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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Methods for using semiconductor nanocrystals for determining fluid movement, fluid dilution and fluid removal are described. Methods for using semiconductor nanocrystals for monitoring and quantifying the amounts of solid materials dissolved in a liquid are also described.

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: Methods for purifying authentic, properly folded IGF polypeptides from yeast transformants are disclosed. The methods include a refolding step and provide for high yields of authentic IGF from a variety of yeast strains.

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: Methods are provided for obtaining measurable levels of a protein, nucleic acid molecule, or enzymatic product in a bodily fluid or cells of a human, comprising the step of administering to a human a recombinant retroviral preparation having a titer on HT1080 cells of greater than 105 cfu/ml, wherein the recombinant retroviral preparation is capable of directing the expression of a protein, nucleic acid molecule, or enzyme which generates an enzymatic product, such that measurable levels of the protein, nucleic acid molecule, or enzymatic product may be obtained in the bodily fluid or cells of the human.

Abstract: Imnunoassays for detecting hepatitis C virus protein and immune complexes between hepatitis C virus protein and antibodies in biological samples, methods of screening blood products for hepatitis C virus, and kits employed therefor are provided.

Abstract: A 24 kd protein capable of binding the E2 envelope protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV), and functionally equivalent variants or fragments of the 24 kd protein, are disclosed. Processes for production and purification of the 24 kd protein, and functionally equivalent variants or fragments thereof, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Microparticles with adsorbed complexes of macromolecule and detergent, methods of making such microparticles, and uses thereof, are disclosed. The microparticles comprise a polymer, such as a poly(&agr;-hydroxy acid), a polyhydroxy butyric acid, a polycaprolactone, a polyorthoester, a polyanhydride, and the like, and are formed using cationic, anionic, or nonionic detergents. The surfaces of the microparticles have adsorbed thereon a complex of biologically active macromolecules, such as nucleic acids, polypeptides, antigens, and adjuvants, and a detergent. Preferred polymers are poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolides), more preferably those having a lactide/glycolide molar ratio ranging from 40:60 to 60:40 and having a molecular weight ranging from 30,000 Daltons to 70,000 Daltons. Preferred macromolecules are bacterial and viral antigens (such as HIV antigens, meningitis B antigens, streptococcus B antigens, and Influenza A hemagglutinin antigens) as well as polynucleotides that encode for such antigens.

Abstract: Chimeric antigens derived from hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are described which form virus-like particles when co-expressed with an excess of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg). The chimeric antigens are fusion proteins containing an immunogenic peptide derived from an HCV protein coupled to the amino terminus of HBsAg. Also described are nucleic acid constructs and vectors for transfection of cells and expression of the chimeric antigens. The invention further provides methods for producing HBV/HCV virus-like particles containing the chimeric antigens, cell lines for producing the virus-like particles, combination vaccines containing the virus-like particles, and DNA vaccines that express the virus-like particles.

Abstract: A 24 kd percent capable of binding the E2 envelope protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV), and functionally equivalent variants or fragments of the 24 kd protein, are disclosed. Processes for production and purication of the 24 kd protein, and functionally equivalent variants or fragments thereof, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Gene delivery vectors, for example, recombinant FIV vectors, and methods of using such vectors are provided for use in treating or preventing retinal diseases of the eye and diseases of the brain associated with lysosomal storage disorders.

Abstract: Immunologically active polypeptides with no or reduced toxicity useful for the preparation of an antipertussis vaccine. Method for the preparation of said polypeptides which comprises, cultivating, a microorganism transformed with a hybrid plasmid including the gene/s which codes for at least one of said polypeptides in a suitable medium and recovering the desired polypeptide from the cells or from the culture medium.

Abstract: The invention provides proteins from Neisseria meningitidis (strains A & B), including amino acid sequences, the corresponding nucleotide sequences, expression data, and serological data. The proteins are useful antigens for vaccines, immunogenic compositions, and/or diagnostics.

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.