Abstract: A new protein capable of modulating or mediating the intracellular activity of RIP in inflammation, cell survival and cell death pathways is provided. DNA encoding it, a method for its production and its uses are also provided.

Abstract: A protein capable of modulating or mediating the intracellular activity of RIP in inflammation, cell survival and cell death pathways is provided. DNA encoding it, a method for its production and its uses are also provided.

Abstract: A method of obtaining an oligonucleotide capable of carrying out a predetermined biological function. A heterogeneous pool of oligonucleotides, x+y+z nucleotides in length, is first generated. Each oligonucleotide has a 5′ randomized sequence, x nucleotides in length, a central preselected sequence, y nucleotides in length, and a 3′ randomized sequence, z nucleotides in length. The resulting heterogeneous pool contains nucleic acid sequences representing a random sampling of the 4x+z possible sequences for oligonucleotides of the stated length. A random sampling of the heterogeneous pool of oligonucleotides is introduced into a population of cells that do not exhibit the predetermined biological function. The population of engineered cells is then screened for a subpopulation of cells exhibiting the predetermined biological function.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and vectors to express a gene or genes, derived from a virus, which block allograft rejection. One class of genes blocks the intracellular transport and/or intracellular maturation within the cells of proteins called MHC class I products. Without limitation as to theory, it is believed that blocking the appearance of this class of proteins on the transplanted cell's surface, prevents the host's immune system from rejecting the graft. Another class of proteins acts to permit TNF &agr;-mediated cell cytolysis. In one embodiment, the invention is directed towards engrafting the cells that secrete insulin, which are called alternatively, pancreatic &bgr;-cells and islet cells, and thereby provide a treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules which encode a coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor protein, CAR. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing CAR nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a CAR gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated CAR proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-CAR antibodies. Diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a cells which express a gene or genes, derived from the adenovirus E3 region, which block allograft rejection. One class of genes blocks the intracellular transport and/or intracellular maturation within the cells of proteins called MHC class I products. Without limitation as to theory, it is believed that blocking the appearance of this class of proteins on the transplanted cell's surface, prevents the host's immune system from rejecting the graft. Another class of proteins acts to permit TNF .alpha.-mediated cell cytolysis. In one embodiment, the invention is directed towards engrafting the cells that secrete insulin, which are called alternatively, pancreatic .beta.-cells and islet cells, and thereby provide a treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: A method of obtaining an oligonucleotide capable of carrying out a predetermined biological function. A heterogeneous pool of oligonucleotides, x+y+z nucleotides in length, is first generated. Each oligonucleotide has a 5' randomized sequence, x nucleotides in length, a central preselected sequence, y nucleotides in length, and a 3' randomized sequence, z nucleotides in length. The resulting heterogeneous pool contains nucleic acid sequences representing a random sampling of the 4.sup.x+z possible sequences for oligonucleotides of the stated length. A random sampling of the heterogeneous pool of oligonucleotides is introduced into a population of cells that do not exhibit the predetermined biological function. The population of engineered cells is then screened for a subpopulation of cells exhibiting the predetermined biological function. From that subpopulation of cells is isolated an oligonucleotide containing the preselected sequence and capable of carrying out the predetermined biological function.