Abstract: The present invention concerns the discovery of a new member of the TNF receptor superfamily, referred to herein as the candidate "tvb receptor". Experimental evidence suggests that the instant gene corresponds to the gene of the tvb.sup.s3 locus responsible for mediating certain viral infection. The tvb receptor plays a functional role as the receptor for certain of the avian leukosis/sarcoma viruses (ALSV) in avians, and a likely role as a receptor for tumor viruses in other animals, e.g., the feline leukemia virus and the like. Moreover, inspection of the tvb sequence, particularly in comparison with other TNF receptors, reveals the presence of a "death domain" in the cytoplasmic tail of the tvb receptor, suggesting a role for the tvb receptor in determining tissue fate and maintenance. For instance, the tvb genes and gene products may participate, under various circumstances, in the control of proliferation, differentiation and/or cell death.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human MAGE-like protein (MAGELP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode MAGELP. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding MAGELP and a method for producing MAGELP. The invention also provides for agonists, antibodies, or antagonists specifically binding MAGELP, and their use, in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of MAGELP. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding MAGELP for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of MAGELP. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, and antibodies specifically binding MAGELP.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hybrid recombinant protein consisting of human interferon-.beta., and a 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: Hybridoma cell lines have been generated which produce and secrete monoclonal antibodies which selectively bind to the ceftiofur. These hybridomas may be obtained by using as an immunization agent or immunogen, desfuroyl ceftiofur which has been conjugated to an immunogenic carrier. Ceftiofur in biological samples may be detected and quantified by contacting the sample with the antibodies to form a ceftiofur/antibody immunocomplex when ceftiofur is present, which immunocomplex may then be detected. The monoclonal antibodies may also be incorporated into kits for the detection and quantification of ceftiofur.

Abstract: The retinoid X receptor (RXR) participates in a wide array of hormonal signaling pathways either as a homodimer or as a heterodimer with other members of the steroid/thyroid hormone superfamily of receptors. In accordance with the present invention, the ligand-dependent transactivation function of RXR has been characterized and the ability of RXR to interact with components of the basal transcription machinery has been examined. In vivo and in vitro experiments indicate the RXR ligand binding domain makes a direct, specific and ligand-dependent contact with a highly conserved region of the TATA binding protein (TBP). The ability of mutations that reduce ligand-dependent transcription by RXR to disrupt the RXR-TBP interaction in vivo and in vitro suggests that RXR makes direct contact with the basal transcription machinery in order to achieve activation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to achieve radioisotopic localization at tumor sites, i.e., a method of enhancing radiolabeled ligand localization to a tumor in an individual in need of such treatment, comprising the steps of: transducing the tumor with a gene encoding a membrane expressed protein unique to the tumor; and administering to said individual a radiolabeled ligand which specifically binds to the protein. The use of gene therapy technology to induce expression of high affinity membrane molecules/receptors can enhance the specificity of radioisotope localization while the use of radioactive isotopes with the ability to deliver radiation damage across several cell diameters will compensate for less than perfect transduction efficiency.

Abstract: Vaccine preparations in stable particulate form are disclosed. An immediate-release preparation comprises an immunogen adsorbed to an aluminum adjuvant. A controlled- or delayed-release preparation comprises microspherical particles comprising a continuous matrix of biodegradable polymer containing discrete, immunogen-containing regions.

Abstract: Chemically modified .alpha.-macroglobulin is conformationally locked by cross-linking .alpha..sub.2 M with a bi-functional peptide crosslinker, and then modified with methylamine, to provide conformational intermediates with limited conformational change. These modified compounds have a high binding affinity for inflammatory cytokines including TNF-.alpha. and IL-1.beta.. When administered in vivo, the modified .alpha..sub.2 M (MAC) protects against development of septic shock, and is an effective treatment aid in treating mammals with established septic shock.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying a compound (agent) which modulates apoptosis in transformed cells. In one embodiment, the invention is a method of identifying a compound which selectively activates apoptosis in transformed cells. In an alternative embodiment, the present invention can be used as a method of identifying a compound which inhibits apoptosis in cells. The invention also relates to a method of selectively killing transformed cells, wherein the transformed cell is contacted with a compound which selectively activates apoptosis in transformed cells, as described herein. The invention also relates to methods of treating diseases associated with defective apoptotic machinery (e.g., cancer, neurodegenerative disease). The methods of the present invention are useful for defining the biochemical mechanisms of apoptosis.

