Abstract:
This invention relates to cleaved dimers of Mullerian inhibiting substance-like polypeptides. More particularly, this invention relates to such dimers, methods of producing them and methods of using them in the treatment of cancer and tumors, especially those of the female genital tract. The dimers of this invention are also useful in compositions and methods for contraception.
Abstract:
This invention relates to interleukin inhibitors (IL-1 INHs) that selectively inhibit interleukin 1 activity. The invention also relates to processes for purifying such IL-1 INHs from urine and for producing such IL-1 INHs by hosts transformed with recombinant DNA molecules comprising DNA sequences encoding the inhibitors, and to methods of treatment and compositions characterized by such IL-1 INHs. These methods and agents are useful in immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory applications and therapies.
Abstract:
A method for treatment of a matter which contains moisturized or liquified lactoferrin which has been isolated from mammalian milk, processed mammalian milk and by-products in mammalian milk-processing, without losing the physiological activities of lactoferrin, which comprises adjusting pH of said moisturized or liquefied lactoferrin contained in said matter within an acidic range between 2.0 and 6.0 both inclusive by adding acid or aqueous solution of acid when the pH of said moisturized or liquefied lactoferrin is out of said pH range, and heating said matter in the range from 60.degree. C. to 130.degree. C. for a span of time which may assure 60% or more of undenaturization rate of lactoferrin.
Abstract:
This invention discloses novel polypeptides having an antigenic determinant or determinants immunologically cross-reactive with determinants of a glycoprotein having a molecular weight of approximately 41,000 daltons, and determinants of a glycoprotein having a molecular weight of approximately 160,000 daltons which are obtained from cells infected with human immunodeficiency virus-1. The invention further discloses novel polypeptides having an antigenic determinant or determinants specific for a glycoprotein having a molecular weight of approximately 41,000 daltons obtained from cells infected with human immunodeficiency virus-1, the polypeptides further having an antigenic determinant or determinants immunologically cross-reactive with at least one glycoprotein having a molecular weight of 25,000 to 35,000 daltons, 45,000 daltons to 60,000 daltons, 80,000 to 100,000 daltons or 180,000 or 220,000 daltons, which are obtained from HSB, St, HeLa and human cells. The novel polypeptides of the invention are useful in methods of interfering with the effects of HIV-1 upon host cells having cell surface polypeptides capable of binding HIV-1. Methods of assay for HIV-1 infection are also disclosed. The invention also discloses peptides having amino acid sequences of about 10 to about 50 amino acids that correspond to at least a portion of an epitope of HIV and methods for developing such biologically active peptides.
Abstract:
Disclosed are a crosslinked gelatin microspheres containing CSF and a water soluble CSF-gelatin conjugate. Both the microspheres and the water soluble conjugate provide an improved CSF stability. They have a high potentiation on the antitumor activity of macrophages in respect of the CSF amount and the time required for macrophage activation and are effective in maintaining their activated state for a long period, compared with the native CSF. The mechanism of macrophage activation by the microspheres containing CSF is mediated via phagocytosis and different from that by native CSF, which is believed to activate macrophages via cell surface receptor. The species specificity of CSF may be abrogated when the CSF is internalized into macrophages through phagocytosis.
Abstract:
A novel human cytokine, JE factor, and processes for producing it are disclosed. JE may be used in pharmaceutical preparations for stimulating and/or enhancing immune responsiveness and in wound healing and related tissue repair. containing the factor.
Abstract:
The invention discloses antigenic compositions and an assay for detecting Helicobacter pylori. The antigenic composition includes a comprehensive mixture of fragments purified from Helicobacter pylori for the detection of Helicobacter pylori infection and/or for monitoring the status of such an infection following treatment. The assay involves an ELISA for urine samples, and includes a kit wherein the antigenic composition is immobilized on a solid support.
Abstract:
A method for purifying two distinct insulin mediators to substantial homogeneity, and relative purity values above 80%, comprises adsorption on first anion exchange resin and subsequently on a chelex cation exchange resin column. The chelex resin ion exchange column substantially increases the activity of the recovered mediator. Following purification, the already treated fraction is subjected to three successive thin layer chromatography purification steps, the last giving, in the presence of ninhydrin stain, a characteristic salmon-color spot, which is indicative of the presence of the mediator. This process can also be used as a screening process, the absence of the salmon-colored spot being indicative of the diabetic state. Structure information on the insulin mediators obtained is given.
Abstract:
Proteinaceous bioactive substances (including lymphokine and peptide hormone) in dry solid are extremely stabilized by the presence of the specific polysaccharide mainly composed of repeating maltotriose units. Pullulan, elsinan, and their partial hydrolysates are feasible as the polysaccharide. The weight ratio of the polysaccharide to the substance which effectively stabilizes the latter substance is at least 0.5 on the basis of dry solids. The dry solid is advantageously usable as a test reagent, injection, granule, tablet, suppository or ointment.