Abstract: The present invention discloses polypeptides consisting essentially of an amino acid residue sequence corresponding to a formula selected from the group consisting of: Tyr-His-Asp-Arg-Lys-Glu-Phe-Ala-Lys-Phe-Glu-Glu-Glu-Arg-Ala-Arg-Ala-Lys-Tr p-Asp-Thr-Ala-Asn-Asn (SEQ ID NO 1); Ala-Asn-Asn-Pro-Leu-Tyr-Lys-Glu-Ala-Thr-Ser-Thr-Phe-Thr-Asn-Ile-Thr-Tyr-Ar g-Gly-Thr (SEQ ID NO 2); Ile-His-Asp-Arg-Lys-Glu-Phe-Ala-Lys-Phe-Glu-Glu-Glu-Arg-Ala-Arg-Ala-Lys-Tr p-Asp-Thr-Ala-Asn-Asn-Pro-Leu-Tyr-Lys-Glu-Ala-Thr-Ser-Thr-Phe-Thr-Asn-Ile-T hr-Tyr-Arg-Gly-Thr (SEQ ID NO 4); and Gly-Pro-Asp-Ile-Leu-Val-Val-Leu-Leu-Ser-Val-Met-Gly-Ala-Ile-Leu-Leu-Thr-Gl y-Leu-Ala-Ala-Leu-Leu-Ile-Trp-Lys-Leu-Leu-Ile-Thr-Ile-His-Asp-Arg-Lys-Glu-P he-Ala-Lys-Phe-Glu-Glu-Glu-Arg-Ala-Arg-Ala-Lys-Trp-Asp-Thr-Ala-Asn-Asn-Pro- Leu-Tyr-Lys-Glu-Ala-Thr-Ser-Thr-Phe-Thr-Asn-Ile-Thr-Tyr-Arg-Gly-Thr (SEQ ID NO 5), as well as diagnostic kits including same.

Abstract: Protective Plasmodium falciparum hybrid proteins which contain part-sequences of the malaria antigens HRPII and SERP, the preparation and use thereof.The invention relates to hybrid proteins composed of part-sequences of the malaria antigens HRPII and SERP. The HRPII sequence has already proven protective in the monkey model (EP-A2-0 315 085), where a C-terminal region of 189 amino acids has been used in the present invention in the same way as in the preceding protection experiment. SERP was identified with the aid of an antiserum against a protective protein band (EP-A1-0 283 882); the part-sequence used (amino acids (AA) 631-892 or 630-764) contains at least two T-cell epitopes (Roussilhon et al. (1990), Immunol. Letters 25, 149-154). In preferred embodiments, further T-cell epitope-containing regions of other P. falciparum proteins such as merozoite surface antigen I (MSA I or else "195 kd antigen"), amino acids from 100 to 300, are incorporated (Crisanti et al. (1988), Science 240, 324-326).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a P. falciparum merozoite antigenic polypeptide of approximate molecular weight 185,000. The polypeptide and processing fragments are specific to, and isolable using, a monoclonal antibody produced by hybridoma cell line HB 9148. The polypeptides are useful in immunizing against malaria.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an adjuvant composition in the form of an emulsion which is comprised of an emulsion-forming amount of a non-toxic tetra-polyol or of a POP-POE block polymer and an immunopotentiating amount of a muramyldipeptide of the formula: ##STR1## or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, where R and R.sub.1 are each independently H or acyl of 1 to 22 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 is optionally substituted alkyl or optionally substituted aryl, R.sub.3 is H, alkyl, or aryl, R.sub.4 is H or lower alkyl, X is L-alanyl, L-.alpha.-aminobutyryl, L-arginyl, L-asparginyl, L-aspartyl, L-cysteinyl, L-glutaminyl, L-glutamyl, glycyl, L-histidyl, L-hydroxyprolyl, L-isoleucyl, L-leucyl, L-lysyl, L-methionyl, L-ornithinyl, L-phenylalanyl, L-prolyl, L-seryl, L-threonyl, L-tyrosyl, L-tryptophanyl, or L-valyl, and Y is D-glutamine, D-isoglutamine or D-isoasparagine. This invention is also directed to a vaccine containing an antigen and an adjuvant composition of the invention.

