Abstract: Human protein C and activated protein C were shown to bind to endothelium specifically, selectively and saturably (Kd=30 nM, 7000 sites per cell) in a Ca2+ dependent fashion. Expression cloning revealed a 1.3 kb CDNA that coded for a novel type I transmembrane glycoprotein capable of binding protein C. This protein appears to be a member of the CD1/MHC superfamily. Like thrombomodulin, the receptor involved in protein C activation, the endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) function and message are both down regulated by exposure of endothelium to TNF. Identification of EPCR as a member of the CD1/MHC superfamily provides insights into the role of protein C in regulating the inflammatory response, and determination of methods for pharmaceutical use in manipulating the inflammatory response.

Abstract: Compositions for use in targeting therapies to central nervous system (CNS) cells are provided. The compositions comprise peptides which are capable of binding CNS cells in vivo.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of determining whether a first protein is capable of physically interacting with a second protein, involving: (a) providing a host cell which contains (i) a reporter gene operably linked to a protein binding site; (ii) a first fusion gene which expresses a first fusion protein, the first fusion protein including the first protein covalently bonded to a binding moiety which is capable of specifically binding to the protein binding site; and (iii) a second fusion gene which expresses a second fusion protein, the second fusion protein including the second protein covalently bonded to a gene activating moiety and being conformationally-constrained; and (b) measuring expression of the reporter gene as a measure of an interaction between the first and the second proteins. Also disclosed are methods for assaying protein interactions, and identifying antagonists and agonists of protein interactions.

Abstract: cDNA libraries may be obtained from neural cell cultures produced by using growth factors to induce the proliferation of multipotent neural stem cells. The libraries may be obtained from both cultured normal and dysfunctional neural cells and from neural cell cultures at various stages of development. This information allows for the identification of the sequence of gene expression during neural development and can be used to reveal the effects of biological agents on gene expression in neural cells. Additionally, nucleic acid derived from dysfunctional tissue can be compared with that of normal tissue to identify genetic material which may be a cause of the dysfunction. This information could then be used in the design of therapies to treat the neurological disorder. A further use of the technology would be in the diagnosis of genetic disorders or for use in identifying neural cells at a particular stage in development.

Abstract: A human prostaglandin receptor has been identified and DNA encoding the receptor has been isolated, purified, sequenced and expressed in host cells. This DNA encoding the human prostaglandin receptor and host cells expressing the receptor are used to identify modulators of the prostaglandin receptor.

Abstract: A gene encoding the HP4 human prostaglandin receptor is disclosed. The protein encoded by this gene exhibits significant sequence identity with other prostaglandin receptors. The HP4 receptor, when expressed in eukaryotic cells, is capable of binding prostaglandins and their analogs and stimulating adenylate cyclase activity in response to prostaglandins. Also disclosed are antisense agents able to decrease or prevent translation of a human HP4 prostaglandin receptor.

Abstract: This invention presents the cloning and characterization of human NHE3. It sets forth the entire coding region of the human NHE3 cDNA as well as the encoded protein, an 834 amino acid protein with a calculated relative molecular weight of 92,906.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compounds and compositions and uses thereof, including the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections are described. The compounds and compositions include lantibiotic polypeptides and the nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptides. The compounds and compositions are useful as antimicrobials in antibiotic pharmaceutical preparation and as an antimicrobial or antiseptic dentifrice.

Abstract: The present invention provides IL-10 or a fragment or a partially modified form thereof, for use in promoting the healing of wounds and fibrotic disorders with reduced scarring and methods for same.

Abstract: Mouse CC-CKR5 polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such mouse CC-CKR5 and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such mouse CC-CKR5 in the development of gene knockout mice for use as a model for human immunodeficiency virus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a isolated leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF)-binding protein (LBP) in soluble form and obtainable from a first mammalian species, said LBP capable of inhibiting the ability of LIF from a second mammalian species to induce differentiation of M1 myeloid leukaemic cells in vitro to a greater extent when compared to its ability to inhibit LIF from said first mammalian species.

Abstract: The nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of the four variable domains of the major outer membrane proteins of the 15 serovars of Chlamydia trachomatis are disclosed together with sequence and immunogenic analysis of these domains.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel use of the MK family that is used alone as an agent for proliferating hematopoietic stem cells and hematopoietic precursor cells. The invention also provides an agent for remarkably enhancing the above-described effect for promoting the proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells and hematopoietic precursor cells, comprising the MK family in combination with known hematopoietic factors such as IL-3, IL-6, G-CSF, GM-CSF, M-CSF, SCF, and EPO.

Abstract: Methods are provided for improved production of hIL-3 either in glycosylated form from mammalian and yeast cells or in unglycosylated form from prokaryotes. Recombinantly produced human IL-3 is purified in a series of steps, initially employing hydrophobic interaction, followed by ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to human interleukin-3 (hIL-3) variant or mutant proteins (muteins) functionally co-administered with a other colony stimulating factors (CSF), cytokines, lymphokines, interleukins, hematopoietic growth factors or IL-3 variants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chimeric protein including a first domain which includes at least a portion of a papillomavirus L1 or L2 protein and a second domain which includes a biotin-binding polypeptide. The invention also provides papillomaviruses, capsomeres, and VLPs including such chimeric proteins and a method for delivering biotinylated substances to cells using such reagents.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to improved adjuvant compositions comprising a mixture of a saponin adjuvant such as QS21 with monophosphoryl lipid A or derivative thereof such as 3D-MPL and interleukin 12. These compositions are useful in a range of prophylactic and therapeutic applications, particularly in vaccines, including cancer vaccines.

Abstract: An isolated, synthetic preparation of a novel neutrophil-specific chemotactic factor (NCF), monoclonal antibodies having specific binding affinity of NCF and a clone containing the complete cDNA coding sequence for NCF are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel nucleic acids encoding IL-1 Hy2, a novel member of the Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist family, the novel polypeptides encoded by these nucleic acids and uses of these and related products.

Abstract: Human G-protein coupled receptor polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptides and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed were methods for utilizing such polypeptides for identifying antagonists and agonists to such polypeptides and methods of using the agonists and antagonists therapeutically to treat conditions related to the underexpression and overexpression of the G-protein coupled receptor polypeptides. Also disclosed are diagnostic methods for detecting a mutation, in the G-protein coupled receptor nucleic acid sequences and an altered level of the soluble form of the receptors.