Abstract: LERK-5 polypeptides are disclosed, along with DNA sequences, vectors and transformed host cells useful in producing LERK-5. The LERK-5 polypeptides bind to elk and to hek, which are members of the eph/elk family of receptor tyrosine kinases.

Abstract: The invention involves isolation of nucleic acid molecules, the expression of which are upregulated by interleukin-9. The amino acid sequences of the proteins which correspond to the nucleic acid molecules show some structural features of cytokines. In addition to the nucleic acid molecules and the proteins, various uses of the molecules are disclosed. The molecules are referred to as T cell inducible factors.

Abstract: A human natural killer cell enhancing factor C and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptide and a procedure for producing such polypeptide by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptide for preventing and/or treating viral infections, inflammation, neoplasia and damage from superoxide radicals. Diagnostic assays for identifying mutations in nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide of the present invention and for detecting altered levels of the polypeptide of the present invention for detecting diseases, for example, cancer, are also disclosed.

Abstract: DNA sequences coding for a TNF-binding protein and for the TNF receptor of which this protein constitutes the soluble domain. The DNA sequence can be used for preparing recombinant DNA molecules in order to produce TNF-binding protein and TNF receptor. Recombinant TNF-binding protein is used in pharmaceutical preparations for treating indications in which TNF has a harmful effect. With the aid of the TNF receptor or fragments thereof or with the aid of suitable host organisms transformed with recombinant DNA molecules containing the DNA which codes for the TNF receptor or fragments or modifications thereof, it is possible to investigate substances for their interaction with the TNF receptor and/or for their effect on the biological activity of TNF.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel human proteins designated Interleukin-21 (IL-21) and Interleukin-22 (IL-22), and isolated polynucleotides encoding these proteins. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing these human proteins. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing, treating, and/or preventing disorders related to these novel human proteins.

Abstract: A screening method for identifying mutant polypeptides having at least one amino acid difference from a wild type protein involved in a receptor-ligand interaction is disclosed. Also disclosed are mutant polypeptides of the hematopoietic growth factor flt3-Ligand (flt3-L) identified using this method, nucleic acids encoding these flt3-L mutant polypeptides, and methods of treatment involving in vitro and in vivo use of the mutant polypeptides and nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel secreted polypeptide, termed Osteoprotegerin, which is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor super family and is involved in the regulation of bone metabolism. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding Osteoprotegerin, polypeptides, recombinant vectors and host cells for expression, antibodies which bind Osteoprotegerin, and pharmaceutical compositions. The polypeptides are used to treat bone diseases characterized by increased resorption such as osteoporosis.

Abstract: A novel cytokine designated TRAIL induces apoptosis of certain target cells, including cancer cells and virally infected cells. Isolated DNA sequences encoding TRAIL are disclosed, along with expression vectors and transformed host cells useful in producing TRAIL polypeptides. Antibodies that specifically bind TRAIL are provided as well.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel secreted polypeptide, termed Osteoprotegerin, which is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily and is involved in the regulation of bone metabolism. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding Osteoprotegerin, polypeptides, recombinant vectors and host cells for expression, antibodies which bind Osteoprotegerin, and pharmaceutical compositions. The polypeptides are used to treat bone diseases characterized by increased resorption such as osteoporosis.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel secreted polypeptide, termed Osteoprotegerin, which is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily and is involved in the regulation of bone metabolism. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding Osteoprotegerin, polypeptides, recombinant vectors and host cells for expression, antibodies which bind Osteoprotegerin, and pharmaceutical compositions. The polypeptides are used to treat bone diseases characterized by increased resorption such as osteoporosis.

Abstract: A protein which induces the IFN-&ggr; production by immunocompetent cells and has a molecular weight of 19,000±5,000 daltons on SDS-PAGE or gel filtration method and a pI of 4.8±1.0 on chromatofocusing. The protein is isolated from mouse liver and can be purified by a monoclonal antibody specific to it. The monoclonal antibody can be also used for assaying the protein. Fragments of the protein can be used for production of antibodies, and can be produced recombinantly using appropriate medric acids, host cells and vectors. Fragments of nuclear acids may also be used as probes.

Abstract: Provided by the invention are novel methods, vectors and cells for the recombinant production of desired gene products. In particular, the invention relates to increased production of desired gene products by inducibly arresting cell proliferation. The invention also provides novel multicistronic expression vectors that are useful not only for recombinant gene expression, but also for other applications such as gene therapy, tissue engineering and metabolic engineering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of novel genes encoding Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-5 (MCP-5) polypeptides. Therapeutics, diagnostics and screening assays based on these molecules are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the high level production of active, properly processed recombinant protein in trans-splicing organisms is disclosed. The method involves the integration of the gene encoding the recombinant protein of interest into a chromosomal locus where it is transcribed under the direction of the rRNA promoter. The gene is also operably linked to intergenic regions allowing the protein to be translated in these organisms. The recombinant organisms expressing a therapeutic protein can also be used to treat a disease or undesirable condition which is characterized by a deficiency in that protein.

