Abstract: The construction of transgenic mouse models for testing potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease are described. The models are characterized by a greater similarity to the conditions existing in naturally occurring Alzheimer's disease, based on expression of all three forms of the .beta.-amyloid precursor protein (APP), APP.sub.695, APP.sub.751, and APP.sub.770), as well as various point mutations based on naturally occurring mutations, such as the London and Indiana familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) mutations at amino acid 717, and predicted mutations in the APP gene. The APP gene constructs are prepared using the naturally occurring promoter, as well as inducible promoters such as the mouse metallothionine promoter, which can be regulated by addition of heavy metals such as zinc to the mouse's water or diet, and promoters such as the rat neuron specific enolase promoter, human .beta.

Abstract: The construction of transgenic animal models for testing potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease are described. The models are characterized by a greater similarity to the conditions existing in naturally occurring Alzheimer's disease, based on expression of all three forms of the .beta.-amyloid precursor protein (APP), APP.sub.695, APP.sub.751, and APP.sub.770), as well as various point mutations based on naturally occurring mutations, such as the London and Indiana familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) mutations at amino acid 717, and predicted mutations in the APP gene. The APP gene constructs are prepared using the naturally occurring promoter, as well as inducible promoters such as the mouse metallothionine promoter, which can be regulated by addition of heavy metals such as zinc to the animal's water or diet, and promoters such as the rat neuron specific enolase promoter, human .beta.

Abstract: Expression systems which utilize bacteriophage T7 RNA mutant polymerases and promoter regions are provided by this invention. These systems are utilized to produce large quantities of useful polypeptides and proteins.

Abstract: The invention features a novel hybrid interferon species that comprises a chain of 161 and/or 162 amino acids. The hybrid is novel not only for its new structure, but also because the hybrid comprises a shortened or truncated segment of alpha interferon, and hence, an entirely new interferon species which is not occurring in nature.

Abstract: There are disclosed compositions and methods for treating tumors and viruses in humans by administering a combination of gamma interferon and delta-4 alpha-2 (Bgl II-1)/(Bgl II) alpha-1 hybrid interferon, preferably by injection.