Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery and characterization of two novel forms of Caspase-8. The first Caspase-8 of the invention, Caspase-8h, encodes a 220 amino acid polypeptide which includes two FADD death effector domains. The second caspase of the invention, Caspase-8i, encodes an 81 amino acid polypeptide having one FADD death effector domain. The invention encompasses nucleic acid molecules encoding Caspase-8h and Caspase-8i, vectors containing these nucleic acid molecules, cells harboring recombinant DNA encoding Caspase-8h and/or Caspase-8i, host fusion proteins which include Caspase-8h and/or Caspase-8i, transgenic animals which express Caspase-8h and/or Caspase-8i, therapeutic methods, purified Casapase-8h, purified Casapase-8i, therapeutic compounds and methods employing Caspase-8h and Caspase-8i, and screening methods employing Caspase-8h and Caspase-8i.

Abstract: D-factor, growth hormone, IL-1, and tumor necrosis factors are employed alone or in combination as synergistic cytoprotective agents for patients exposed to toxic doses of ionizing radiation and/or chemotherapy. Synergistic cytoprotective regimens are provided. Use of D-factor, growth hormone, tumor necrosis factors, and/or IL-1, alone or in synergistic combination, is disclosed for the prevention and treatment of alopecia.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the Caspase-8h gene and the Caspase-8i gene. The Caspase-8h gene encodes a 220 amino acid polypeptide having two FADD death effector domains. The Caspase-8i gene encodes an 81 amino acid polypeptide having one FADD death effector domain. The invention encompasses nucleic acid molecules encoding Caspase-8h or Caspase-8i, vectors containing these nucleic acid molecules, and cells harboring such vectors.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided which include use of lymphotoxin (LT) and one or more other anti-cancer therapies for treating cancer in vivo or ex vivo. LT can be employed, for instance, with chemotherapy or radiation therapy to provide improved anti-cancer therapy.

Abstract: D-factor, growth hormone, IL-1, and tumor necrosis factors are employed alone or in combination as synergistic cytoprotective agents for patients exposed to toxic doses of ionizing radiation and/or chemotherapy. Synergistic cytoprotective regimens are provided. Use of D-factor, growth hormone, tumor necrosis factors, and/or IL-1, alone or in synergistic combination, is disclosed for the prevention and treatment of alopecia.

Abstract: Methods suitable for the protection inhibtion and prevention of the deleterious effects of reactive oxygen species are provided, wherein an effective amount of a protective agent(s) selected from the group of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and -beta, growth hormone, IL-1, and D-factor is administered. Treatment of tissues and organs to be transplanted is described. Perfusion solutions and the preparation of perfused, excised tissue are described.

Abstract: Methods suitable for the protection, inhibition and prevention the deleterious effects of reactive oxygen species are provided, wherein an effective amount of a tumor necrosis factor is administered. Pretreatment of tissues and organs to be transplanted is described. Perfusion solutions and the preparation of perfused, excised tissue are described.

Abstract: TNF or LT qualitatively and quantitatively potentiates the anti-viral activity of interferons, thus permitting the use of lower interferon doses to protect uninfected cells from interferon sensitive and relatively insensitive viruses and to selectively kill virus-infected cells.