Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for producing oligosaccharide conjugate vaccines. In an additional aspect of the invention, oligosaccharide vaccines are produced which elicit a monospecific and homogeneous immune response to capsular polysaccharide. A specific embodiment of the invention provides for vaccines which induce immunity to prevalent serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Abstract: This present invention is directed to an artificial functional polypeptide represented by the following structural formula [I]:X--(Y)m--Z [I]wherein X represents a polypeptide having cell-adhesive activity like that of human FN, Y represents a spacer, Z represents a polypeptide having fibroblast growth promoting activity like that of FGF, and m is 1 or 0. This polypeptide is particularly useful for pharmaceutical purposes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel THC derivatives which are synthesized for the covalent attachment to antigens (proteins or polypeptides) for the preparation of antibodies or receptors to the THC metabolites. The resulting novel antigens may be used for the production of antibodies or receptors using standard methods. Once generated, the antibodies or receptors and the novel derivatives which are covalently attached to proteins, polypeptides or labels may be used in the immunoassay process.

Abstract: A new series of bifunctional chelating agents useful for attaching metal ions to proteins, polypeptides and other polymers and methods for their preparation are described. These reagents are unique in their ability to bind a variety of metal ions and to yield a high metal ion concentration per protein molecule. Using these methods polymeric analogs of these bifunctional chelating agents called Starburst ligands can also be obtained. Protein metal chelates thus obtained will have useful radiophysical, chemical, fluorescent, photochemical and magnetic properties suitable for biomedical applications.

Abstract: A polypeptide of the formulaH--X.sup.1 --Gln--Thr--Art--Ala--Asn--Pro--Asn--Pro--Tyr--Thr----Ser--Arg--Arg--Ser-- Val--Ala--Ser--X.sup.2 --Yin which X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 each represents an optional coupling-facilitating amino acid residue, and Y represents --OH or --NH.sub.2, and an artificial compound in free or carrier-associated form with the capability of binding to glyco-conjugates, especially immunoglobulins, which compound is chosen from the group consisting of said peptide and functional analogues and functional derivatives thereof, are disclosed. Additionally, there is described an artificial pertussis toxin antigen, which mainly consists of at least one peptide sequence reacting with antibodies induced by the native pertussis toxin selected from the above polypeptide and parts thereof.

Abstract: A protein conjugate or mixture useful in immunotherapy composed of a biological response modifier (BRM) and an allergen is disclosed. In use the protein conjugate or mixture is combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Cytokines, bacterial, fungal and viral immunopotentiators and thymus hormones are disclosed as suitable BRM's for use in the invention.

Abstract: Homocysteine thiolactone derivatives in which the nitrogen is acylated with groups containing acidic functionalities have been synthesized. These include the succinyl, the carboxymethylglutaryl, the 3-phosphonopropionyl and the 3-sulfopropionyl derivatives. These thiolactones can be used to introduce a thiol functionality into proteins such as the outer membrane protein complex of Neisseria meninioitidis (OMPC) allowing conjugation with electrophilic ligands. This chemistry is similar to known N-acetyl-homocysteine thiolactone chemistry, but the pK.sub.a values are such that at pH 7, concomitant negative charge is introduced into the conjugate. Such negative charge neutralizes excess positive charge introduced when arginine- and lysine-rich peptides are bonded as ligands. In the case of OMPC, introduction of positive charge commonly effects irreversible precipitation of the conjugate. Conjugates prepared with the anionic thiolactones have improved solubility.

Abstract: A method for preparing phycobiliprotein/amine-reactive dye conjugates is disclosed in which the conjugates so prepared overcome the energy transfer/fluorescent quenching dilemma encountered in the use of prior art conjugates. A phycobiliprotein, for example, phycoerythrin or allophycocyanin, is conjugated with an amine-reactive dye, for example, Texas Red or carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester, in the presence of a selective salt which causes a hydrophobic intramolecular rearrangement of the phycobiliprotein thereby exposing more hydrophobic sites for binding to the amine-reactive dye. The conjugates prepared according to the invention are useful in multiple color fluorescence assays without requiring the use of multiple exciting sources.