Abstract: A family of metalloproteinases exist which cleave extracellular matrix molecules. These metalloproteinases are secreted in a latent inactive form and require activation in order to specifically cleave the preferred substrate. A series of peptides have been prepared based on the complete sequence analysis of type IV procollagenase. Peptide inhibitors were synthesized which correspond to cysteine repeat regions and histidine containing regions; the mechanism of action of these peptides involves inhibition of binding of the enzyme to the substrate. Peptide inhibitors were synthesized which correspond to the peptide cleaved off during activation, and constitute a novel class of metalloproteinase inhibitors. These inhibitors are members of a series of peptides which contain the core amino acid sequence RKPRC or analogs thereof. The cysteine residue is required for activity.

Abstract: Stable forms of Taenia ovis peptide antigens, such as portions of a T. ovis oncosphere antigen which runs as a 47-52 kDa doublet, are suitable for use in vaccines to protect ruminants against infection by cestode parasites. The antigens are preferably obtained by isolation and expression of the DNA encoding them in recombinant host cells. Aspects of the invention include DNA encoding T. ovis antigens, vectors containing such DNA and host cells which express the T. ovis antigens.

Abstract: Processes for increasing antigen binding capacity of a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule or a chain thereof are described. Such processes comprise treating an antigen-bound MHC molecule or a chain thereof with an effective amount of an unfolding agent to release undesired antigen from the MHC molecule or chain and then treating the antigen-free MHC molecule or chain with an effective amount of a refolding agent to produce a functional MHC molecule or chain. Additionally, compositions of MHC molecules that are substantially free of undesired antigens or that have been bound with desired specific antigens, alone or in combination with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or cytotoxic agents, are described. The present invention has utility for therapeutic administrations, drug screening, and diagnostics.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method for detecting bladder cancer in a subject. The method preferably comprises first collecting a urine sample from the subject. The presence of a proteinaceous substance having a molecular weight of about 180 kDa according to its relative electrophoretic migration rate through detergent-containing polyacrylamide gel is then measured. This substance reversibly binds concanavalin A and is complexed with gamma globulin while in the urine. The gamma globulin complex binds to Staphlococcal protein A. Said proteinaceous substance, when present in detectable amount, is an indicator of bladder cancer.

Abstract: A non-toxic and non-cytolytic derivative of streptolysin O which retains at least one (preferably immunodominant) epitope is produced, and can be used especially in diagnostic tests for detecting of the presence of antibodies to Streptococcus pyogenes in a sample.

Abstract: Chemically modified allergens, whose allergenic activity is reduced with respect to that of the corresponding native allergenic material, which are capable of inducing specific antibodies addressed towards said native allergenic material, wherein a portion of the primary amino groups of the protein molecule of the native allergen are chemically modified so as to give simple or substituted carbamylic amino groups, or substituted thiocarbamylic amino groups, or possibly substituted guanidino groups, and process for the production thereof. The allergens so modified are not polymerized with each other, they are soluble in water media, they are resistent to tryptic hydrolysis and they show particularly suitable for being administered in hyposensitizing therapeutic treatments.

Abstract: The present prevention provides an effective, fast acting method of vaccination useful in suppressing gonadotropic hormone release. The vaccine utilizes LHRH conjugated at its amino terminus to a protein carrier and can be mixed with either adjuvants or detergents in order to provide an effect vaccine.

Abstract: This invention relates to the identification, characterization, and sequencing of genetic sequences of human secretory granule proteoglycan peptide core protein, recombinant DNA clones directed against this sequence and against the sequence of the antisense RNA, and antibodies which recognize the native human secretory granule proteoglycan.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the cloning and expression of genes coding for the non-toxic subunit of the heat-labile enterotoxin (LT-B) of E. coli. The LT-B thus produced may be formulated for use as an immunogen in vaccines. Specific antibodies produced by this invention may be used in diagnostic tests for the detection of Vibrio cholerae or LT positive enterotoxigenic E. coli. The antibodies of this invention may further be formulated into passive vaccines for the prophylactic or therapeutic protection of human beings or other mammalian species against diarrheal diseases caused by Vibrio cholerae or by the LT positive enterotoxigenic E. coli or other bacteria.

Abstract: A polypeptide sequence from Candida albicans is described which has significant sequence homology with known stress proteins from other organisms, particularly the heat shock protein hsp 90 of Sacchromyces cerevisiae. Corresponding DNA sequences are also described, together with antibodies raised against fragments of the sequence. The polypeptide and DNA sequences and antibodies provide separate means for the diagnosis and/or treatment of fungal, particularly Candida, infections.

