Abstract: Peptides including HisGlyTrpSerTyrGlyGlyPheLeu; LeuAspGluAsnValHisPhePhe; GluArgHisSerIleArg and PheValIleGlnGluGluPhe which show peptidase ability and have substrate specificity for at least one of the compounds H-Ala-Pro-pNA, H-Gly-Pro-pNA and H-Arg-Pro-pNA are disclosed. Nucleic acids, vectors, antibodies and hybridoma cells are also claimed with reference to the above sequences and their abilities.

Abstract: Peptides including HisGlyTrpSerTyrGlyGlyPheLeu; LeuAspGluAsnValHisPhePhe; GluArgHisSerIleArg and PheValIleGlnGluGluPhe which show peptidase ability and have substrate specificity for at least one of the compounds H-Ala-Pro-pNA, H-Gly-Pro-pNA and H-Arg-Pro-pNA are disclosed. Nucleic acids, vectors, antibodies and hybridoma cells are also claimed with reference to the above sequences and their abilities.

Abstract: Peptides including HisGlyTrpSerTyrGlyGlyPheLeu; LeuAspGluAsnValHisPhePhe; GluArgHisSerIleArg and PheValIleGlnGluGluPhe which show peptidase ability and have substrate specificity for at least one of the compounds H-Ala-Pro-pNA, H-Gly-Pro-pNA and H-Arg-Pro-pNA are disclosed. Nucleic acids, vectors, antibodies and hybridoma cells are also claimed with reference to the above sequences and their abilities.

Abstract: Peptides including HisGlyTrpSerTyrGlyGlyPheLeu; LeuAspGluAsnValHisPhePhe; GluArgHisSerIleArg and PheValIleGlnGluGluPhe which show peptidase ability and have substrate specificity for at least one of the compounds H-Ala-Pro-pNA, H-Gly-Pro-pNA and H-Arg-Pro-pNA are disclosed. Nucleic acids, vectors, antibodies and hybridoma cells are also claimed with reference to the above sequences and their abilities.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acids that encodes a human dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP8), which shares structural and functional characteristics with dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV; CD26) and fibroblast activation protein (FAP). Vectors and cells comprising the nucleic acids are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated peptide that comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:1 or a sequence which has at least 95% identity with SEQ ID NO:1, and which has the same substrate specificity as SEQ ID NO:1. Preferred peptides include peptides having the amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3, 5, and 7. The isolated peptide is useful as a dipeptidyl aminopeptidase.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of a nucleic acid molecule that encodes the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:1, a nucleic acid molecule that consists of the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2, and a nucleic acid molecule that is capable of hybridizing to a nucleic acid molecule consisting of the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2 in stringent conditions, and which encodes a peptide which has the substrate specificity of the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:1. Vector and cells comprising the nucleic acid molecule of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Peptides which comprise sequences as shown in Seq ID NO:2 or HisGlyTrpSerTypGlyGlyPheLeu; LeuAspGluAsnValHisPhePhe; GluArgHisSerIleArg and PheValIleGlnGluGluPhe which show peptidase ability and have substrate specificity for at least one of the compounds H-Ala-Pro-pNA, H-Gly-Pro-pNA, H-Gly-Pro-pNA ans H-Arg-Pro-pNA, peptides having sequence ID No:7 are also claimed. Nucleic acids, vectors, antibodies and hybridoma cells are also claimed with reference to the above sequences and there abilities.

Abstract: Methods and kits for identifying antigens from a pathogen. The antigens identified are preferably those that provide protection for an animal against the pathogen. The steps of the method include providing a sample of the pathogen, isolating the protective antigen from the sample of antigen with an antibody probe. The antibody probe is produced by obtaining a biological sample containing antibody producing cells from an immune animal infected with or challenged by the pathogen or pathogen extract, and obtaining the antibodies from these cells by culturing the cells. These methods and kits are useful for preparing antigens to be used as vaccines, in diagnostic kits, and to prepare polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies.