Abstract: A DNA fragment distinct from the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and erbB-2 genes was detected by reduced stringency hybridization of v-erbB to normal genomic human DNA. cDNA cloning revealed a predicted 148 kd transmembrane polypeptide with structural features identifying it as a member of the erbB family, prompting designation of the new gene as erbB-3. It was shown to be expressed as a 6.2 kb transcript in a variety of normal tissues of epithelial origin. Markedly elevated erbB-3 mRNA levels were demonstrated in certain human mammary tumor cell lines. These findings indicate that increased erbB-3 expression, as in the case of EGFR and erbB-2, plays a role in some human malignancies. Using erbB-3 specific antibodies (polyclonal or monoclonal), the erbB-3 protein was identified as a 180 kDa glycoprotein, gp180.sup.erbB-3. The intrinsic catalytic function of gp180.sup.erbB-3 was uncovered by its ability to autophosphorylate in vitro.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reagent for extracting lead ions from a variety of biological matrices such as human whole blood that has been anticoagulated with either heparin or EDTA, and lyophilized human blood and bovine EDTA whole blood. The released lead is measured in situ with a colorimetric porphyrin reagent without further manipulation of the supernatant. The lead ion releasing reagent can be used in conjunction with a variety of assay formats for the determination of lead in various biological fluids.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel subfamily of amiloride sensitive sodium channel proteins isolated and purified from the human central nervous system. DNA sequences encoding such proteins are disclosed as are methods and procedures for development of pharmacologic agents for treatment of diseases associated with central nervous system dysfunction.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a purified receptor of human alpha interferon.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel monocyte activating cytokine (MAC) and a polynucleotide encoding MAC. The invention also provides for genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequence encoding MAC. The invention also provides for the production and use of substantially purified MAC in pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of cancer and disease of the immune system. The invention also describes diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide to hybridize with the transcripts encoding MAC and antibodies which specifically bind to MAC.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a 5-HT.sub.2 receptor, and an isolated protein which is a human 5-HT.sub.2 receptor. The invention also provides vectors comprising DNA molecules encoding a human 5-HT.sub.2 receptor, and vectors adapted for expression of the 5-HT.sub.2 receptor in bacterial, yeast, or mammalian cells. In addition, the invention provides a DNA probe useful for detecting nucleic acid encoding the 5-HT.sub.2 receptor, a method for determining whether a ligand which is not known to be capable of binding to the 5-HT.sub.2 receptor can bind to the 5-HT.sub.2 receptor, a method for detecting the presence of 5-HT.sub.2 receptor on the surface of a cell, and a method of screening drugs to identify drugs which specifically interact with, and bind to, the 5-HT.sub.2 receptor. The invention herein also concerns an antibody directed to the human 5-HT.sub.2 receptor, such as a monoclonal antibody directed to an epitope of the 5-HT.sub.

Abstract: The invention identifies the CTLA4 receptor as a ligand for the B7 antigen. The complete amino acid sequence encoding human CTLA4 receptor gene is provided. Methods are provided for expressing CTLA4 as an immunoglobulin fusion protein, for preparing hybrid CTLA4 fusion proteins, and for using the soluble fusion proteins, fragments and derivatives thereof, including monoclonal antibodies reactive with B7 and CTLA4, to regulate T cell interactions and immune responses mediated by such interactions.

Abstract: DNA encoding a parathyroid hormone receptor; production and isolation of recombinant and synthetic parathyroid hormone receptor polypeptides and fragments; antibodies to parathyroid hormone receptors and receptor fragments; methods for screening candidate compounds for antagonistic or agonistic effects on parathyroid hormone receptor action; and diagnostic and therapeutic methods of these compounds are disclosed.

Abstract: Early-induced genes by interleukin-2 (IL-2) have various DNA sequences. This patent describes a polyribonucleotide with a nucleotide segment encoding amino acids 1-412 of SEQ. ID No: 14, antibody binding homologues thereof, antibody binding fragments thereof at least 5 amino acids long, and fusion proteins thereof, alleles or naturally occurring mutants of the polyribonucleotide, and anti-sense polyribonucleotides thereof. Also provided are proteins, homologues, fragments, fusion proteins, vectors, transfected hosts, animal models, probes, and other related technology.

Abstract: The invention features human CD11 recombinant or synthetic peptide capable of inhibiting a CD11/CD18-mediated immune response, a purified DNA encoding a human CD11b peptide, soluble heterodimeric molecules composed of a CD11 peptide and a CD18 peptide, and a method of controlling any phagocyte-mediated tissue damage such as that associated with reduced perfusion of heart tissue during acute cardiac insufficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibodies that specifically bind a myelorollin comprising an unbranched polylactosamine comprising at least 10 monosaccharides and having terminal .alpha.2.fwdarw.3 sialylation and internal .alpha.1.fwdarw.3 fucosylation at various N-acetylglucosamine residues except the penultimate N-acetylglucosamine residue. The invention also relates to a method of using such antibodies to inhibit E-selectin-dependent rolling of a cell on another cell, wherein one of the cells expresses a myelorollin that binds the antibodies.

