The invention concerns recombinant proteinase K. Furthermore a method for producing recombinant proteinase K is disclosed, which is characterized in that a) a host cell is transformed with a recombinant nucleic acid which codes for the zymogenic precursor of proteinase K, b) the host cell is cultured in such a manner that the zymogenic precursor of proteinase K is formed in the form of inclusion bodies in the host cell, c) the inclusion bodies are isolated and natured under conditions which result in the formation of the protease part of the zymogenic precursor in its natural conformation, d) the natured proteinase K is activated and purified.

A method is provided for increasing the specific activity of a type III antifreeze protein when said protein is prepared by expression in a heterologous fungal species of a gene encoding the protein sequence, by means of reducing the extent of glycosylation of the protein.

The present invention is directed to antixoidant peptides produced by the proteolytic digestion of soy protein isolate. These peptides may be purified and used in either pharmaceutical or dietary compositions.

A process for obtaining protein preparations with constant functional properties, comprises extraction from a protein containing raw material, eg leguminous plants, cereals or oil seeds. The raw material undergoes at least one fluid extraction step and the raffinate and/or extract obtained is either fed to a membrane separation process, or subjected to a thermal concentration where a concentrate is obtained. The protein preparation is contained in the retained product or the concentrate.

It is intended to provide a novel receptor of LPA and a method of screening a drug such as an LPA receptor antagonist using the same. Use as a lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor comprising a G protein-coupled protein p2y9. More specifically, use of the G protein-coupled protein p2y9 as a lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor. A method of screening an agonist or an antagonist to the LPA receptor as described above by using the receptor.

A novel peptide sequence having the general formula AB wherein each of A and B represent a chain of amino acid residues and wherein said A chain is capable of binding with a mojor histocompatibility comples on an antigen presenting cell, and wherein said B chain is capable of binding wiht a Signal-2 receptor on an antigen presenting cell. Preferred forms of the peptide sequence further include and Y chain positioned intermediate the A chain and the B chain. Moreover, preferred forms include and A chain which has at least about 10% sequence homology with a Signal-1 moiety, or is a peptidomimetic of a Signal-1 moiety, said B chain has at least 10% sequence homology with a Signal-2 receptor moiety, said B chain has at least 10% sequence homology with a Signal-2 receptor moiety, or is a peptidomimetic of a Signal-2 receptpr moiety, and wherein the X chain has at least one amino acid residue, or is a peptidomimetic of that amino acid residue. Advantageously, the movel peptide sequence is capable of shifting a type-1 immune response to a type-2 immune response or from a type-2 immune response to a type-1 immune response.

The present invention provides serum-free cell culture media formulations which are capable of supporting the in vitro cultivation of animal cells. The media comprise at least one nutrient of plant derivation, such as at least one plant peptide and/or at least one plant lipid and/or at least one plant fatty acid. The media may further optionally comprise an enzymatic digest or extract of yeast cells. The present invention also provides methods of cultivating animal cells in vitro using these cell culture media formulations. In addition, the media of the present invention can be used for growth of animal cells for virus production.

The present invention provides serum-free cell culture media formulations which are capable of supporting the in vitro cultivation of animal cells. The media comprise at least one nutrient of plant derivation, such as at least one plant peptide and/or at least one plant lipid and/or at least one plant fatty acid. The media may further optionally comprise an enzymatic digest or extract of yeast cells. The present invention also provides methods of cultivating animal cells in vitro using these cell culture media formulations. In addition, the media of the present invention can be used for growth of animal cells for virus production.

A solid dosage formulation having a core with a pharmacological agent dispersed in a first controlled-release matrix from which release of the agent is relatively slow; and a coat formed over the core and having the agent dispersed in a second controlled-release matrix from which release of the agent is relatively fast. The first matrix can be a cross-linked high amylose starch and the second matrix can be a mixture of polyvinyl acetate and polyvinylpyrrolidone.

A solid dosage formulation having a core with a pharmacological agent dispersed in a first controlled-release matrix from which release of the agent is relatively slow; and a coat formed over the core and having the agent dispersed in a second controlled-release matrix from which release of the agent is relatively fast. The first matrix can be a cross-linked high amylose starch and the second matrix can be a mixture of polyvinyl acetate and polyvinylpyrrolidone.