Abstract: A polypeptide is provided that excludes (a) a full-length mature TGF-.beta. molecule or precursor TGF-.beta. molecule or deletion variants of mature or precursor TGF-.beta. molecules in which from about 1 to 10 amino acid residues have been deleted, (b) a polypeptide of the sequence: Cys-Val-Arg-Gln-Leu-Tyr-Ile-Asp-Phe-Arg-Lys-Asp-Leu-Gly-Trp-Lys, and (c) a polypeptide of the sequence: Arg-Asn-Leu-Glu-Glu-Asn-Cys-Cys-Val-Arg-Pro-Leu-Tyr-Ile-Asp-Phe-Arg-Gln-As p-Leu, the polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence that is based on conserved sequences in the family of TGF-.beta. molecules. Such polypeptides are particularly useful therapeutically as immunosuppressive agents when coupled to carrier proteins or crosslinked to form polymers.

Abstract: New polysubstituted diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid chelates and protein conjugates of the same are described together with the methods of preparing such compounds. A method of delivering radiolabelled compound of the present invention to a target site while minimizing the distribution of the compound to non-targeted organs or tissues is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved cellulose chromatography support and, in particular, to substantially spherical, high density cellulose particles. This invention also relates to a method of making these spherical, high density cellulose particles and, in particular, to a method for forming spherical cellulose from a high molecular weight viscose in a stable emulsion of a liquid carrier and emulsifying agents.

Abstract: This invention describes processes for producing mature human members of the NGF/BDNF family of neurotrophic proteins that are fully biologically active. In addition, the gene encoding human BDNF and processes for obtaining the same are disclosed.A previously-unreported member of the NGF/BDNF family of neurotrophic proteins, NGF-3, has been identified and a portion of the gene encoding for the NGF-3 has been described. Processes for identifying additional previously unreported members of the NGF/BDNF family are also described.

Abstract: A process for covalently bonding biopolymer, such as protein, to an organic polymer surface coated with hydrophilic nonionic polymer having groups reactive with the biopolymer and having a cloud point in the reaction medium that is at least 5.degree. C. above the temperature at which the coated organic polymer surface is to be used, which comprises reacting biopolymer with the surface in an aqueous reaction medium, at a temperature not less than 5.degree. C. below the cloud point; but not above a temperature at which the biopolymer is deleteriously affected, and preferably not above about 100.degree. C., the product comprises a biopolymer immobilized on a hydrophilic solid surface having a nonionic polymer and a hydrophilic layer, coupled thereto via biopolymer-reactive groups of the nonionic polymer, and accordingly has low spontaneous adsorption of proteins and other biopolymers through electrostatic attraction and/or hydrophobic interaction.

Abstract: A vaccine composition for inducing anti-tumor immunity comprising non-malignant cells, preferably syngeneic mon-malignant cells, coupled with adjuvant compounds. The nonmalignant immunizing cells of the present invention induce T-cell mediated cytoxicity which cross-reacts with tumor cells, providing in vivo protection against the tumor cells. Examples of turmors which may be treated by administration of the vaccine compositions include fibrosarcomas, glioblastomas, and all solid and lymphoid tumors.

Abstract: Muteins of IL-2 in which one of the amino acids of the mature native sequence of IL-2 is replaced by a cysteine residue are prepared and conjugated through the replaced cysteine residue to a polymer selected from polyethylene glycol homopolymers or polyoxyethylated polyols, wherein said homopolymers are unsubstituted or substituted at one end with an alkyl group. These muteins are made via host expression of mutant genes encoding the muteins that have been changed from the genes for the parent proteins by site-directed mutagenesis. In addition, other species of IL-2 may be conjugated via the cysteine residue at position 125 of the mature IL-2 protein that is not necessary for the biological activity of the IL-2.

