Abstract: Novel ligands that bind Eph family receptors are identified, and methods for making the soluble ligands in biologically active form are described. cDNA clones encoding these novel proteins enable production of the recombinant proteins, which are useful to support neuronal and other receptor-bearing cell populations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hybrid recombinant protein consisting of human interferon, preferably interferon-.alpha. (IFN.alpha.), and human immunoglobulin Fc fragment, preferably .gamma.4 chain, joined by a peptide linker comprising the sequence Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser (SEQ ID NO:1).

Abstract: A novel motilin analog peptide containing leucine instead of the usual 13th amino acid methionine, as in the naturally occurring motilin, is produced by gene recombination techniques in which several or identical genes, each coding for the novel peptide, are joined in series into a vector. The resultant recombinant DNA is introduced into Escherichia coli and the resultant transformant is cultivated. The resulting polymeric peptide can be cleaved to give the desired peptide.

Abstract: Prodrugs, of generic formula I, are disclosed for use in antibody directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT). The prodrugs are substrates for carboxypeptidase G2 (CPG2) and yield more active cytotoxic drugs than known products of CPG2 catalysed reactions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing mutationally-altered immunoglobulins and compositions containing such mutationally-altered immunoglobulins, wherein the mutationally-altered immunoglobulins have at least one mutation that alters the pattern of glycosylation in a variable region and thereby modifies the affinity of the immunoglobulin for a preselected antigen. The methods and compositions of the invention provide immunoglobulins that possess increased affinity for antigen. Such glycosylation-altered immunoglobulins are suitable for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: Modified chimaeric antibodies, and antibody heavy and light chains, which comprise variable domains derived from a first mammalian species, usually mouse, and constant domains from a second mammalian species, usually human. Modification concerns the variable domains, in particular the framework regions of the variable domains. The modifications are made only in T-cell antigenic structures present in framework regions, and do not cover canonical structures or Vernier zone. The modifications adapt the amino acid sequences concerned to those occurring in corresponding antibodies derived from said second mammalian species. Thus, the modified chimaeric antibodies retain the original antigen recognition and binding properties but become less immunogenic to said second mammalian species, which improves their therapeutical utility with said second mammalian species. Recombinant DNA technology may be used to construct and produce the modified chimaeric antibodies.

Abstract: Humanized monoclonal antibodies are provided which are specific for human IL-4 and have properties unexpectedly superior to other, previously available humanized antibodies. Single-chain binding proteins, fusion proteins, and antigenic or IL-4 binding fragments of such antibodies are also provided by this invention. Also provided are nucleic acids which encode the heavy and light chain variable regions of such monoclonal antibodies or antigenic fragments thereof; anti-idiotypic antibodies; and methods for detecting, measuring and immunopurifying human IL-4, and for blocking or mimicking the biological activity of human IL-4.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preventing occurrence or progression of liver damage using hepatocyte growth factor. In the methods, a preventatively effective amount of the hepatocyte growth factor is administered to the patient. The hepatocyte growth factor can be administered, for instance, prior to administering a hepatotoxic therapy to the patient. The hepatocyte growth factor can further be administered with activin or transforming growth factor-beta to prevent liver damage. Compositions comprising hepatocyte growth factor and activin antagonist or transforming growth factor-beta antagonist are also provided by the invention.

Abstract: Anti-TNF antibodies, fragments and regions thereof which are specific for human tumor necrosis factor-.alpha. (TNF.alpha.) and are useful in vivo for diagnosis and therapy of a number of TNF.alpha.-mediated pathologies and conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis as well as polynucleotides coding for murine and chimeric antibodies, methods of producing the antibody, methods of use of the anti-TNF antibody, or fragment, region or derivative thereof, in immunoassays and immunotherapeutic approaches are provided.

Abstract: Cytotoxic biotherapeutic agents effective for treating certain types of cancer in humans are provided which comprise the TP-3 murine monoclonal antibody chemically conjugated to pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP). The invention further provides a method which utilizes the disclosed cytotoxic biotherapeutic agents to systemically treat cancer patients. With slight modifications the method of the present invention should be generally applicable to preparation and use of other cytotoxic biotherapeutic agents using chemical or recombinant derivatives of the TP-3 or TP-1 antibodies or PAP toxin. The invention is applicable to cancer patients who express the p80 antigen recognized by the TP-1/TP-3 antibodies either on the surface of their tumor cells or on the tumor blood vessels.

