Abstract: Methods for enhancing the immune response to vaccination in animals, including humans, comprise administering interleukin-2 (IL-2) as part of the vaccination regimen, preferably for 5 to 14 days post-vaccination. In addition, compositions for enhancing the immune response of an animal to a vaccine employ IL-2 as an active ingredient, preferably human IL-2.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature methods and compositions for controlling the translation of viral peptides and proteins from viral nucleic acid, with particular applications to pestivirus and HCV. The methods and compositions feature control elements of the 5'UT region of the viral genome.

Abstract: The claimed invention provides methods of detecting and typing HCV using type specific and type-cluster specific epitopes. The claimed invention also provides peptides having type specific and type-cluster specific epitopes.

Abstract: Novel bactericidal antibodies against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B ("MenB") are disclosed. The antibodies either do not cross-react or minimally cross-react with host tissue polysialic acid and hence pose minimal risk of autoimmune activity. The antibodies are used to identify molecular mimetics of unique epitopes found on MenB or E. coli K1. Examples of such peptide mimetics are described that elicit serum antibody capable of activating complement-mediated bacteriolysis of MenB. Vaccine compositions containing such mimetics can be used to prevent MenB or E. coli K1 disease without the risk of evoking autoantibody.

Abstract: Molecular mimetics of unique epitopes of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B ("MenB") are disclosed. Compositions containing such molecular mimetics can be used to prevent MenB or E. coli K1 disease without the risk of evoking autoantibody responses.

Abstract: A family of cDNA sequences derived from hepatitis C virus (HCV) are provided. These sequences encode antigens which react immunologically with antibodies present in individuals with non-A non-B hepatitis (NANBH), but which are absent from individuals infected with hepatitis A virus, or hepatitis B virus, and also are absent in control individuals. The HCV cDNA sequences lack substantial homology to the sequences of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) and HBV. A comparison of the sequences of amino acids encoded in the HCV cDNA with the sequences of Flaviviruses indicates that HCV may be related to the Flaviviruses.The HCV cDNA sequences and the polypeptides encoded therein are useful as reagents for the detection and therapy of HCV. The reagents provided in the invention are also useful for the isolation of NANBH agent(s), for the propagation of these agents in tissue culture, and for the screening of antiviral agents for HCV.

Abstract: Polynucleotide sequences are provided for the diagnosis of the presence of retroviral infection in a human host associated with lymphadenopathy syndrome and/or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, for expression of polypeptides and use of the polypeptides to prepare antibodies, where both the polypeptides and antibodies may be employed as diagnostic reagents or in therapy, e.g., vaccines and passive immunization. The sequences provide detection of the viral infectious agents associated with the indicated syndromes and can be used for expression of antigenic polypeptides.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing microspheres, films and coatings from protein or modified protein in which the protein product is stabilized by carrying out the preparation in the presence of an aqueous solution of at least one .alpha.-hydroxy acid. Preferred .alpha.-hydroxy acids are glycolic acid, lactic acid, .alpha.-hydroxybutyric acid or a mixture of two or more thereof. The microspheres, films and coatings so produced have improved stability in aqueous solution.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to extracorporeal cell systems infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). The present invention also relates to products of such cell systems and their use as vaccines and in immunoassays. Methods whereby HCV-infected extracorporeal cell systems are constructed are included, and various immunoassays to detect HCV antibodies are also presented. The HCV-infected cell systems can be used to screen putative antiviral agents.

Abstract: Novel immunogenic compositions are provided involving viral particles composed at least in part of hybrid proteins of at least a portion of a particle forming protein and one or more polypeptides having at least one epitope of interest. Nucleic acid sequences are employed coding for the hybrid protein which are introduced into a host cell for expression, either by themselves or in combination with other DNA sequences coding for particle forming proteins. Expression of the DNA sequences results in formation of particles which may be isolated and used as immunogens for production of antibodies for diagnostics purposes, passive immunization, vaccination, or other uses.Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, 2150-2-3 (pDC103), was deposited on Sep. 7, 1984, at the ATCC and given ATCC Accession No. 20726. Also, Saccharomyces cerevisiae PO17 (pCl/l-MCS29) was deposited at the ATCC on Sep. 5, 1985, and given ATCC Accession No. 20770.

Abstract: Two new isolates of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), J1 and J7, are disclosed. These new isolates comprise nucleotide and amino acid sequences which are distinct from the prototype HCV isolate, HCV1. Thus, J1 and J7 provide new polynucleotides and polypeptides for use, inter alia, in diagnostics, recombinant protein production and vaccine development.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature methods and compositions for controlling the translation of viral peptides and proteins from viral nucleic acid, with particular applications to pestiviras and HCV. The methods and compositions feature control elements of the 5'UT region of the viral genome.

Abstract: The protease necessary for polyprotein processing in Hepatitis C virus is identified, cloned, and expressed. Proteases, truncated protease, and altered proteases are disclosed which are useful for cleavage of specific polypeptides, and for assay and design of antiviral agents specific for HCV.

Abstract: Two new isolates of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), J1 and J7, are disclosed. These new isolates comprise nucleotide and amino acid sequences which are distinct from the prototype HCV isolate, HCV1. Thus, J1 and J7 provide new polynucleotides and polypeptides for use, inter alia, in diagnostics, recombinant protein production and vaccine development.

Abstract: Two new isolates of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), J1 and J7, are disclosed. These new isolates comprise nucleotide and amino acid sequences which are distinct from the prototype HCV isolate, HCV1. Thus, J1 and J7 provide new polynucleotides and polypeptides for use, inter alia, in diagnostics, recombinant protein production and vaccine development.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant polypeptides derived from CMV glycoprotein gB and truncated fragments thereof which contain at least one epitope which is immunologically identifiable with one encoded by the CMV genome. The complete characterization of the gB protein, including the identity of glycoprotein gp55, permits the production of polypeptides which are useful as standards or reagents in diagnostic tests and/or as components of vaccines. This invention provides recombinant polypeptides and recombinant polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides wherein a neutralizing epitope of gB is localized within gp55.

Abstract: HIV-1 envelope muteins are provided comprising deletions within the hypervariable domains of the polypeptides. Methods of using these proteins in immunoassay and to elicit antibody production are also disclosed, as well as materials and methods useful for producing the muteins by recombinant DNA technology.

Abstract: HIV-1 envelope muteins are provided comprising deletions within the hypervariable domains of the poly-peptides. Methods of using these proteins in immunoassay and to elicit antibody production are also disclosed, as well as materials and methods useful for producing the muteins by recombinant DNA technology.

Abstract: HIV-1 envelope muteins are provided comprising deletions within the hypervariable domains of the polypeptides. Methods of using these proteins in immunoassay and to elicit antibody production are also disclosed, as well as materials and methods useful for producing the muteins by recombinant DNA technology.

Abstract: Novel immunogenic compositions are provided involving viral particles composed at least in part of hybrid proteins of at least a portion of a particle forming protein and one or more polypeptides having at least one epitope of interest. Nucleic acid sequences are employed coding for the hybrid protein which are introduced into a host cell for expression, either by themselves or in combination with other DNA sequences coding for particle forming proteins. Expression of the DNA sequences results in formation of particles which may be isolated and used as immunogens for production of antibodies for diagnostics purposes, passive immunization, vaccination, or other uses.Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, 2150-2-3 (pDC103), was deposited on Sep. 7, 1984, at the ATCC and given ATCC Accession No. 20726. Also, Saccharomyces cerevisiae PO17 (pC1/1-MCS29) was deposited at the ATCC on Sep. 5, 1985, and given ATCC Accession No. 20770.