Abstract: Type III TGF-.beta. receptor is identified in and purified from normal human embryonic palatal mesenchyme (HEPM) cells and the purified product characterized structurally and functionally. HEPM cells were found to express high levels of the type III TGF-.beta. receptor and were found to significantly down-regulate two classes of TGF-.beta. receptor binding site. Purification of the type III TGF-.beta. receptor from solubilized HEPM cell membranes by affinity chromatography yielded a biologically active protein of about 205 kd which specifically binds both the recombinant and natural forms of TGF-.beta.1 and TGF-.beta.2, with affinity dissociation constants in the picomolar range.

Abstract: The present invention provides unique prepared immunogens, site-specific polyclonal antisera and monoclonal antibodies against the DNA-binding domain of estrogen receptor protein, and immunoassay to determine the functional status of estrogen receptors in a cellular sample. Collectively or individually the component parts of the invention provide the ability not only to identify accurately the presence of human estrogen receptor but also the capability of determining whether the estrogen receptor exists in a functional or non-functional state.

Abstract: The present invention provides unique prepared immunogens, site-specific monoclonal antibodies against an epitope of progesterone receptor protein, and an immunoassay to determine the functional integrity of the progesterone receptors in a cellular sample. Collectively or individually the component parts of the invention provide the ability not only to identify accurately the presence of progesterone receptor but also the capability of determining whether the progesterone receptor exists in a clinically normal or abnormal state.

Abstract: A polypeptide of the formulaH--X.sup.1 --Gln--Thr--Art--Ala--Asn--Pro--Asn--Pro--Tyr--Thr----Ser--Arg--Arg--Ser-- Val--Ala--Ser--X.sup.2 --Yin which X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 each represents an optional coupling-facilitating amino acid residue, and Y represents --OH or --NH.sub.2, and an artificial compound in free or carrier-associated form with the capability of binding to glyco-conjugates, especially immunoglobulins, which compound is chosen from the group consisting of said peptide and functional analogues and functional derivatives thereof, are disclosed. Additionally, there is described an artificial pertussis toxin antigen, which mainly consists of at least one peptide sequence reacting with antibodies induced by the native pertussis toxin selected from the above polypeptide and parts thereof.

Abstract: A novel tumor-associated antigen expressed by lung adenocarcinoma is disclosed. The antigen, characterized by monoclonal antibody LA20207, has a molecular weight in the range of about 50,000 to about 80,000 daltons and an isoelectric point in the range of about 4.9 to about 6.5. Antibodies directed against the antigen, methods for their production and diagnostic and therapeutic uses therefor are also provided.

Abstract: Mutant human acidic fibroblast growth factor proteins are recombinantly produced having replaced cysteine residues with amino acids incapable of disulfide bond formation. The recombinantly produced mutant human acidic fibroblast growth factor proteins have improved biological activity in the absence of heparin when compared to wild-type recombinant human acidic fibroblast growth factor.

Abstract: Polypeptide epitopes are defined herein which when used as components of vaccine compositions, induced partial immunity to Schistosoma mansoni. The epitopes are found on the surface of schistosumula. The epitopes are part of larger proteins which are immunologically cross-reactive with myosin heavy chains from other species. However, anti-myosin antibodies directed against myosin molecules of other species are not cross-reactive with the surface epitopes of S. mansoni.

Abstract: A synthetic peptide endowed with immunological activity is disclosed, which is capable of inducing in mammals the formation of anti-peptide antibodies capable of recognizing human alpha-fetoprotein and of reacting with it, and incapable of recognizing albumin or its degradation products, with said peptide being essentially constituted by the aminoacidic sequence of formula (I), corresponding to 38-119 region of human alpha-fetoprotein.Furthermore, the methods and means for preparing said peptide by means of the recombinant DNA techniques are reported.The synthetic peptide (I), like the polyclonal and monoclonal antipeptide antibodies are particularly suitable for the early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma and of teratocarcinoma.

