Abstract: Novel vaccines for use against Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae are disclosed. The vaccines contain at least one A. pleuropneumoniae transferrin binding protein and/or one A. pleuropneumoniae cytolysin and/or one A. pleuropneumoniae APP4. Also disclosed are DNA sequences encoding these proteins, vectors including these sequences and host cells transformed with these vectors. The vaccines can be used to treat or prevent porcine respiratory infections.

Abstract: A peptide having primary structural homology to a continuous sequence of amino acid residues of growth hormone in the region spanning positions 35 to 53 or antigenically equivalent peptides thereto or salts thereof, may be used in an antigenic formulation to potentiate the effects of growth hormone in a vertebrate.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of a specific analyte in solution comprising the steps of affixing to a chromatographic medium a first antibody which binds with specificity to the analyte in a pattern which forms a pre-determined geometric symbol or symbols consisting of a plurality of line segments; partially blocking or obstructing the expected passage of a moving phase or solvent through the symbol; reacting the solution to a marker-second antibody complex which binds with specificity to the analyte to form analyte-marker-second antibody complexes in the presence of the analyte; eluting the solution containing any analyte-marker-second antibody complex through the partially blocked or obstructed medium; and observing the substantially complete formation, or lack thereof, of the predetermined geometric symbol or symbols by means of the marker.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the direct determination of the free fraction of analytes present in biological fluids in a free form and in a form bound to one or more endogenous ligands (said free and bound forms being in equilibrium with one another). This method provides for a (preferably substantially simultaneous) use:a first ligand L1 capable of sequestering an analyte quantity proportionate to the free-analyte concentration present in a biological fluid and to subsequently release it, after removal from the biological fluid of the specific endogenous ligand, as a result of the addition of an appropriate selective dissociating agent; a second ligand capable of binding both the previously released analyte and a labelled version of the analyte, even in the presence of the dissociating agent; a selective dissociating agent; and a quantity of labelled analyte.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a vaccine for the protection of poultry against Marek's Disease. The cell free vaccine of the invention facilitates the handling of the vaccine and reduces the chance of physical abuse. The invention also relates to bivalent or polyvalent vaccines comprising in addition other viruses of the Marek's Disease virus group, i.e. HVT.

Abstract: Apparatus for studying the interaction of first and second molecules in a test solution containing fluorescently labeled molecules in addition to the first and second molecules, with the first molecules and the fluorescently labeled molecules being capable of binding with the second molecules. The apparatus comprises a flow channel having opposite, spaced apart walls, with at least one of the walls or a portion thereof being translucent or transparent. A porous matrix is retained in a fixed position between the walls of the flow channel and in direct contact with a translucent or transparent portion of the walls of the flow channel. A test solution flows through the flow channel and around the porous matrix so as to be in contact with the porous matrix.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel linear peptides and mixtures and chemical combinations thereof useful for detecting and quantifying HTLV-I and HTLV-II infections. These peptides are also useful in vaccines against HTLV-I and HTLV-II vital infections.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of detecting proteins, especially HIV and CMV antibodies in body fluids using solid-phase immune reaction with a buffer containing an animal serum and/or a non-ionic surfactant in a phosphate or carbonate buffer together with further additives selected from inorganic salts, water-soluble polymers, organic compounds, and propionic acid and their derivatives and mixtures. The buffer makes it possible to reliably eliminate false positive results.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for preparing antibodies that specifically detect the type IV collagen .alpha.5 chain that is defective in various basement membrane disorders such as in X chromosome-linked Alport's syndrome. The invention further provides for the use of such antibodies to detect the .alpha.5(IV) collagen chain in solutions and other human tissue specimens using immunological methods comprised of antibodies specific for said protein. Along this line, the invention relates to the use of the specific antibodies to examine the presence or absence of the .alpha.5(IV) collagen chain in the tissues, e.g. skin or kidneys, etc. of patients with renal failure, possibly due to Alport's syndrome.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of assessment of the concentration of a subset of variants in a population of proteinaceous analyte variants capable of separation by a fractionation system, wherein said population of variants are contacted with a population of labelled proteinaceous specific binding partners therefor to form labelled binding partner-analyte complexes therewith, which are then subjected to separation by the said fractionation system into one or more fractions containing said subset of analyte variants in complexed form and assessment of the amount of label in one or more fractions so obtained, the said population of specific binding partners having, prior to reaction, substantially uniform distribution or mobility in said fractionation system, compositions and test kits for use in such methods. The method of the invention is particularly suitable for the analysis of variants of the protein transferrin.