Abstract: Described are methods of detecting G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) activity in vivo and in vitro; methods of assaying GPCR activity; and methods of screening for GPCR ligands, G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK) activity, and compounds that interact with components of the GPCR regulatory process. Constructs useful in such methods are described.

Abstract: Criteria for identifying potential B cell superantigens are disclosed, together with a method for determining whether these candidate antigens have B cell superantigenic activity. Methods for constructing and using a vaccine including B cell superantigens are also disclosed. Identification is based on characterizing the structure of Ig binding sites which interact with the candidate antigen assessment of Ig V region diversity on binding of candidate and conventional antigens, confirmation of sAg activity in interactions between candidate antigens and whole cells, confirmation of whether the candidate antigen induces B cell mitogenesis, determination of the earliest point in B cell development where cellular co-factors are required for sAg activity and, for reference, determination of V region usage in responder populations.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions relating to IKAP proteins which regulate cellular signal transduction and transcriptional activation, and related nucleic acids. The polypeptides may be produced recombinantly from transformed host cells from the disclosed IKAP encoding nucleic acids or purified from human cells. The invention provides isolated IKAP hybridization probes and primers capable of specifically hybridizing with the disclosed IKAP genes, IKAP-specific binding agents such as specific antibodies, and methods of making and using the subject compositions in diagnosis, therapy and in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Abstract: A chimeric protein is provided which comprises a target protein and has been designed so as to be easily cleaved by a processing enzyme, permitting a target protein to be efficiently recovered. The chimeric protein is represented by the following formula:A-L-Bwherein A represents a protective peptide;B represents a target peptide; andL represents a linker peptide having the sequence X.sub.1 -X.sub.2 -(Pro, Lys, or Arg)-Arg, wherein X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 represent any amino acid, in its C-terminal region and a domain rich in His in its N-terminal region.

Abstract: A hypertrophic scar dressing includes silicone-gel on that side of the dressing which lies against the user's skin when worn. A flexible carrier sheet (1) is embodied within the silicone-gel such that the gel forms continuous layers (2, 3) on both sides of the carrier material. The silicone-gel is tacky and skin-adherent and the dressing has a thickness of 0.2-1.5 mm.

Abstract: Disclosed are cDNAs and genomic DNAs encoding protease-activated receptor 3 (PAR3) from mouse and human, and the recombinant polypeptides expressed from such cDNAs. The recombinant receptor polypeptides, receptor fragments and analogs expressed on the surface of cells are used in methods of screening candidate compounds for their ability to act as agonists or antagonists to the effects of interaction between thrombin and PAR3. Agonists are used as therapeutics to treat wounds, thrombosis, atherosclerosis, restenosis, inflammation, and other thrombin-activated disorders. Antagonists are used as therapeutics to control blood coagulation and thereby treating heart attack and stroke. Antagonists mediate inflammatory and proliferative responses to injury as occur in normal wound healing and variety of diseases including atherosclerosis, restenosis, pulmonary inflammation (ARDS) and glomerulosclerosis.

Abstract: A method of recovering colorectal epithelial cells or fragments thereof from a stool sample is provided. The method involves contacting a stool sample with a specific binding reagent having specificity for colorectal epithelial cells or membrane fragments thereof to form a complex containing the specific binding reagent and the colorectal epithelial cells or fragments thereof, and separating the complex from the sample. A method of detecting dysplastic colorectal epithelial cells or fragments thereof, wherein a specific binding reagent employed in the method has specificity for dysplastic colorectal epithelial cells or membrane fragments thereof, is also provided. An article of manufacture containing reagents for performing the method is further provided.

Abstract: Polynucleotide sequences encoding novel cadherin-like polypeptides, designated protocadherins, and variants thereof are provided by the invention as well as methods and materials for the recombinant production of the same. Antibody substances specific for human protocadherin-43 are also disclosed as useful for modulating the natural binding and/or regulatory activities of the protocadherins.

Abstract: The invention provides a human insulin receptor tyrosine kinase substrate (IRS-p53h) and polynucleotides which identify and encode IRS-p53h. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antibodies and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating disorders associated with expression of IRS-p53h.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for purifying or manipulating bone marrow and blood cells based upon P-glycoprotein expression. The methods rely upon immunopurification procedures or upon differential accumulation of materials subject to P-glycoprotein mediated efflux.

Abstract: Murine Lck binding protein ("LckBP1"), cDNA encoding for LckBP1, and protein and cDNA fragments and analogs, are cloned and expressed and characterized.