Merck Frosst Canada, Inc.

Merck Frosst Canada & Co.

Merck + Co., Inc.

John P Vaillancourt

Donald W Nicholson

Neil A Munday

Ambereen Ali

Michel Gallant

Marc Labelle

Yves Gareau

Rejean Ruel

Nancy A Thornberry

Dita M Rasper

Erin P Peterson

Kimberly M Fazil

Jennifer Rotonda

Joseph W Becker

A complementary DNA (cDNA) encoding full length form of ICE.sub.rel -II is identified, sequenced and isolated. The cDNA is cloned into expression vectors for expression in recombinant hosts. The cDNA is useful to produce recombinant full length ICE.sub.rel -II. The cDNA and the recombinant ICE.sub.rel -II protein derived therefrom are useful in diagnostic kits, laboratory reagents and assays. The cDNA and the recombinant ICE.sub.rel -II protein may be used to identify compounds that affect ICE.sub.rel -II function, inflammation and cell apoptosis. ICE.sub.rel -II function, inflammation and cell apoptosis may also be modulated by ICE.sub.rel -II antisense or gene therapy.

DNA encoding precursor of interleukin-1.beta. converting enzyme--related

Interleukin-1.beta. converting enzyme-related cysteine proteinase II

The apopain:Ac-DEVD-CHO complex has been crystallized and its structure determined by x-ray crystallography. Based upon this crystal structure of the complex, a method for identifying inhibitors of apopain is presented which comprises designing putative inhibitors having specific contacts with apopain, making the putative inhibitors, and testing the putative inhibitors for their ability to inhibit apopain.

Method for identifying inhibitors for apopain based upon the crystal

DNA encoding precursor of interleukin-1.beta. converting enzyme-related

A complementary DNA (cDNA) encoding full length form of ICE.sub.rel -III is identified, sequenced and isolated. The cDNA is cloned into expression vectors for expression in recombinant hosts. The cDNA is useful to produce recombinant full length ICE.sub.rel -III. The cDNA and the recombinant ICE.sub.rel -III protein derived therefrom are useful in diagnostic kits, laboratory reagents and assays. The cDNA and the recombinant ICE.sub.rel -III protein may be used to identify compounds that affect ICE.sub.rel -III function, inflammation and cell apoptosis. ICE.sub.rel -III function, inflammation and cell apoptosis may also be modulated by ICE.sub.rel -III antisense or gene therapy.

DNA encoding precursor of interleukin-1 beta converting enzyme - related

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Pierrefonds, Canada

John P Vaillancourt