Abstract: LERK-5 polypeptides are disclosed, along with DNA sequences, vectors and transformed host cells useful in producing LERK-5. The LERK-5 polypeptides bind to elk and to hek, which are members of the eph/elk family of receptor tyrosine kinases.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated DNA molecules encoding human and murine LIF and methods of producing LIF by the expression of the isolated DNA and suitable host cells. The invention further provides human and murine LIF polypeptides, pharmaceutical compositions containing LIF, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A method of providing a patient with an enhanced immune response is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of vaccinating the patient with a vaccine comprising a combination of DNA encoding interleukin-6 and DNA encoding an antigen capable of enlisting an enhanced immune response in a patient. In one embodiment, the enhanced immune response is a therapeutic response. In another embodiment, the enhanced immune response is a protective immune response.

Abstract: A human natural killer cell enhancing factor C and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptide and a procedure for producing such polypeptide by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptide for preventing and/or treating viral infections, inflammation, neoplasia and damage from superoxide radicals. Diagnostic assays for identifying mutations in nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide of the present invention and for detecting altered levels of the polypeptide of the present invention for detecting diseases, for example, cancer, are also disclosed.

Abstract: MPROT12 polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing MPROT12 polypeptides and polynucleotides in therapy, and diagnostic assays for such.

Abstract: EF-7 polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing EF-7 polypeptides and polynucleotides in therapy, and diagnostic assays for such.

Abstract: Novel stem cell factors, oligonucleotides encoding the same, and methods of production, are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating disorders involving blood cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for identifying individuals with a propensity for pathological fibrosis. The method involves providing a sample from an individual with a chronic inflammatory disease, contacting the sample with an antibody specific for fibroblast stimulating factor-1 (FsF-1) under conditions which permit immunocomplex formation, and detecting an increase in the relative level of the immunocomplex as an indication of a propensity for pathological fibrosis. FsF-1 polypeptides and antibodies specific for FsF-1, and DNA sequences encoding FsF-1 polypeptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polypeptide which has a molecular weight of 18,500±3,000 daltons on SDS-PAGE and a pI of 4.9±1.0 on chromatofocusing. The polypeptide strongly induces the IFN-&ggr; production by immunocompetent cells with only a small amount, and does not cause serious side effects even when administered to human in a relatively-high dose. It can be used to treat and/or prevent malignant tumors, viral diseases, bacterial infectious diseases, and immune diseases.

Abstract: The IL-4 receptor for the therapy, prophylaxis and diagnosis of allergic, viral, parasitic and bacterial diseases and of fungal infections. The invention relates to the il-4 receptor or variants thereof for the therapy, prophylaxis and diagnosis of allergic, viral, parasitic and bacterial diseases and of fungal infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides for nucleic acid sequences that encode novel mammalian receptor polypeptides, designated OCR1. The invention also provides assay systems that may be used to detect and/or measure ligands that bind the MAMMALIAN OCR1 gene product. The present invention also provides for diagnostic and therapeutic methods based on the interaction between MAMMALIAN OCR1 and agents that initiate signal transduction through binding to MAMMALIAN OCR1. In a specific embodiment, the MAMMALIAN OCR1 may HUMAN OCR1 or MOUSE OCR1.

Abstract: Novel stem cell factors, oligonucleotides encoding the same, and methods of production, are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating disorders involving blood cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: We have modified PE40 toxin by removing at least two of its four cysteine amino acid residues and have formed hybrid molecules containing modified PE40 linked to a cell recognition protein that can be an antibody, a growth factor, a hormone, a lymphokine, or another polypeptide cell recognition protein for which a specific cellular receptor exists whereby the modified PE40 toxin is directed to cell types having receptors for the cell recognition protein linked to the modified PE40.

Abstract: A colony stimulating factor, CSF-1, is a lymphokine useful in regulating the immune system, is a lymphokine useful in overcoming the immunosuppression induced by chemotherapy or resulting from other causes. CSF-1 is obtained in usable amounts by recombinant methods, including cloning and expression of the murine and human DNA sequences encoding this protein. Both “long” and “short” forms of this protein and muteins corresponding to the cDNA-encoded forms are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel human cytokines (designated individually as NHC-1 and NHC-2, and collectively as NHC) and polynucleotides which identify and encode NHC. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding NHC and a method for producing NHC. The invention also provides for use of NHC and agonists, antibodies, or antagonists specifically binding NHC, in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of NHC. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding NHC for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of NHC. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, and antibodies specifically binding NHC.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel human tubby homolog (NHT) and polynucleotides which identify and encode NHT. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antibodies, or antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating disorders associated with appetite and eating.

