Abstract: The present invention relates generally to intracellular receptor recognition proteins or factors, termed Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (STAT), to methods and compositions utilizing such factors, and to the antibodies reactive toward them, in assays and for diagnosing, preventing and/or treating cellular debilitation, derangement or dysfunction. More particularly, the present invention relates to particular functional domains of molecules that exhibit both receptor recognition and message delivery via DNA binding in receptor-ligand specific manner, i.e., that directly participate both in the interaction with the ligand-bound receptor at the cell surface and in the activity of transcription in the nucleus as a DNA binding protein. The invention likewise relates to the antibodies and other entities that are specific to the functional domain of a STAT protein and that would thereby selectively modulate its activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to an energy homeostasis peptide hormone receptor, and in particular, a second common PACAP/VIP receptor (PACAP/VIP R-2 or R-2B) cDNA expressed in human adipocytes. Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) are two structurally related peptides with multiple physiological effects. The present receptor recognizes PACAP-38 and VIP with similar affinity and is coupled to the cAMP-mediated signal transduction pathway. Transcripts of the second common PACAP/VIP R-2 receptor are also found in human brain and in a number of peripheral tissues, such as pancreas, muscle, heart, lung, kidney, stomach and at low levels in the liver, while transcripts of PACAP/VIP R-2B are not found in pancreas, stomach or kidney.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a method for the high level expression of the outer membrane protein meningococcal group B porin proteins and fusion proteins thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of expressing the outer membrane protein meningococcal group B porin proteins in E. coli wherein the meningococcal group B porin proteins and fusion proteins thereof comprise more than 2% of the total protein expressed in E. coli. The invention also relates to a method of purification and refolding of the meningococcal group B porin proteins and fusion proteins thereof and to their use in vaccines.

Abstract: Novel imidazolium compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein A represents the atomic group necessary to form a heteroaromatic ring, which may be optionally substituted by one or more R substituents selected from the group consisting of aryl, heteroaryl, lower alkyl, hydroxy, halide, or carboxy substitutents; B is an optional substituent which represents the atomic group necessary to form a heteroaromatic ring or a double or triple carbon-nitrogen bond, which may optionally be substituted by one or more R' substituents selected from the group consisting of aryl, heteroaryl, lower alkyl, hydroxy, halide, or carboxy substitutents; C is an optional substituent which represents the atomic group necessary to form an aromatic or heteroaromatic ring, which may optionally be substituted by one or more R"" substituents selected from the group consisting of aryl, heteroaryl, lower alkyl, hydroxy, halide, or carboxy substituents; R" and R'" are each independently a lower alkyl or aryl group, or together with the nitrogen

Abstract: A detailed three-dimensional structure for the least abundant of the general translation initiation factors in eukaryotes, eIF4E, complexed with a ligand is disclosed. The novel N-terminal truncated eIF4Es which were constructed so as to omit a significant portion of the flexible N-terminal tail of the eIF4E are also part of the present invention. In addition, the crystals of the protein-ligand complexes containing the N-terminal truncated eIF4Es are also included. Furthermore, methods of identifying antagonists of the eIF4E protein which can be used to regulate protein synthesis in cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel immunogenic composition and vaccine, processes for producing them and methods for immunization against infections and disease caused by group A Streptococci. The compositions include group A streptococcal polysaccharide covalently linked to protein or liposomes to form immunogenic conjugates. The method of immunization for this invention comprises administering to an individual an immunogenic amount of group A polysaccharide. The group A polysaccharide may be administered as a vaccine either on its own, conjugated to proteins or conjugated to liposomes. Additionally, the group A polysaccharides may be associated with an adjuvant. This invention is particularly useful for providing both active and passive immunogenic protection for those populations most at risk of contracting group A Streptococcal infections and disease namely adults, pregnant women and in particular infants and children.

