Abstract: Two kinds of antibody antagonists of the binding of human IL-4 to cellular receptors are provided by this invention. Some of the antagonists bind to specific regions of IL-4 which are believed to be involved in interactions between IL-4 and its receptors. Because of this specific binding by the antibodies to the IL-4, the binding of the IL-4 to the receptors is substantially inhibited. The other antibody antagonists of the invention are anti-idiotypic antibodies which, while lacking IL-4 activity, appear to mimic IL-4 and to compete directly with it for binding to the cellular receptors. Polypeptides used to make the antibody antagonists are also provided, together with methods for using the antagonists to inhibit the binding of IL-4 to its cellular receptors.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing crystals of a macromolecule in microgravity includes a container 100 which is made of a material having a low thermal conductivity and an open end. A thermally conductive lid 102 is fitted on the open end of the container to close the container and a heat source/sink 114 is provided in thermal contact with the thermally conductive lid to generate a temperature gradient within the container. When a solution of the macromolecule is provided in the container, the temperature gradient induces and control the crystallization of the macromolecule. In operation, a temperature ramp from a start temperature to an end temperature is used to maintain and control the temperature gradient.

Abstract: A method for making crystals of zinc interferon alpha-2, and the use thereof in depot formulations, are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a crystalline form of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (r-h-GM-CSF) and methods for making such crystals.

Abstract: A process for crystallizing recombinant human interleukin 4 (rhulL-4) from a solution containing a sulfate or citrate salt is described. The crystalline form is suitable for x-ray diffraction and has wide applications in several pharmaceutical processes including purification, formulation and manufacturing.

Abstract: Antagonists of GM-CSF are disclosed that comprise antibodies and anti-idiotypic antibodies specific for the carboxyl terminus of GM-CSF. These antagonists are useful for treating various diseases, the symptoms of which are increased by GM-CSF, and for lessening the effects of chemotherapy.

Abstract: A method for making crystals of interferon alpha-2 and the use thereof in depot formulations are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of purifying granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), particularly recombinant human GM-CSF, in good yield and with retention of biological activity, comprising sequential anion-exchange, dye-ligand affinity, gel filtration and reversed-phase chromatography is disclosed.

Abstract: Biologically active oxidized variants of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) are provided in which one or more methionine residues are oxidized. Methods are also provided for making and characterizing such variants.

Abstract: Human leukemia T-cells and B-cells are inhibited from proliferating by treatment with a combination of recombinant human alpha and gamma interferons, either simultaneously or sequentially, and the alpha interferon is preferably recombinant human alfa-2b interferon.

Abstract: This invention provides a crystalline form of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (r-h-GM-CSF) and methods for making such crystals.

Abstract: A method of purifying a polypeptide having a physiological activity such as one having interferon activities from a culture mixture of a microorganism obtained by a recombinant DNA technique and capable of producing the polypeptide is disclosed. The method comprises subjecting the cultured cells to extraction and purification in the presence of a salt of zinc or copper and polyethyleneimine thereby inhibiting decomposition and denaturation of the polypeptide. The extracted polypeptide can be further purified by column chromatographies using a column containing an anion exchange resin, column containing a cation exchange resin and column containing a gel filtration resin.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for purifying gamma interferon from various contaminants resulting from disruption of the cell in which the interferon was produced. The process provides for sequential removal of (a) nucleic acids, (b) negatively charged contaminating proteins, (c) positively charged contaminating proteins and (d) low and high molecular weight impurities.