Abstract: Polypeptides which are derived from the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) binding portion of an Integrin beta subunit are disclosed as are their use for modulation of Integrin ligand binding. Anti-peptide antibodies, hybridomas secreting these antibodies, as well as methods of making and using such antibodies, and recombinant DNA molecules that define the structural gene coding for the polypeptides are also contemplated as within the scope of the present invention.

Abstract: Methods for purifying factor XIII from a biological fluid are provided. The methods comprise precipitation of factor XIII by adjusting the pH of the biological fluid to 5.5 to 6.5 and recovering the precipitated factor XIII.

Abstract: A process for the preparation and purification of recombinant Interferon-.alpha. is disclosed. The invention is directed to a process comprising the following steps: cultivating E. coli containing the interferon gene for a growth period during which not more than 5% methionine-interferon is formed; extracting and concentrating the expressed interferon; subjecting the preliminarily purified material to Tandem Chromatography, wherein the Tandem Chromatography comprises separation on a cellulose column followed by an anti-alpha-interferon monoclonal antibody affinity column; subjecting the thus purified material to isoelectric precipitation of impurities at about pH 4.0 to about pH 4.8; and purifying the interferon by chromatography on a high performance cation exchange column using a volatile buffer, wherein the purified interferon is non-immunogenic when administered parenterally to a human.

Abstract: Recombinant full-length Hepatitis B surface antigen protein is disclosed. This protein is useful in vaccines for the prevention of Hepatitis B infection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a non-A, non-B hepatitis virus antigen peptide which exhibits antigen-antibody reaction specificity with at least one of sera from a convalescent patient having acute non-A, non-B hepatitis and sera from a patient having chronic non-A, non-B hepatitis. By the use of the antigen peptide of the present invention, not only the diagnosis of non-A, non-B hepatitis but also the screening of blood for transfusion can be achieved with ease and high reliability. The antigen peptide of the present invention may also be used as the basis for a vaccine against non-A, non-B hepatitis.

Abstract: Polypeptides in the size range 6-11 amino acids from discrete regions of the human immunodeficiency virus p17 protein are immunogenic and form the basis for diagnosis and therapy of HIV-related disease.

Abstract: A hirudin derivative which has the N-terminal amino acid sequence Leu-Thr-Tyr-Thr-Asp shows high biological activity. Moreover, this hirudin derivative can be obtained very efficiently by genetic engineering preparation in yeasts.

Abstract: "Iscom" adjuvant matrices, comprising a sterol, a glycoside, a solubilized water-insoluble antigen and, optionally, a phospholipid, may be formed without removing the solubilizing agent used for the antigen.The glycoside is preferably Quil A and the sterol is preferably cholesterol.

Abstract: Novel polypeptides having Factor VIII activity are provided as well as compositions and methods for their preparation. The polypeptides comprise derivatives and fragments of Factor VIII and have sequences substantially similar to portions of naturally occuring Factor VIII. The polypeptides find use in treatment of Hemophilia A.

Abstract: Vaccines and therapeutic compositions and methods for their production and use against Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) are provided employing recombinant HSV glycoproteins B and D.The following E. coli HB 101 strains were deposited at the A.T.C.C., where the plasmid indicates the plasmid employed to transform the strain; pH203; pHS112; pHS114; pHS127A and pHS206 were deposited on Apr. 4, 1984, and assigned Accession Nos. 39649-39653, respectively; pYHS109 and pYHS118 were deposited on Jul. 11, 1984, and given Accession Nos. 39762 and 39763, respectively.

Abstract: This invention encompasses novel chimeric glycoproteins which are useful for preparing virus specific immune responses against human parainfluenza virus type 3, PIV3. Host cells transformed with structural genes coding for the glycoproteins, expression and replication plasmids containing the structural genes, vaccines made from the glycoproteins and methods for protecting humans by inoculation with said vaccines are also part of this invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to cecropin-like polypeptides with a variey of C-terminus modifications. Conversion of the terminal carboxy group to a homoserine extended neutral, negatively charged or positively charged form results in the polypeptides of the invention that have significant bactericidal effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.