Abstract: Noncapsulated mutants of normally encapsulated bacteria in which the capsule is required for virulence are useful as vaccines for disease states caused by the normally encapsulated bacteria. In particular, a non-capsulated mutant of Actinobacillus (Haemophilus) pleuropneumoniae is useful in protecting against swine pleuropneumonia.

Abstract: Embryonal vaccination of fowl against Newcastle disease is accomplished with ethyl methane sulfonate modified NDV-B1 virus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biologically pure culture of a novel pathogenic porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV) and a vaccine derived therefrom effective against PRCV infection and transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) infection.

Abstract: A method for activating a mammalian immune system entails a series of continuous IL-2 infusions that are effected intermittently over an extended period. For example, IL-2 can be administered continuously for a period that is on the order of 5 days in length, and successive infusions of this nature can be separated by a period of at least 4 weeks. Sustained beneficial effects, including elevated CD4 cell counts, restoration of lymphocyte function and an increase in the number of IL-2 receptors, are achieved with such intermittent IL-2 therapy, which can be combined with another therapy which targets a specific disease state, such as an anti-retroviral therapy comprising, for example, the administration of AZT, ddI or interferon alpha.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for purifying high yields of IgG immunoglobulins from an egg yolk by a single phase separation step using a nonionic detergent.

Abstract: The cellular binding proteins present in membranes of fleas, especially those which are present in the digestive tract, are useful as screening tools for systemic anti-flea reagents and in the design of vaccine formulations. Particularly useful is the .alpha.-subunit of (Na.sup.+ /K.sup.+)ATPase. The .alpha.-subunit of this protein expressed in recombinant host cells in the presence of the .beta.-subunit is distributed on the membrane and the recombinant cells can thus be used to screen candidates for ability to bind the cells. Secondary screens are used to determine the specificity of the candidate reagent for flea protein as compared to a corresponding protein derived from other sources.

Abstract: Peptides comprising between 20 and 39 amino acids capable of reacting with antibodies against the Sm-D polypeptide. These peptides may be used in a diagnostic method to detect of antibodies against the Sm-D polypeptide in a biological sample from a person suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus.

Abstract: A recombinant fowlpox virus is provided which is useful as a vaccine for protection against avian reticuloendo-theliosis virus-associated diseases. In a specific embodiment, the recombinant virus expresses a gene encoding an envelope glycoprotein of spleen necrosis virus under the control of a poxvirus promoter, inserted in a nonessential region of the fowlpox virus genome.

Abstract: A method of producing active immunity against infectious bursal disease virus in an avian subject comprises administering to the subject a vaccine complex consisting essentially of a live virus and a neutralizing factor bound to the live virus. The neutralizing factor is selected from the group consisting of antibodies and antibody fragments. The live virus is one capable of producing disease in the subject, and the antibody or antibody fragment is one capable of neutralizing the live virus. A preferred route of administration to birds is by in ovo administration.

Abstract: A method of producing active immunity against a viral disease in an animal subject comprises administering to the subject a vaccine complex consisting essentially of a live virus and a neutralizing factor bound to the live virus. The neutralizing factor is selected from the group consisting of antibodies and antibody fragments. The live virus is one capable of producing disease in the subject, and the antibody or antibody fragment is one capable of neutralizing the live virus. Preferred subjects are birds, a preferred virus is Infectious Bursal Disease Virus, and a preferred route of administration to birds is by in ovo administration.

Abstract: There is described herein a wound healing enhancing medicinal composition formulated from the salivary protein Lumicarmine. Lumicarmine is a phosphoglycoprotein with a molecular weight of 34.5 kD. About 80% of the total amino acid residues are proline glycine and glutamic acid and another 10% are lysine and arginine. Lumicarmine stains pink violet after gel electrophoresis and staining with Coomassie Brilliant Blue R-250 dye.

Abstract: Cytokine receptors for tumor necrosis factor e which are found on microorganisms may, if bound with exogenous TNF.alpha., enhance the response of natural killer cells activated by the microorganisms, or increase TNF.alpha. production by peripheral blood lymphocytes treated with the microorganisms. Microorganisms with receptor-bound exogenous TNF.alpha. have enhanced cellular invasion ability which may change the immune response thereto. Clinical and pharmaceutical applications of these discoveries are provided.

Abstract: A vaccine for protecting avian and mammalian subjects against flea infestation comprises the supernatant fraction of flea midgut, or the antigenic components thereof. This also has the effect of reducing flea populations in the environment of the subject. Antibodies raised by these vaccines are also useful in purification and diagnosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Ge protein having an apparent molecular weight of 170 kilodaltons when derived from HeLa cells. The Ge protein is a nuclear autoantigen that may be used to detect autoimmune disorders, such as Sjogren's syndrome, which is characterized by the presence of antinuclear antibodies binding to the Ge protein.

Abstract: Cytokine receptors for tumor necrosis factor .alpha. which are found on microorganisms may, if bound with exogenous TNF.alpha., enhance the response of natural killer cells activated by the microorganisms, or increase TNF.alpha. production by peripheral blood lymphocytes treated with the microorganisms. Microorganisms with receptor-bound exogenous TNF.alpha. have enhanced cellular invasion ability which may change the immune response thereto. Clinical and pharmaceutical applications of these discoveries including vaccines with increased efficacy are provided.

Abstract: A new B-cell receptor, Bp50, a 50 kilodalton polypeptide, that functions in B-cell proliferation is described. Ligands such as lymphokines, antibody molecules or the Fv fragments of antibody molecules that bind to Bp50 and augment the proliferation of activated B-cells can be used to regulate B-cell proliferation or differentiation.