Oncogen

Mario N Lioubin

Thomas J Brown

Anthony F Purchio

Hans Marquardt

Mohammed Shoyab

Joyce M Zarling

Marcia B Hanson

Tatsuhiko Ikeda

Vera Brankovan

Type III TGF-.beta. receptor is identified in and purified from normal human embryonic palatal mesenchyme (HEPM) cells and the purified product characterized structurally and functionally. HEPM cells were found to express high levels of the type III TGF-.beta. receptor and were found to significantly down-regulate two classes of TGF-.beta. receptor binding site. Purification of the type III TGF-.beta. receptor from solubilized HEPM cell membranes by affinity chromatography yielded a biologically active protein of about 205 kd which specifically binds both the recombinant and natural forms of TGF-.beta.1 and TGF-.beta.2, with affinity dissociation constants in the picomolar range.

Normal human growth regulatory receptor for TGF-.beta.

The use of TGF-.beta. to inhibit HIV infection and/or replication is described. Both mature and precursor forms of TGF-.beta. are efficacious in inhibiting production of HIV. The TGF-.beta. used to inhibit HIV may be obtained from natural sources or may be produced by recombinant DNA or chemical synthetic techniques. TGF-.beta.1 and/or TGF-.beta.2 may be used. Additionally, hybrid TGF-.beta.1/.beta.2 molecules may also be utilized.

In vitro method of inhibition of HIV using transforming growth factor-.beta

Novel compositions are provided for modulating growth, particularly of tumor cells, which compositions are combinations of Oncostatin M, and one or both of transforming growth factors or .gamma.-interferons, or analogs thereof. In addition, a novel transforming growth factor is provided, designated TGF-.beta.2, as well as methods for its preparation.

Oncostatin M and novel compositions having anti-neoplastic activity

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Bellevue, WA, United States of America

Mario N Lioubin