Abstract: Methods of inhibiting the rejection and prolonging the survival of an allograft in a mammal are provided. The methods involve administering to the mammal a cytotoxin-conjugated IL-2 receptor-specific substance during a proliferative burst of IL-2 receptor-bearing lymphocytes associated with the allograft whereby the lymphocytes undergoing the proliferative burst are selectively killed.

Abstract: Peptides capable of binding calmodulin are disclosed. The peptides surprisingly do not exhibit strict .alpha.-helical conformations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a complete description of the preparation of novel, recombinant human immune interferon and des-CYS-TYR-CYS recombinant human immune interferon via recombinant DNA techniques utilizing any of an assortment of expression vectors and host cultures. The human immune (gamma) interferon (IFN-.gamma.), is isolated and characterized in terms of DNA and amino acid sequences, physical attributes and biological activity.

Abstract: The anatomical distribution, nucleic acid sequence, pharmacological properties, and inferred structural features of a cDNA encoding a high affinity, Na.sup.+ -dependent rat brain L-proline transporter is described. The expression of this carrier in subpopulations of putative glutamatergic pathways supports a specific role for L-proline in excitatory amino acid neurotransmission. The cloned transporter cDNA predicts a 637 amino acid protein with 12 putative transmembrane domains and exhibits 44%-45% amino acid sequence identity with other neurotransmitter transporters. These findings support a synaptic role for L-proline in specific excitatory pathways in the CNS. The sequence can be used for expression of the transporter molecule, to make probes for the same protein from other species and related proteins, in diagnostic assays, and to design functional and structural analogs for use in research and possible clinical treatments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunoglobulin-binding artificial proteins (repetitively linked-proteins) which result when either one of or several numbers of the IgG-binding domains in protein A molecule is defined as a unit, and repetitive multiple links are made thereof. These repetitive proteins exhibit a superior ability for IgG purification to naturally occurring protein A, and the mixture of these repetitive proteins may be used as excellent molecular weight markers.

Abstract: Soluble human IFN-gamma receptor extracellular fragment and salts, functional derivatives, precursors and active fractions thereof are provided in substantially purified form. They are useful as pharmaceutically active substances for protecting against the deleterious effects of IFN-gamma, e.g. in autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a transformant comprising the following expression units in a co-expressible state:an expression unit containing a gene coding for a receptor protein ERD2 from yeast or analog thereof which is capable of binding to a protein localizing in endoplasmic reticulum and having a signal for staying therein;an expression unit containing a gene coding for said protein localizing in endoplasmic reticulum; andan expression unit containing a foreign gene coding for a polypeptide which is a subject of function of said protein localizing in endoplasmic reticulum, andto a transformant comprising, in a co-expressible state, a fusion gene which is composed of a DNA fragment coding for a human serum albumin prepro-sequence and a foreign gene coding for a useful polypeptide. The present invention is also directed to a process for producing said polypeptide by co-expressing said genes in said transformant such that the polypeptide is predominantly secreted out of the transformant cell.

Abstract: Isolated receptors for lipocalins and retinol binding proteins are disclosed, as are nucleic acid sequences coding for these molecules, and antibodies which bind to these receptors. Various uses of these materials are described as well.

Abstract: DNA encoding a human retinoic acid receptor alpha protein is disclosed. The sequence of the receptor is encoded by the cDNA insert of plasmid phRAR1, which has been deposited with ATCC. Methods employing chimeric receptors derived from the retinoic acid receptor are illustrated which demonstrate that the ligand for the new receptor is the retinoid, retinoic acid.

Abstract: The invention provides the therapeutic compositions and a treatment method for alleviating IgE mediated allergis by administration of substance P together with a specific allergen are thereby reduced. The compositions and method are applicable to humans and animals such as dogs, cats and horses.

