| abstract |
Vitamin D-binding protein (Gc protein) and its small domain (approximately 1/5 of the Gc peptide also known as domain III) were cloned via a baculovirus vector. The cloned Gc protein and the cloned domain (Cd) peptide were treated with immobilized .beta.-galactosidase and sialidase to yield macrophage activating factors, GcMAFc and CdMAF, respectively. These cloned macrophage activating factors and GcMAF may be used for therapy of cancer, HIV-infection and osteoporosis, and may also be used as an adjuvant for immunization and vaccination. Methods and an antibody-sandwich ELISA kit were developed to detect serum or plasma .alpha.-N-acetylgalactosaminidase in cancer and HIVinfected patients. |