Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease using human cells. Specifically, one method detects differences between potassium channels in cells from Alzheimer's patient and normal donors, and differences in intracellular calcium concentrations between Alzheimer's and normal cells in response to chemicals known to increase intracellular calcium levels. Other methods detect differences between the memory associated GTP binding Cp20 protein levels between Alzheimer's and normal cells.

Abstract: A new gene--MN--and proteins/polypeptides encoded therefrom are disclosed. Recombinant nucleic acid molecules for expressing MN proteins/polypeptides and recombinant proteins are provided. Expression of the MN gene is disclosed as being associated with tumorigenicity, and the invention concerns methods and compositions for detecting and/or quantitating MN antigen and/or MN-specific antibodies in vertebrate samples that are diagnostic/prognostic for neoplastic and pre-neoplastic disease. Test kits embodying the immunoassays of this invention are provided. MN-specific antibodies are disclosed that can be used diagnostically/prognostically, therapeutically, for imaging, and/or for affinity purification of MN proteins/polypeptides.

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: cDNAs encoding a class of receptors, including the IL-8 receptors, have been identified in human tissue Recombinantly produced PF4ARs are used in the preparation and purification of antibodies capable of binding to the receptors, and in diagnostic assays. The antibodies are advantageously used in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of generating angiostatin in vitro comprising contacting plasminogen or plasmin with a plasminogen activator and a sulfhydryl donor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel human interferon-inducible protein (HIFI) and the polynucleotides which identify and encode HIFI. The invention provides for genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequence encoding HIFI and for a method for producing the protein. The invention also provides compositions containing HIFI.

Abstract: In certain human tumor cells, the gene encoding MDM2 protein is amplified and expression of MDM2 protein is elevated. Since human MDM2 protein binds to human p53, excess MDM2 protein apparently releases a cell from p53-regulated growth. Detection of elevated amounts of human MDM2 protein thus can be used to diagnose neoplastic disease in a human.

Abstract: A human brain glycoprotein homologous to the mouse F3 and the chicken contactin/F11 adhesion molecules is provided. Also described are nucleic acid sequences encoding the human brain glycoprotein and antibodies directed against the human brain glycoprotein.

Abstract: One shortcoming of methotrexate chemotherapy is that previously responsive tumors can become refractory to methotrexate after continued exposure. Such methotrexate resistance may be due to underexpression of reduced folate carrier (RFC) protein. The present invention provides DNA molecules encoding human RFC. The present invention also relates to expression vectors comprising RFC-encoding DNA molecules, and to the use of such vectors to restore methotrexate sensitivity in mammalian cells. The present invention further relates to antibodies that bind with human RFC protein, and to methods of detecting human RFC protein using such antibodies.

Abstract: Improved Pseudomonas exotoxins of low animal toxicity and high cytocidal activity are described. Substitution of positively charged amino acid residues with an amino acid residue without a positive charge provides markedly changed exotoxins. Conjugation of the new exotoxins with suitable targeting agents provides cytocidal specificity for killing desired cellular entities.

Abstract: Antibodies which bind to the core protein of the human polymorphic epithelial mucin glycoprotein are useful in the diagnosis of cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed are antibodies that specifically bind to endoglin. Conjugates of the antibodies linked to diagnostic or therapeutic agents are also provided. Methods of using the antibodies and conjugates are also disclosed, including methods of targeting the vasculature of solid tumors through recognition of the tumor vasculature-associated antigen, endoglin.

Abstract: The invention relates to monoclonal antibodies to the .alpha.v.beta.3 integrin receptor known to be expressed in large amounts on the surface of osteoclasts and accordingly, associated with bone resorption. The disclosed monoclonal antibodies are believed to recognize unique epitopes on .alpha.v.beta.3 and are useful in the treatment of conditions associated with excessive bone resorption and/or in the inhibition of tumor cell growth.

Abstract: The invention relates to monoclonal antibodies to the .alpha.v.beta.3 integrin receptor known to be expressed in large amounts on the surface of osteoclasts and accordingly, associated with bone resorption. The disclosed monoclonal antibodies are believed to recognize unique epitopes on .alpha.v.beta.3 and are useful in the treatment of conditions associated with excessive bone resorption and/or in the inhibition of tumor cell growth.

Abstract: Immunoconjugates for the selective delivery of a cytokine to a target cell are disclosed. The fusion proteins are comprised of an immunoglobulin heavy chain having a specificity for the target cell, such as a cancer or virus-infected cell, and a cytokine, such as lymphotoxin, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-2, or granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, joined via its amino terminal amino acid to the carboxy-terminus of the immunoglobulin. Nucleic acid sequences encoding these fusion proteins and methods of their preparation by genetic engineering techniques are also disclosed.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies effective for the diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B have been prepared from a cell line obtained by fusing a xenogeneic hybridoma designated SPAZ 4 with blood cells of a patient immunized with hepatitis B vaccine. The chimeric human monoclonal antibody, PE1-1, (ATCC HB 9234), is used in a method of treating patients infected with hepatitis B virus.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies effective for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases caused by infection with hepatitis B have been prepared from a cell line obtained by fusing a xenogeneic hybridoma designated SPAZ 4 with blood cells of a patient immunized with hepatitis B vaccine. The invention also provides cocktails of the above monoclonal antibodies specific for different epitopes of hepatitis B surface antigen.