Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for detecting antigens having a specific epitope associated with melanoma and prostatic carcinoma. The epitope is present in melanoma cells and prostatic cancer cells but is essentially absent from melanocytes and normal prostatic tissue. The antibody can be used in diagnostic methods for histochemical detection of human melanoma and prostate carcinoma, of various progression stages and in treatment of melanoma and prostate carcinoma.

Abstract: Variant immunoglobulins, particularly humanized antibody polypeptides are provided, along with methods for their preparation and use. Consensus immunoglobulin sequences and structural models are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the isolation and characterization of cDNA molecules encoding two human nuclear receptor proteins, designated nNR1, nNR2 and/or nNR2-1. Also within the scope of the disclosure are recombinant vectors, recombinant host cells, methods of screening for modulators of nNR1, nNR2 and/or nNR2-1 activity, and production of antibodies against nNR1, nNR2 and/or nNR2-1, or epitopes thereof.

Abstract: A new human B lymphotropic virus, also designated human herpesvirus-6, has been isolated. DNA, molecular clones, antigenic viral proteins and antibodies having specificity to the new virus have been prepared. Various utilities of the new virus and products derived therefrom have been described.

Abstract: Novel compositions are provided that are derived from antigen-binding sites of immunoglobulins having affinity for cancer antigens. The compositions exhibit immunological binding properties of antibody molecules capable of binding specifically to a human tumor cell expressing an antigen selected from the group consisting of high molecular weight mucins bound by 2G3 and 369F10, c-erbB-2 tumor antigen, an approximately 42 kD glycoprotein, an approximately 55 kD glycoprotein, and the approximately 40, 60, 100 and 200 kD antigens bound by 113F1. A number of synthetic molecules are provided that include CDR and FR regions derived from same or different immunoglobulin moieties. Also provided are single chain polypeptides wherein V.sub.H and V.sub.L domains are attached by a single polypeptide linker. The sFv molecules can include ancillary polypeptide moieties which can be bioactive, or which provide a site of attachment for other useful moieties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel gene regulated by FOS and RAS transforming pathways, which is identified as dft-A, and which comprises the sequence set forth in FIG. 3. There is also disclosed the novel dft-A protein and an antibody recognizing same. The present invention also relates to a diagnostic method of identifying dft-A mutations in cancer or other diseases in a biological sample of a patient, which comprises: a) subjecting DNA present in the patient's sample to gene sequencing; and b) comparing the sequenced DNA with the sequence of dft-A gene to identify dft-A mutations. The present invention also relates to a diagnostic method of identifying change in dft-A protein level in cancer or other diseases in a biological sample of a patient, which comprises: a)subjecting the patient's sample to the anti-dft-A antibody to form an antibody-dft-A protein complex; and b) detecting the antibody-dft-A protein complex to determine the dft-A protein level in the biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for targeting the vasculature of solid tumors using immunological- and growth factor-based reagents. In particular aspects, antibodies carrying diagnostic or therapeutic agents are targeted to the vasculature of solid tumor masses through recognition of tumor vasculature-associated antigens, such as, for example, through endoglin binding, or through the specific induction of endothelial cell surface antigens on vascular endothelial cells in solid tumors.

Abstract: The invention provides two human prostate growth-associated membrane proteins (PGAMP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode PGAMP. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for diagnosing, treating or preventing disorders associated with expression of PGAMP.

Abstract: Antibodies directed to human protein mismatch repair proteins can be used diagnostically to discriminate between proliferating and non-proliferating cells. In addition, they can be used to determine whether cells have a mismatch repair defect caused by a mutation in e.g., hMSH2, hMLH1, or hPMS2. They can also be used to monitor the efficacy of anti-neoplastic therapies.

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

Abstract: The invention provides a human fatty acid synthase-like protein (HFASLP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode HFASLP. 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 HFASLP.

