Abstract: The present invention relates to ectoparasite histamine releasing factor (HRF) proteins; to ectoparasite HRF nucleic acid molecules, including those that encode such HRF proteins; to antibodies raised against such HRF proteins; and to compounds that inhibit ectoparasite HRF activity. The present invention also includes methods to obtain such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies, and inhibitory compounds. Also included in the present invention are therapeutic compositions comprising such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies and/or inhibitory compounds as well as the use of such therapeutic compositions to reduce ectoparasite burden of animals.

Abstract: The present invention describes the generation of site-directed RNA cleaving agents. These agents consist of RNA-binding proteins, or polypeptides derived thereof, which are modified to contain a moiety capable of cleaving RNA backbones. Alternatively, the agents are oligonucleotides having nuclease resistant backbones to which a moiety capable of cleaving RNA backbones has been attached. The present invention also describes a method of cleaving target RNA substrates using the cleaving agents described herein. Further, the invention describes a method for inhibiting RNA virus expression in infected cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to viral peptides referred to as "DP107- and DP178-like" peptides. Specifically, the invention relates to isolated influenza A DP107- and DP178-like peptides which are identified by sequence search motif algorithms. The peptides of the invention exhibit antiviral activity believed to result from inhibition of viral induced fusogenic events.

Abstract: A thrombin inhibitor comprising a first bulky hydrophobic portion interacting with the catalytic site of thrombin responsible for proteolysis and a second portion at least maintaining the hydrophobic and acidic character of amino acids 55 to 60 of native hirudin at the C-terminal non-catalytic region of N-acetyl-hirudin45-65. Between the first and second portions is a divalent linker moiety having a chain length of at least 10 carbon atoms. Connecting the first bulky hydrophobic portion and the linker is a peptidomimetic bond. Preferably, the bulky hydrophobic portion comprises at least one amino acid of D-configuration. The compounds are useful in the treatment of thrombotic disorders.

Abstract: The invention provides genetic suppressor elements that confer upon a cell resistance to one or more chemotherapeutic drug, methods for identifying and obtaining such elements, and methods of using such elements. The invention also provides cloned genes associated with sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs.

Abstract: An angiogenesis inhibitor comprising a cysteine protease inhibitory compound. As the preferable cysteine protease inhibitory compound, epoxysuccinic acid compounds, peptide halohydrazide compounds, calpain inhibitory compounds, compounds of the formula (I) ##STR1## and compounds of the formula (VI) ##STR2## can be used. The angiogenesis inhibitor of the present invention suppresses new formation of blood vessels in the living tissues, so that it can be used as a superior therapeutic or prophylactic agent of angiogenesis associated with wound healing, inflammation, growth of tumor and the like; and angiogenesis as seen in diabetic retinopathy, prematurity retinopathy, retinal venous occlusion, senile discoid macular degeneration and the like, as well as for prevention of metastasis of tumors.

Abstract: This invention relates to radiolabeled scintigraphic imaging agents, and methods and reagents for producing such agents. Specifically, the invention relates to specific binding compounds, including peptides, that bind to a platelet receptor that is the platelet GPIIb/IIIa receptor, methods and kits for making such compounds, and methods for using such compounds labeled with technetium-99m via a covalently-linked radiolabel-binding moiety to image thrombi in a mammalian body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting p53-specific antibodies in body fluids wherein support-bound p53 and/or support-bound fragments thereof comprising binding regions for p53-specific antibodies are incubated with body fluids and the specific antibodies (a) bound to p53 and/or said fragments are allowed to reactwith labelled antibodies (b) directed against antibodies (a), orwith unlabelled antibodies (b) while the latter are allowed to react with labelled antibodies (c) directed against antibodies (b), with the labelling being non-radioactive in either case.The invention further relates to a kit useful therefor. Also, the invention relates to p53 fragments and DNA sequences coding for them, said fragments comprising binding regions for p53-specific antibodies, as well as to methods of preparing them.

