Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing heteromultimeric polypeptides such as bispecific antibodies, bispecific immunoadhesins and antibody-immunoadhesin chimeras. The invention also relates to the heteromultimers prepared using the method. Generally, the method involves introducing a protuberance at the interface of a first polypeptide and a corresponding cavity in the interface of a second polypeptide, such that the protuberance can be positioned in the cavity so as to promote heteromultimer formation and hinder homomultimer formation. “Protuberances” are constructed by replacing small amino acid side chains from the interface of the first polypeptide with larger side chains (e.g. tyrosine or tryptophan). Compensatory “cavities” of identical or similar size to the protuberances are created in the interface of the second polypeptide by replacing large amino acid side chains with smaller ones (e.g. alanine or threonine).

Abstract: Novel, receptors, referred to herein as “TACIs” and “BR3”, agonists and antagonists thereof, and method of using TACIs and BR3, as well as agonists and antagonists thereof, to modulate, for example, activity of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and TNFR-related molecules, including members of the TNF and TNFR families referred to as TALL-1, APRIL, TACI, and BCMA, are provided. Methods for in vitro, in situ, and/or in vivo diagnosis and/or treatment of mammalian cells or pathological conditions associated with such TNF and TNFR-related molecules are further provided.

Abstract: A heat treatment for live yeast cell slurries and pastes, which comprises heating the slurry or paste at a temperature of about 60.degree. C. or greater for a sufficient period of time, increases the fluidity of the slurry or paste and allows more highly concentrated suspensions to be processed than otherwise possible.

Abstract: Proteinaceous materials such as yeast and soy flour can be treated with anhydrous ammonia gas at conditions sufficient to cause exothermic absorption of the ammonia to achieve improvements in certain properties such as texture and flavor.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting microbial contamination, particularly applicable to processes for preparing food materials under nominally aseptic conditions, is carried out by cycling the temperature of a desired portion of the process which is a source of contamination between upper and lower limits which fall between 0.degree. and 60.degree. C. and which are at least 5.degree. C. apart at a frequency of about 0.2 to 5 cycles per hour to create a varying thermal environment at the source of contamination which slows microbial growth.

Abstract: Polyamino acids having a degree of polymerization of from 3 to about 60 have been found to be water-insoluble yet digestible in the presence of certain common proteolytic enzymes. Unlike the higher molecular weight polyamino acids, the polyamino acid products of this invention are useful for nutritional fortification of food materials.

Abstract: Growth of pseudomycelial yeasts and removal of bacterial contamination in conventional fermentation processes are accomplished by withdrawing product as a foam from the fermentor.

Abstract: Protein-containing materials are treated at specified temperature and pH conditions for a suitable length of time to yield products which replace material such as egg solids and nonfat dry milk.

Abstract: The flavor of a yeast product is modified by subjecting a slurry of fresh yeast cells to aeration with an oxygen-containing gas for from less than about 1 to about 120 minutes at a temperature of from about 45 to about150.degree. C. The resulting yeast product has a bland, slightly sweet, mushroom- and toasted almond-like flavor and a cocoa-like aroma.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for the continuous aseptic growth of single-cell protein materials, employing an aqueous ethanolic substrate fortified with nutrient elements, preferably under oxygen limited conditions. The fermentation is conducted under conditions which afford effective means of attaining high rates of oxygen transfer and heat removal coupled with intense agitation.