Abstract: An inflammatory cytokine is disclosed which has been isolated from cells that have been incubated with a stimulator material. The inflammatory cytokine comprises a protein that is capable of binding to heparin, inducing localized inflammation characterized by polymorphonuclear cell infiltration when administered subcutaneously and inducing in vitro polymorphonuclear cell chemokinesis, while lacking the ability to suppress the activity of the anabolic enzyme lipoprotein lipase, cause the cytotoxicity of cachectin/TNF-sensitive cells, stimulate the blastogenesis of endotoxin-resistant C3H/HeJ thymocytes, or induce the production of cachectin/TNF by primary thioglycollate-elicited mouse macrophage cells. A particular inflammatory cytokine MIP-1 has been isolated and has been found to comprise a peptide doublet of similar molecular weights of about 8,000 daltons, and to show a pI of about 4.6. The doublet has been resolved into its component peptides, MIP-1.alpha. and MIP-1.beta.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated altered vertebrate telomere repeat binding factor (A-TRF) that hinders the binding of a TRF to its specific telomere repeat sequence. Also included are the corresponding nucleic acids that encode the A-TRFs of the present invention, as well as the heterodimers formed by the association of an A-TRF with a TRF. In addition, pharmaceutical compositions containing the A-TRFs for treatment of diseases such as ataxia telangiectasia are also included. Methods of making, purifying and using the A-TRFs of the present invention are described. In addition, drug screening assays to identify drugs that mimic and/or complement the effect of the A-TRFs are presented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to regulation and control of cellular processes by transmembrane protein tyrosine phosphatases, and to ligands that agonize or antagonize tyrosine phosphorylation mediated by such tyrosine phosphatases. This invention further relates to diagnosis and therapy based on the activity of such ligands. In particular, the invention provides a novel transmembrane protein tyrosine phosphatase-.lambda. (PTP.lambda.), nucleic acids encoding the same, antibodies to the PTP.lambda., and methods for identifying ligands to the PTP.lambda. of the invention. A specific Example describes the isolation and characterization of the first chicken transmembrane PTP, called ChPTP.lambda.. It has a unique extracellular domain containing a Ser/Thr/Pro-rich region, spectrin-like repeats, a fibronectin III domain, and an alternatively spliced N-terminus. The expression of ChPTP.lambda. in various tissues and cells was also examined. ChPTP.lambda.

Abstract: A method for producing proliferating cultures of dendritic cell precursors is provided. Also provided is a method for producing mature dendritic cells in culture from the proliferating dendritic cell precursors. The cultures of mature dendritic cells provide an effective means of producing novel T cell dependent antigens comprised of dendritic cell modified antigens or dendritic cells pulsed with antigen, including particulates, which antigen is processed and expressed on the antigen-activated dendritic cell. The novel antigens of the invention may be used as immunogens for vaccines or for the treatment of disease. These antigens may also be used to treat autoimmune diseases such as juvenile diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: The predominant effect of pH change on multidrug resistance (MDR) independent of active drug efflux has been demonstrated in tumor cells through studies of the drugs doxorubicin and daunomycin. Specifically, the distribution of both drugs was monitored in fibroblasts and myeloma cells to examine the role of pH in drug partitioning. The invention comprises in one aspect the treatment of MDR by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a pH modulator. Diagnostic utilities are contemplated and extend to drug discovery assays and methods for measuring monitoring the status of the onset or development of pH-related conditions such as MDR, as well as the measurement of intracellular drug accumulation. Therapeutic compositions include a composition comprising a pH modulator alone or in combination with the dose-limited therapeutic agent(s), and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, are also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting protein aging. Accordingly, a composition is disclosed which comprises an agent or compound capable of inhibiting the formation of advanced glycosylation end products of target proteins by reacting with the carbonyl moiety of the early glycosylation product of such target proteins formed by their initial glycosylation. Suitable agents may contain an active nitrogen-containing group, such as a hydrazine group. Particular agents comprise aminoguanidine, .alpha.-hydrazinohistidine and mixtures thereof. The method comprises contacting the target protein with the composition. Both industrial and therapeutic applications for the invention are envisioned, as food spoilage and animal protein aging can be treated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to receptors for advanced glycosylation endproducts derived from rat liver membranes, and that specifically comprise proteins determined to possess molecular masses of about 90 kD and 60 kD, respectively, as assessed by migration during SDS-PAGE. Partial N-terminal sequences have been determined and diagnostic and therapeutic agents, compositions and methods are proposed. Antibodies to the 90 kD and 60 kD receptor proteins are disclosed.

