Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for promoting tissue repair, angiogenesis and cell migration. The method of the invention utilizes thymosin &bgr;4 (T&bgr;4) peptide to promote tissue repair, angiogenesis and cell migration. The invention further relates to modulating T&bgr;4 activity in tissues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for promoting tissue repair, angiogenesis and cell migration. The method of the invention utilizes thymosin a1 (T&agr;1) peptide to promote tissue repair, angiogenesis and cell migration. The invention further relates to modulating T&agr;1 activity in tissues.

Abstract: A peptide of up to about 40 amino acids including the core sequence inclusive of amino acids at positions 92-109 of the p17 gag core protein of HIV-1, such as, Ile-Y.sub.1 -Y.sub.2 -Lys-Asp-Thr-Lys-Glu-Ala-Leu-Y.sub.3 -Lys-Ile-Glu-Glu-Glu-Gln-AsnwhereinY.sub.1 is Asp or Glu,Y.sub.2 is Val or Ile, andY.sub.3 is Glu or Asp,is effective in inhibiting replication of the HIV virus and provides the basis for a vaccine for treatment or prevention of AIDS.

Abstract: Vaccines effective in the inhibition of infection caused by the family of retroviruses, HTLV-III, Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus, LAV, Lymphadenopathy-associated virus, ARV-2, AIDS-Related Virus, (AIDS and AIDS-Related Complex) have been developed from an antisera prepared against thymosin .alpha..sub.1 (T.alpha..sub.1), a thymic hormone, as well as from antisera to synthetic peptide fragments of T.alpha..sub.1 and antisera to synthetic peptide fragments inclusive of amino acid positions 92-109 of the p17 gag core protein of HTLV-III, LAV and ARV-2. In this 18 amino acid primary sequence there is a 44 to 50% homology between the gag protein and T.alpha..sub.1. Immunoglobulin (IgG)-enriched preparations of the T.alpha..sub.1 antisera have enhanced activity in blocking vital replication. A diagnostic test capable of directly detecting the presence of HTLV-III, LAV, ARV-2 and related retroviruses associated with AIDS and ARC is also described.

Abstract: A method of treating septic shock in a mammal by preventing in vivo polymerization of actin in the mammal. An actin antipolymerizer such as thymosin .beta..sub.4 (T.beta..sub.4) is administered to the mammal so as to treat septic shock in the mammal. The amount of T.beta..sub.4 administered is sufficient to reduce levels of IL-1.alpha., TNF.alpha., PAF, Tx.beta..sub.2 and/or 6-keto-PGF.sub.1 .alpha. in the blood of the mammal. Also disclosed is a method of preventing septic shock in a mammal following endotoxin introduction in the mammal by administrating an actin antipolymerizer such as T.beta..sub.4.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing penetration of mammalian ova by mammalian male sperm by contacting sperm in vitro with a penetration-enhancing amount of a penetration-enhancing thymosin polypeptide or a penetration enhancing anti-thymosin antibody. In preferred embodiments, treatment comprises contacting mammalian sperm with thymosin .alpha..sub.1 or antibodies to thymosin .alpha..sub.1 or thymosin .beta..sub.4.

Abstract: A method of treating septic shock in a mammal including the administration of a septic shock-treating effective amount of thymosin .beta..sub.4 (T.beta..sub.4) to the mammal. Included is a process directed to obstructing the progression of sepsis cascade by administration of a sepsis cascade progression-obstructing amount of T.beta..sub.4. Further included is a process directed to preventing septic shock by administration of a septic shock-preventing effective amount of T.beta..sub.4.

Abstract: A radioimmunoassay for the polypeptide thymic hormone thymosin .beta..sub.4 is described. The assay employs a radiolabelled Tyr-C13-thymosin .beta..sub.4 -analogue as probe and a thymosin .beta..sub.4 antibody.

Abstract: Novel peptides representing fragments of thymosin .beta..sub.3 and .beta..sub.4 have been synthesized and are active agents affecting regulation, differentiation and function of thymus dependent lymphocytes and macrophages.

Abstract: An improved radioimmunoassay for the polypeptidic thymic hormone thymosin.alpha..sub.1 is described. The assay employs a radiolabelled [Tyr.sup.1 ]-thymosin.alpha..sub.1 or [Tyr.sup.1 ]-desacetylthymosin.alpha..sub.1 as probe and an affinity purified thymosin.alpha..sub.1 antibody of improved selectivity.

Abstract: Two related polypeptides, thymosin .beta..sub.3 and thymosin .beta..sub.4, have been isolated from Thymosin fraction 5. These peptides have been characterized and sequenced. Thymosin .beta..sub.3 has 50 amino acid residues while thymosin .beta..sub.4 has 43 amino acid residues corresponding identically to the amino terminal 43 amino acids of thymosin .beta..sub.3. The compounds have useful biological activity as evidenced by their ability to induce terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) positive cells in T-cell populations. The invention described herein was made in part in the course of work under a grant or award from the Department of Health, Education and Welfare.

Abstract: An immunoassay for the polypeptidic thymic hormone thymosin .alpha..sub.1 is described. Determination of thymosin .alpha..sub.1 levels in biological fluids, particularly serum, provides a useful diagnostic test for immune deficiency diseases, autoimmune diseases, immunologically mediated diseases, neoplastic diseases and also allows one to monitor therapy with thymosin .alpha..sub.1 by following blood levels of the hormone.

Abstract: The amino acid sequence of a biologically active polypeptide hormone isolated from calf thymus termed thymosin .alpha..sub.1 has been determined. Thymosin .alpha..sub.1 is a heat stable acidic molecule composed of 28 amino acid residues. This peptide is one of several present in thymosin fraction 5 which participate in the regulation, differentiation and function of thymic dependent lymphocytes (T cells).