Abstract: A substantially pure, covalently linked human T cell reactive feline protein (TRFP) has been isolated from vacuum bag extract obtained by affinity purification of house dust collected from several homes with cats; DNA encoding all or a portion of the TRFP or peptide; compositions containing such a protein or peptide or portions thereof; and antibodies reactive with the TRFP or peptide are disclosed. Also disclosed are recombinant TRFP or peptide; modified or mutated TRFP peptides; their use for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides and peptide analogues that mimic the structural and pharmacological properties of human ApoA-I. The peptides and peptide analogues are useful to treat a variety of disorders associated with dyslipidemia.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for identifing agents which modulate the interaction of Robo and a Robo ligand and for modulating the interaction of Robo and a Robo ligand. The methods for identifying Robo:ligand modulators find particular application in commercial drug screens. These methods generally comprise (1) combining a Robo polypeptide, a Slit polypeptide and a candidate agent under conditions whereby, but for the presence of the agent, the Robo and Slit polypeptides engage in a first interaction, and (2) determining a second interaction of the Robo and Slit polypeptides in the presence of the agent, wherein a difference between the first and second interactions indicates that the agent modulates the interaction of the Robo and Slit polypeptides.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of a virus comprise administering to a patient antibodies which react with regions of viral proteins and result in neutralization of infectivity and inactivation of functionally essential events in the life cycle of the virus. The antibodies recognize viral epitopes which fail to elicit an immune response in man when encountered through infection or naturally through the environment. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides compositions and methods useful in the treatment and diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections.

Abstract: The invention is directed to antimicrobial peptides related to naturally-occurring protegrin peptides, and methods of using the peptides in a variety of contexts, including the treatment or prevention of infections, and diseases related thereto.

Abstract: This invention relates to positively charged non-natural amino acids, methods of making thereof, and utilization thereof in peptides. In one embodiment, the invention relates to non-natural amino acids that closely replicate the natural amino acids lysine and arginine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a purified stress protein of 86 Kd and fragments thereof isolated from the genus Corynebacterium. Particular fragments include those with apparent molecular weights of 50 Kd and 52 Kd. The stress protein has been found to be an immunodominant conserved antigen. Patients with Corynebacterium jeikeium septicemia or endocarditis have antibody to the 52 Kd breakdown product. The protein cross-reacts with a peptide antigen KVIRKNIVKKMIE (see SEQ ID No. 1) using a mouse monoclonal antibody against the peptide. The stress protein is useful for improved diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of Corynebacterium infections and diseases.

Abstract: Peptides containing immunodominant epitopes of myelin basic protein that are recognized by groups of T-cells from remitting-relapsing multiple sclerosis patients.

Abstract: An antigen/antibody specificity exchanger is disclosed. The exchanger comprises an amino-acid sequence of an antibody which specifically binds to a certain antigen linked to an amino-acid sequence to which a certain antibody binds. Also, a diagnostic reagent comprising an antigen/antibody specificity exchanger is disclosed. The reagent may be used, for example, instead of antisera or monoclonal antibodies in in vitro testing systems, such as immunological tests. Further, a method of treating a disease or disorder caused by a known antigen in an individual in need of an increased number of antigen-specific antibodies is disclosed. The method may be used, for example, to redirect a patient's antibodies against poliovirus to fight HIV infection.

Abstract: Synthetic peptides have an amino acids sequence corresponding to at least one antigenic determinant of at least one protein, usually a structural protein, particularly the E1, E2 or C proteins, of rubella virus (RV), are used as is, in hybrid or chimeric tandem T-B form, in lipidated form, linked to a carrier molecule and/or polymerized to form molecular aggregates, in vaccines against rubella. Analogs of peptides which are human T-cell determinants are used to treat rubella-associated autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: Peptides are administered to individuals suffering from multiple sclerosis. The peptides contain immunodominant epitopes of myelin basic protein that are recognized by T-cells from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients, and that are contained in the 84-102 and 143-168 regions of human MBP.