Abstract: Novel backbone cyclized peptide analogs are formed by means of bridging groups attached via the alpha nitrogens of amino acid derivatives to provide novel non-peptidic linkages. Novel building units disclosed are N.sup..alpha. (.omega.-functionalized)amino acids constructed to include a spacer and a terminal functional group. One or more of these N.sup..alpha. (.omega.-functionalized) amino acids are incorporated into a peptide sequence, preferably during solid phase peptide synthesis. The reactive terminal functional groups are protected by specific protecting groups that can be selectively removed to effect either backbone-to-backbone or backbone-to-side chain cyclizations. The invention is exemplified by backbone cyclized bradykinin antagonists having biological activity. Further embodiments of the invention are somatostatin analogs having one or two ring structures involving backbone cyclization.

Abstract: A biologically active, non-glycosylated recombinant human Interleukin 2 (R-hIL.sub.2) in reduced form, process for its preparation and method of use.

Abstract: An alteration in phosphorylation of serine 105, within the activation domain of NF-IL6/LAP, alters its transcriptional efficacy. Polypeptides, polynucleotides and methods of use for modified transcriptional activators allow regulation of gene expression.

Abstract: Sodium hyaluronate viscous aqueous solutions of molecular weight from 1,200,000 to 2,200,000 Daltons at concentrations from 0.10% to 0.40% by weight are proposed for use as masking fluid in therapeutic photokeratectomy by means of excimer laser (PTK), which realizes the ablation of superficial layers of corneal tissue for the elimination of unevenness and macula derived from different traumatic or pathological conditions. Preferably, the proposed solutions also contain one or more cationic species selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium ion and one or more anionic species selected from the group consisting of chloride, phosphate and citrate ion and, preferably, glucose. The solutions according to the invention wet the cornea and protect its areas which remain distressed after surgery, enabling the obtainment of uniform and smooth ablated surfaces. Further, they enable the execution of intraoperative corneal topographic tests.

Abstract: Early-induced genes by interleukin-2 (IL-2) have various DNA sequences. This patent describes a polyribonucleotide with a nucleotide segment encoding amino acids 1-60 of SEQ. ID No: 4, antibody binding homologues thereof, antibody binding fragments thereof at least 5 amino acids long, and fusion proteins thereof, alleles or naturally occurring mutants of the polyribonucleotide, and anti-sense polyribonucleotides thereof. Also provided are proteins, homologues, fragments, fusion proteins, vectors, transfected hosts, animal models, probes, and other related technology.

Abstract: Early-induced genes by interleukin-2 (IL-2) have various DNA sequences. This patent describes a nucleotide segment encoding a polypeptide including amino acids 1-258 of SEQ. ID No: 10, antibody binding homologues thereof, antibody binding fragments, and fusion proteins thereof, alleles or naturally occurring mutants of the polyribonucleotides, and anti-sense polyribonucleotides thereof. Also provided are proteins, homologues, fragments, fusion proteins, vectors, transfected hosts, animal models, probes, and other related technology.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide and amino acid sequences that identify and encode a novel thrombin receptor homolog (TRH) expressed in human liver. The present invention also provides for antisense molecules to the nucleotide sequences which encode TRH, diagnostic tests based on TRH encoding nucleic acid molecules, expression vectors for the production of purified TRH, antibodies capable of binding specifically to TRH, hybridization probes or oligonucleotides for the detection of TRH-encoding nucleotide sequences, genetically engineered host cells for the expression of TRH, and antagonists, antibodies and inhibitors with specific binding activity for the polypeptide TRH.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel complexes of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules and uses of such complexes. In one aspect, the invention relates to loaded MHC complexes that include at least one MHC molecule with a peptide-binding groove and a presenting peptide non-covalently linked to the MHC protein. In another aspect, the invention features single chain MHC class II peptide fusion complexes with a presenting peptide covalently linked to the peptide binding grove of the complex. MHC complexes of the invention are useful for a variety of applications including: 1) in vitro screens for identification and isolation of peptides that modulate activity of selected T cells, including peptides that are T cell receptor antagonists and partial agonists, and 2) methods for suppressing or inducing an immune response in a mammal.

Abstract: Mammalian G protein coupled glutamate receptors are identified, isolated and purified. The receptors have been cloned, sequenced and expressed by recombinant means. The receptors and antibodies thereby may be used to identify agonists and antagonists of G protein coupled glutamate receptor mediated neuronal excitation, as well as in methods of diagnosis.