Abstract: A C to T DNA variation at position 3365 in exon 5 of the human Asthma Associated Factor 1 (AAF1) produces the predicted amino acid substitution of a methionine for a threonine at codon 117 of AAF1. When this substitution occurs in both alleles in one individual, it is associated with less evidence of atopic allergy including asthma, fewer abnormal skin test responses, and a lower serum total IgE. Thus, applicant has identified the existence of a non-asthmatic, non-atopic phenotype characterized by methionine at codon 117 when it occurs in both AAF1 gene products in one individual.

Abstract: A C to T DNA variation at position 3365 in exon 5 of the human Asthma Associated Factor 1 (AAF1) produces the predicted amino acid substitution of a methionine for a threonine at codon 117 of AAF1. When this substitution occurs in both alleles in one individual, it is associated with less evidence of atopic allergy including asthma, fewer abnormal skin test responses, and a lower serum total IgE. Thus, applicant has identified the existence of a non-asthmatic, non-atopic phenotype characterized by methionine at codon 117 when it occurs in both AAF1 gene products in one individual.

Abstract: A C to T DNA variation at position 3365 in exon 5 of the human Asthma Associated Factor 1 (AAF1) produces the predicted amino acid substitution of a methionine for a threonine at codon 117 of AAF1. When this substitution occurs in both alleles in one individual, it is associated with less evidence of atopic allergy including asthma, fewer abnormal skin test responses, and a lower serum total IgE. Thus, applicant has identified the existence of a non-asthmatic, non-atopic phenotype characterized by methionine at codon 117 when it occurs in both AAF1 gene products in one individual.

Abstract: A C to T DNA variation at position 3365 in exon 5 of the human Asthma Associated Factor 1 (AAF1) produces the predicted amino acid substitution of a methionine for a threonine at codon 117 of AAF1. When this substitution occurs in both alleles in one individual, it is associated with less evidence of atopic allergy including asthma, fewer abnormal skin test responses, and a lower serum total IgE. Thus, applicant has identified the existence of a non-asthmatic, non-atopic phenotype characterized by methionine at codon 117 when it occurs in both AAF1 gene products in one individual.

Abstract: A C to T DNA variation at position 3365 in exon 5 of the human Asthma Associated Factor 1 (AAF1) produces the predicted amino acid substitution of a methionine for a threonine at codon 117 of AAF1. When this substitution occurs in both alleles in one individual, it is associated with less evidence of atopic allergy including asthma, fewer abnormal skin test responses, and a lower serum total IgE. Thus, applicant has identified the existence of a non-asthmatic, non-atopic phenotype characterized by methionine at codon 117 when it occurs in both AAF1 gene products in one individual.

Abstract: A C to T DNA variation at position 3365 in exon 5 of the human Asthma Associated Factor 1 (AAF1) produces the predicted amino acid substitution of a methionine for a threonine at codon 117 of AAF1. When this substitution occurs in both alleles in one individual, it is associated with less evidence of atopic allergy including asthma, fewer abnormal skin test responses, and a lower serum total IgE. Thus, applicant has identified the existence of a non-asthmatic, non-atopic phenotype characterized by methionine at codon 117 when it occurs in both AAF1 gene products in one individual.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biologically active peptides with reduced toxicity and methods of preparing them. The peptides of the invention, which can be unsubstituted or N-terminal substituted have the formula: wherein X is a biologically active amphiphilic ion channel-forming peptide or protein, T is a lipophilic moiety or hydrogen, and W is T or hydrogen. Preferably T is: wherein R is a hydrocarbon (alkyl or aromatic or alkylaromatic) having at least 2 and no more than 10 carbon atoms. T is preferably an octanoyl group. The peptides and proteins of the invention have improved antimicrobial and anti-tumor biological activity while exhibiting reduced toxicity. A preferred method of reducing toxicity involves the formation of related methane sulfonate derivatives or analogues. Additionally, the compounds of the invention may be used to treat sepsis, septic shock, and lung infections, such as those occurring in cystic fibrosis.

Abstract: A C to T DNA variation at position 3365 in exon 5 of the human Asthma Associated Factor 1 (AAF1) produces the predicted amino acid substitution of a methionine for a threonine at codon 117 of AAF1. When this substitution occurs in both alleles in one individual, it is associated with less evidence of atopic allergy including asthma, fewer abnormal skin test responses, and a lower serum total IgE. Thus, applicant has identified the existence of a non-asthmatic, non-atopic phenotype characterized by methionine at codon 117 when it occurs in both AAF1 gene products in one individual.

Abstract: An N-terminal substituted peptide or protein having the formula: ##STR1## X is a biologically active amphiphilic ion channel-forming peptide or protein. T is a lipophilic moiety, and preferably, T is: ##STR2## wherein R is a hydrocarbon (alkyl or aromatic or alkylaromatic) having at least 2 and no more than 10 carbon atoms. T is preferably an octanoyl group. W is T or hydrogen. The N-terminal substituted peptides and proteins have improved biological activity against target cells, viruses, and virally-infected cells.

