Abstract: The hybridoma 34-1 (CNCM I-813) which produces anti-human IL-6 monoclonal antibody 34-1 is disclosed. Methods of producing the monoclonal antibody and methods for affinity purification of human IL-6 using monoclonal antibody 34-1 are also described.

Abstract: Human interferon-beta.sub.2.sbsb.A and interferon-beta.sub.2.sbsb.B are produced in purified form by recombinant DNA techniques. Two separate human genes have been identified which code for the production of IFN-.beta..sub.2.sbsb.A and IFN-.beta..sub.2.sbsb.B, respectively. The sequence of IFN-.beta..sub.2.sbsb.A cDNA is established. These genes and cDNA have been cloned into mammalian cells with an SV40 early promoter sequence and such genomic clones are capable of producing IFN-.beta..sub.2.sbsb.A and IFN-.beta..sub.2.sbsb.B. The anti-viral activity of such recombinant IFN-.beta..sub.2.sbsb.A and IFN-.beta..sub.2.sbsb.B is demonstrated as well as other biological activity identifying them as human interferons.

Abstract: Human interferon-beta.sub.2.sbsb.A and interferon-beta.sub.2.sbsb.B are produced in purified form by recombinant DNA techniques. Two separate human genes have been identified which code for the production of IFN-.beta..sub.2.sbsb.A and IFN-.beta..sub.2.sbsb.B, respectively. The sequence of IFN-.beta..sub.2.sbsb.A cDNA is established. These genes and cDNA have been cloned into mammalian cells with an SV40 early promoter sequence and such genomic clones are capable of producing IFN-.beta..sub.2.sbsb.A and IFN-.beta..sub.2.sbsb.B. The antiviral activity of such recombinant IFN-.beta..sub.2.sbsb.A and IFN-.beta..sub.2.sbsb.B is demonstrated as well as other biological activity identifying them as human interferons.

Abstract: The present invention .relates to a process to isolate genetic material (DNA) containing the nucleotide sequence coding for interferon in human fibroblastic cells which comprises cultivating cells producing interferon when exposed to an inducer of interferon, exposing same to such inducer, extracting messenger RNA from said induced cells, purifying the interferon messenger RNA, transcribing the messenger RNA into DNA and cloning the DNA in a suitable vector. Preferred cells are human diploid foreskin cells. The invention further relates to a process for engineering a bacterial strain to produce interferon polypeptide which comprises introducing a cloned interferon DNA into a suitable vector-carrier. A preferred vector-carrier is E. coli. The invention also relates to the mRNA of human interferon in highly purified form, to the mRNA of human interferon in .beta.1 highly purified form, to the mRNA of human interferon in .sym.

Abstract: Human interferon-beta.sub.2.sbsb.A and interferon-beta.sub.2.sbsb.B are produced in purified form by recombinant DNA techniques. Two separate human genes have been identified which code for the production of IFN-.beta..sub.2.sbsb.A and IFN-.beta..sub.2.sbsb.B, respectively. The sequence of IFN-.beta..sub.2.sbsb.A cDNA is established. These genes and cDNA have been cloned into mammalian cells with an SV40 early promoter sequence and such genomic clones are capable of producing IFN-.beta..sub.2.sbsb.A and IFN-.beta..sub.2.sbsb.B. The antiviral activity of such recombinant IFN-.beta..sub.2.sbsb.A and IFN-.beta..sub.2.sbsb.B is demonstrated as well as other biological activity identifying them as human interferons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process to isolate genetic material (DNA) containing the nucleotide sequence coding for interferon in human fibroblastic cells which comprises cultivating cells producing interferon when exposed to an inducer of interferon, exposing same to such inducer, extracting messenger RNA from said induced cells, purifying the interferon messenger RNA, transcribing the messenger RNA into DNA and cloning the DNA in a suitable vector. Preferred cells are human diploid foreskin cells. The invention further relates to a process for engineering a bacterial strain to produce interferon polypeptide which comprises introducing a cloned interferon DNA into a suitable vector-carrier. A preferred vector-carrier is E. coli. The invention also relates to the mRNA of human interferon in highly purified form, to the mRNA of human interferon in .beta.1 highly purified form, to the mRNA of human interferon in .beta.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process to isolate genetic material (DNA) containing the nucleotide sequence coding for interferon in human fibroblastic cells which comprises cultivating cells producing interferon when exposed to an inducer of interferon, exposing same to such inducer, extracting messenger RNA from said induced cells, purifying the interferon messenger RNA, transcribing the messenger RNA into DNA and cloning the DNA in a suitable vector. Preferred cells are human diploid foreskin cells. The invention further relates to a process for engineering a bacterial strain to produce interferon polypeptide which comprises introducing a cloned interferon DNA into a suitable vector-carrier. A preferred vector-carrier is E. coli. The invention also relates to the mRNA of human interferon in highly purified form, to the mRNA of human interferon in .beta.1 highly purified form, to the mRNA of human interferon in .beta.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process to isolate genetic material (DNA) containing the nucleotide sequence coding for interferon in human fibroblastic cells which comprises cultivating cells producing interferon when exposed to an inducer of interferon, exposing same to such inducer, extracting messenger RNA from said induced cells, purifying the interferon messenger RNA, transcribing the messenger RNA into DNA and cloning the DNA in a suitable vector. Preferred cells are human diploid foreskin cells. The invention further relates to a process for engineering a bacterial strain to produce interferon polypeptide which comprises introducing a cloned interferon DNA into a suitable vector-carrier. A preferred vector-carrier is E. coli. The invention also relates to the mRNA of human interferon in highly purified form, to the mRNA of human interferon in .beta.1 highly purified form, to the mRNA of human interferon in .beta.

