Abstract: This invention provides a novel mammalian expression system that is capable of generating high levels of expressed hepatitis C virus (HCV) proteins which have previously proved difficult to express due to their non-secretory properties. In particular, the invention provides a plasmid for the expression of the HCV second envelope protein (E2) designated p577. This plasmid encodes a recombinant protein comprising the immunoglobulin signal peptide and amino acids 388-664 of the HCV E2 glycoprotein. This unique expression system produces high levels of HCV proteins that are properly processed, glycosylated, and folded.

Abstract: Analogs of human erythropoietin, including the ?X.sup.33, Cys.sup.139, des-Arg.sup.166 ! and ?Cys.sup.139, des-Arg.sup.166 ! analogs, as well as methods for making and using such analogs and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same.

Abstract: This invention encompasses an eukaryotic expression vector constructed from a prokaryotic plasmid by inserting into the prokaryotic plasmid a mediator sequence and a promoter/regulatory sequence with a restriction endonuclease site for inserting a gene to be expressed. The gene to be expressed is inserted into the restriction endonuclease site in the promoter/regulatory sequence and the resulting plasmid is in turn used to transform a eukaryotic cell. The gene is expressed with or without viral mediation.