Abstract: Nucleic acid encoding four novel immunodeterminant protein antigens of M. bovis BCG, which is a vaccine strain for tuberculosis, have been isolated. These genes were isolated as immunoreactive recombinant clones from a genomic library of M. bovis BCG DNA, constructed in pBR322 vector, and screened with sera collected from tuberculosis patients. The BCG DNA insert of one of the recombinants, pMBB51A, which expressed an antigen of Mr 90 kD, was sequenced completely and an ORF encoding 761 amino acids encoding a protein of deduced molecular weight 79 kD, was identified. This gene was identified to encode a membrane bound, ion-motive ATPase of M. bovis BCG. The approach described here can be used to identify immunogens of mycobacteria. In addition, the well-characterized M. bovis BCG antigens can be used in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis. The 79 kD antigen is also useful in the design of recombinant vaccines against different pathogens.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the identification of a new voltage-gated potassium channel gene, Kv1.7, which is expressed in pancreatic .beta.-cells. The invention utilizes this new potassium channel for assays designed to identify extrinsic materials with the ability to modulate said channel for the development of therapeutics effective in the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a novel polynucleotide sequence cloned from emm2.2 gene of a Group A streptococcus, Type II strain which codes for an IgA-binding protein,ML2.2. The subject invention further concerns the novel IgA-binding protein. A process for producing the protein is given. The invention also concerns the protein in an immunoadsorbent and as a tracer for use in measuring and purifying IgA. Kits are given comprising the immunoadsorbent and the tracer form of the protein.

Abstract: An angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT.sub.2 receptor), structurally related cell receptors, nucleic acids encoding such AT.sub.2 receptors, AT.sub.2 receptor-related peptides, and methods of using AT.sub.2 receptors and AT.sub.2 receptor-encoding nucleic acids are provide. AT.sub.2 receptor-specific binding compounds are disclosed including antibodies to AT.sub.2 receptor epitopes. The invention provides AT.sub.2 receptor-based pharmaceutical compositions and AT.sub.2 receptor-based methods rot screening chemical libraries for regulators of cell growth/differentiation. In particular, the invention provides methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of the disclosed AT.sub.2 receptor. Such compositions find broad utility in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, cancer, reproductive disease, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides having T cell stimulating activity termed recombitope peptides. Recombitope peptides of the invention preferably comprise at least two T cell epitopes derived from the same or from different protein antigens, and more preferably comprise at least two regions, each region preferably having human T cell stimulating activity and each region comprising at least one T cell epitope derived from a protein antigen. Recombitope peptides of the invention can be derived from protein allergens, autoantigens, or other protein antigens. The invention also provides methods of diagnosing sensitivity to a protein allergen or other protein antigen in an individual, methods to treat such sensitivity and therapeutic compositions comprising one or more recombitope peptides. The invention further provides methods for designing recombitope peptides of the invention where the protein antigen to which the individual is sensitive has unknown or ill-defined T cell epitopes.

Abstract: Neurotransmission by excitatory amino acids (EAAs) such as glutamate is mediated via membrane-bound surface receptors. DNA coding for one family of the kainate-binding type of EAA receptor, has now been isolated and the receptor protein characterized. Herein described are recombinant cell lines which produce the EAA receptor as a heterologous membrane-bound product. Disclosed is use of the cell lines as a tool for discovery of compounds which modulate EAA receptor stimulation.

Abstract: Isolated DNAs (e.g., cDNAs or genomic fragments) encoding MIS receptors, inhibin receptors, bone morphogenic protein receptors, or other novel members of the TGF-.beta. family of receptors, or soluble, ligand-binding fragments thereof; vectors or cells which contain such DNAs; and substantially pure polypeptides encoded by such DNAs, whether produced by expression of the isolated DNAs, by isolation from natural sources, or by chemical synthesis.

Abstract: A human retinoic acid receptor alpha protein is disclosed. The receptor is encoded by the cDNA insert of plasmid phRAR1, which has been deposited with ATCC. Methods employing chimeric receptors derived from the retinoic acid receptor are illustrated which demonstrate that the ligand for the new receptor is the retinoid, retinoic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant human interleukin-3 (hIL-3) variant or mutant proteins (muteins) in which segments of the polypeptide sequence of the human IL-3 polypeptide have been replaced by segments of the murine (mouse) interleukin-3 (mIL-3) polypeptide to form human/murine chimeric hybrid polypeptides. The human/mouse IL-3 may have amino acid deletions at the N-terminus or the C-terminus or at both the N- and C- termini and in some cases may also contain additional amino acid substitutions or deletions. The human/murine IL-3 muteins retain at least one biological activity of native hIL-3 and may also exhibit an improved side effects profile such as a reduction in the stimulation of leukotriene release or histamine release. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing the h/m IL-3 hybrids and methods for using them.

Abstract: Patients suffering from certain types of cancer are treated by high-dose chemotherapy. In order to allow a recovery a process for the ex vivo expansion of peripheral blood progenitor cells is described, wherein CD 34.sup.+ -cells are enriched and cultivated in a medium comprising IL-1, IL-3, IL-6, EPO and SCF. The ex vivo expanded peripheral blood progenitor cells can be administered to cancer patients after chemotherapy.