Abstract: The use of interleukin-6 and/or salts, functional derivatives, muteins or active fractions thereof, in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and B-cell lymphomas, as well as such use together with the soluble interleukin-6 receptor, to pharmaceutical compositions and to a method of treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia or B-cell lymphomas.

Abstract: The gene encoding a protein (L7) which appears to be a part of the human Type I interferon receptor has been cloned and expressed by recombinant DNA techniques. The protein imparts a non-species specific enhanced responsiveness to Type I interferon to transformed cells. The protein is found on the surface of Daudi cells and has structural features characteristic of receptor proteins.

Abstract: Human natural IFN-.beta.2/IL-6 receptor and its soluble extracellular fragment are provided in substantially purified form and are shown to stimulate and to enhance beneficial effects of IFN-.beta.2/IL-6, such as its antiproliferative activity. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies raised against the soluble fragment of the receptor are also provided.

Abstract: An assay for the determination of the presence or absence of E. histolytica and for differentiation of these from other types of amoebae, as well as for the determination of whether the E. histolytica belongs to a symptomatic or asymptomatic strain, is carried out by means of a DNA-probe adapted to selectively hybridize only to the DNA of the amoeba tested. The probes being used selectively hybridize with, and thus diagnose the presence of, symptomatic (pathogenic) and asymptomatic (non-pathogenic) strains, respectively.

Abstract: Human DNA encoding enzymes having (2'-5') oligo A synthetase has been sequenced. The amino acid sequences of the enzymes have been deduced. Antigenic peptides have been prepared and have been used to raise antibodies which recognize and immunoprecipitate the 40 kd, 46 kd, 67 kd and 100 kd forms of (2'-5') oligo A synthetase. Methods of monitoring interferon activity in a subject are presented.

Abstract: Human DNA encoding enzymes having (2'-5') oligo A synthetase has been sequenced. The amino acid sequences of the enzymes have been deduced. Antigenic peptides have been prepared which may be used to raise antibodies which recognize and immunoprecipitate (2'-5') oligo A synthetase. Methods of monitoring interferon activity in a subject are presented.

Abstract: The invention relates to antiviral compositions of matter containing as active ingredient hypericin or pseudohypericin. The novel compositions are of special use in the treatment of, and alleviation of symptons of various diseases caused by viruses such as vesicular stomatitis, influenza, herpes simplex, HSV-1 and HSV-2. The mode of activity seems to be by inhibition of RNA synthesis and interfering with virus replication. The pharmaceutical compositions can be applied by a variety of routes. Topical applications have proved to be effective against a variety of viral afflictions.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical formulations comprising aromatic polycyclic dione compounds useful for treating mammals suffering from diseases caused by retroviruses are disclosed herein. A method for treating mammals suffering from retrovirus infections is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to antiviral compositions of matter containing as active ingredient hypericin or pseudohypericin. The novel compositions are of special use in the treatment of, and alleviation of symptoms of various diseases caused by viruses such as vesicular stomatitis, influenza, herpes simplex, HSV-1 and HSV-2. The mode of activity seems to be by inhibition of RNA synthesis and interfering with virus replication. The pharmaceutical compositions can be applied by a variety of routes. Topical applications have proved to be effective against a variety of viral afflictions.

Abstract: Interferon .gamma. is produced in highly purified form (activity exceeding 10.sup.8 units/ml-day) by CHO cells cotransformed by a first plasmid bearing the genomic human interferon gene under the control of the SV40 early promoter, and a second plasmid bearing a DHFR gene under similar control. Methotrexate selection yielded a clone which was a particularly efficient producer. Production of interferon .gamma. may also be facilitated by a Harvey sarcoma virus enhancer sequence.

Abstract: The invention concerns the production of the human fibroblast interferon, IFN-.beta.1 by cells of mammalian origin which are capable of constitutively expressing a DNA sequence encoding for IFN-.beta.1, producing the IFN and secreting it into the surrounding culture media.A specific embodiment of the invention comprises a methotrexate resistant chinese hamster ovary cell containing one or more pSVEIF molecules. The pSVEIF molecule contains a DNA sequence encoding for human INF-.beta.1 fused about 60 base pairs downstream from SV40 early start gene. The cell is capable of constitutively expressing the sequence encoding IFN-.beta.1, producing IFN-.beta.1 glycoprotein and secreting it into the surrounding medium.The invention also concerns methods of producing IFN-.beta. by culturing and growing the cells of the invention, and isolating and purifying the IFN-.beta.1 product.

Abstract: An assay and kit for the detection and quantitative determination of interferon. The assay is based on the exposure of certain cells to a solution containing the interferon which is to be determined, infecting the cells with a certain virus, incubating for a predetermined period of time, lysing the infected cultures and determining the virus protein. The measurement of the virus proteins can be effected by ELISA or radioimmunoassay.