Abstract: A surface-modified fibrillated fiber composition is disclosed herein which comprises polyacrylonitrile homopolymer or copolymer and a surface of pendant N-haloamide groups. Also disclosed is a process for the production of said composition.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and materials useful in treating autoimmune diseases. The therapeutic agents are of the formula X--MHC--peptide or MHc--peptide--X wherein X represents a functional moiety selected from a toxin and a labeling group; MHC is an effective portion of the MHC glycoprotein, said glycoprotein dissociated from the cell surface on which it normally resides; and "peptide" represents an antigenic peptide sequence associated with an autoantigen;--represents a covalent bond or a linker bound to X and MHC or to X and peptide by covalent bonds; and--represents a covalent bond, a noncovalent association, or a linker covalently bound to or associated with the MHC and peptide. These complexes can be used to target helper T-cells which are specifically immunoreactive with autoantigens.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed herein which comprises a core of a polyacrylonitrile homopolymer or copolymer and a surface of N-haloamides. Also disclosed is a process for the production of said composition.

Abstract: A protein characterized by the fact that it is a non-keratinic protein present on the apicolateral surface and absent on the basal surface of basal epidermal cells, in particular in man, that it is present in a nonpolarized manner in basocellular and spinocellular carcinomas and absent in melanoma and naevus cells; antibodies directed against said protein, their preparation and their use as reagents; cellular stocks secreting such antibodies, and their preparation.

Abstract: This invention relates to the development of a vaccine against Theileria parva, which is a protozoan parasite infecting cattle in Africa. The invention specifically relates to the use of the 67 kDa glycoprotein from the surface of the T. parva sporozoite as an immunogen for inducing immunoprotection against T. parva in bovine species. This 67 kDa antigen is produced using recombinant genetics. Plasmids containing nucleic acid segments encoding the antigen, host cells containing the nucleic acid segments and recombinant methods for producing the antigen are part of this invention.

Abstract: A surface-modified fibrillated fiber composition is disclosed herein which comprises polyacrylonitrile homopolymer or copolymer and a surface of pendant N-haloamide groups. Also disclosed is a process for the production of said composition.

Abstract: A bead composition is disclosed herein which comprises a core of a polyacrylonitrile homopolymer or copolymer and a surface of pendant N-haloamide groups. Also disclosed is a process for the production of said composition.

Abstract: Bacterially synthesized polypeptides that are recognized by antibodies produced in EBV-infected humans are disclosed. Plasmids containing DNA sequences encoding portions of the EBNA and EBEA-D antigens are also disclosed, as are methods for expressing these DNA sequences in bacteria. The DNA sequence encoding the EBNA-1-related fusion polypeptide is found in a Bam H1 K-restriction fragment, while that encoding the EBEA-D-related fusion polypeptide is found in a Bam H1 M-restriction fragment.

Abstract: A protein of interest or a Met-protein, e.g. the N-Met analog of the protein of the interest can be efficiently separated from a mixture thereof by subjecting the mixture to a separation procedure utilizing the difference in the isoelectric points between the protein and the Met-protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to synthetic peptides which contain certain partial sequences from factor VIIa, the synthesis thereof and the use of these peptides for immunizing an animal and for purifying specific antibodies against the said peptides, to antibodies against these peptides and the use of these antibodies and peptides in therapy and diagnosis.

Abstract: A composition for protecting swine against mycoplasmal pneumonia caused by M. hyopneumoniae which includes at least one protein which is an M. hyopneumoniae antigen. The M. hyopneumoniae antigen is present in an amount effective for protection of swine against mycoplasmal pneumonia caused by M. hyopneumoniae. A preferred antigen is the M. hyopneumoniae 74.5 kda antigen.

Abstract: Glycopeptides of human cytomegalovirus have been isolated and purified. These glycopeptides and antibodies reactive with them are useful in diagnosis and therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a peptide having the amino acid sequence: Lys Arg Ser Thr Asn, Arg Arg Tyr Lys Glu Lys Glu Lys or Ala Ile Ile Pro Asp Arg Glu Val Leu Tyr and which peptide is capable of specifically binding to the antibody which is specific to the non-A, non-B hepatitis associated antigen. The peptide can be used as an anti-HCV antibody assay reagent with high sensitivity.

Abstract: Processes are provided for producing purified, hepatitis B surface antigen particles in mammalian cells which comprise culturing mammalian cells which produce the particles in a culture medium supplemented with a serum free of high molecular weight contaminant proteins and recovering the purified, hepatitis B surface antigen particles.Removal of molecules having a molecular weight greater than about 3.times.10.sup.5 daltons by prefractionation, for example, allows cells to be grown in culture media containing high levels of fetal calf serum, removes high molecular weight contaminant proteins which may be inhibitory to cell growth and simplifies purification of HBsAg since high molecular weight contaminant proteins are the major contaminants removed by purification processes.

