Abstract: The present invention provides a novel family of apoptosis-modulating proteins. Nucleotide and amino acid residue sequences and methods of use thereof are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotide sequences (bbp) encoding a Bak Binding Protein (BBP) and fragments thereof that bind to Bak. The invention also provides a BBP which binds to Bak. The invention also provides recombinant host cells containing polynucleotides encoding BBP. The invention further provides antibodies that specifically bind to BBP. The invention further provides methods for detecting agents such as drugs that alter the binding of a BBP with a Bak protein. The invention neither provides methods for detecting the presence of bbp or BBP in a biological sample, and further provides methods for modulating the levels of BBP in a cell. This invention additionally encompasses novel peptides, designated the “BBP Binding Domains” and the respective nucleotides, designated “bbpbd-1” and “bbpbd-2” which arc involved in the interaction between Bak and BBP.

Abstract: Polynucleotides which regulate the expression of a gene involved in apoptosis is described. Also provided are methods for identifying agents that modulate expression of a gene involved in apoptosis.

Abstract: An isolated polynucleotide at least 60% homologous to SEQ ID NO: 1, 3, 5 or 18 encoding a SARP polypeptide; vectors comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding at least 11 consecutive amino acids of &agr;SARP polypeptide; a host cell transformed with an isolated polynucleotide or vector; antibodies specific for SARP and use of such polynucleotides and antibodies in diagnostic and therapeutic method. Therapeutic uses of antibodies and polynucleotides of sarp. Methods for treating diseases related to the regulation of SARP expression in tissue and bodily fluid samples, including cancers.

Abstract: Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) antagonists can be used in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to factor D inhibitors, which bind to factor D and block the functional activity of factor D in complement activation. The inhibitors include antibody molecules, as well as homologues, analogues and modified or derived forms thereof, including immunoglobulin fragments like Fab, F(ab′)2 and Fv, small molecules, including peptides, oligonucleotides, peptidomimetics and organic compounds. A monoclonal antibody which bound to factor D and blocked its ability to activate complement was generated and designated 166-32. The hybridoma producing this antibody was deposited at the American Type Culture Collection, 10801 University Blvd., Manassas, Va. 20110-2209, under Accession Number HB-12476.

Abstract: The invention relates to IgE antagonists, including monoclonal antibodies, and their use in ameliorating asthma and allergic diseases in offspring of mothers treated during pregnancy with such antagonists. The preferred IgE antagonists do not induce release of the mediators of allergy. One example of such IgE antagonists are anti-IgE antibodies which bind to secreted IgE, to membrane IgE on the surface of IgE-producing B cells, but not to IgE bound to the Fc∈RI on the surface of basophils or mast cells. Preferably, these antibodies also do not bind to IgE bound to Fc∈RII receptors. It is also preferable if these antibodies have human IgG1 or IgG3 constant regions, as well as further human portions, if desired.

Abstract: A particular epitope located within the CD4-binding region of gpl20 of HIV-1, and antibodies specific for the epitope which can inhibit HIV-1 infection of human cells by diverse strains and isolates of the virus, is disclosed. The antibodies are useful for a number of purposes, including diagnosis of HIV-1 infection.

