Abstract: A method using compounds inhibiting binding reactions involving GMP-140 to modulate an inflammatory response. The method is based on the discovery that GMP-140, released from the storage granules of platelets, endothelial cells, and megakaryocytes, and redistributed to the surface of the cells within seconds of activation by mediators such as thrombin, ionophores or histamine, binds to a ligand on neutrophils, and the plasma proteins C3b and protein S. Adhesion of the cells following activation is blocked directly by administration of antibody to GMP-140 or its ligand, or by competitive inhibition by administration of soluble GMP-140, the GMP-140 ligand, or the specific carbohydrate portion of the ligand bound by GMP-140.

Abstract: A family of metalloproteinases exist which cleave extracellular matrix molecules. These metalloproteinases are secreted in a latent inactive form and require activation in order to specifically cleave the preferred substrate. A series of peptides have been prepared based on the complete sequence analysis of type IV procollagenase. Peptide inhibitors were synthesized which correspond to cysteine repeat regions and histidine containing regions; the mechanism of action of these peptides involves inhibition of binding of the enzyme to the substrate. Peptide inhibitors were synthesized which correspond to the peptide cleaved off during activation, and constitute a novel class of metalloproteinase inhibitors. These inhibitors are members of a series of peptides which contain the core amino acid sequence RKPRC or analogs thereof. The cysteine residue is required for activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating a viral infection in an animal. The method comprises administering to said animal leukoregulin alone or in combination with an anti-viral chemotherapeutic agent. The invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition suitable for use in such a method.

Abstract: Retroviruses are used as genetic tools to isolate transcriptionally active chromosomal regions. The retroviruses have a promoterless protein coding sequence located in U3 or U5. The retroviruses may be used to infect cells under conditions which permit selection for instances when the retrovirus integrates in close proximity to and under the control of a cellular promoter. The promoter and its associated gene then may be identified and isolated. In this manner, the retroviruses function as promoter-traps. Related methods and products including vectors, kits and assays provided.

Abstract: The use of superoxide dismutases for the prevention and/or treatment of organ failure in patients at risk with polytrauma caused by accidents is disclosed. The superoxide dismutases are administered according to the invention in daily doses of from 1 g to 15 g for a period of at least two days following the initial trauma (i.e. the accident), especially by intravenous infusion. Preferably natural or recombinant human copper/zinc superoxide dismutase is used.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses modified apoaequorin nucleotide and amino acid sequences capable of emitting light in the presence of luciferin and a light-triggering cation such as Ca.sup.2+, which possess bioluminescent activity greater than unmodified apoaequorin and methods of use therefore.

Abstract: Isolated viral proteins, and pharmaceutical compositions made therefrom, are disclosed which are capable of binding to Tumor Necrosis Factor, thereby functioning as Tumor Necrosis Factor antagonists. Also disclosed are processes for preparing isolated viral protein cytokine antagonists.

Abstract: A novel macrophage activating factor is prepared in vitro by treating glycosated vitamin D-binding protein with glycosidases. Vitamin D-binding protein, which is isolated from blood or plasma of mammals by known procedures, is thus readily converted to a highly potent macrophage activating factor.