Abstract: The invention provides compositions comprising amino acid sequences that have cell killing activity, nucleic acid sequences encoding them, antibodies that specifically bind with them, and methods of using these compositions for increasing and/or reducing cell death, detecting cell death, diagnosing diseases associated with altered cell death, and methods for identifying test agents that alter cell death.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. More particularly, the present invention provides compositions and methods for reversing the resistance and increasing the sensitivity of apoptosis-resistant cells to all forms of cancer therapies, such as radiation and chemotherapy, for the treatment of apoptosis-resistant cancers.

Abstract: Isolated synthetic modified amino acids and peptides, which inhibit of the production of virulence factors in bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus, are described. The amino acids and peptides can be used in a method for treatment or prevention of Staphylococcal infections or can be integrated into a medical device to inhibit the development of infection associated with the use of such devices.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the treatment of staphylococcal infections.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment and diagnosis of lipopolysaccharide-related conditions and coagulant-related disease are provided. Compositions include polypeptides which are identical or homologous to a certain cationic protein (CAP18) obtained from mammalian granulocytes, particularly including a reactive nitrogen inhibiting peptide (RNIP) fragment found at the carboxy-terminus of CAP18. Polypeptides are capable of binding to LPS and inhibiting LPS-mediated activation of macrophage, as well as interfering with the clotting cascade to inhibit coagulation in conditions such as disseminated intravascular coagulation. Compositions comprising the polypeptides in a suitable pharmaceutical carrier are also provided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for assaying for inhibitors of a 24 kDa cytoplasmic protease associated with apoptosis. The protease has a defined amino acid composition, activity against the elastase-like substrate MAAVP, and induces DNA fragmentation associated with apoptosis in isolated U937 cell target nuclei.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel DNA alkylating agents and the prodrugs of these agents which are useful as antitumor agents and DNA labelling agents. The compounds are hydroxy dihydrobenzindole oligopeptides and prodrugs thereof wherein the monomeric constituents are derived from monocyclic or bicyclic heterocyclic aromatic residues.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment and diagnosis of lipopolysaccharide-related conditions and coagulant-related disease are provided. Compositions include polypeptides which are identical or homologous to a certain cationic protein (CAP18) obtained from mammalian granulocytes, particularly including a reactive nitrogen inhibiting peptide (RNIP) fragment found at the carboxyl-terminus of CAP18. Polypeptides are capable of binding to LPS and inhibiting LPS-mediated activation of macrophage, as well as interfering with the clotting cascade to inhibit coagulation in conditions such as disseminated intravascular coagulation. Compositions comprising the polypeptides in a suitable pharmaceutical carrier are also provided.

Abstract: An apoptosis-associated protease having a relative mass of 24 kilodaltons and a defined amino acid composition is disclosed, together with a method for its purification from a cytoplasmic extract of mammalian cells treated with an apoptosis-inducing agent, such as tumor necrosis factor-.alpha. or UV irradiation, that comprises affinity chromatography with the serine protease inhibitor DK120 followed by heparin-sepharose chromatography. The protease has activity against the elastase-like substrate MAAPV and is capable of inducing apoptosis in isolated U937 cell target nuclei.