Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment and prevention of the toxic effects associated with increased nitric oxide synthase activity in endothelial cells. In particular, the present invention relates to compounds and methods of treatment that inhibit the nitric oxide synthases present in endothelial cells and methods for treating diseases using such compounds and methods.

Abstract: Compounds, genetic constructs, and cancer treatment methods are provided. Expression vectors were designed to express fusion genes including hIL-2 with a Fc?-? transmembrane anchor derived from a subunit of the FC epsilon receptor. mRNA and the IL-2tm fusion protein was expressed in transfected RD995 tumor cells. Expression of the IL-2tm protein on the tumor cell surface membrane was confirmed by microscopy. RD995 cells transfected with IL-2tm or pCMV2b (empty expression vector) were implanted subcutaneously into C3H/HEN mice. Tumors of mice implanted with 106 or 105 RD995 cells transfected with IL-2tm grew slower than controls. It is believed that selective expression of cytokines such as IL-2 on the surface of tumors is likely to stimulate tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes that are primed and already recognize tumor antigens, enhancing tumor recognition and killing, potentially avoiding toxicity associated with known cytokine therapies.

Abstract: Compounds, genetic constructs, and cancer treatment methods are provided. Expression vectors were designed to express fusion genes including hIL-2 with a Fc?-? transmembrane anchor derived from a subunit of the FC epsilon receptor. mRNA and the IL-2tm fusion protein was expressed in transfected RD995 tumor cells. Expression of the IL-2tm protein on the tumor cell surface membrane was confirmed by microscopy. RD995 cells transfected with IL-2tm or pCMV2b (empty expression vector) were implanted subcutaneously into C3H/HEN mice. Tumors of mice implanted with 106 or 105 RD995 cells transfected with IL-2tm grew slower than controls. It is believed that selective expression of cytokines such as IL-2 on the surface of tumors is likely to stimulate tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes that are primed and already recognize tumor antigens, enhancing tumor recognition and killing, potentially avoiding toxicity associated with known cytokine therapies.

Abstract: Therapeutic formulations comprising an effective amount of IL-2 or other lymphokine and a biodegradable polymeric carrier having reverse gelation properties and the methods of use thereof for local or both local and systemic control of proliferative cell disorders is disclosed. The formulation can be administered intratumorally/peritumorally and forms an IL-2 containing depot. The IL-2-containing depot provides for continuous, prolonged release of IL-2 sufficient to stimulate the production of cytotoxic T lymphocytes which function both locally and systemically, without causing unacceptable side effects.

Abstract: Therapeutic formulations comprising an effective amount of IL-2 or other lymphokine and a biodegradable polymeric carrier having reverse gelation properties and the methods of use thereof for local or both local and systemic control of proliferative cell disorders are disclosed. The formulation can be administered intratumorally/peritumorally and forms an IL-2 containing depot. The IL-2-containing depot provides for continuous, prolonged release of IL-2 sufficient to stimulate the production of cytotoxic T lymphocytes which function both locally and systemically, without causing unacceptable side effects.