Abstract: The invention provides DNA sequences encoding novel members of the TGF-&bgr; family of proteins. The TGF-&bgr; family comprises proteins which function as growth and/or differentiation factors and which are useful in medical applications. Accordingly, the invention also describes the isolation of the above-mentioned DNA sequences, the expression of the encoded proteins, the production of said proteins and pharmaceutical compositions containing said proteins.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infections, (including the treatment of the anemia and chronic stomatitis caused by infection with a FIV) comprising a feline interferon preparation containing a feline interferon as a principal agent, and a therapeutic method for FIV infections comprising administering a feline interferon preparation containing a feline interferon as a principal agent to a cat every day are disclosed. Furthermore, a therapeutic method and agent for feline atopic dermatitis are disclosed. The preferred feline interferon, is an &ohgr;-feline interferon.

Abstract: The invention is directed to LERK-6 as a purified and isolated protein, the DNA encoding the LERK-6, host cells transfected with cDNAs encoding LERK-6.

Abstract: The disclosure describes recombinant alphavirus RNA molecules and expression of heterologous proteins therefrom in animal cells. Recombinant alphaviruses of the present invention, when made to express an antigenic protein, can be administered as vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to molecules carrying one or more binding determinants for &agr;-chain of human Leukaemia Inhibitory Factor binding receptor and to genetic sequences encoding same. More particularly, the present invention contemplates a molecule which is non-naturally occurring and which comprises a carrier portion and an active portion and wherein the active portion comprises amino acid residues or chemical equivalents thereof which constitute a binding determinant for the &agr; chain of the human leukaemia inhibitory factor (hLIF) binding receptor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hyperblebbing strain of Neisseria gonorrhoeae which produces large amounts of blebs useful for production of blebosomes containing antigens for use as a vaccine delivery vehicle or as a diagnostic reagent. The invention also relates to a method for producing high levels of a desired protein in purified form using the hyperblebbing strain of N. gonorrhoeae, and to a vaccine delivery systems containing the blebosomes expressing the desired antigen.

Abstract: SCF which includes the following C-terminal sequence: Glu Ile Cys Ser Leu Leu Ile Gly Leu Thr Ala Tyr Lys Glu Leu Ser Leu Pro Lys Arg Lys Glu Thr Cys Arg Ala Ile Gln His Pro Arg Lys Asp or a C-terminal sequence which is substantially homologous thereto and its use in medicine, particularly in ensuring the correct development of pre-implantation embryos.

Abstract: Biologically active lymphotoxin polypeptides are synthesized in recombinant cell culture. Novel nucleic acid and vectors incorporating same are provided. The compositions and processes herein enable the economical preparation of compositions containing uniform lymphotoxin polypeptides and variant lymphotoxins having amino acid sequences that differ from those found in nature. The lymphotoxins are purified to a specific activity of 2-10×107 units/mg of protein by purification using a novel immobilized, lymphotoxin-neutralizing monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: A method of producing high-resolution, high-accuracy ordered restriction maps based on data created from the images of populations of individual DNA molecules (clones) digested by restriction enzymes. Detailed modeling and a statistical algorithm, along with an interactive algorithm based on dynamic programming and a heuristic method employing branch-and-bound procedures, are used to find the most likely true restriction map, based on experimental data.

Abstract: The invention concerns a protein of the TGF-&bgr; family, the DNA coding therefor and a pharmaceutical composition containing such protein.

Abstract: Therapeutic hybrid cytokines, having a size ranging from about 10 to about 30 kDa, comprise portions of cytokines: leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-11 (IL-11), oncostatin-M (OSM), and ciliaryneurotrophic factor (CNTF). Hybrid cytokines comprise three or four &agr;-helical sequences selected from &agr;-helical sequences of IL-6, G-CSF, LIF, IL-11, CNTF and OSM and linking sequences of 5-40 amino acids in length, selected from the linking sequences of IL-6, G-CSF, LIF, IL-11, CNTF and OSM or other, desirable linking sequences. In the hybrid cytokines, at least one &agr;-helical sequence is derived from a different cytokine than at least one other &agr;-helical sequence; or, at least one linking sequence of a cytokine differentiates the hybrid cytokine from a corresponding cytokine.