Abstract: Regression associated antigens (RAAs) are identified in material from neoplastic cells by their immunological reactivity with regression associated antibodies from the serum of patients diagnosed as undergoing regression of a tumor. Regression associated antibodies (RAAbs) are identified by their absence during progression of a neoplastic disease state and by their presence in a diagnosed state of regression. RAAs have been purified and used to monitor the condition of cancer patients. Production of RAAbs and treatments employing those antibodies are described. It is herein disclosed that RAAs are expressed by M. hyorhinis and are also expressed by expression of provided nucleotide sequences in recombinant host cells, particularly nucleotide sequence for 38 kd and 43 kd RAAs as expressed in E. coli. RAAs and nucleic acids encoding RAAs (or portions thereof) and RAAbs may be used in diagnostic assays and immunotherapy.

Abstract: A method for protecting an animal, in particular swine, against mycoplasma pneumonia by administering intranasally to the animal a vaccine containing one or more proteins which elicits an antibody which recognizes a Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae antigen which lacks immunosuppressive activity. A particularly preferred intranasal vaccine includes the 74.5 kDa antigen of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. The 74.5 kDa antigen may be of recombinant origin.

Abstract: From a cDNA library, a nucleotide sequence of a novel gene, called rig, specifically expressed by streptozotocin- or alloxan-nicotinamide-induced rat insulinomas was determined and an amino acid sequence of a protein encoded by the gene was deduced. Further, novel genes with base sequences homologous to rig were found in a BK virus-induced hamster insulinoma and in a surgically removed human insulinoma. The above DNA is transcribed to provide an mRNA. The above novel proteins, DNAs and mRNAs can be efficaciously employed for the medical purposes of pancreatic diseases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fluorescence polarization immunoassay for cyclosporin A and metabolites thereof. The present invention also relates to novel cyclosporin A derivative compounds useful in fluorescence polarization techniques. Included among the novel compounds are cyclosporin A derivatives where the amino acid in the first position is altered. The cyclosporin A derivatives are useful in forming immunogens for raising antibodies specific to cyclosporin A and metabolites thereof.

Abstract: A peptide fraction inducing the formation of antibodies which protect against the bovine leukemia virus (BLV), wherein it includes a peptide sequence which reproduces all or part of the sequence of the glycoprotein envelope gp51 fragment of the BLV virus which bears at least one of the epitopes (F, G, H) responsible for the biological activity of the virus. This fraction may be the fragment itself or a synthetic peptide. Application is made to the preparation or search for antibodies, to diagnosis and to the preparation of vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel antigenic preparations comprising proteinaceous material associated with adenylate cyclase activity in cultures of B. pertussis, the said preparations being useful as components of acellular whooping cough vaccines. The invention further provides methods for the isolation of such antigenic preparations.

Abstract: Antibodies having specific binding affinity for substantially pure, isolated, thyroid hormone binding protein (p58) are described.

Abstract: A polypeptide of the formula (SEQ ID NO 24): X-Glu-Thr-Gly-Gln-Glu-Thr-Ala-Tyr-Phe-Ile-Leu-Lys-Leu-Ala-Gly-Arg-Trp-Pro- Val-Lys-Z wherein X is a chain of from 1 to 20 amino acid residues or an amino-terminal group and Z is a chain of from 1 to 20 amino acid residues or a carboxy-terminal group. The polypeptide immunologically mimics HIV endonuclease (p 31).

Abstract: Immunogenic components are recovered from pathogenic bacteria grown on semi-defined, serum-free media in purified forms that are useful as veterinary acellular vaccines and include both polysaccharides as well as proteins. Recovery is accomplished by homogenizing the cells; precipitating unwanted cellular compounds such as nucleic acids using a quaternary ammonium salt to form insoluble ionic complexes; treating the resulting supernatant with a hypersaline solution to dissociate any residual ionic complexes; and concentrating and dialyzing the supernatant to remove the ammonium and chloride salts and various unwanted components derived from the culture medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides an in vitro tissue culture-based assay for amyloid deposition specific for Alzheimer's disease which is suitable for routine drug screening analysis. Immunological diagnostic reagents for Alzheimer's disease are also provided.

Abstract: Antigenic surface proteins from the intraerythrocytic merozoite stage of Babesia bigemina have been isolated using cell fusions and monoclonal antibodies produced thereby. Immunization of mammals, such as bovines, with purified isolates induces an immunological response that is effective to reduce pathological effects of babesiosis induced by Babesia bigemina. Diagnostic kits using monoclonal antibodies and antigenic surface proteins of Babesia bigemina are also disclosed.

