Abstract: The extracellular domain, or fragment thereof, of a gonadotropin glycoprotein hormone receptor is expressed and secreted in a soluble and functionally hormone-binding form. A recombinant baculovirus transfer vector is constructed to include a gene segment encoding the extracellular domain, or fragment thereof, of the glycoprotein hormone receptor joined in frame with a gene segment encoding a baculovirus signal peptide and operably linked to a baculovirus promoter. Recombinant baculovirus generated by transfection or co-transfection of insect cells are then used to infect insect host cells for the expression and secretion of soluble receptor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods for modulating the adhesion of leukocytes to brain endothelial cells. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of reagents to inhibit the binding of VLA-4 leukocyte cell surface receptors to brain endothelial adhesion molecules. Also provided are compositions and methods for treating brain inflammation. A method of inducing brain inflammation as well as an assay for testing anti-inflammatory agents is also provided.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided nucleic acids encoding human NMDA receptor protein subunits and the proteins encoded thereby. The NMDA receptor subunits of the invention comprise components of NMDA receptors that have cation-selective channels and bind glutamate and NMDA. In one aspect of the invention, the nucleic acids encode NMDAR1 and NMDAR2 subunits of human NMDA receptors. In a preferred embodiment, the invention nucleic acids encode NMDAR1, NMDAR2A and NMDAR2C subunits of human NMDA receptors. In addition to being useful for the production of NMDA receptor subunit proteins, these nucleic acids are also useful as probes, thus enabling those skilled in the art, without undue experimentation, to identify and isolate related human receptor subunits.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for treating an individual having a disease caused by cytokine-mediated toxicity comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of (a) an antibody that binds to an MIF polypeptide, wherein the MIF polypeptide has a molecular weight of about 12.5 kDa in combination with (b) anti-TNF.alpha., anti-IL1, anti-IFN-.gamma., IL-1RA, a steroid, a glucocorticoid, or IL-10.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of novel conservin genes and polypeptides. Therapeutics, diagnostics and screening assays based on these molecules are also disclosed.

Abstract: Effective urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor antagonists have sequences selected from the group LNFGQYLWYT, LCFGCYLWYT, LNFGCYLWCT, LNFGQYLnAYT, LNFdSQYLWYT, LCFGCYLWY, LNFdSQYLnAYT, LNFGdCYLWCT, LCFdSCYLWYT, LCFdSCYLnAYT, LNFdSCYLWCT, or active analogs or active portions thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant toxin and monoclonal antibody which specifically binds to glial-derived or meningioma-derived tumor cells. Also provided are various methods of screening for malignant gliomas and meningiomas. Further provided are methods of treating malignant gliomas, including glioblastoma multiforme and astrocytomas.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated DNA sequence which codes for an antigen expressed by tumor cells which maybe recognized by cytotoxic T cells, leading to lysis of the tumor cells which express it. This invention also relates to vectors which are designed to encode the antigen expressed by tumor cells and also to cells transfected by the DNA sequence or vectors which comprise the DNA sequence. Various therapeutic and diagnostic uses arising out of the properties of the DNA and the antigen for which it codes are also part of this invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel galectin 8, 9, 10 and 10SV proteins which are members of the galectin superfamily. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human galectin 8, 9, 10 and 10SV proteins. Galectin 8, 9, 10 and 10SV polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of galectin 8, 9, 10 or 10SV activity. Also provided are diagnostic and therapeutic methods.