Abstract: Vi capsular polysaccharides conjugated to toxin-dependent proteins can be used to enhance antibody response and to convert T-dependent properties to the Vi capsular polysaccharide. A heterobifunctional crosslinking agent can be used to bind thiol derivatives of the Vi capsular polysaccharides to the proteins, such as diphtheria, tetanus toxoids, cholera toxin and Haemophilus influenzae.

Abstract: The invention relates to a number of synthetic polypeptides which correspond to a part of the sequences of the Shiga B peptide chain. More specifically, the invention relates to polypeptides corresponding to the residues 5 to 18, 7 to 26, 13 to 26, and 19 to 29 of said B chain. The invention further relates to the conjugates of each of these with a suitable carrier and to polymers of each or these obtained by polymerization with a suitable polymerization agent: these can be used as effective vaccines which afford protection against Shiga toxin. Anti-peptide anti-sera are effective in neutralizing to a large extent the biological activity of Shiga toxin.

Abstract: The invention pertains to terpyridine compounds having structure (I). These compounds form fluorescent lanthanide chelates with the appropriate metal ions. The fluorescent metal chelates are useful as probes in time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a DNA fragment containing at the most 315 pairs of nucleotides coding for a peptide which can be recognized by antibodies acting both against the "C" and "D" particles of the same poliovirus and against the VP-1 structural polypeptide of the capsid of this poliovirus. This peptide contains in particular the following sequence:Asp Asn Pro Ala Ser thr Thr Asn Lys Asp Lys Leu.

Abstract: A new method is described for eliciting IgG antibody response to proteins or synthetic peptides, particularly those that are weakly immunogenic, without the requirement for the use of adjuvants, thereby making it easier and safer to confer protection against pathogenic organisms. The antigen is coupled to a monoclonal antibody, specific for membrane determinants expressed on certain types of mammalian recipient cells, called antigen presenting cells. The monoclonal antibody acts as a "vector" or "delivery vehicle" for targeting foreign antigens onto such recipient cells. This targeting facilitates subsequent antigen recognition by helper T-cells, which are pivotal in helping the induction of antigen-specific IgG responses.

Abstract: Prolonged-action immunotoxin consisting of a conjugate in which an antibody or antibody fragment is coupled, by means of a covalent structure containing a disulfide group or a thioether group, with a glycoprotein which inactivates ribosomes and has a prolonged action obtained by the oxidation of its saccharide units which periodate ions.

Abstract: Modified proteins for carrying hapten are provided. These carriers are prepared by blocking the amino groups of the original protein and then introducing amino groups into the carboxyl groups of the original protein. The blocking groups may be eliminated at the later stage to regenerate the amino groups of the original protein. The modified protein or polypeptide carrier have the three-dimensional structures different from the original proteins so that they are used in immunoassay while carrying low molecular weight haptens without the fear of forming antibodies for the original proteins. The modified protein carrier may also be used in the passive agglutination immunoassay without the need of absorbing the anti-hapten antibodies by the hapten-carrying carriers.

Abstract: A one vial method for labeling a protein, such as an antibody or antibody fragment, with a radiometal such as Tc-99m or a rhenium isotope, is disclosed. The method comprises contacting in a single vial a mixture comprised of a reducing agent and a protein molecule covalently bound to a sulfhydryl containing bifunctional coupling agent with Tc or Re in an oxidized state. A one vial kit for labeling a protein with Tc or Re is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for rapidly labeling sulfhydryl-containing antibodies or fragments with technetium or rhenium radioisotopes are disclosed. The method generally involves combining an aqueous mixture of the radiometal in an oxidized form, a reducing agent and a water-soluble polyhydroxycarbonylic acid ligand to form a stable complex of the radiometal in its reduced state and contacting the mixture with the sulfhydryl-containing antibody or fragment to produce a radiometal-labeled antibody or fragment.

