Abstract: Disclosed is DNA encoding a single-chain Fv (sFv) polypeptide defining a binding site which exhibits the immunological binding properties of an immunoglobulin molecule which binds c-erbB-2 or a c-erbB-2-related tumor antigen, the sFv includes at least two polypeptide domains connected by a polypeptide linker spanning the distance between the C-terminus of one domain and the N-terminus of the other, the amino acid sequence of each of the polypeptide domains includes a set of complementarity determining regions (CDRs) interposed between a set of framework regions (FRs), the CDRs conferring immunological binding to the c-erbB-2 or c-erbB-2-related tumor antigen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody composition which contains antibodies specific for glycophorin A, CD3, CD24, CD16, CD14, and optionally CD45RA, CD36, CD56, CD2, CD19, CD66a and/or CD66b. A process is also provided for enriching and recovering human hematopoietic progenitor cells and stem cells in a sample containing human hematopoietic differentiated, progenitor, and stem cells. The process involves reacting the sample with an antibody composition containing antibodies capable of binding to the antigens glycophorin A, CD3, CD24, CD16, and CD14, and optionally CD45RA, CD36, CD56, CD2, CD19, CD66a and/or CD66b under conditions so that cell conjugates are formed between the antibodies and differentiated cells having the antigens glycophorin A, CD3, CD24, CD16, and CD14, and optionally CD45RA, CD36, CD56, CD2, CD19, CD66a and/or CD66b on their surfaces. The cell conjugates are removed and a cell preparation is obtained which is enriched in human hematopoietic progenitor cells and stem cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is the characterization and purification of DNA encoding numerous polypeptides factors useful for the inhibition of cell (particularly, Schwann cell) proliferation. These factors are useful for the treatment of neural tumors. Also disclosed are the DNA sequences encoding novel polypeptides which may have use as agents which inhibit cell proliferation. Methods for the synthesis, purification, and testing of both known and novel polypeptides for their use as therapeutic and diagnostic aids in the treatment of diseases are also provided. Methods are also provided for the use of these polypeptides for the preparation of antibody probes. Such probes have diagnostic and therapeutic use in diseases involving neural and glial cells.

Abstract: Methods are described for identifying the amino acid residues of an antibody variable domain which may be modified without diminishing the native affinity of the domain for antigen while reducing its immunogenicity with respect to a heterologous species and for preparing so modified antibody variable domains which are useful for administration to heterologous species. Antibody variable regions prepared by the methods of the invention are also described.

Abstract: Human MADr3 or MADr4 polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such MADr3 or MADr4 and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such MADr3 or MADr4, or compounds which inhibit or stimulate MADr3 or MADr4 for stimulating wound healing, and treating cancers, among others, are also disclosed. Agonist and antagonists of these MAD proteins and methods of their use are also disclosed. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting diseases related to mutations in the nucleic acid sequences and altered concentrations of the polypeptides. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting mutations in the polynucleotides encoding the MADr3 or MADr4 and for detecting altered levels of the polypeptide in a host.

Abstract: A multivalent antigen-binding protein comprises a first Fv fragment bound to at least one further Fv fragment by a connecting structure which links the Fv fragments to each other but which maintains them spaced apart such that the proteins are capable of binding to adjacent antigenic determinants. Typically the connecting structure comprises a spacing polypeptide sequence, which may be about 3 to 16 amino acids in length, connected to a linkage unit which may be a synthetic chemical linker, e.g., a maleimide linker, or is a polypeptide sequence leading from the spacing sequence. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the multivalent antigen binding protein comprises a VH domain having attached to its C-terminal end a V-C joining sequence and an antibody hinge sequence. Preferably one or more of the Fv fragments is a single chain Fv (scFv). The proteins are preferably prepared by recombinant DNA techniques and are useful for in vivo therapeutic and especially diagnostic applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides three human LIM proteins (designated individually as HLIM-1, HLIM-2, and HLIM-3, and collectively as HLIM) and polynucleotides which identify and encode HLIM. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding HLIM and a method for producing HLIM. The invention also provides for use of HLIM and agonists, antibodies, or antagonists specifically binding HLIM, in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of HLIM. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding HLIM for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of HLIM. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, and antibodies specifically binding HLIM.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides and compositions containing same which include a hemoglobin alpha chain wherein the C-terminal hydrophobic domain has been modified.

Abstract: The invention provides a wide range of methods and compositions for detecting and treating cervical cancer in an individual. Specifically, the invention provides target cervical cancer-associated proteins, which permit a rapid detection, preferably before metastases occur, of cervical cancer. The target cervical cancer-associated protein, may be detected, for example, by reacting the sample with a labeled binding moiety, for example, a labeled antibody capable of binding specifically to the protein. The invention also provides kits useful in the detection of cervical cancer in an individual. In addition, the invention provides methods utilizing the cervical cancer-associated proteins either as targets for treating cervical cancer or as indicators for monitoring of the efficacy of such a treatment.

