Abstract: The present invention relates to a mammalian alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor. The invention is directed toward the isolation, characterization and pharmacological use of mammalian melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor, the gene corresponding to this receptor, a recombinant eukaryotic expression construct capable of expressing a mammalian melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor in cultures of transformed eukaryotic cells and such cultures of transformed eukaryotic cells that synthesize mammalian melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor. The invention also provides methods for screening MSH-R agonists and antagonists in vitro using preparations of receptor from such cultures of eukaryotic cells transformed with a recombinant eukaryotic expression construct comprising the MSH-R receptor gene. The invention specifically provides human and mouse MSH-R genes.

Abstract: Novel TNF receptor death domain ("TNF-R1-DD") ligand proteins are disclosed. Polynucleotides encoding the TNF-R1-DD ligand protein are also disclosed, along with vectors, host cells, and methods of making the TNF-R1-DD ligand protein. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the TNF-R1-DD ligand protein, methods of treating inflammatory conditions, and methods of inhibiting TNF-R death domain binding are also disclosed. Methods of identifying inhibitors of TNF-R death domain binding and inhibitors identified by such methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for producing secreted receptor analogs and biologically active peptide dimers are disclosed. The methods for producing secreted receptor analogs and biologically active peptide dimers utilize a DNA sequence encoding a receptor analog or a peptide requiring dimerization for biological activity joined to a dimerizing protein. The receptor analog includes a ligand-binding domain. Polypeptides comprising essentially the extracellular domain of a human PDGF receptor fused to dimerizing proteins, the portion being capable of binding human PDGF or an isoform thereof, are also disclosed. The polypeptides may be used within methods for determining the presence of and for purifying human PDGF or isoforms thereof.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid encoding a CD2 Associated Intracellular Protein (CAIP) and uses thereof.

Abstract: Novel polynucleotides and the proteins encoded thereby are disclosed.

Abstract: A DNA fragment distinct from the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and erbB-2 genes was detected by reduced stringency hybridization of v-erbB to normal genomic human DNA. cDNA cloning revealed a predicted 148 kd transmembrane polypeptide with structural features identifying it as a member of the erbB family, prompting designation of the new gene as erbB-3. It was mapped to human chromosome 12q11-13 and was shown to be expressed as a 6.2 kb transcript in a variety of normal tissues of epithelial origin. Markedly elevated erbB-3 mRNA levels were demonstrated in certain human mammary tumor cell lines. These findings indicate that increased erbB-3 expression, as in the case of EGFR and erbB-2, plays a role in some human malignancies. Using erbB-3 specific antibodies (polyclonal or monoclonal), the erbB-3 protein was identified as a 180 kDa glycoprotein, gp180.sup.erbB-3. The intrinsic catalytic function of gp180.sup.erbB-3 was uncovered by its ability to autophosphorylate in vitro.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of novel conservin genes and polypeptides. Therapeutics, diagnostics and screening assays based on these molecules are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lymphoid cell line cDNA that encodes an adhesion receptor for high endothelial venules (HEV).

Abstract: Apparatus for safely deodorizing and purifying an enclosure such as a building structure or vehicle using an ozone generator thereby minimizing the risk of biological exposure and pollutants which trigger environmental illness or allergic reactions. The ozone generator is controlled with an electronic logic circuitry and sensors which automatically regulates ozone exposures to peak at an antiseptic level thereby preventing inadvertent oxidation damage due to over exposure. One embodiment of the apparatus uses an ozone decomposing material to eliminate the harmful residual ozone concentration within the enclosure which is present immediately after an effective ozone treatment. Another embodiment allows for control of the apparatus from outside the enclosure being purified, allowing the operator to alter the outcome of the treatment.

Abstract: Novel polynucleotides and the proteins encoded thereby are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for identifying a molecule that inhibits SYP activity in a T-cell.

Abstract: A transfer port system between two sterile environments having docked and undocked positions which is made up of two door frames connected to the environments and two doors connected to the two door frames. When the sterile environments are in the docked position the door frames of the two doors are juxtaposed and in close physical contact with one another and when the two sterile environments are in the undocked position the two door frames are spaced apart from one another and the two doors seal the sterile environments. The two door frames and the doors have a potentially non-sterile peripheral juncture located at the juncture between the doors and door frames when the doors are in a closed position sealing the sterile environments when the sterile environments are in their docked position.

Abstract: A human receptor protein which binds to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) viral protein R (vpr) is disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions that comprise the receptor protein, compositions useful to produce the receptor protein and methods of making and using the receptor protein are disclosed.

Abstract: Chronic fatigue syndrome in an individual is diagnosed by determining the level of RNase L inhibitor mRNA or protein in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Significantly decreased levels of RLI mRNA or protein compared to healthy control individuals indicates the presence of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a growth factor preparation derived from a mixed lymphocyte culture, and a process for its production. The invention also relates to a cell culture medium containing said growth factor preparation. The invention further relates to a process for culturing plasma cells and producing antibodies by using said cell culture medium.

Abstract: A lymphoid cell line cDNA that encodes an adhesion receptor for high endothelial venules (HEV).

Abstract: Chronic fatigue syndrome in an individual is diagnosed by determining the level of RNase L inhibitor mRNA or protein in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Significantly decreased levels of RLI mRNA or protein compared to healthy control individuals indicates the presence of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding lepidopteran gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) gated chloride channels. In a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acids encoding lepidopteran GABA gated chloride channels are isolatable from Heliothis virescens. The invention further provides recombinant lepidopteran GABA gated chloride channels and methods for identifying agonists and antagonists to a lepidopteran GABA gated chloride channels.

Abstract: A novel, generally applicable method for producing correctly folded proteins from a mixture of misfolded proteins, e.g. bacterial inclusion-body aggregates. A major new aspect of the method is that over-all efficiency is achieved by subjecting proteins to a time-sequence of multiple denaturation-renaturation cycles, resulting in gradual accumulation of the correctly folded protein. The method has proven efficient for a variety of recombinant proteins. Also provided are novel encrypted recognition sites for bovine coagulation factor X.sub.a. The encrypted recognition sites described may be activated in vitro by controlled oxidation or by reversible derivatization of cysteine residues and thereby generate new cleavage sites for factor X.sub.a. Two new recombinant serine protease exhibiting narrow substrate specificity for factor X.sub.a recognition sites are also provided. They may replace natural coagulation factor X.sub.a for cleavage of chimeric proteins.

Abstract: A method to determine the site on a receptor or its cognate signaling pathway at which an antagonist acts is disclosed. The method comprises first, (a) determining the effect of an antagonist on a first cell that has been modified to display a mutant form of said receptor. The mutant form constituitively activates the cognate signaling pathway of said receptor. Second, (b) the effect of the antagonist is determined on a second host cell that has been modified to display a tethered form of the receptor. The tethered form is composed of an agonist for said receptor covalently bound thereto whereby said agonist activates the cognate signaling pathway of said receptor. The effect on the cells is determined by measuring the level of an intracellular event that is responsive to the cognate signaling pathway. An antagonist that inhibits the intracellular event in (b) acts at the site of binding for an agonist to the receptor.