Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating or preventing cancer by administration of human chorionic gonadotropin, .beta.-human chorionic gonadotropin or a peptide containing a sequence of a portion of .beta.-human chorionic gonadotropin. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides methods of treating or preventing Kaposi's Sarcoma, breast cancer or prostate cancer. in another preferred embodiment, the invention relates to .beta.-human chorionic gonadotropin peptides for treatment or prevention of cancer. The invention further provides assays for the utility of particular human chorionic gonadotropin preparations in the treatment or prevention of cancer. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of administration are also provided.

Abstract: Human CD16-II variants, DNA sequences coding for them, their use in therapy and/or in diagnosis of autoimmune diseases and inflammatory illnesses, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, are disclosed. The sequence listing for the new polypeptides is provided.

Abstract: A peptide compound having the sequence Lys-Pro-Ser-Ser-Pro-Pro-Glu-Glu [SEQ ID NO:2] or a substitution variant, addition variant or other chemical derivative thereof inhibits cell invasion, endothelial tube formation or angiogenesis in vitro. A number of substitution variants and addition variants of this peptide, preferably capped at the N- and C-termini, as well as peptidomimetic derivatives, are useful for treating diseases and conditions mediated by undesired and uncontrolled cell invasion and/or angiogenesis. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the above peptides and derivatives are administered to subjects in need of such treatment in a dosage sufficient to inhibit invasion and/or angiogenesis. The disclosed compositions and methods are particularly useful for suppressing the growth and metastasis of tumors.

Abstract: Novel vertebrate homologues of Smoothened, including human and rat Smoothened, are provided. Compositions including vertebrate Smoothened chimeras, nucleic acid encoding vertebrate Smoothened, and antibodies to vertebrate Smoothened, are also provided.

Abstract: A bispecific or bivalent double head antibody fragment, which is composed of a binding complex containing two polypeptide chains, whereby one polypeptide chain has two times a variable domain of a heavy chain (V.sub.H) in series and the other polypeptide chain has two times a variable domain of a light chain (V.sub.L) in series, and the binding complex contains two pairs of variable domains (V.sub.H -A//V.sub.L -A and V.sub.H -B//V.sub.L -B), wherein said double head antibody fragments have binfunctional antigen binding activity. A process for producing such an antibody fragment is disclosed. An immunoassay is also provided for, wherein the improvement is the inclusion of a bispecific or bivalent double head antibody fragment, which is composed of a binding complex containing two polypeptide chains, whereby one polypeptide chain has two times a variable domain of a heavy chain (V.sub.H) in series and the other polypeptide chain has two times a variable domain of a light chain (V.sub.

Abstract: Shaped, unbaked dough products are provided that are coated with a glaze comprising an amount of water, oil and a hydrophilic colloid. The application of the glaze to the dough products, followed by baking, mimics the frying step which is traditionally used in the production process of certain dough products.

Abstract: The invention provides human isomerase homologs (HIH) and polynucleotides which identify and encode HIH. 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 HIH.

Abstract: This invention provides compounds which are analogs to the hydrolysis transition-state of a cocaine benzoyl ester group. This invention also provides such analogs linked to carrier proteins, and antibodies thereto. This invention further provides pharmaceutical composition for decreasing concentration in a subject using the antibodies produced.

Abstract: A prostaglandin having formula (I), (II), or (III): ##STR1## a process of production thereof, and inhibitors of cell migration caused by chemokines containing (I) or (II) as an active ingredient.

Abstract: Modified antibodies which have been by chemical conjugation with agents reactive with free amino groups are disclosed. Among the chemical agents disclosed for use in connection with the invention are heterobifunctional reagents and biotin. The use of these modified antibodies in the diagnosis and therapy of cancer and other mammalian disease is also disclosed. Diagnostic uses include immunoscintography. The modified antibodies may be further conjugated with labels or biologically active molecules for use in diagnosis and therapy. The modified antibodies may also be formulated into pharmaceutical compositions for these purposes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a novel peptide linker useful for connecting polypeptide constituents into a novel linked fusion polypeptide. The peptide linker of the invention provides greater stability and is less susceptible to aggregation than previously known peptide linkers. The peptide linker of the invention may be up to about 50 amino acids in length and contains at least one occurrence of a charged amino acid followed by a proline. When used for making a single chain Fv (sFv), the peptide linker is preferably from 18 to about 30 amino acids in length. A preferred embodiment of the peptide linker of the invention comprises the sequence:GSTSGSGXPGSGEGSTKG (SEQ. ID NO 1),where X is a charged amino acid, preferably lysine or arginine. Methods of making linked fusion polypeptides using the peptide linker of the invention are claimed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for separating target cells from a plurality of cells which is based on a reversible high affinity interaction between two molecules. The method comprises: forming a target cell/cell binding reagent/first molecule/second molecule/solid support complex, wherein the cell binding reagent is specific for target cells present within a plurality of cells and wherein the first molecule reversibly binds to the second molecule; removing non-target cells of the plurality of cells not attached to the solid support; and reversing the first molecule binding to the second molecule, thereby releasing the target cells as separate cells from the plurality of cells.

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, NMDAR2B, NMDAR2C and NMDAR2D 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: A method for purifying and recovering biologically active somatotropin monomers from refold solution following the solubilization and naturation of refractile bodies of host cells produced by recombinant DNA methodology. The purification process is based on the discovery that somatotropin monomers and somatotropin oligomers having overlapping isoelectric points may nevertheless be separated by selective precipitation over a narrow pH range. Host cell residues including proteins, pyrogens and other impurities present in the refold solution are effectively removed in the process. The purified somatotropin monomers recovered from solution after removing precipitated solids are suitable for parenteral application to target animals without further purification.

Abstract: This invention provides for nucleotide sequences that encode CAIR proteins correlated with cellular resistance to carboxyamido-triazole (CAI) and functionally equivalent compounds. The invention further provides for methods of detecting CAI resistance in biological samples and for cell lines that grow and proliferate in the presence of CAI and functionally equivalent compounds.

Abstract: This invention provides for immunotoxins comprising a Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE) that does not require proteolytic activation for cytotoxic activity attached to an Fv antibody fragment having a variable heavy chain region bound through at least one disulfide bond to a variable light chain region. The combination of a "disulfide-stabilized" binding agent fused to a PE that does not require proteolytic activation provides an immunotoxin having surprising cytotoxic activity.

Abstract: A method and test kit for deterining milk production in bovines is described. The acetyl coenzyme A synthetase (ACS) production is determined and related to milk production. The method is useful in selection and/or breeding to enhance milk production. Recombinant microganisms, plasmids and ACS is also described.

Abstract: Novel methods of detecting and treating breast cancer are described.

Abstract: A method useful in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease in a patient in which an amyloid protein precursor (APP) substrate is combined with a sample of cerebrospinal fluid or blood obtained from the patient to be tested, and poteolytic cleavage of the APP substrate is detected. The absence of detectable proteolytic cleavage, or the detection of a substantially lesser degree of proteolytic cleavage, in the presence of the patient's sample compared to that detected when an APP substrate is combined with test samples from control individuals, indicates affliction with Alzheimer's Disease. Convenient test reagents and kits for aiding the diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease are provided, such as comprising an APP substrate and immunoreagents for detecting a fragment formed by proteolytic cleavage as well as chromogenic APP substrates.

Abstract: Pantropic neurotrophic factors which have multiple neurotrophic specificities are provided. The pantropic neurotrophic factors of the present invention are useful in the treatment of neuronal disorders. Nucleic acids and expression vectors encoding the pantropic neurotrophins are also provided.