Abstract: Compounds which have one of the following structural formulae: ##STR1## AA is an amino acid residue or an amino acid chain of two or more amino acid residues, excluding the N-terminal and the C-terminal from said amino acid residue or amino acid chain of two or more amino acid residues;R.sub.1 is hydrogen or an alkyl group having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms;R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of(i) a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and ##STR2## R.sub.4 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. R.sub.4 may be substituted or unsubstituted.R.sub.3 is selected from the group consisting of(i) hydrogen; ##STR3## wherein R.sub.5 is hydrogen or a nitro group; and ##STR4## wherein each of R.sub.6, R.sub.7, and R.sub.8 is hydrogen or methyl. The above compounds are useful as pharmaceuticals for inhibiting the growth of target cells, viruses, or virally-infected cells.

Abstract: An N-terminal substituted peptide or protein having the formula: ##STR1## X is a biologically active amphiphilic ion channel-forming peptide or protein. T is a lipophilic moiety, and preferably, T is: ##STR2## wherein R is a hydrocarbon (alkyl or aromatic or alkylaromatic) having at least 2 and no more than 10 carbon atoms. T is preferably an octanoyl group. W is T or hydrogen. The N-terminal substituted peptides and proteins have improved biological activity against target cells, viruses, and vitally-infected cells.

Abstract: Biologically active amphiphilic peptides including one of the following basic structures: I. R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.1 ; II. R.sub.2 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.2 ; III. R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.3 ; IV. R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.4 ; V. R.sub.1 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.3 ; or VI. R.sub.1 --R.sub. 1 --R.sub.3 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.1.R.sub.1 is a hydrophobic amino acid and R.sub.

Abstract: A biologically active amphiphilic peptide which in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, includes one of the following basic structures X.sub.1 through X.sub.7, wherein:X.sub.1 is --[R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.3 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.2 ]--.sub.nX.sub.2 is --[R.sub.2 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.3 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.1 ]--.sub.n ;X.sub.3 is --[R.sub.2 --R.sub.3 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 ]--.sub.n ;X.sub.4 is --[R.sub.3 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.2 ]--.sub.n ;X.sub.5 is --[R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.3 ]--.sub.n ;X.sub.6 is --[R.sub.2 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.3 --R.sub.1 ]--.sub.n ; andX.sub.7 is --[R.sub.2 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.3 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 ]--.sub.n ;wherein R.sub.1 is a basic hydrophilic amino acid, R.sub.2 is a hydrophobic amino acid, R.sub.3 is a neutral hydrophilic, basic hydrophilic or hydrophobic amino acid and n is from 2 to 5.

Abstract: Novel biologically active amphiphilic peptides having from 21 to 26 amino acid residues, and which may be employed as for inhibiting the growth of target cells, viruses and virally-infected cells.

Abstract: A biologically active peptide which includes the following structure:R.sub.1 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.3 --R.sub.5 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.2 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.1 R.sub.3 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.4 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.3 --R.sub.4 --R.sub.1 --R.sub.1.R.sub.1 is a hydrophobic amino acid, R.sub.2 is a basic hydrophilic amino acid, and R.sub.3 is a neutral hydrophilic amino acid, R.sub.4 is a hydrophobic or basic hydrophilic amino acid, and R.sub.5 is a hydrophobic, basic hydrophilic, or neutral hydrophilic amino acid.Examples of such peptides include the following:(SEQ ID NO:1)--NH.sub.2 ;(SEQ ID NO:2)--NH.sub.2 ;(SEQ ID NO:3)--NH.sub.2 ;(SEQ ID NO:4)--NH.sub.2 ;(SEQ ID NO:5)--NH.sub.2 ;(SEQ ID NO:6)--NH.sub.2 ;(SEQ ID NO:7)--NH.sub.2 ; and(SEQ ID NO:8).The peptides may be employed in pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: A biologically active peptide which includes the following structure:R.sub.1 -R.sub.1 -R.sub.1 -R.sub.4 -R.sub.1 -R.sub.1 -R.sub.2 -R.sub.1 -R.sub.1 -R.sub.1 -R.sub.1 -R.sub.1 -R.sub.1 -R.sub.1a -R.sub.1 -R.sub.1 -R.sub.3 -R.sub.2 R.sub.2 -R.sub.1aR.sub.1 and R.sub.1a are hydrophobic amino acids, R.sub.2 is a basic hydrophilic amino acid, R.sub.3 is a neutral hydrophilic amino acid, and R.sub.4 is hydrophobic or basic hydrophilic amino acid. Preferably, R.sub.1a is cysteine.Examples of peptides have the following structural formulae:(SEQ ID NO:1);(SEQ ID NO:2);(SEQ ID NO:3);(SEQ ID NO:4);(SEQ ID NO:5); and(SEQ ID NO:6).The peptide may be employed in a pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: A method of increasing the modulus of elasticity of a biopolymer is disclosed, which comprises incorporating a hexameric unit of the formula--X--(APGVGV).sub.n --Y--whereinA is a peptide-forming residue of L-alanine;P is a peptide-forming residue of L-proline;G is a peptide-forming residue of glycine;V is a peptide-forming residue of L-valine;X is PGVGV, GVGV, VGV, GV, V, or a covalent bond;Y is APGVG, APGV, APG, AP, A, or a covalent bond; andn is an integer from 2 to 200, wherein said hexameric unit comprises at least 18 amino acid residues, into an elastomeric polypeptide chain.