Abstract: A method for preparing a phycobiliprotein-Texas Red conjugate which overcomes the energy transfer/fluorescent quenching dilemma is disclosed. A phycobiliprotein, such as phycoerythrin, is conjugated with dye, such as Texas Red, in the presence of a selective salt which causes a hydrophobic intramolecular rearrangement of the phycobiliprotein thereby exposing more hydrophobic sites for binding to Texas Red. The conjugate is useful in multiple color fluorescence assays without requiring the use of multiple exciting sources.

Abstract: A modified pertussis toxin suitable as a pertussis vaccine having an essentially unmodified B-oligomer and a catalytic subunit which is inactivated by treatment with polyphosphate compounds, sulfhydryl reductants and mild detergents followed by modification of the activated --SH groups to inhibit ADP-ribosylating activity.

Abstract: Cysteine added variants ("CAVs") of interleukin-3 are provided having one or more cysteine residues substituted for selected naturally occurring amino acid residues, or inserted into the polypeptide sequence, and preferably being further modified by deletion of certain N-terminal amino acids. Such CAVs may be additionally modified by the coupling of sulfhydryl reactive compounds to the introduced cysteine residue(s) without loss of bioactivity to produce selected homogeneously modified IL-3 and improved pharmaceutical compositions containing the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of formula: ##STR1## in which m, n, p and q are equal to 0 or 1, p being different from q and the sum m+n+p+q being equal to 2, A denotes a nonionic chain arrangement chosen from the groups:C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O.sub.r and/orC.sub.3 H.sub.5 (OH)O.sub.s,in which r denotes a number which can assume all integral values between 0 and 5 or a statistical average value between 0 and 20,s denotes a number which can assume all integral values between 0 and 5 or a statistical average value between 0 and 10,u is equal to 0 or 1, with the restriction that when u=0, s and r are also zero,R denotes(i) a linear or branched hydrocarbon radical which has 1 to 32 carbon atoms and can contain one or more oxygen atoms in the chain or bear one or more OH groups or(ii) a (C.sub.8 -C.sub.18 alkyl)phenyl radical.These compounds can be used for preparing stable chemical compounds, for conveying active substances or for forming vesicles.

Abstract: Polypeptide compositions are provided having a binding site specific for a particular target ligand and further having an active functionality proximate the binding site. The active functionality may be a reporter molecule, in which case the polypeptide compositions are useful in performing assays for the target ligand. Alternatively, the active functionality may be a chemotherapeutic agent, in which case the polypeptide compositions are useful for therapeutic treatment of various diseased states. A novel method for preparing such polypeptides having active functionalities proximate their binding site comprises combining the polypeptide specific for the target ligand with an affinity label including ligand having a reactive group attached thereto. The reactive group is then covalently attached to an amino acid side chain proximate the binding site and cleaved from the substrate. The substrate is eluted, leaving a moiety of the reactive group covalently attached to the polypeptide.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the purification of interleukin-2 (IL-2) from a wide variety of sources, including synthetic mixtures, culture medium conditioned by natural IL-2 producing cells, and mammalian and bacterial recombinant IL-2 expression systems. The methods of the invention employ IL-2 receptor-affinity adsorbents in which soluble IL-2 receptors have been immobilized on solid supports. Through the use of these affinity adsorbents, highly purified IL-2 can be produced in a single step from bacterial extracts or conditioned medium. The IL-2 thus purified is largely free of aggregated forms, which are often present when other purification methods are used.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fluorescence polarization assay for phencyclidine and phencyclidine derivatives, to the various components needed for preparting and carrying out such an assay, and to methods of making these components. Specifically, tracers, immunogens and antibodies are disclosed, as well as methods for making them, and a reagent kit containing them. The tracers and the immunogens are made from substituted phencyclidine compounds. A fluorescein moiety is included in the tracer, while a poly(amino acid) forms a part of the immunogen. The assay is conducted by measuring the degree of polarization retention of plane polarized light that has been passed through a sample containing antiserum and tracer.

