Abstract:
A new homogeneous cytosolic binding protein (FKBP-14.6 immunophilin) having a molecular weight of about 14.6 kDa (calculated from its amino acid composition), reversibly binds the immunosuppressive drugs FK-506, rapamycin or chemically related compounds, but not cyclosporine. The FKBP-14.6 protein has a pI of 6.5-7.5, and the (partial) N-terminal amino acid sequence: NH.sub.2 -Lys-Leu-Pro-Tyr-Glu-Leu-Lys-Xaa-Asn-Val-Lys-Ala-Phe-Xaa-Xaa-Lys-Val- (Seq. ID. No: 1) (where Xaa is undefined), and partial internal amino acid sequences -Val-Leu-Asp-Thr-Ala-Tyr-Glu-Tyr-Gly-Ala-Glu-Ala-Leu-Glu- (Seq. ID. No: 2), -Glu-Phe-Thr-Pro-Val-Phe-Gln-Ala-Xaa-Phe- (Seq. ID. No: 3) and -Ser-Leu-Val-Pro-Leu-Val-Gly-Xaa-Lys- (Seq. ID. No. 4) (where Xaa is undefined). This N-terminal amino acid sequence exhibits no homology to FKBP-12 or membrane-associated FKBP-13. The FKBP-14.6 is isolated from the cytosol of mammalian tissues, preferably calf thymus, and can be used in diagnostic and purification procedures involving FK-506 and rapamycin-type immunosuppressant drugs.
Abstract:
The present invention provides for a method for preparing antibodies that specifically detect the type IV collagen .alpha.5 chain that is defective in various basement membrane disorders such as in X chromosome-linked Alport's syndrome. The invention further provides for the use of such antibodies to detect the .alpha.5(IV) collagen chain in solutions and other human tissue specimens using immunological methods comprised of antibodies specific for said protein. Along this line, the invention relates to the use of the specific antibodies to examine the presence or absence of the .alpha.5(IV) collagen chain in the tissues, e.g. skin or kidneys, etc. of patients with renal failure, possibly due to Alport's syndrome.
Abstract:
A new cellular protein produced by activated T cells and involved in the high affinity binding of interleukin-2 has been discovered. This protein has a molecular weight of about 75,000 (Mr) and is further characterized as having an affinity for IL-2 (in the absence of other receptor proteins) of about 10.sup.-9 molar and is substantially unreactive with anti-Tac antibodies. This new cellular protein, referred to herein as the ".alpha. chain," is believed to interact with the previously isolated 55,000 dalton receptor protein (referred to herein as the ".beta. chain") to form the high affinity interleukin-2 receptor which triggers the growth and mitosis of T cells during an immune response. Methods for isolating and purifying the .alpha. chain protein are disclosed herein as well as techniques for cloning and expressing the protein and related materials. Techniques for raising monoclonal antibodies to such proteins are also disclosed. Diagnostic and therapeutic uses for the novel receptor protein (or particular epitopes thereof) as well as monoclonal antibodies (or active fragments) reactive therewith are proposed.
Abstract:
A novel human megakaryocytopoietic factor capable of stimulating the growth and development of colonies of megakaryocytes is provided, including procedures for its purification and use as a pharmaceutical agent.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a new antigen termed BLA-35 specifically expressed on the surface of Hodgkin's cells, Reed-Sternberg cells and B lymphocytes, and to a new monoclonal antibody (anti-BLA-36) specific thereto. The antigen is characterized by the following properties:a molecular weight of about 36,000 D;the presence of an epitope recognized by antibody to said protein;specific expression by Hodgkin's cells and Reed-Sternberg cells in all subsets of Hodgkin's disease, and by activated and early proliferating B cells;no expression by T cells;capability of reacting with its antibody in both frozen and fixed/paraffin embedded tissues;a function associated with the growth of cells capable to express said antigen protein.
Abstract:
The invention concerns monoclonal antibodies which are directed against the thrombin/hirudin-complex and derivatives thereof, processes for their preparation, hybridoma cell lines secreting said monoclonal antibodies, and processes for the preparation of the hybridoma cell lines. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of the monoclonal antibodies and/or their derivatives for the determination of the thrombin/hirudin-complex as well as to test kits comprising said monoclonal antibodies and/or their derivatives.
Abstract:
Substantially water-insoluble, crosslinked polypeptides containing 15 to 85 mole % of amino acid residues such as glutamic acid, aspartic acid, phosphoserine, phosphohomoserine, phosphotyrosine, phosphothreonine, phosphoasparagine, or phosphoglutamine, and 15 to 85 mole % of amino acid residues such as lysine, arginine, asparagine, glutamine, serine or tyrosine, in which the degree of crosslinking is sufficient to result in a substantially water-insoluble polypeptide with the ability to absorb a 1 wt. % aqueous NaCl solution in an amount of at least 20 times the weight of the polypeptide, are useful as superabsorbents in devices such as diapers, etc. Mild alkaline hydrolysis of the crosslinked polypeptides increases their superabsorbency by two to three fold.
Abstract:
The present invention describes APC polypeptides and anti-peptide antibodies capable of inhibiting activated Protein C anticoagulant activity. The polypeptide and antibody are useful in diagnostic methods and systems for measuring APC in vascular fluid samples. In addition, the polypeptide and anti-peptide antibody are useful in therapeutic methods for inhibiting APC in a human patient.
Abstract:
The invention proposes a process for purifying a highly glycosylated protein from a crude preparation which comprises the action (i) of adding to said preparation a divalent metal ion in a sufficient amount in order to form a mixture which precipitates and (ii) after precipitation, of harvesting said protein from the mixture supernatant.