Abstract: This invention relates to substantially purified Retinoic Acid Receptor &egr; (RAR&egr;), having the amino acid sequence given in FIG. 1, and to the isolated nucleic acid encoding RAR&egr;. In addition, polypeptides comprising, and nucleic acids encoding, the DNA-binding and hormone-binding domain of the receptor are provided. Further, methods of detecting RAR&egr; and nucleic acids encoding RAR&egr; and its domains are provided.

Abstract: These invention relates to metal-complexing, cysteine-free peptides which may be coupled to an organ-specific probe directly or via a linker and are thus enriched as conjugates specifically in tumors, organs, tissues or centers of inflammation. The organ-specific probes used are, for example, antibodies or part-sequences of antibodies against tumor-associated antigens, e.g. the carcino-embryonal antigen (CEA, which are thus specifically enriched in tumors. The invention also relates to processes for producing the metal-complexing cysteine-free peptides and their conjugates. The present invention also relates to the use of the conjugates as components of a kit for in vivo diagnosis or in vivo therapy and radio-pharmaceuticals containing these conjugates together with radio-isotopes. The organ-specific conjugates are used to image tumors, organs or centers of inflammation.

Abstract: The present invention describes human monoclonal antibodies which immunoreact with Herpes simplex virus Type-1 and Type-2. Also disclosed are immunotherapeutic and diagnostic methods of using the monoclonal antibodies, as well as nucleic acids and cell lines for producing the monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides two human p24 vesicle trafficking proteins (designated individually as Hp24-1 and Hp24-2 and collectively as Hp24) and polynucleotides which identify and encode Hp24. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding Hp24 and a method for producing Hp24. The invention also provides for agonists, antibodies, or antagonists specifically binding Hp24, and their use, in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of Hp24. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding Hp24 for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of Hp24. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, and antibodies specifically binding Hp24.

Abstract: Humanized anti-IL-8 monoclonal antibodies and variants thereof are described for use in diagnostic applications and in the treatment of inflammatory disorders.

Abstract: Antibodies against Ins(1,4,5)P.sub.3 were raised by immunizing rabbits with two types of IP.sub.3 -BSA conjugates which were synthesized by covalently coupling Ins(1,4,5)P.sub.3 to the carrier protein via alkyl linkages. The anti-Ins(1,4,5)P.sub.3 antibodies were detected by an ELISA where Ins(1,4,5)P.sub.3 was covalently attached to a microplate well surface. Both antiserum preparations showed specific binding with Ins(1,4,5)P.sub.3. The specificity of these antibodies was enhanced by affinity purification for the antiserum through Ins(1,4,5)P.sub.3 -agarose chromatography. The affinity-purified antibodies have IC.sub.50 values of 12 nM and 73O nM for Ins(1,4,5)P.sub.3 and Ins(1,3,4,5)P.sub.4, respectively. These antibodies showed many properties similar to those of biologically relevant receptors for Ins(1,4,5)P.sub.3.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of ganglioside specific antibodies. These antibodies are produced following immunization with lipopolysaccharide antigen of Campylobacter jejuni. The antibodies bind to monosialogangliosides, including GM2 and GM1.

Abstract: Methods of modulating pulmonary surfactant secretion and treating conditions such as respiratory distress syndrome, are provided. Compositions for delivering imaging and therapeutic agents through use of the monoclonal antibodies A2C and A2R or fragments thereof are provided. Methods for delivering selected effector molecules such as imaging, modulating and therapeutic agents through use of these compositions are also provided.

Abstract: T cell activation in response to antigen is increased by the administration of binding agents that block CTLA-4 signaling. When CTLA-4 signaling is thus blocked, the T cell response to antigen is released from inhibition. Such an enhanced response is useful for the treatment of tumors, chronic viral infections, and as an adjuvant during immunization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to materials and methods for diagnosing breast cancer in humans. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that a substantial percentage of human breast cancer tissue samples contained nucleic acid sequences corresponding to a portion of the mouse mammary tumor virus env gene. In contrast, such sequences were absent in almost all other human tissues tested.

Abstract: A method for screening individuals at risk for prostate cancer progression is disclosed. The method is useful for evaluating cells from patients at risk for recurrence of prostate cancer following surgery for prostate cancer. Specifically, the method uses specific Markovian nuclear texture factors, alone or in combination with other biomarkers, to determine whether the cancer will progress or lose organ confinement. In addition, methods of predicting the development of fatal metastatic disease by statistical analysis of selected biomarkers is also disclosed. The invention also contemplates a method that uses a neural network to analyze and interpret cell morphology data. Utilizing Markovian factors and other biomarkers as parameters, the network is first trained with a sets of cell data from known progressors and known non-progressors. The trained network is then used to predict prostate cancer progression in patient samples.