Abstract: A method for preparing an aqueous protein composition from human blood plasma, wherein the plasma undergoes a series of treatments by heating and precipitating agent to give albumin solutions containing the precipitating agent, and said precipitating agent is separated from the resulting solutions to give a crude aqueous albumin solution which is subjected to at least one liquid phase chromatography step to retain at least part of the secondary proteins other than albumin. The chromatography comprises affinity chromatography on a particulate support consisting of neutral particles loaded with at least one compound comprising sulphate groups, whereby, after the albumin solution has been fed through, the particulate affinity chromatography support is eluted by feeding through an aqueous saline solution, preferably by increasing the ionic strength, and the desired protein composition is collected by elution.

Abstract: Novel forms of mutant BAD polypeptides or fragments thereof having an amino acid substitution for serine-112 and/or serine-136 are provided along with their encoding polynucleotides. Also disclosed are methods for preparation of the mutant BAD polypeptides and methods for treating disease conditions involving decreased apoptosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vaccine against Lyme disease, wherein it contains one or more monoclonal antibodies which are specific for the 31 kD antigen (OspA) or the 34 kD antigen (OspB) of Borrelia burgdorferi.The present invention also provides a process for obtaining this vaccine, as well as new monoclonal antibodies, hybridomas and antigens.

Abstract: Borna disease virus (BDV) causes a rare neurological disease in horses and sheep. A subtractive cDNA expression library was constructed with poly A-selected RNA from a BDV Infected MDCK cell line. A clone (B8) was isolated that specifically hybridizes to RNA isolated from BDV-infected brain tissue and BDV-infected cell lines. This clone hybridizes to four BDV-specific positive strand RNAs and one negative strand RNA in BDV-infected rat brain. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the clone suggests that it represents a full length mRNA which contains several open reading frames. The Borna Disease Virus DNA sequences as well as proteins encoded by the BDV DNA sequences are provided.

Abstract: An antitumor substance having high immunopotentiating activity, extracted and fractionated from mycelia or fruit bodies of Grifola with water can be obtained by adding alcohol to its extract at a final concentration of 20 to 60%, preferably at a final concentration of 20 to 50% by volume (low-concentration addition) to remove floating or adhering matter from it.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a human CRIPTO-related gene. In particular, the present invention relates to a DNA segment encoding a human CRIPTO-related gene; polypeptides encoded by said DNA segment; recombinant DNA molecules containing the DNA segment; cells containing the recombinant DNA molecule; a method of producing a human CRIPTO-related polypeptide; a DNA segment encoding a genomic clone of the human CRIPTO gene (CR-1); antibodies specific to CR-3; and a method of measuring the amount of CR-3 in a sample.

Abstract: A process for improving the stability of an antibody or fragment thereof is disclosed. A gene encoding for an amino acid sequence of a variable domain of an antibody or fragment thereof to be modified is provided, and the amino acid sequence of the gene is compared with one of consensus tables 1-6. At least one codon of each pair of codons in the gene, which pair together code for disulfide bridge-forming cysteines, are modified so that all disulfide bridges present in the antibody as produced in a eukaryotic cell are absent from the modified antibody as produced in the method. At least one additional codon in the gene which codes for an amino acid other than a disulfide bridge-forming cysteine is also modified. A prokaryotic microorganism is transformed with the modified gene and additional variable domain DNA, and the modified antibody or fragment thereof is expressed in the prokaryotic microorganism.

Abstract: The targeting capability of an antibody is enhanced using an antibody-enzyme conjugate and a separate soluble substrate-agent conjugate, wherein the targeted enzyme catalyzes the conversion of a soluble substrate, bearing at least one therapeutic or diagnostic agent, to a product comprising the agent, which accumulates at the target site for effective treatment or diagnosis. This method is useful for targeting any type of agent to a site to which an antibody can selectively bind, including use for imaging, e.g., tumors, infectious lesions, fibrin clots, myocardial infarctions, non-cancerous cells, damaged normal cells, atherosclerotic plaque, lymphocyte autoreactive clones, and for therapy, e.g., with drugs, toxins, immune modulators, radioisotopes or antibiotics.

Abstract: A method for promoting eating, the gain of weight or maintenance of weight in a subject. The method includes administering to the subject an effective amount of melanocyte concentrating hormone (MCH) or agonist thereof.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of treating multiple sclerosis in animals, including humans, by the oral administration of bovine myelin.

Abstract: The invention concerns human trkB and trkC receptors and their functional derivatives. The invention further concerns immunoadhesins comprising trk receptor sequences fused to immunoglobulin sequences.