Abstract: The invention relates to genetically engineered soluble fusion proteins composed of human proteins not belonging to the immunoglobulin family, or of parts thereof, and of various portions of the constant region of immunoglobulin molecules. The functional properties of the two fusion partners are surprisingly retained in the fusion protein.

Abstract: Structural phosphoprotein (pp28) of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), the preparation and use thereof Expression of an SmaI fragment, which is about 1.0 kb in size, on the left-hand end of the HindIII R fragment makes it possible to synthesize, by genetic manipulation, a structural phosphoprotein of HCMV. This phosphoprotein, or immunogenic parts thereof, can be used as diagnostic aid or vaccine.

Abstract: A simple and highly efficient method for cloning cDNAs from mammalian expression libraries based on transient expression in mammalian host cells has been discovered. Novel expression vectors allowing highly efficient construction of mammalian cDNA libraries are disclosed. The cloning method of the invention which has been used to clone genes for cell surface antigens of human lymphocytes, has general application in gene cloning. Cell surface antigens cloned according to the present invention have been purified, and the nucleotide and amino acid sequences determined. These antigens have diagnostic and therapeutic utility in immune-mediated infections in mammals, including humans.

Abstract: The invention relates to genetically engineered soluble fusion proteins composed of human proteins not belonging to the immunoglobulin family, or of parts thereof, and of various portions of the constant region of immunoglobulin molecules. The functional properties of the two fusion partners are surprisingly retained in the fusion protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting and determining mediators and/or their derivatives in fluids, the mediator being detected directly or indirectly with the aid of a recombinant, soluble receptor for the mediator to be detected.

Abstract: The invention relates to genetically engineered soluble fusion proteins composed of human proteins not belonging to the immunoglobulin family, or of parts thereof, and of various portions of the constant region of immunoglobulin molecules. The functional properties of the two fusion partners are surprisingly retained in the fusion protein.

Abstract: The use of the IL-4 receptor for the therapy, prophylaxis and diagnosis of allergic, viral, parasitic and bacterial diseases and of fungal infections. The invention relates to the use of the IL-4 receptor or of derivatives thereof for the therapy, prophylaxis and diagnosis of allergic, viral, parasitic and bacterial diseases and of fungal infections.

Abstract: The IL-4 receptor for the therapy, prophylaxis and diagnosis of allergic, viral, parasitic and bacterial diseases and of fungal infections. The invention relates to the il-4 receptor or variants thereof for the therapy, prophylaxis and diagnosis of allergic, viral, parasitic and bacterial diseases and of fungal infections.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of the formula Icyclo(A-B-C-E-F-(D)-Ala) (I)in which A, B, C, E and F are each independently the residue of a natural amino acid other than cysteine (Cys) and tryptophan (Trp), their mixtures and their physiologically tolerated salts; to a process for their preparation and to their use for preparing a diagnostic agent, a medicament for the treatment or prophylaxis of allergies and infections, or a scientific tool for inhibiting the binding of interleukin-4 (IL-4) to the IL-4 receptor.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of the formula Icyclo(A-B-C-E-F-(D)-Ala) (I)in whichA, B, C, E and F are each independently the residue of a natural amino acid other than cysteine (Cys) and tryptophan (Trp), their mixtures and their physiologically tolerated salts; to a process for their preparation and to their use for preparing a diagnostic agent, a medicament for the treatment or prophylaxis of allergies and infections, or a scientific tool for inhibiting the binding of interleukin-4 (IL-4) to the IL-4 receptor.

Abstract: A simple and highly efficient method for cloning cDNAs from mammalian expression libraries based on transient expression in mammalian host cells has been discovered. The present invention specifically provides the CD40 cDNA sequence.

Abstract: The invention relates to cell-free receptor binding assays which permit the binding behavior of receptor proteins in the cell membrane toward natural or artificial ligands to be investigated. This entails the particular receptor being linked to a suitable carrier molecule, preferably the heavy chain of an immunoglobulin, and being bound via the carrier, with retention of its biological property, to a suitable solid phase.