Abstract: Targeting molecules for use in delivering biological agents to epithelial tissue are disclosed. Upon delivery, the biological agent(s) may remain within an epithelial cell or may undergo transepithelial transport via transcytosis. The targeting molecules may be used, for example, for the delivery of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Targeting molecules are provided for use in delivering imaging agents to epithelial tissue. The targeting molecule comprises a polypeptide that forms a closed covalent loop, contains at least three peptide domains having ?-sheet character, each of the domains being separated by domains lacking ?-sheet character. The targeting molecule specifically binds to a basolateral factor attached to a basolateral domain of an epithelial cell surface causing internalization of a linked imaging agent into the cells. The polypeptide or imaging agent may be linked to a peptide amino acid sequence that directs delivery of the imaging agent to a carcinoma cell, a nucleus, or an endoplasmic reticulum.

Abstract: Targeting molecules are provided for use in delivering imaging agents to epithelial tissue. The targeting molecule comprises a polypeptide that forms a closed covalent loop, contains at least three peptide domains having &bgr;-sheet character, each of the domains being separated by domains lacking &bgr;-sheet character. The targeting molecule specifically binds to a basolateral factor attached to a basolateral domain of an epithelial cell surface causing internalization of a linked imaging agent into the cells. The polypeptide or imaging agent may be linked to a peptide amino acid sequence that directs delivery of the imaging agent to a carcinoma cell, a nucleus, or an endoplasmic reticulum.

Abstract: The invention describes compositions and methods of use in which an infectious modified Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) virion comprising a coat protein (CP) or a movement protein (MP) gene is replaced with a nuclear inclusion protease (NIa) expression cassette for the expression of a heterologous peptide in a tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) host plant.

Abstract: The invention describes compositions and methods of use in which an infectious modified Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) virion comprising a coat protein (CP) or a movement protein (MP) gene is replaced with a nuclear inclusion protease (NIa) expression cassette for the expression of a heterologous peptide in a tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) host plant.

Abstract: Targeting molecules for use in delivering biological agents to non-polarized epithelial cells are disclosed. Upon delivery, the biological agent(s) are lethal to the epithelial cell. The targeting molecules may be used, for example, for the eradication of metastatic epithelial cells.

Abstract: Polypeptide targeting molecules are provided for use in delivering imaging agents to epithelial tissue. Upon delivery, the imaging agent(s) may remain within an epithelial cell or may undergo transepithelial transport via transcytosis. The targeting molecules may be used, for example, for diagnostic techniques. The polypeptide may be produced by recombinant methods, and forms a closed covalent loop, contains at least three peptide domains having &bgr;-sheet character which are separated by domains lacking &bgr;-sheet character, specifically binds to a basolateral factor attached to a basolateral domain of an epithelial surface causing uptake of a linked imaging agent into cells of the epithelial surface, and is not a full length dimeric Iga. Preferably, the polypeptide is a J chain polypeptide, or a J chain polypeptide linked to an immunoglobulin heavy chain without an immunoglobulin light chain.

Abstract: Targeting molecules for use in delivering biological agents to non-polarized epithelial cells are disclosed. Upon delivery, the biological agent(s) are lethal to the epithelial cell. The targeting molecules may be used, for example, for the eradication of metastatic epithelial cells.

Abstract: Targeting molecules for use in delivering imaging agents to epithelial tissue are disclosed. Upon delivery, the imaging agent(s) may remain within an epithelial cell or may undergo transepithelial transport via transcytosis. The targeting molecules may be used, for example, for diagnostic techniques. The targeting molecule is a polypeptide, which may be produced by recombinant methods, that forms a closed covalent loop, contains at least three peptide domains having .beta.-sheet character which are separated by domains lacking .beta.-sheet character, specifically binds to a basolateral factor attached to a basolateral domain of an epithelial surface causing uptake of a linked imaging agent into cells of the epithelial surface, and is not a full length dimeric Iga. Preferably, the polypeptide is a J chain polypeptide, or a J chain polypeptide linked to an immunoglobulin heavy chain without an immunoglobulin light chain.

Abstract: The invention describes an infectious modified Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) virion comprising a modified coat protein (CP) having a heterologous peptide inserted between amino acid residues 154 and 155 of CP. Also described is an infectious TMV virion having a modified movement protein (MP). The invention further describes nucleotide sequences encoding the modified TMV virion with either a modified CP or modified MP, and methods for producing the heterologous peptide in plants using the nucleotide sequences and modified virions.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is H, Cl, F, Br, I or R.sub.1 S--, in which R.sub.1 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 linear or branched chain alkyl or halogenated linear or branched chain alkyl, andwherein R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are the same or different and each is H-- or --OH,with the proviso that at least one of R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 is hydroxy and the further proviso that when R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are all OH, R.sub.1 is other than methyl, are useful in inhibiting the growth of MTR kinase-dependent microorganisms and parasitic protazoans. The compounds wherein R is R.sub.1 S are novel, except those wherein R.sub.1 is methyl or isobutyl when R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are all OH.