Abstract: DNA sequences and corresponding amino acid sequences from the HLA class II beta region of the human genome that are associated with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) have been identified. Specifically, marker DNA sequences which detect either directly or indirectly the identity of the codon encoding for the amino acid at position 57 of the DQ&bgr; protein sequence are disclosed as well as sequences from the DR&bgr; region. These sequences may be used to generate DNA hybridization probes and antibodies for assays to detect a person's susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, such as IDDM and PV. Such antibodies and peptides encoded by said DNA sequences can be used therapeutically or prophylactically.

Abstract: DNA sequences and corresponding amino acid sequences from the HLA class II beta region of the human genome that are associated with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) have been identified. Specifically, marker DNA sequences which detect either directly or indirectly the identity of the codon encoding for the amino acid at position 57 of the DQ.beta. protein sequence are disclosed as well as sequences from the DR.beta. region. These sequences may be used to generate DNA hybridization probes and antibodies for assays to detect a person's susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, such as IDDM and PV. Such antibodies and peptides encoded by said DNA sequences can be used therapeutically or prophylactically.

Abstract: A process for determining the genotype of an individual with respect to the alleles at the HLA DP locus involves obtaining a sample of nucleic acid from the individual, and hybridizing the nucleic acids with a panel of probes specific for variant segments of DPalpha and DPbeta genes. Because the variation between DPbeta alleles is highly dispersed throughout the second exon of the DPbeta gene, the discovery of many different DPbeta alleles makes the process far more discriminating and informative than cellular, RFLP, or serological methods. The process can also be carried out on amplified nucleic acid produced by the polymerase chain reaction using primers specific for the second exon of the DPalpha and DPbeta genes. HLA DP DNA typing methods are useful in the prevention of graft rejection and host versus graft disease, in determining susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, in providing evidence concerning the derivation from an individual of forensic samples, and in paternity testing.

Abstract: Recombinant vectors and methods for constructing ricin B are disclosed. The coding sequence for ricin B was cloned, disposed in suitable expression vectors and produced free of components normally accompanying this peptide. In addition, a novel means of reconstructing missing portions of coding sequence, and certain improvements in messenger RNA purification are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for determining the genotype of an individual with respect to the alleles at the HLA DP locus involves obtaining a sample of nucleic acid from the individual, and hybridizing the nucleic acids with a panel of probes specific for variant segments of DPalpha and DPbeta genes. Because the variation between DPbeta alleles is highly dispersed throughout the second exon of the DPbeta gene, the discovery of many different DPbeta alleles makes the process far more discriminating and informative than cellular, RFLP, or serological methods. The process can also be carried out on amplified nucleic acid produced by the polymerase chain reaction using primers specific for the second exon of the DPalpha and DPbeta genes. HLA DP DNA typing methods are useful in the prevention of graft rejection and host versus graft disease, in determining susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, in providing evidence concerning the derivation from an individual of forensic samples, and in paternity testing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for amplifying and detecting any target nucleic acid sequence contained in a nucleic acid or mixture thereof. The process comprises treating separate complementary strands of the nucleic acid with a molar excess of two oligonucleotide primers, extending the primers to form complementary primer extension products which act as templates for synthesizing the desired nucleic acid sequence, and detecting the sequence so amplified. The steps of the reaction may be carried out stepwise or simultaneously and can be repeated as often as desired.In addition, a specific nucleic acid sequence may be cloned into a vector by using primers to amplify the sequence, which contain restriction sites on their non-complementary ends, and a nucleic acid fragment may be prepared from an existing shorter fragment using the amplification process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for amplifying and detecting any target nucleic acid sequence contained in a nucleic acid or mixture thereof. The process comprises treating separate complementary strands of the nucleic acid with a molar excess of two oligonucleotide primers, extending the primers to form complementary primer extension products which act as templates for synthesizing the desired nucleic acid sequence, and detecting the sequence so amplified. The steps of the reaction may be carried out stepwise or simultaneously and can be repeated as often as desired.In addition, a specific nucleic acid sequence may be cloned into a vector by using primers to amplify the sequence, which contain restriction sites on their non-complementary ends, and a nucleic acid fragment may be prepared from an existing shorter fragment using the amplification process.