Abstract: In order to obtain a novel binding protein against a chosen target, DNA molecules, each encoding a protein comprising one of a family of similar potential binding domains and a structural signal calling for the display of the protein on the outer surface of a chosen bacterial cell, bacterial spore or phage (genetic package) are introduced into a genetic package. The protein is expressed and the potential binding domain is displayed on the outer surface of the package. The cells or viruses bearing the binding domains which recognize the target molecule are isolated and amplified. The successful binding domains are then characterized. One or more of these successful binding domains is used as a model for the design of a new family of potential binding domains, and the process is repeated until a novel binding domain having a desired affinity for the target molecule is obtained.

Abstract: Mutants of Kunitz domain 1 (ITI-D1) of human inter-?-trypsin inhibitor (ITI), are useful as inhibitors of human neutrophil elastase. Mutants characterized by one or more of the following substitutions (numbered to correspond to bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor, the archetypal Kunitz domain) are of particular interest: (a) Val15 or Ile15, (b) Ala16, (c) Phe18, (d) Pro19, (e) Arg1, (f) Pro2, and/or (g) Phe4.

Abstract: In order to obtain a novel binding protein against a chosen target, DNA molecules, each encoding a protein comprising one of a family of similar potential binding domains and a structural signal calling for the display of the protein on the outer surface of a chosen bacterial cell, bacterial spore or phage (genetic package) are introduced into a genetic package. The protein is expressed and the potential binding domain is displayed on the outer surface of the package. The cells or viruses bearing the binding domains which recognize the target molecule are isolated and amplified. The successful binding domains are then characterized. One or more of these successful binding domains is used as a model for the design of a new family of potential binding domains, and the process is repeated until a novel binding domain having a desired affinity for the target molecule is obtained.

Abstract: Cloning vectors are disclosed to obtain secretion of a desired protein from a host Streptomyces when a structural gene coding for the protein is inserted into the vector. The vector has: (1) regulatory DNA that includes a promoter sequence effective to start transcription in the host Streptomyces and DNA that encodes a ribosome-binding site; (2) a DNA sequence that codes for a signal sequence that occurs naturally in a Streptomyces strain or that derives from such a DNA sequence; and (3) at least one engineered restriction endonuclease recognition site positioned for the insertion of a structural gene, the DNA that encodes a signal sequence and attached structural gene being transcribed and translated together under the control of the regulatory DNA. Expression vectors are disclosed which include a structural gene coding for a desired protein so positioned. Streptomyces cells containing the vector and methods of using them to produce the desired protein are disclosed.