Abstract: Disclosed are (1) osteogenic devices comprising a matrix containing substantially pure natural-sourced mammalian osteogenic protein; (2) DNA and amino acid sequences for novel polypeptide chains useful as subunits of dimeric osteogenic proteins; (3) vectors carrying sequences encoding these novel polypeptide chains and host cells transfected with these vectors; (4) methods of producing these polypeptide chains using recombinant DNA technology; (5) antibodies specific for these novel polypeptide chains; (6) osteogenic devices comprising these recombinantly produced proteins in association with an appropriate carrier matrix; and (7) methods of using the osteogenic devices to mimic the natural course of endochondral bone formation in mammals.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a synthetic adhesive composition for use in aqueous environments. The composition comprises polypeptide chains having an .alpha.-helical structure in aqueous environments and capable of cohesive and adhesive interactions. The polypeptide chains comprise polar and apolar amino acids, the apolar and polar amino acids being arranged to define apolar and polar vertical spiraling stripes on the helix surface. The apolar stripes allow the polypeptide chains to aggregate into superhelical structures and the polar stripes allow interchain crosslinking within and between the superhelical structures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of targeting reagents to the locus of a clot, and a family of substances that have affinity for fibrin. The method and substances exploit the discovery that the binding sites on protein A from Staphylococcus aureus have a significant affinity for fibrin. These fragments, analogs thereof, and oligomers of the fragments or analogs, may be attached to fibrinolytic enzymes, remotely detectable radiation emitting moieties, or healing agents to produce reagents which have affinity for the site of a wound or intravascular clot where fibrin has been deposited. Constructs comprising repeats of truncated analogs of the binding domain have low affinity for circulating immunoglobulin and high affinity for fibrin.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assay procedure for detecting and quantifying interferon epsilon, a new composition of matter having selective antiviral activity on epithelial cells. The assay comprises incubating a preparation believed to contain interferon epsilon with human keratinocyte cells and with human fibroblast cells followed by a virus challenge. The presence of interferon epsilon is indicated if the preparation has antiviral activity on the keratinocytes but no detectable activity on the fibroblasts. The titer of the preparation may be determined by serially diluting it, incubating the dilution with subcultures of keratinocytes, challenging the subcultures with a virus, observing the viability of cells in the cultures, and comparing the results with a standard.