Abstract: Several forms of immunoregulatory substances are derived from monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that are specific for a T cell surface antigen, such as CD3, TCR, CD4, or CD8 on T cells. The substances include: a mixture of F(ab′)2 fragments (or other divalent binding molecules which lack Fc) which each bind noncompetitively to different monovalent antigenic epitopes on the same antigen; the F(ab′)2 fragment (or other divalent binding molecules which lack Fc) of a bispecific antibody which has each of its binding sites derived from one of the two MAbs that bind noncompetitively to monovalent antigenic epitopes on the same antigen; a conjugate including a polymeric backbone, such as polyethylene glycol (“PEG”), cellulose, dextran, agarose, or an amino acid copolymer or a liposome, that is coupled with the binding molecules, e.g., Fv, Fab, or F(ab′)2, which bind noncompetitively to monovalent antigenic epitopes on the same antigen.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and processes for removing aggregates and other impurities from partially purified protein bulk product, in particular, from partially purified monoclonal antibody, using anion exchange chromatography. In such methods and processes, the pH of the sample is adjusted to be lower than the isoelectric point of the product, preferably by 0.2 logs, and the sample is passed through an ion exchange matrix which is equilibrated to bind the aggregates and host cell DNA as well as endotoxins in the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are conjugates including a polymer backbone or microbead and binding molecules, such as Fv, Fab, or F(ab').sub.2 fragments of monoclonal antibodies or whole antibodies that are bound through their Fc carbohydrate moieties or have their Fc portion modified so that they cannot effect ADCC or complement-mediated cytolysis, and that are specific for a T cell surface antigen, such as CD3, TCR, CD4, CD8, or CD28 on T cells. The polymer or microbead is preferably made of cross-linked dextran, ficoll, latex, or agarose. The microbeads are preferably of 1 to 10 .mu.m in size, so that they can be suspended in in vivo fluids. These conjugates can be used to induce proliferation of T cells and immune stimulation, and to increase the antibody response against an administered antigen.

Abstract: Several forms of immunoregulatory substances are derived from monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that are specific for a T cell surface antigen, such as CD3, TCR, CD4, or CD8 on T cells. The substances include: a mixture of F(ab').sub.2 fragments (or other divalent binding molecules which lack Fc) which each bind noncompetitively to different monovalent antigenic epitopes on the same antigen; a conjugate including a polymer molecule, such as dextran, ficoll, or agarose, that is coupled with the binding molecules, e.g., Fv, Fab, or F(ab').sub.2, which bind to monovalent antigenic epitopes on the same antigen on T cells; a conjugate including a liposome or microbead that is coupled with the same binding molecules specific for a T cell surface antigen.

Abstract: Several forms of immunoregulatory substances are derived from monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that are specific for a T or B cell surface antigen, such as CD3, TCR, CD4, or CD8 on T cells or membrane-bound immunoglobulins on B cells. The substances include: a mixture of F(ab').sub.2 fragments (or other divalent binding molecules which lack Fc) which each bind noncompetitively to different monovalent antigenic epitopes on the same antigen; the F(ab').sub.2 fragment (or other divalent binding molecules which lack Fc) of a bispecific antibody which has each of its binding sites derived from one of the two MAbs that bind noncompetitively to monovalent antigenic epitopes on the same antigen; a conjugate including a polymeric backbone, such as polyethylene glycol ("PEG"), cellulose, dextran, agarose, or an amino acid copolymer or a liposome, that is coupled with the binding molecules, e.g., Fv, Fab, or F(ab').sub.2, which bind noncompetitively to monovalent antigenic epitopes on the same antigen.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies are revealed which bind to the gp 120 protein on the envelope of HIV-1. These antibodies neutralize HIV-1. They inhibit the rate of infection of T cells, and also inhibit syncytium formation. Further, the antibodies are group-specific and neutralize different strains and isolates of HIV-1. These antibodies have a variety of uses, including the treatment and prevention of AIDS and ARC.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hybrid recombinant protein consisting of human interferon-.beta., and a human immunoglobulin Fc fragment, preferably .gamma.4 chain, joined by a peptide linker comprising the sequence Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser (SEQ ID NO:1).

Abstract: Murine monoclonal antibodies and related products such as antibody fragments, immunotoxins, human and humanized antibodies are disclosed, all of which bind to the gp120 protein on the envelope of HIV-1. These antibodies and related products neutralize HIV-1. They inhibit the infection of T cells, and also inhibit syncytium formation. Further, the antibodies are preferably group-specific and neutralize various strains and isolates of HIV-1. These antibodies have a variety of uses, including the treatment of AIDS and ARC, the prevention of HIV-1 infection, as well as a diagnostic application, in that they can be used for assaying of unknown fluid samples for HIV-1.