Abstract: The identification and sequencing of the BRCA2 gene is disclosed as well as the amino acid sequence of the corresponding BRCA2 polypeptides. BRCA2 alleles including those with mutations in the BRCA2 gene which are associated with a predisposition to develop cancer, especially breast and ovarian cancer are also disclosed. The present invention further relates to polypeptides encoded by the above nucleic acid. The present invention further relates to uses of much BRCA2 nucleic acid and BRCA2 polypeptides, in particular in the diagnostic, prognostic or therapeutic treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for in vitro evaluation of a potentially allergenic or tissue irritating substances, characterized in that blood cells are cultivated in the presence of serial dilutions of the substance whereby the highest concentration of the substance being non toxic to the cells is serial diluted, cell proliferation is measured and the presence of cytokines is measured whereby: the presence of one or more of the alarm cytokines of class 0 only is an indication of tissue damage and chemical toxic effects; the presence of one or more alarm cytokines of class 0 and possibly one or more cytokines of class IV type but not neopterin is an indication of delayed type hypersensivity such as cellular immunity, delayed allergy and contact eczema; and the presence of one or more alarm cytokines of class 0 and at least neopterin and possibly one or more cytokines of class I is an indication of immediate type hypersensivity such as asthma, hay fever, urticaria and rhinitis.

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: The present invention provides a unique DNA segment and a previously unknown PDZK1 protein as a marker system indicative of cells and tissues in an abnormal cellular state and which are undergoing a progressive loss of cell regulation and control. The isolated DNA sequence encodes the PDZK1 protein; and the expressed PDZK1 protein, particularly when present in large or excessive quantitative amounts, is a reliable and reproducible biochemical marker that an ongoing neoplastic development is occurring within cell and tissues of epithelial cell origin.

Abstract: The invention concerns the preparation and use of a live tumour-cell vaccine which contains three additional genes prepared by genetic-engineering techniques: a) a gene coding for a cell-surface protein with immunostimulatory activity, b) a cytokin gene and c) the thymidine kinase gene. The fields of application of the invention are medicine and genetic engineering. The live vaccine proposed owes its effect to the fact that a synergistic anti-tumour response is induced by the multiple transfer of genes which code for immunostimulatory activity. This leads to reliable repulsion of the vaccine cells and enables cells capable of multiplying to be injected as a vaccine. As an additional safety marker, the vaccine cells are given the thymidine kinase gene which enables the vaccine cells to be selectively killed in vivo.

Abstract: A method for improving the nutrient uptake of a ruminant or ruminant-like animal comprising inoculating the animal with an immunogenic preparation effective in inhibiting the activity in the gastrointestinal tract of at least one species or strain of Archae. The immunogenic preparation comprises an antigen component prepared from methanogenic bacteria.

Abstract: Bovine bone cells express osteometrin, a 35 kDA phosphoprotein specifically expressed in bone and dentin tissue. We have found that protein reactive with anti-osteometrin antisera is detectable in a wide range of species, and that osteometrin expression is detectable during mineralization of bone tissue. Our findings establish that osteometrin is an indicator of bone metabolism and may be involved in highly conserved aspects of bone and dentin metabolism. Osteometrin is used as a marker for osteoporosis and bone cancer.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies for selective immunological determination of high molecular weight, intact laminin forms in body fluids. The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies for the selective immunological determination of high molecular weight forms of laminin in body fluids, to a process for preparing these antibodies, and to their use for diagnosing diseases. The antibodies according to the invention preferably bind to intact, native laminin, in particular to the structures of the laminin P1 domain of the laminin which are folded in a native manner.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for treating and diagnosing prostate cancer are provided. The inventive compounds include polypeptides containing at least a portion of a prostate protein. Vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions for immunotherapy of prostate cancer comprising such polypeptides or DNA molecules encoding such polypeptides are also provided. The inventive polypeptides may also be used to generate antibodies useful for the diagnosis and monitoring of prostate cancer. Nucleic acid sequences for preparing probes, primers, and polypeptides are also provided.