Abstract: Method for inhibiting the production of interleukin-6 (hereinafter, referred to as "IL-6") in human body, which comprises administering extracts from a root of Stephania tetrandra S. Moore; and method for treating a patient of an immune disease caused by an overproduction of interleukin-6 by inhibiting the production of interleukin-6, which comprises administering extracts from a root of Stephania tetrandra S. Moore to the patient.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for improving the effectiveness of a chemotherapeutic regimen to eradicate multidrug-resistant transformed cells from the body of a mammal, preferably from the body of a human. The present disclosure capitalizes on the discovery of a novel multidrug-resistance associated protein (MRP), herein designated MRP-.beta.. The disclosed compositions include MRP-.beta. nucleic acids, including probes and antisense oligonucleotides, MRP-.beta. polypeptides and antibodies, MRP-.beta. expressing host cells, and non-human mammals transgenic or nullizygous for MRP-.beta.. The disclosed methods include methods for attenuating aberrant MRP-.beta. gene expression, protein production and/or protein function. In addition, methods are disclosed for identifying and using a modulator, such as an inhibitor, of MRP-.beta.. Preferably, the modulator is a small molecule.

Abstract: Testing methods are provided for determining whether given candidate compounds are effective for regulating NF-.kappa.B, JNK and apoptosis cell activities. The methods involve forming a mixture including a compound such as a proteinaceous specie containing two death effector domains (DEDs) or structural or functional homologs and analogs thereof, the candidate compound and a binding target capable of specifically binding to at least one of the DEDs. This mixture is incubated under conditions such that, but for the presence of the candidate compound, the cell activity takes place to a determinable extent. After incubation, the activity is determined and is compared with the determinable extent thereof in the absence of the candidate compound. The assays may be carried out intracellularly or in a cell-free assay. Methods for altering NF-.kappa.

Abstract: A leukemia inhibitory factor antagonist, alone or in combination with an endothelin antagonist, may be used for treatment of heart failure. The antagonist(s) are administered in a chronic fashion, in therapeutically effective amounts, to achieve this purpose.

Abstract: The present invention describes human monoclonal antibodies which immunoreact with Herpes simplex virus Type-1 and Type-2. Also disclosed are immunotherapeutic and diagnostic methods of using the monoclonal antibodies, as well as nucleic acids and cell lines for producing the monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: A protein consisting essentially of purified human minor vault protein p193 or purified biologically active variants thereof, or a combination of purified human minor vault protein p193 and biologically active variants thereof. Also, a polynucleotide molecule encoding a protein which consists essentially of human minor vault protein p193, or its complementary strands. Further, there is provided a method of diagnosing and a method of treating patients with multidrug resistant cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides a human myotrophin (MYO1) and polynucleotides which identify and encode MYO1. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antibodies and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating disorders associated with expression of MYO1.

Abstract: A carrier for delivering a foreign substance to a target organ which comprises a graft copolymer in which hyaluronic acid is grafted on a polymer composing main chain, wherein the main chain has a part capable of binding to the foreign substance electrostatically, and contains one or more monomer unit having side chain with amino or imino group capable of coupling to hyarulonic acid, which is useful for delivering a foreign substance to a target organ, especially liver.

Abstract: A method for reducing a catecholamine secretion from a cholinergically innervated, functional chromaffin body, such as a paraganglioma or hyperplasic s adrenal medulla, by direct, local administration of a neurotoxin, such as a botulinum toxin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to somatic mutations in the Multiple Tumor Suppressor (MTS) gene in human cancers and their use in the diagnosis and prognosis of human cancer. The invention further relates to germ line mutations in the MTS gene and their use in the diagnosis of predisposition to melanoma, leukemia, astrocytoma, glioblastoma, lymphoma, glioma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, CLL, and cancers of the pancreas, breast, thyroid, ovary, uterus, testis, kidney, stomach and rectum. The invention also relates to the therapy of human cancers which have a mutation in the MTS gene, including gene therapy, protein replacement therapy and protein mimetics. Finally, the invention relates to the screening of drugs for cancer therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides two human p24 vesicle trafficking proteins (designated individually as Hp24-1 and Hp24-2 and collectively as Hp24) and polynucleotides which identify and encode Hp24. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding Hp24 and a method for producing Hp24. The invention also provides for agonists, antibodies, or antagonists specifically binding Hp24, and their use, in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of Hp24. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding Hp24 for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of Hp24. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, and antibodies specifically binding Hp24.

Abstract: Polynucleotide immunogenic agents capable of inducing an immune response towards the members of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors (EGFR) family are disclosed.

Abstract: Reagents that specifically bind a carbohydrate target wherein sialic acid is linked at the nonreducing terminus of a glycoside to a galactose or galactosamine residue through an .alpha.2-6 linkage are able to inhibit the conversion of human Factor X to human Factor Xa. These reagents (SA/Gal/GalNAc binding reagents) as well as other strategies for inhibiting the conversion of Factor X to Factor Xa are useful in treating thrombosis, inflammation and other conditions associated with excess thrombin activity.

Abstract: Hybridomas secreting monoclonal antibodies specific for an epitope found in the amino acids of LCGA associated with non-small cell lung carcinoma protein have been found. The monoclonal antibodies produced by these hybridomas can be used in in vivo and in vitro clinical diagnosis of non-small cell lung carcinoma and ovarian carcinoma and as target selective carriers for various anti-tumor agents and radioimaging agents.

Abstract: The invention provides human calcium-binding proteins (CaBPs) and polynucleotides which identify and encode CaBP. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating or preventing disorders associated with expression of CaBP.

Abstract: Humanized anti-IL-8 monoclonal antibodies and variants thereof are described for use in diagnostic applications and in the treatment of inflammatory disorders.

Abstract: A method for the prevention or reversal of transplant rejection, or for therapy for autoimmune diseases, is provided comprising administering compounds such as monoclonal antibodies, that bind specifically to one or more preselected CD45R leukocyte antigens, including the CD45RB epitope.

Abstract: The invention is directed generally to a DNA sequence coding for human cyclin A and in particular to antibodies, or antisera including such antibodies, which bind to human cyclin A as encoded by the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 and which are useful in detecting cellular proliferation. The antibodies of the invention can be polyclonal or monoclonal, and are preferably generated by injection of purified human cyclin A into an animal host. The invention is particularly advantageous because it has been discovered that the gene encoding for human cyclin A is a site for integration of the hepatitis B virus associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, and by detecting human cyclin A through the use of the antibodies of the invention, one can detect and diagnose cell proliferation. Through the use of the present invention, cell proliferation and tumorigenesis can thus be detected at early stages, and such conditions can then be treated or inhibited by the use of anti-sense human cyclin A DNA.

Abstract: Antibodies and Bivalent molecules which activate erythropoietins and induce the proliferation or differentiation of erythroid progenitor cells are provided. Also provided are methods of using such bivalent molecules for drug discovery, diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the activation of an erythropoietin receptor.

Abstract: This invention provides a chimeric DNA molecule comprising a sequence encoding a chemokine polypeptide covalently attached to a heterologous polypeptide, the encoded chimeric polypeptide, and uses thereof.