Abstract: An oral vaccine formulation is provided for stimulation of an immune response in gut-associated lymphoid tissues. The formulation comprises an enzymatically degradable antigen in a hydrogel matrix. In ruminant species, the vaccine formulation, upon oral administration, is formed to pass through the rumen without substantial hydration and then into the post-ruminal portion of the digestive tract where the antigen is released for contact with the gut-associated lymphoid tissue.

Abstract: A sensitive and accurate tissue culture system and kit for detecting subtle changes in immune function is provided. The system is based on the comparison of IL-2 production by T helper cells in response to recall antigens including influenza A virus, tatanus toxoid, alloantigens, mouse xenogeneic antigens and the like or combinations thereof. Different stages of immune dysfunction can be differentiated and organ graft rejection can be predicted by the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A pharmaceuticl composition and a method for its use in the treatment of psoriasis are provided wherein the composition comprises tumor necrosis factor as an active ingredient and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient.

Abstract: A standard solution containing thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) and thyroxine or triiodothyronine dissolved in a buffer solution is used for calibration in a method for the determination of thyroxine (T.sub.4) or triiodothyronine (T.sub.3) in serum, wherein both human and bovine TBG can be used.

Abstract: There is disclosed a complex comprised of an insoluble polymer carrier to which monomeric human albumin is covalently bound and of a pre-S hepatitis B surface antigen bound in an elutable form to the monomeric human albumin by its pre-S(2)- and/or pre-S(1)-region. This complex may be used for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes and enables the rapid and efficient purification of pre-S-HBsAg by affinity chromatography.

Abstract: The invention describes protein S polypeptides and anti-PS antibodies capable of inhibiting the binding of proteins to C4BP. The peptides and antibodies are useful in diagnostic methods and systems for purifying or detecting free protein S. In addition, the polypeptides are useful in therapeutic methods as an anti-coagulant.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to the discovery of a 23 kD protein, designated herein as Queb, that has specific binding affinity for the purine base Queuine. The invention particularly relates to polypeptides having specific binding reactivity with Queuine and methods of using such polypeptides to purify Queuine and Queuine-containing substances. The invention also relates to antibodies having specific reactivity with Queuine or Queb. Methods for determining the presence and concentration of Queuine and Queb are also provided as well as methods for the diagnosis of a pathological disease or prognosis of a patient having a disease associated with Queuine, Queuine-containing substances such as Queuine-tRNA, or Queb. Kits useful for performing the methods of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel immunoassay methodology, bridge immunoassay, which employs a primary free solution analyte/receptor binding reaction, for example, in a sandwich-type format (two or more analyte receptors), in a competitive format (single analyte receptor) or in a related immunoassay format, and a universal solid phase and capture system. The universal capture system comprises a first receptor bound to a solid phase and a bridge receptor (a second receptor) which functions both as a ligand for said bound first receptor and as a receptor for a ligand conjugated to a sample analyte receptor (a third receptor). The bridge receptor is used to immobilize the immunocomplexes formed free in solution by linking them to the bound first receptor. The universal capture system can be used for assays for any analyte as the bridge receptor binds to a ligand, for example, a hapten or binding protein, conjugated to the sample analyte receptor. Methods, compositions and test kits for such bridge immunoassays are provided.

Abstract: Antigenic epitopes associated with the extracellular segment of the domain which anchors immunoglobulins to the B cell membrane are disclosed. For IgE, the epitopes are present on IgE-bearing B cells but not basophils or the secreted, soluble form of IgE. The epitope can be exploited for therapy and diagnosis. For example, antibodies or immunotoxins specific for the epitopes associated with the anchor domain of IgE can be used to selectively destroy IgE-bearing lymphocytes, thus blocking IgE-mediated allergic reactions.

Abstract: Method for the culture of Babesia divergens, characterized in that the Babesia strain is maintained under culture in a culture medium free from serous protein but containing lipoproteins and red blood corpuscles, and a method for preparing exoantigens and a vaccine containing these antigens.