degree of selectivity for carcinoma cells, showing a low degree of reactivity with certain normal human cells and no detectable reactivity with other types of tumors such as lymphomas, sarcomas or melanomas. In addition, the antibody of the invention is capable of internalizing within the carcinoma cells to which it binds and is therefore particularly useful for therapeutic applications, for example, as the antibody component of antibody-drug or antibody-toxin conjugates.

Abstract: The use of TGF-.beta. to inhibit HIV infection and/or replication is described. Both mature and precursor forms of TGF-.beta. are efficacious in inhibiting production of HIV. The TGF-.beta. used to inhibit HIV may be obtained from natural sources or may be produced by recombinant DNA or chemical synthetic techniques. TGF-.beta.1 and/or TGF-.beta.2 may be used. Additionally, hybrid TGF-.beta.1/.beta.2 molecules may also be utilized.

Abstract: cDNA clones coding for TGF-.beta.2 which are used to construct expression vectors capable of directing the high-level expression of mature, biologically active TGF-.beta.2, as well as precursor TGF-.beta.2 forms, in transfected Chinese Hamster Ovary cells (CHO cells) and transfected COS cells are described. CHO and COS transfectants secreting TGF-.beta.2 at high levels are also described. CHO cells transfected with a plasmid vector carrying the complete 414 amino acid simian TGF-.beta.2 precursor secrete approximately 5 .mu.g per ml culture media.

Abstract: A process for producing chimeric antibodies using novel recombinant DNA vectors and homologous recombination in vivo is described. The recombinant DNA constructs of the invention can be used to transfect antibody producing cells so that targeted homologous recombination occurs in the transfected cells leading to gene modification and the production of chimeric antibody molecules by the transfected cells.

Abstract: A process for producing chimeric antibodies using novel recombinant DNA vectors and homologous recombination in vivo is described. The recombinant DNA constructs of the invention can be used to transfect antibody producing cells so that targeted homologous recombination occurs in the transfected cells leading to gene modification and the production of chimeric antibody molecules by the transfected cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of a recently discovered cytokine, Oncostatin M, to control endothelial cell immunogenicity, fibrinolytic activity and proliferation, and to its use in the treatment of a variety of human vascular and immune system disorders involving the vascular endothelium. The method of the invention includes the use of mature, hybrid, modified or truncated forms of Oncostatin M as well as Oncostatin M analogs. The invention is described by way of examples in which the efficacy of such compounds is evaluated using various in vitro assay systems.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with novel monoclonal antibodies which bind strongly to a protein antigen associated with human non-small cell lung carcinomas ("NSCLC") human small cell lung carcinomas and certain other human carcinomas including many carcinomas of the colon and breast. The antibodies bind to normal human cells to a much lesser degree than to tumor cells. The antibodies find use both in diagnostic methods such as the detection of malignant cells associated with NSCLC and in therapeutic methods for treatment of human in NSCLC and certain other human carcinomas. Also disclosed is a novel 110,000 dalton glycoprotein antigen found on the cell surface of human non-small lung carcinoma tumor cells and on cells from certain other human cancers. The amino terminal amino acid sequence of this antigen is: ##STR1## in which X represents an unidentified amino acid.

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 and lung. 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 66,000 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.

Abstract: Peptides or proteins related to a melanoma associated antigen are described. These are produced in large quantities via recombinant DNA techniques and/or by chemical synthetic methods. The peptides or proteins can be used as immunogens in vaccine formulations which can induce an immune response that selectively destroys melanoma cells in a vaccinated individual. Where the peptides or proteins are expressed by a recombinant virus, inactivated or live virus vaccine formulations may be prepared.

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.

Abstract: Novel compositions are provided for modulating growth, particularly of tumor cells, which compositions are combinations of Oncostatin M, and one or both of transforming growth factors or .gamma.-interferons, or analogs thereof. In addition, a novel transforming growth factor is provided, designated TGF-.beta.2, as well as methods for its preparation.

Abstract: A novel cell growth regulatory factor, named Amphiregulin, is described. This extremely hydrophilic glycoprotein, having a median molecular weight of 22,500 daltons, demonstrates unusual biological activity. Amphiregulin is a bifunctional cell growth regulatory factor which exhibits potent inhibitory activity on DNA synthesis in neoplastic cells, yet promotes the growth of certain normal cells. The invention is based, in part, on the discovery that MCF-7 cells, when treated with the tumor promoting agent, 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), express and secrete two distinct yet functionally equivalent forms of Amphiregulin. These two forms are structurally identical and perfectly homologous except that the truncated form lacks an amino-terminal hexapeptide found in the larger form. The Amphiregulin gene has been cloned and used to construct plasmids which direct the expression of bioactive Amphiregulin in transformed Escherichia coli cells.

Abstract: Neutral lipids are provided characterized by binding to phorboid and ingenoid receptors. These lipids are found in a wide variety of cellular sources as well as milk and may be isolated by specific extraction and chromatographic procedures. Depending upon the source, the glycerides may be mono- or di-glycerides, wherein the total number of carbon atoms of the fatty acis is in the range of 18 to 26, so that the monoglyceride has a fatty acid of at least 18 carbon atoms, while the di-glyceride has a fatty acid of at least 14 carbon atoms. The long chain fatty acids have at least one site of olefinic unsaturation.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with novel monoclonal antibodies which define a glycolipid antigen associated with human non-small cell lung carcinomas ("NSCLC") and certain other human carcinomas. The antibodies bind to normal human cells to a much lesser degree than to tumor cells. The antibodies find use in diagnostic methods such as the detection of malignant cells associated with NSCLC and in therapeutic methods. The invention also comprises a method for determining the presence of a malignant condition in lung tissue and other human tissue. The method involves examining the human tissue for the presence of a glycolipid antigen having the characteristics of a ganglio-N-triosylceramide.

Abstract: A method for identifying and using antibodies which are directed against tumor-associated glycolipid antigens and which are capable of activating serum complement or antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity. These antibodies find use in the therapy of tumors. Administration of the antibodies results in lysis of the tumor cells in vivo.

Abstract: Novel pH-sensitive immunoconjugates which dissociate in low-pH tumor tissue, comprising a chemotherapeutic agent and an antibody reactive with a tumor-associated antigen are described. The chemotherapeutic agent is coupled to the antibody by a link which is unstable in low pH. The link may comprise a spacer consisting of a polyamino acid. Representative antibodies for use in these immunoconjugates include monoclonal antibodies which are not internalized by tumor cells.

Abstract: Immunotherapeutic methods for the treatment of patients infected with the AIDS virus are described. T lymphocytes which are histocompatible with the patient and specific for the AIDS virus are activated in vitro by exposure to AIDS virus-related epitopes. Activated T lymphocytes are expanded and inoculated into the patient in order to transfer T cell immunity directed against the AIDS virus epitopes.

Abstract: Neutral lipids are provided characterized by binding to phorboid and ingenoid receptors. These lipids are found in a wide variety of cellular sources as well as milk and may be isolated by specific extraction and chromatographic procedures. Depending upon the source, the glycerides may be mono- or di-glycerides, wherein the total number of carbon atoms of the fatty acids is in the range of 18 to 26, so that the monoglyceride has a fatty acid of at least 18 carbon atoms, while the di-glyceride has a fatty acid of at least 14 carbon atoms.

Abstract: An antibody MG-21 which is directed against a tumor-associated glycolipid antigen and which is capable of activating serum complement or antibody dependent cellular cytoxicity is described. This antibody finds use in the therapy of cancers particularly melanoma and glioma. Proper administration of the antibody results in lysis of the tumor cells in vivo.