Abstract: The gene of a human CNP (human C-type natriuretic peptide), as well as the hCNP precursor protein that is encoded by said gene. The hCNP precursor is represented by the following amino acid sequence.Met His Leu Ser Gln Leu Leu Ala Cys Ala - Leu Leu Leu Thr Leu Leu Ser Leu Arg Pro - Ser Glu Ala Lys Pro Gly Ala Pro Pro Lys - Val Pro Arg Thr Pro Pro Ala Glu Glu Leu - Ala Glu Pro Gln Ala Ala Gly Gly Gly Gln - Lys Lys Gly Asp Lys Ala Pro Gly Gly Gly - Gly Ala Asn Leu Lys Gly Asp Arg Ser Arg - Leu Leu Arg Asp Leu Arg Val Asp Thr Lys - Ser Arg Ala Ala Trp Ala Arg Leu Leu Gln - Glu His Pro Asn Ala Arg Lys Tyr Lys Gly - Ala Asn Lys Lys Gly Leu Ser Lys Gly Cys - Phe Gly Leu Lys Leu Asp Arg Ile Gly Ser - Met Ser Gly Leu Gly Cys.The hCNP precursor and its derivatives are novel and have natriuretic and hypotensive activities.

Abstract: A chemoattractant protein called "eotaxin" is capable of attracting eosinophils and of inducing eosinophil accumulation and/or activation in vitro and in vivo. Various types of agents that inhibit or otherwise hinder the production, release or activity of eotaxin may be used therapeutically in the treatment of asthma and other inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions relating to CPF proteins which regulate transcriptional activation, and related nucleic acids. The polypeptides may be produced recombinantly from transformed host cells from the disclosed CPF encoding nucleic acids or purified from human cells. The invention provides isolated CPF hybridization probes and primers capable of specifically hybridizing with the disclosed CPF genes, CPF-specific binding agents such as specific antibodies, and methods of making and using the subject compositions in diagnosis, therapy and in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated human netrin polypeptide. Netrins define a family of diffusable factors involved in axon outgrowth.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions relating to a novel family of UCP3 polypeptides and related nucleic acids involved in metabolic regulation. The polypeptides may be produced recombinantly from transformed host cells from the disclosed mUCP3 encoding nucleic acids or purified from mammalian cells. The invention provides isolated mUCP3 hybridization probes, knock-out/in constructs and primers capable of specifically hybridizing with the disclosed mUCP3 genes, mUCP3-specific binding agents such as specific antibodies, animals and cells modified with the subject mUCP3 nucleic acids, and methods of making and using the subject compositions in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions suitable for treating oral mucositis in animals, including humans, with antimicrobial peptides such as protegrin peptides.

Abstract: Defined peptide subunits of Streptococcus mutans antigen I/II are useful as agents to prevent and treat dental caries either by eliciting an immunological response or by preventing adhesion of S. mutans to the tooth.

Abstract: The inhibitors, obtainable from tissue or secretions of leeches typically of the order Rhynchobdellida, has the following terminal sequence: NH.sub.2 -Lys-Leu-Leu-Pro-Cys-Lys-Glu-Y-His-Gln-Gly-Ile-Pro-Asn-Pro-Arg- wherein Y represents any amino acid sequence; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, derivative or bioprecursor of said sequence, or an analogue or homologue thereof. Because of their extreme potency in the nanomolar range, they can be used to treat a number of diseases where protein cross-linking is important. They can be used for the treatment of Crohn's disease, tumor implantation, atherosclerosis, thrombotic microangiophathy, fibrous growths of the skin, acne, scar formation, membranous glomerulonephrits, cataracts, or infection with microfilarial nematodes. In particular, they can be used to reduce the stability of thrombi so that they are more susceptible to lysis by thrombolytic agents.

Abstract: Assays employing fibronectin-depleted substrates are described to identify invasion inducing agents. Such agents are useful for in vivo wound healing, including but not limited to deep wounds and chronic wounds.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of cell surface activation and inhibition that involve the interaction of an inhibitor of matrix metalloprotease known as TIMP-2, with the enzyme, gelatinase-A (GelA). Critical to the methods of the invention is the discovery of a unique TIMP-2 binding site on the surface of the C-terminal domain (GelA-CTD) of the enzyme, which has been determined to be Asp.sup.656, but which can also included other residues in the GelA-CTD domain with which Asp.sup.656 forms a contiguous surface, namely Gly.sup.651, Phe.sup.650, and Tyr.sup.636 Identification of this binding site provides a useful target for the screening of MMP inhibitors and for prognosis and treatment of diseases in which MMPs are implicated. Compounds which are candidate MMP inhibitors can be structured to competitively inhibit cell surface activation.

