Abstract: In general, the invention features a recombinant endotoxin-neutralizing polypeptide (RENP) characterized by (i) an amino acid sequence, (ii) an amino acid sequence and structure that facilitates selective and specific binding to lipopolysaccharide and (iii) once bound to the lipopolysaccharide, provides endotoxin-neutralizing activity. Preferably, the RENP is composed of an amino acid sequence similar to, but not identical to, an amino acid sequence of BPI, LBP, or both. Preferably, the RENP contains an LPS-binding domain derived from the amino acid sequence of BPI, LBP, or both. Preferably, the RENPs are covalently bound to a molecule which enhances the half-life of the polypeptide. The RENPs of the invention can be used in pharmaceutical compositions for therapeutic and prophylactic regimens, as well as in various in vitro and in vivo diagnostic methods.

Abstract: In general, the invention features a recombinant endotoxin-neutralizing polypeptide (RENP) characterized by (i) an amino acid sequence, (ii) an amino acid sequence and structure that facilitates selective and specific binding to lipopolysaccharide and (iii) once bound to the lipopolysaccharide, provides endotoxin-neutralizing activity. Preferably, the RENP is composed of an amino acid sequence similar to, but not identical to, an amino acid sequence of BPI, LBP, or both. Preferably, the RENP contains an LPS-binding domain derived from the amino acid sequence of BPI, LBP, or both. Preferably, the RENPs are covalently bound to a molecule which enhances the half-life of the polypeptide. The RENPs of the invention can be used in pharmaceutical compositions for therapeutic and prophylactic regimens, as well as in various in vitro and in vivo diagnostic methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising a BPI Protein and an anionic compound which composition exhibits (1) no bacterial activity and (2) endotoxin neutralizing activity. Also, this invention provides methods for using BPI Proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising a BPI Protein and an anionic compound which composition exhibits (1) no bactericidal activity and (2) endotoxin neutralizing activity. Also, this invention provides methods for using BPI Proteins.

Abstract: Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) is useful to neutralize non-lipopolysaccharide compounds capable of stimulating TNF production and has application in vitro and in vivo for therapeutics and prophylactic treatment. This use of BPI can be combined with the administration of materials, such as an enzyme, microorganism, living cells or cell fractions, encapsulated in alginate gels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preventing endotoxin-associated shock in a subject which comprises administering to the subject an amount of a BPI protein effective to bind to endotoxin so as to prevent endotoxin associated shock in the subject. This invention further provides a method for treating a subject suffering from endotoxin-associated shock which comprises administering to the subject an amount of a BPI protein effective to bind endotoxin so as to treat the subject suffering from endotoxin-associated shock.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preventing endotoxin-associated shock in a subject which comprises administering to the subject an amount of a BPI protein effective to bind to endotoxin so as to prevent endotoxin associated shock in the subject. This invention further provides a method for treating a subject suffering from endotoxin-associated shock which comprises administering to the subject an amount of a BPI protein effective to bind endotoxin so as to treat the subject suffering from endotoxin-associated shock.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising a BPI Protein and a lipid carrier. Additionally, this invention provides a method for solubilizing a BPI protein which comprises contacting the BPI Protein with a lipid carrier under conditions such that the BPI Protein is solubilized.

Abstract: This invention provides a purified polypeptide useful as an antimicrobial agent. This purified polypeptide has been derived from human granulocytes, and has a molecular weight of about 3,700 daltons and the N-terminal amino acid sequence val-cys-ser-cys-arg-leu-val-phe-cys-arg-arg-thr-glu-leu-arg-val-gly-asn-cy s-leu-ilu-gly-gly-val-ser-phe-thr-tyr-cys-cys-thr-arg-val. This invention also provides methods for producing this polypeptide, pharmaceutical compositions containing the polypeptide, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preventing endotoxin-associated shock in a subject which comprises administering to the subject an amount of a BPI protein effective to bind to endotoxin so as to prevent endotoxin associated shock in the subject. This invention further provides a method for treating a subject suffering from endotoxin-associated shock which comprises administering to the subject an amount of a BPI protein effective to bind endotoxin so as to treat the subject suffering from endotoxin-associated shock.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of inhibiting lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated stimulation of cells. This method comprises contacting the cells, in the presence of a cell-stimulating amount of lipopolysaccharide, with Bactericidal/Permeability Increasing Protein (BPI) in an amount effective to inhibit cell stimulation.

Abstract: This invention provides a purified polypeptide useful as an antimicrobial agent. This purified polypeptide has been derived from human granulocytes, and has a molecular weight of about 3,700 daltons and the N-terminal amino acid sequence val-cys-ser-cys-arg-leu-val-phe-cys-arg-arg-thr-glu- leu-arg-val-gly-asn-cys-leu-ile-gly-gly-val-ser-phe-thr-try-cys-thr-arg-va l. This invention also provides methods for producing this polypeptide, pharmaceutical compositions containing the polypeptide, and uses thereof.