Abstract: An antigen antibody conjugate is provided including at least one antigen and at least one monoclonal antibody having a specificity for at least one major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I or class II antigens and at least one monoclonal antibody having a specificity for at least one antigen other than a MHC class I or class II antigen. Each antibody is conjugated to at least one antigen.

Abstract: The sequence of the protein coding regions of the bcl-2 gene are provided as well as bacterial clones which produce the proteins. Assays are provided for detecting a class of B-cell neoplasms associated with a chromosome translocation between chromosomes 14 and 18. The translocation is involved in the majority of cases of human follicular lymphomas. One assay employs an antibody which is immunoreactive with a human protein which is over-expressed due to the chromosome translocation. Another assay involves measurement of the amount of mRNA which hybridizes to the gene proximal to the translocation break-point.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a pseudorabies virus (PRV) vaccine comprising a polypeptide of the PRV glycoprotein gII or a fragment thereof which was shown to be the site of interaction of PRV neutralizing antibodies. Vector vaccines capable to express a polynucleotide fragment coding for such a polypeptide also form part of the present invention.

Abstract: Recombinant full-length Hepatitis B surface antigen protein is disclosed. This protein is useful in vaccines for the prevention of Hepatitis B infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to malaria-specific DNA sequences, to the expression products thereof, and to the use thereof.A combination of three of the expression proteins whose DNA sequences were isolated by screening a lambda gt11 gene bank with a monospecific antiserum against the protective 41kD antigen bend from P. falciparum protects Aotus monkeys completely from a P. falciparum infection in model experiments.

Abstract: A method of detecting or determining the sequence of monomers which is a topological equivalent of the epitope which is complementary to a particular paratope of an antibody of interest, comprises the steps of: 1) synthesizing a plurality of catamer preparations; each of the catamer preparations consisting of a plurality of catamers in which the composition at one or more designated positions in each catamer is known, and the composition at the remaining positions is randomly made up from members of a defined set of monomers; and the plurality of catamer preparations comprises preparations in which the composition at the designated positions is systematically varied to contain members from a defined set of monomers; 2) contacting each of the plurality of catamer preparations with the antibody of interest; and 3) detecting or determining the presence or absence of binding between each of the plurality of catamer preparations and the given antibody to indicate a partial sequence of the mimotopes for the paratop

Abstract: A purified human CMV virion protein that has a molecular weight of approximately 86,000 daltons by SDS-PAGE and exhibits in vivo immunizing activity and a murine monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to the protein and exhibits complement-independent human CMV neutralizing activity are described. The antibody is useful for isolating the protein by affinity chromatography and the protein is, in turn, useful for detecting CMV neutralizing antibody in sera and as a vaccine.

Abstract: A new circulating factor from the parathyroid gland of some hypertensive mammals have been isolated and characterized. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies raised against this factor are usable as a screen for the presence of the factor. The factor is involved in the control of calcium uptake in cells. Hypertensive mammals may be treated to lower mean blood pressure by administering a calcium channel blocking agent together with one or both of a calcium supplement and Vitamin D. The hypotensive effect of this combination is synergistic and the dose response is more predictable than the administration of any of these agents singly. The factor has a molecular weight of 3,000 to 4,000 Daltons.

Abstract: A method of purifying LFA-3 using affinity chromatography. Purified LFA-3 is useful for quantitating or separating out CD-2-containing cells.

Abstract: A stable immunogen composition for oral administration which includes a dried spherical form comprised of an immunogen capable of immunizing human or animals and a gelatin having an average molecular weight of 80,000-120,000 and jelly strength of more than 150 (Bloom, g, 6.2/3%), and is enteric.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies specific for the glycosylated lysine residue at position 525 in glycoalbumin and a method for producing such antibodies. The monoclonal antibodies are useful as reagents in immunoassays for the specific determination of glycoalbumin in human blood samples which is indicative of the severity of the diabetic condition. The monoclonal antibodies are secreted by hybridomas obtained by fusing a myeloma cell with a lymphocyte that has been taken from an animal, usually a mouse, immunized with a peptide immunogen and which produces antibody to the lysine 525 residue in glycoalbumin. The synthetic peptide immunogen comprises a peptide residue which includes an .epsilon.-amino glucosylated lysine and an adjacent amino acid sequence in which at least one of the amino acid units is in a position corresponding to the peptide sequence of human albumin adjacent to lysine 525, the glycosylated peptide residue being linked to an immunogenic carrier.