Abstract: A composition for the transfection of higher eucaryotic cells, comprising complexes of nucleic acid, a substance having an affinity for nucleic acid and optionally an internalizing factor, contains an endosomolytic agent, e.g. a virus or virus component, which may be conjugated. The endosomolytic agent, which is optionally part of the nucleic acid complex, is internalized into the cells together with the complex and releases the contents of the endosomes into the cytoplasm, thereby increasing the gene transfer capacity. Pharmaceutical preparations, transfection kits and methods for introducing nucleic acid into higher eucaryotic cells by treating the cells with the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel synthetic Arg-Gly-Asp-containing peptides which have high affinity and specificity for their receptors by virtue of restrictions on their stereochemical conformation. Such restrictions can be provided by cyclization, by inclusion into a constraining conformational structure such as a helix, by providing an additional chemical structure such as an amide or an enantiomer of a naturally occuring amino acid, or by other methods. In particular, there is provided a cyclic peptide having increased affinity and selectivity for the vitronectin receptor over that of linear, Arg-Gly-Asp-containing synthetic peptides.

Abstract: A nucleotide sequence characteristic of Neisseria gonorrhoeae is disclosed. The sequence can be the basis for hybridization type, nucleic acid-based, rapid, in vitro diagnostic assays. The unique nature of the sequence makes it possible to clearly discriminate N. gonorrhoeae from other Neisseria species thus eliminating or substantially reducing the number of false positive readings. A 350 base pair N. gonorrhoeae DNA restriction fragment was cloned after subtractive hybridization to Neisseria meningitidis DNA. In further cloning experiments the sequences adjacent to the original 350 base pair fragment were determined. A portion of this sequence was shown to detect 105 of 106 N. gonorrhoeae strains and no other Neisseria species. In addition to use as detection probes, all or portions of the nucleotide sequence can be used as a ligand for the sandwich capture of N. gonorrhoeae sequences and as primers for in vitro amplification of N. gonorrhoeae sequences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides which exhibit potent anti-retroviral activity. The peptides of the invention comprise DP178 (SEQ ID:1) peptide corresponding to amino acids 638 to 673 of the HIV-1.sub.LAI gp41 protein, and fragments, analogs and homologs of DP178. The invention further relates to the uses of such peptides as inhibitory of human and non-human retroviral, especially HIV, transmission to uninfected cells.

Abstract: A substantially pure, covalently linked human T cell reactive feline protein (TRFP) has been isolated from vacuum bag extract obtained by affinity purification of house dust collected from several homes with cats; DNA encoding all or a portion of the TRFP or peptide; compositions containing such a protein or peptide or portions thereof; and antibodies reactive with the TRFP or peptide are disclosed. Also disclosed are recombinant TRFP or peptide; modified or mutated TRFP peptides; their use for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: This invention relates to radiolabeled peptides and methods for producing such peptides. Specifically, the invention relates to technetium-99m (Tc-99m) labeled leukocyte-binding peptides, methods and kits for making such peptides, and methods for using such peptides to image sites of infection and inflammation in a mammalian body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides which exhibit antifusogenic and antiviral activities. The peptides of the invention consist of a 16 to 39 amino acid region of a simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) protein. These regions were identified through computer algorithms capable of recognizing the ALLMOTI5, 107.times.178.times.4, or PLZIP amino acid motifs. These motifs are associated with the antifusogenic and antiviral activities of the claimed peptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides immunogenic synthetic peptides which are useful alone or in PRP-conjugates in vaccines against Hemophilus influenza infection. Modifications are possible within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to agonists of neuropeptide Y (NPY) or PYY that are formed by combining these peptides or a portion of these peptides with a template that promotes biologically active folds. Typically, templates consist of cyclized peptides containing one or more naphthyl ring structures. The agonists may be used in the treatment of diseases and conditions known to be responsive to NPY or PYY and, particularly in the treatment of asthma, rhinitis, and bronchitis.

