Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide and amino acid sequences that identify and encode a human homolog of rat elastase IV (HEIV) expressed in pancreas tissue. The present invention also provides for antisense molecules to the nucleotide sequences which encode HEIV, hybridization probes or oligonucleotides for the detection of HEIV-encoding nucleotide sequences, and a diagnostic test based on HEIV-encoding nucleic acid molecules. The present invention further provides for genetically engineered host cells for the expression of HEIV, biologically active HEIV, antibodies capable for binding specifically to HEIV, and treatment methods comprising administration of compounds, such antibodies or inhibitors, capable of binding HEIV to alter its activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide and amino acid sequences that identify and encode a human homolog of rat elastase IV (HEIV) expressed in pancreas tissue. The present invention also provides for antisense molecules to the nucleotide sequences which encode HEIV, hybridization probes or oligonucleotides for the detection of HEIV-encoding nucleotide sequences, and a diagnostic test based on HEIV-encoding nucleic acid molecules. The present invention further provides for genetically engineered host cells for the expression of HEIV, biologically active HEIV, antibodies capable for binding specifically to HEIV, and treatment methods comprising administration of compounds, such antibodies or inhibitors, capable of binding HEIV to alter its activity.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the production of PEGylated proteins having polyethylene glycol covalently bound to a cysteine residue present in either the naturally-occurring protein or introduced by site-specific mutation. Where the cysteine residue is introduced by mutation, the site for mutation is selected on the basis of the presence of an N-linked glycosylation site or the position of the residue which is normally solvent-accessible in the naturally-occurring protein. The modified proteins produced by the method of the invention are referred to as cysteine-PEGylated proteins. Proteins PEGylated according to the invention have increased half-lives following administration to a subject and decreased immunogenicity and antigenicity, while retaining substantially the same level of biological activity as that of the naturally-occurring, unmodified protein. Modification of proteins according to methods of the invention thus provide improved pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide and amino acid sequences that identify and encode a new cathepsin C homolog (RCP) expressed in THP-1 cells. The present invention also provides for antisense molecules to the nucleotide sequences which encode RCP, expression vectors for the production of purified RCP, antibodies capable of binding specifically to RCP, hybridization probes or oligonucleotides for the detection of RCP-encoding nucleotide sequences, genetically engineered host cells for the expression of RCP, diagnostic tests for activation of monocyte/macrophages based on RCP-encoding nucleic acid molecules, and use of the protein to produce antibodies capable of binding specifically to the protein and use of the protein to screen for inhibitors.