Abstract: The invention provides for antinomycin D derivatives and methods of producing antinomycin D derivatives. Such derivatives include isocyanate, thioisocyanate, carboxylic acid, bromide, aldehyde and sulfonic acid derivatives. The invention also provides for actinomycin D derivatives conjugated to target cell binding proteins. Methods are provided to make such conjugates through attachment of the derivatized moiety to a reactive group on a target cell binding protein or on a spacer. The conjugates can be administered to an animal and produce localized cytotoxic effects on target cells.

Abstract: Useful materials for diagnostic tests, affinity chromatography, enzymatic reactions and immunoassays are prepared by covalently attaching reactive compounds containing reactive amino or sulfhydryl groups to polymeric particles having pendant carboxyl groups on the outer surfaces. Such reactive compounds include biologically reactive species, including enzymes, polypeptides and proteins. This attachment is carried out using specific carbamoylonium compounds, namely certain 1-(1-pyrrolidinylcarbonyl)pyridinium salts. These compounds react with the carboxyl groups on the particles to form intermediate reactive groups which then react with the amino or sulfhydryl groups to form a covalent linkage between particle and reactive compound. A kit comprises polymeric particles having carboxyl groups on the outer surfaces, and a 1-(1-pyrrolidinylcarbonyl)pyridinium salt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for producing oligosaccharide conjugate vaccines. In an additional aspect of the invention, oligosaccharide vaccines are produced which elicit a monospecific and homogeneous immune response to capsular polysaccharide. A specific embodiment of the invention provides for vaccines which induce immunity to prevalent serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Abstract: A process for solubilizing membrane receptor proteins which includes exposing an outer membrane having the desired protein to an oxidizing agent, treating the membrane with a detergent and treating with an inhibitory material lowering agent. This method maintains the activity of the membrane proteins after solubilization.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the purification of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and chimeric proteins containing an IL-2 moiety from a wide variety of sources, including synthetic mixtures, cell culture conditioned medium and mammalian and bacterial recombinant expression systems. The methods of the invention employ IL-2 receptor-affinity adsorbents in which soluble IL-2 receptors have been immobilized on solid supports. Through the use of these affinity adsorbents, highly purified IL-2 and chimeric proteins containing an IL-2 moiety can be produced in a single step from bacterial extracts or conditioned medium. The proteins thus purified are largely free of aggregated forms, which are often present when other purification methods are used.

Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to antigens, antibodies, antisera and diagnostic assay kits used in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for .alpha.-haloacetamide herbicides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conjugates in which a monovalent carboxylic ionophore is associated by means of a covalent bond with a macromolecule chosen from antibodies, fragments of antibodies, proteins such as peptide hormones or human proteins, and peptide ligands. It also relates to the activated inophores.These conjugates are suitable as immunotoxin potentiators.

Abstract: A method for controlling the release of durgs or other passenger molecules form carrier conjugates, and a class of conjugates that releases drugs when ingested by a cell or subjected to acidic conditions, are disclosed. These conjugates contain a passenger molecule which is attached to a spacer molecule through an acidic bonding group, such as carboxyl, that is in a "cis" configuration with another acidic group, and a carrier molecule that is bonded to the spacer molecule at another site. When subjected to a mild increase in acidity, such as occurs within a lysosome of a cell, the drug or other passenger molecule is hydrolyzed from the the conjugate and released in unmodified, active form.

Abstract: A conjugate of a protein carrier and an antigen is disclosed. The carrier protein is cationized and the conjugate has enhanced immunogenic properties over those of the antigen alone. Cationization can be accomplished by derivatization of native carboxyl groups on the protein with an aklyl diamine, e.g. ethylene diamine, resulting in the formation of side chain aminoalkylamide groups, e.g. aminoethylamide.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed toward an immunoassay which can determine the presence of amphetamines in a sample suspected of containing amphetamine and/or methamphetamine by employing at least two conjugates, each comprised of a functionally similar label bound to an amphetamine analog and a methamphetamine analog respectively and an antibody to amphetamine and an antibody to methamphetamine wherein at least one of the antibodies is a monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: A high concentration of renaturing surfactants is added to protein systems in the presence of alkyl sulfate detergents to displace the detergent with respect to the interaction with the protein, thereby renaturing the protein and restoring its reactivity. The presence of higher quantities of detergent in the system results in smaller protein aggregates, and thus a higher reactivity and specificity as measured for the system in its entirety.