Abstract: The present invention relates, first, to methods for the synthesis of peptides, in particular T-20 (also referred to as "DP-178"; SEQ ID NO:1) and T-20-like peptides. Such methods utilize solid and liquid phase synthesis procedures to synthesize and combine groups of specific peptide fragments to yield the peptide of interest. The present invention further relates to individual peptide fragments which act as intermediates in the synthesis of the peptides of interest (e.g., T-20). The present invention still further relates to groups of such peptide intermediate fragments which can be utilized together to produce full length T-20 and T-20-like peptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides which exhibit potent anti-retroviral activity. The peptides of the invention comprise DP178 (SEQ ID:1) peptide corresponding to amino acids 638 to 673 of the HIV-1.sub.LAI gp41 protein, and fragments, analogs and homologs of DP178. The invention further relates to the uses of such peptides as inhibitory of human and non-human retroviral, especially HIV, transmission to uninfected cells.

Abstract: The present invention includes a pharmaceutical composition having an effective contraceptive amount of a synthetic peptide that includes an amphipathic .alpha.-helix domain that binds to an RII subunit of protein kinase A, and competitively inhibits the binding of protein kinase A to sperm A kinase anchoring proteins. Particular disclosed synthetic peptides having this activity include s-Ht31: N-Stearate-DLIEEAASRIVDAVIEQVKAAGAY (SEQ ID No. 9), s-Ht31-P: N-Stearate-DLIEEAASRPVDAVPEQVKAAGAY (SEQ ID No. 10), and s-AKAP79: N-Stearate-YETLLIETASSLVKNAIQLSIE (SEQ ID No. 11). The invention also includes methods of inhibiting sperm motility, by exposing them to an effective amount of the peptide, for example by placing the pharmaceutical composition (such as a suppository, foam, cream, or gel) in the vagina.

Abstract: The present invention provides an elastase-inhibiting protein isolated ("Guamerin") from a Korean leech, Guameri (Hirudo nipponia) and a process for preparing the same. Guamerin is a protein of a molecular weight of 6,110 Da which is composed of 57 amino acid residues, whose active site is composed of 36-methionine and 37-isoleucine, which retains an inhibiting-activity highly specific to elastase, and which shows stability against heat as well as strong acids and alkalies. Guamerin of the present invention can be applied in the treatment of diseases associated with an excess level of elastase, such as rheumatoid arthritis, emphysema, and psoriasis.

Abstract: This invention relates to peptide derivatives which are useful anticoagulant agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides and peptide analogues that mimic the structural and pharmacological properties of human ApoA-I. The peptides and peptide analogues are useful to treat a variety of disorders associated with dyslipidemia.

Abstract: A new chemotactic cytokine, NC28 or Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-3 (MCP-3), is provided. Fragments of the cytokine comprising its 13 C-terminal amino acids also exhibit chemotactic activity. The polypeptides may be used as anticancer agents or immunomodulators. DNA encoding the NC28/MCP-3 polypeptides, as well as corresponding vectors and recombinant expression systems, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for identifying a peptide which binds to an anti-double stranded DNA antibody. The present invention also provides a class of peptides identified by the method of the present invention which bind to anti-double stranded DNA antibodies and compositions containing these peptides. The present invention also provides methods for the diagnosis and treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus utilizing the peptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides comprising an immunogenic portion of a M. vaccae soluble protein and DNA molecules encoding such polypeptides, together with methods for their use in the diagnosis and treatment of mycobacterial infection. Methods for enhancing the immune response to an antigen including administration of M. vaccae culture filtrate or delipidated M. vaccae cells are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of the baculovirus glycoprotein, Interferon Stimulating Protein (ISP) (also known as gp67, gp64 EFP, or gp64), or the gene sequence encoding ISP, to stimulate production of interferon, such as for immunotherapy, anti-viral, anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, or anti-parasitic therapy. This invention also relates to novel mutant forms of ISP that show enhanced biological (i.e., anti-viral) activity, increased stability, higher yield or better solubility.

Abstract: This invention relates to radiolabeled scintigraphic imaging agents, and methods and reagents for producing such agents. Specifically, the invention relates to specific binding compounds, including peptides, that bind to a platelet receptor that is the platelet GPIIb/IIIa receptor, methods and kits for making such compounds, and methods for using such compounds labeled with technetium-99m via a covalently-linked radiolabel-binding moiety to image thrombi in a mammalian body.

Abstract: Chemical conjugates which comprise oligopeptides, having amino acid sequences that are selectively proteolytically cleaved by free prostate specific antigen (PSA), hydrophilic oligopeptide blocking groups and known cytotoxic agents are disclosed. Such conjugates are useful in the treatment of prostatic cancer and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).