Abstract: A method of determining frost hardiness of a conifer seedling, which comprises detecting an amount of a cold protein in tissue of said conifer, the cold protein being a protein of approximately 19 kD that increase significantly in amount in the conifer during fall season (autumnal) months and that imparts frost hardiness to the seedling, and then assessing frost hardiness based on said detected amount. In the case of Pinus lambertiana, the cold protein includes the N-terminal sequence: Val--Ser--Gly--Thr--Ser--Ser--Thr--Glu--Glu--Val--Val--Gln--Asn--Glu--Ala- -Arg--Arg--Leu--Trp--Asn ?SEQ ID NO:1!; and in the case of Pinus monticola, the cold protein includes the N-terminal sequence: Val--Ser--Gly--Thr--Ser--Ser--Thr--Glu--Glu--Val--Val--Gln--Val--Glu--Ala- -Arg--Arg--Leu--Trp--Asn--Ala--Thr--Thr--Lys--Asp ?SEQ ID NO:3!. The invention also relates to conjugates and antibodies used in the method.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods for producing metal binding sites on polypeptides, and particularly for producing metal binding sites within the CDR regions of immunoglobulin heavy or light chains that are displayed on the surface of filamentous phage particles. The invention also describes oligonucleotides useful for preparing the metal binding sites, and human monoclonal antibodies produced by the present methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-N-CAM monoclonal antibody which enhances, rather than inhibits, neurite outgrowth both in vitro and in vivo. The antibody has positive regulatory effects on nerve cells of both the central and peripheral nervous systems, and is useful for enhancing neurite outgrowth in in vitro studies and for improving nerve regeneration and repair in vivo.

Abstract: A compound comprises a target cell-specific portion, such as an antibody specific to tumour cell antigens, and an inactivating portion, such as an enzyme, capable of converting a substance which in its native state is able to inhibit the effect of a cytotoxic agent into a substance which has less effect against said cytotoxic agent. The prolonged action of a cytotoxic agent at tumour sites is therefore possible whilst protecting normal tissues from the effects of the cytotoxic agent.

Abstract: Anti-TNF antibodies, fragments and regions thereof which are specific for human tumor necrosis factor-.alpha. (TNF.alpha.) and are useful in vivo for diagnosis and therapy of a number of TNF.alpha.-mediated pathologies and conditions, including Crohn's disease, as well as polynucleotides coding for murine and chimeric antibodies, methods of producing the antibody, methods of use of the anti-TNF antibody, or fragment, region or derivative thereof, in immunoassays and immunotherapeutic approaches are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vaccine, preferably for human use, against IgE-mediated allergic reactions. The vaccine contains a protein having the entire amino acid sequence of the constant CH2-CH3 domains of the epsilon chain of the IgE molecule or a structurally stable unit of said amino acid sequence, the protein optionally being coupled to one or more heterologous carrier proteins, and optionally containing an adjuvant. The vaccine is injected, with or without adjuvant, to raise the concentration of endogenous anti-IgE antibodies in the plasma of allergy subjects. In practice, the vaccine can be used against all types of IgE-mediated allergies since the antibodies are not dependent of the antigen specificity of the IgE molecule but will reduce the total IgE pool of the subject. Therefore, the vaccine is aimed at being used for treatment of subjects having different types of IgE-mediated allergies.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preventing occurrence or progression of liver damage using hepatocyte growth factor. In the methods, a preventatively effective amount of the hepatocyte growth factor is administered to the patient. The hepatocyte growth factor can be administered, for instance, prior to administering a hepatotoxic therapy to the patient. The hepatocyte growth factor can further be administered with activin or transforming growth factor-beta to prevent liver damage. Compositions comprising hepatocyte growth factor and activin antagonist or transforming growth factor-beta antagonist are also provided by the invention.

Abstract: A multimolecular complex made up of a plasminogen activator conjugated to anti-ACE Mab 9B9 capable of delivering the plasminogen activator to the pulmonary endothelium is provided. Methods of using this complex to selectively deliver the plasminogen activator to the pulmonary endothelium to enhance fibrinolysis in the lungs of an animal are also provided. In addition, a method of prolonging the time a plasminogen activator is present in the circulation of an animal by conjugating the plasminogen activator to anti-ACE Mab 9B9 is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-N-CAM monoclonal antibody which enhances, rather than inhibits, neurite outgrowth both in vitro and in vivo. The antibody has positive regulatory effects on nerve cells of both the central and peripheral nervous systems, and is useful for enhancing neurite outgrowth in in vitro studies and for improving nerve regeneration and repair in vivo.

Abstract: The subject invention provides an antibody which specifically binds to the product of a reaction between a labeling substance and a substrate. The subject invention also provides a method of making an immunogen used to produce the antibody of the subject invention. The invention further provides methods of using the subject antibody for detecting an antigen of interest in a sample, for example detecting a protein comprising an amino acid sequence of interest and detecting a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid sequence of interest.