Abstract: An inflammatory cytokine is disclosed which has been isolated from cells that have been incubated with a stimulator material. The inflammatory cytokine comprises a protein that is capable of binding to heparin, inducing localized inflammation characterized by polymorphonuclear cell infiltration when administered subcutaneously and inducing in vitro polymorphonuclear cell chemokinesis, while lacking the ability to suppress the activity of the anabolic enzyme lipoprotein lipase, cause the cytotoxicity of cachectin/TNF-sensitive cells, stimulate the blastogenesis of endotoxin-resistant C3H/HeJ thymocytes, or induce the production of cachectin/TNF by primary thioglycollate-elicited mouse macrophage cells. A particular inflammatory cytokine MIP-1 has been isolated and has been found to comprise a peptide doublet of similar molecular weights of about 8,000 daltons, and to show a pI of about 4.6. The doublet has been resolved into its component peptides, MIP-1.alpha. and MIP-1.beta.

Abstract: HNF-4 (hepatocyte nuclear factor 4) is a protein enriched in liver extracts that binds to sites required for the transcription of the transthyretin (TTR) and apolipoprotein CIII (apoCIII) genes (Costa et al., 1989; Costa et al., 1990; Leff et al., 1989). We have purified HNF-4 protein (54 kD) and isolated a cDNA clone encoding the protein. HNF-4 is a member of the steroid hormone receptor superfamily with an unusual amino acid in the conserved "knuckle" of the first zinc finger (DGCKG). This and the fact that HNF-4 does not bind significantly to estrogen, thyroid hormone or glucocorticoid response elements indicate that HNF-4 may represent a new subfamily. HNF-4 binds to its recognition site as a dimer and activates transcription in a sequence-specific fashion in nonhepatic (HeLa) cells. HNF-4 mRNA is present in kidney and intestine as well as liver but is absent in other tissues.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the cloning and expression of Streptococcus pyogenes M protein genes, and, in particular, types 5, 6 and 24 gene in single-cell host organisms. The streptococcal M protein produced by the recombinant DNA techniques described herein may be formulated for use as immunogens in vaccines to protect against S. pyogenes infections. The gene for the M protein may further be employed as a molecular probe for the accurate identification of streptococci in infected body tissues and fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of a bacterial adhesion associated protein, and the gene encoding such protein. More particularly, the invention relates to a pneumococcal peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase involved in bacterial adherence. The invention also relates to identification and development of agents to provide protection from bacterial infection based on this protein.The invention provides nucleic acids encoding the peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase, as well as methods for identifying antagonists of the methionine sulfoxide reductase. The present invention further demonstrates that peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase is an adhesion-associated protein in various Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and accordingly provides for interference with the peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase to inhibit bacterial adherence to host tissues.

Abstract: The invention relates to an energy homeostasis peptide hormone receptor, and in particular, a second common PACAP/VIP receptor (PACAP/VIP R-2 or R-2B) cDNA expressed in human adipocytes. Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) are two structurally related peptides with multiple physiological effects. The present receptor recognizes PACAP-38 and VIP with similar affinity and is coupled to the cAMP-mediated signal transduction pathway. Transcripts of the second common PACAP/VIP R-2 receptor are also found in human brain and in a number of peripheral tissues, such as pancreas, muscle, heart, lung, kidney, stomach and at low levels in the liver, while transcripts of PACAP/VIP R-2B are not found in pancreas, stomach or kidney.

Abstract: The present invention identifies cDNA collections enriched in genes regulated in prostate homeostasis, prostate regression, and in genes regulated in programmed cell death. These novel cDNA collections provide cDNAs that encode proteins that are either unique to general programmed cell death or unique to prostate regression. These transcripts can be used as markers to monitor and/or to diagnose diseased conditions. Methods of making these collections through subtraction hybridization are described.

Abstract: An inflammatory cytokine is disclosed which has been isolated from cells that have been incubated with a stimulator material. The inflammatory cytokine comprises a protein that is capable of binding to heparin, inducing localized inflammation characterized by polymorphonuclear cell infiltration when administered subcutaneously and inducing in vitro polymorphonuclear cell chemokinesis, while lacking the ability to suppress the activity of the anabolic enzyme lipoprotein lipase, cause the cytotoxicity of cachectin/TNF-sensitive cells, stimulate the blastogenesis of endotoxin-resistant C3H/HeJ thymocytes, or induce the production of cachectin/TNF by primary thioglycollate-elicited mouse macrophage cells. A particular inflammatory cytokine MIP-1 has been isolated and has been found to comprise a peptide doublet of similar molecular weights of about 8,000 daltons, and to show a pI of about 4.6. The doublet has been resolved into its component peptides, MIP-1.alpha. and MIP-1.beta.