Abstract: An improved method for selecting a molecule such as an antibody, antigen, peptide, protein or fragment thereof and its encoding sequence, which molecule is expressed together with a phage coat protein on the phages surface. The improvement is achieved through a new mutant filamentous helper phage which has retained the gene III promoter, whereas the gene III encoding sequence is deleted. Amplification of phage titer of 10.sup.6 times were achieved in M13-derived phages, when used for the selection of specific antibody.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acid molecules which code for the tumor rejection antigen precursor MAGE-3. Also disclosed are vectors, cell lines, and so forth, which utilize the nucleic acid molecule, and optionally, molecules coding for human leukocyte antigen HLA-A1. Uses of these materials in therapeutic and diagnostic contexts are also a part of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides for the production of several humanized murine antibodies specific for the Lewis b antigen, which is recognized by the murine antibody 58-1066. The antigen is expressed on cell lines from colon, lung, bladder, breast, renal, pancreatic and ovarian cancers. The expression of the antigen is greatly increased in cancer tissues as compared to its expression in the corresponding normal tissue. The invention also provides for numerous polynucleotide encoding humanized Lewis b antigen specific antibodies, expression vectors for producing humanized Lewis b antigen specific antibodies, and host cells for the recombinant production of the humanized antibodies. The invention also provides methods for detecting cancerous cells (in vitro and in vivo) using humanized Lewis b antigen specific antibodies. Additionally, the invention provides methods of treating cancer using Lewis b antigen specific antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a protein that regulates programmed cell death and, in particular, to the pro-apoptotic protein, Bax, which forms channels in lipid membranes. The invention further relates to methods of identifying agonists and antagonists of Bax channel formation and/or activity and thereby agents that can be used therapeutically to promote or inhibit cell death.

Abstract: Topically applicable pharmaceutical/dermatological/cosmetic compositions well suited for the therapeutic treatment or care of sensitive human skin, hair, mucous membranes, nails and/or the scalp, in particular for reducing or avoiding the skin-irritant side effects of a variety of bioactive agents, for example the .alpha.-hydroxy acids, comprise a therapeutically/cosmetically effective amount of at least one calcitonin gene related peptide ("CGRP") antagonist, e.g., CGRP 8-37 or an anti-CGRP antibody.

Abstract: The invention described methods for identifying a molecule of interest, as well as nucleic acid molecules which encode it, and binding partners for it. A cDNA library from a cell expressing the target is prepared, and expressed in host cells. Lysates of the host cells are screened with a sample, treated to remove interfering binding partners. The treatment involves contact of the sample to lysates of untransfected host cells, and host cells transfected or transformed with the same vector used to make the cDNA library. Also a part of the invention are antigens and cDNA identified using the methodology.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for inhibiting the proliferation of a tumor in a mammal. The method involves the steps of (a) isolating a stress protein-peptide complex from tumor cells previously removed from the mammal and (b) administering the isolated stress protein-peptide complex along with a cytokine to the mammal in order to stimulate in the mammal an immune response against the tumor from which the complex was isolated. Stress protein-peptide complexes having particular utility in the practice of the instant invention include the Hsp70-peptide, Hsp90-peptide and gp96-peptide complexes.

Abstract: Binding agents which bind specifically to a receptor for human IgA, including monoclonal antibodies which react specifically to Fc receptor for IgA of human effector cells are disclosed. The binding agents, e.g., antibodies are useful for targeting human effector cells (e.g. macrophages) against a target cell (e.g. a cancer cell, an infectious agent, etc.). For this purpose, bifunctional antibodies or heteroantibodies can be constructed containing the binding region derived from an anti-Fc-alpha receptor antibody and the binding region of a target-specific antibody. Targeted effector cells can specifically lyse target cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for eliciting an immune response and the prevention and treatment of primary and metastatic neoplastic diseases and infectious diseases. The methods of the invention comprise administering a composition comprising an effective amount of a complex, in which the complex consists essentially of a heat shock protein (hsp) noncovalently bound to an antigenic molecule. Optionally, the methods further comprise administering antigen presenting cells sensitized with complexes of hsps noncovalently bound to an antigenic molecule. "Antigenic molecule" as used herein refers to the peptides with which the hsps are endogenously associated in vivo as well as exogenous antigens/immunogens (i.e., with which the hsps are not complexed in vivo) or antigenic/immunogenic fragments and derivatives thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the complex is autologous to the individual. In a specific embodiment, the effective amounts of the complex are in the range of 0.1 to 9.

Abstract: This invention involves screening for possibility of melanoma. The screening method relies on the binding of antibodies to protein encoded by a nucleic acid molecule defined by the nuclotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2.