Abstract: A method for producing a polyprotein having at least 10 units, and often as many as 50 to 100 and more units held together by sulfur to sulfur or sulfur to carbon bonds is disclosed. Each unit comprises a protein and one or more heterobifunctional reagents. One functional group of the reagent is capable of forming a covalent bond with an amino group, permitting the reagent to bind to a protein. The other functional group of the reagent is capable of forming a covalent bond with a thiol group so as to form the covalent sulfur-carbon or sulfur-sulfur bond with another heterobifunctional reagent bonded to another protein.

Abstract: Undesired immune responses are suppressed by administering a nonimmunogenic material which comprises one or more haptens or epitopes corresponding to the antigen which causes the undesired immune response, the number and spacing of the haptens or epitopes being insufficient to trigger an immune response but sufficient to inhibit it. Also disclosed is an improved vaccine from which low molecular weight suppressive polymer has been removed.

Abstract: The invention relates to anthracycline conjugates comprising at least one anthracycline molecule linked to a molecule that is reactive with a cell population to be eliminated such as antibody, bombesin, EGF and transferrin. Each anthracycline molecule, having a keto group at the C-13 position, is conjugated to the antibody via a linker arm and is bound to that linker arm via an acid-sensitive acylhydrazone bond at the 13-keto position of the anthracycline. The linker additionally contains a disulfide or thioether linkage as part of the antibody or ligand attachment to the immunoconjugate. The novel anthracycline acylhydrazone derivatives are useful in the preparation of the conjugates of this invention. The acid-sensitive hydrazone bond of the conjugates of this invention allows the release of free anthracycline from the conjugates in the acidic external or internal environment of the target cell.

Abstract: Protein conjugated chelated metal radionuclides are provided for use in vivo. Intermediates are provided for preparing the polypeptide compositions efficiently.

Abstract: A protein conjugate or mixture useful in immunotherapy composed of a biological response modifier (BRM) and an allergen is disclosed. In use the protein conjugate or mixture is combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Cytokines, bacterial, fungal and viral immunopotentiators and thymus hormones are disclosed as suitable BRM's for use in the invention.

Abstract: A method of potentiating immunotoxin action in an immunotoxin/target-cell stem in which Brefeldin A is utilized as an immunopotentiator. The Brefeldin A enhances the immunotoxin pathway while blocking or inhibiting the nonspecific pathway, thus being particularly useful in conjunction with immunotoxins made from holotoxins. The Brefeldin A is effective in small, nontoxic concentrations and therefore may be utilized with either in vivo or in vitro systems.

Abstract: A partially cationized protein-containing substance that exhibits enhanced immunogenicity as compared to the native protein-containing substance and is useful in mammalian immunization by oral or parenteral administration.

Abstract: A polypeptide-labeled analyte analog for use in an immunoassay is prepared which is capable of binding with a polypeptide partner to provide enzymatic activity such as a ribonuclease or .beta.-galactosidase activity. The polypeptide analog provides a highly sensitive, immunoassay method for determining the amount of an analyte in a sample containing a known analyte in an unknown concentration. To carry out an immunoassay, there is brought together in a medium a sample, the polypeptide-labeled analog of the analyte, an antibody specific for said analyte, a polypeptide partner capable of non-covalently binding with the polypeptide-labeled analyte analog to form a complex having catalytic activity, and a substrate capable of being converted to a reporter molecule by the catalytic activity of said complex.