Abstract: A nucleic acid comprising a base sequence which codes for a CEA family member peptide sequence or nucleic acids having a base sequence hybridizable therewith, replicable recombinant cloning vehicles having an insert comprising such nucleic acid, cells transfected, infected or injected with such cloning vehicles, polypeptides expressed by such cells, synthetic peptides derived from the coding sequence of CEA family member nucleic acids, antibody preparations specific for such polypeptides, immunoassays for detecting CEA family members using such antibody preparations and nucleic acid hybridization methods for detecting CEA family member nucleic acid sequences using a nucleic acid probe comprising the above described nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human tumor-associated antigen (PRAT) and polynucleotides which identify and encode PRAT. In addition, the invention provides expression vectors and host cells, agonists, antibodies, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating disorders associated with the expression of PRAT.

Abstract: Methods of screening for or treating cancer are disclosed. The screening methods are based on the detection of an antigen, or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the antigen, found by the present invention to be associated with the presence of cancer. Preferred embodiments of the methods include detection of the antigen based on immunological properties, physical properties, enzymatic properties and combinations thereof, or detection of a nucleic acid molecule encoding the antigen based on nucleic acid amplification.

Abstract: A nucleic acid comprising a base sequence which codes for a CEA family member peptide sequence or nucleic acids having a base sequence hybridizable therewith, replicable recombinant cloning vehicles having an insert comprising such nucleic acid, cells transfected, infected or injected with such cloning vehicles, polypeptides expressed by such cells, synthetic peptides derived from the coding sequence of CEA family member nucleic acids, antibody preparations specific for such polypeptides, immunoassays for detecting CEA family members using such antibody preparations and nucleic acid hybridization methods for detecting CEA family member nucleic acid sequences using a nucleic acid probe comprising the above described nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel antibody heteroconjugates and bispecific antibodies and methods and compositions and their use in the enhancement or inhibition of activation and function of T or B lymphocytes. The heteroconjugates are comprised of at least two antibody molecules cross-linked to each other, each molecule being reactive with a different lymphocyte antigen on the same cell. The invention also provides bispecific antibodies comprising a first binding region reactive with an antigen on a lymphocyte and a second binding region reactive with a different antigen on the lymphocyte. The heteroconjugates, bispecific antibodies, methods and compositions of this invention are therefore useful in the regulation of lymphocyte function, resulting in the improvement of cellular immune responses in various disease states.

Abstract: Therapeutic agents and methods for treating and diagnosing leukemia are provided. Such agents comprises monoclonal antibody M195, a polypeptide capable of binding to the antigen of M195, or a chimeric antibody such a peptide, conjugated to a cytotoxic agent, e.g. a radioisotope or alone. Methods for delivering genetic information to a targeted cell is also provided.

Abstract: A method for screening individuals at risk for the loss of organ confinement in prostate cancer is disclosed. The method is useful for evaluating cells from patients at risk for recurrence of prostate cancer following surgery for prostate cancer. Specifically, the method uses specific Markovian nuclear texture features, alone or in combination with other biomarkers, to determine whether the cancer will progress or lose organ confinement. In addition, methods of predicting the development of fatal metastatic disease by statistical analysis of selected biomarkers is also disclosed. The invention also contemplates a method that uses a neural network to analyze and interpret cell morphology data. Utilizing Markovian factors and other biomarkers as parameters, the network is first trained with a sets of cell data from known progressors and known non-progressors. The trained network is then used to predict the loss of organ confinement by evaluating patient samples.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds for use in the diagnosis and/or therapy of tumors and/or as an immunosuppressant agent selected from the group consisting of antibodies which bind to IL-4 receptors and IL-4 receptor-binding fragments thereof. A preferred such compound is monoclonal antibody MR6 produced by the hybridoma deposited at the European Collection of Animal Cell Cultures with the accession number 88033002. The invention also extends to the use of the compounds for in vitro removal of graft-versus-host reactive T-lymphocytes prior to bone marrow transplantation and to a novel protein of molecular weight 200,000 daltons functioning as a receptor for IL-4.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for liquefaction of starch derived from cereal grain. A single-screw extruder is utilized to gelatinize a starch substrate providing significant advantage over prior art jet steam cookers. Liquefaction of the gelatinized starch substrate is completed by post-extrusion bioreaction of the starch with a static-mixer reactor. An alpha-amylase enzyme is utilized to facilitate the liquefaction process. The Liquefacted starch substrate is heated after bioreaction to achieve complete digestion of remaining starch inclusions. Liquefacted starch substrates utilizing the disclosed process significantly reduce the amount of energy required in the conversion of starch to fermentable sugars in the production of ethanol.