Abstract: The present invention is directed to an antigen diluent or buffer for antigens, in particular HCV recombinant antigens, comprising a reducing agent. The antigen diluent or buffer serves as a stabilizing buffer for the antigens. The present invention is also directed to antigen diluents or buffers for use in an automated immunoassay.

Abstract: A combined vaccine for bacterial meningitis comprises Hib and MenC oligosaccharide conjugates.

Abstract: A plasmid isolated from Clamydia trachomatis is described, which comprises 8 genes encoding proteins useful in the formulation of vaccines or diagnostic test for determining the bacterium or specific antibodies generated during C. trachomatis infections; in particular the recombinant fusion MS2-pgp3D protein is described comprising polypeptidic sequences encoded by pCT and immunogenic in the course of infections in man. A method for preparing said protein in E. coli further described.

Abstract: The present application features nucleic acid, peptide and antibody compositions relating to genotypes of hepatitis C virus and methods of using such compositions for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: A new recombinant form of the plasmid-encoded protein pgp3 from C. trachomatis, serotype D, was purified by ion exchange column chromatography and shown to be suitable for quantitative immunoassy on clinical samples in an ELISA format.

Abstract: The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) NS3 protein contains amino acid motifs of a serine proteinase, a nucleotide triphosphatase (NTPase), and an RNA helicase. A carboxy fragment of the HCV NS3 protein was purified and possessed RNA helicase activity. Deletions from the amino terminus resulted in the protein becoming soluble. Deletions from the carboxy terminus do not result in a loss of helicase activity until at least 50 amino acids are deleted. The helicase activity requires ATP and divalent cations such as Mg2+ and Mn2+. The helicase activity was blocked by monoclonal antibody specific to the HCV NS3 protein.

Abstract: The present application features nucleic acid, peptide and antibody compositions relating to genotypes of hepatitis C virus and methods of using such compositions for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: An immunogenic detoxified protein comprising the amino acid sequence of subunit A of cholera toxin (CT-A) or subunit A of an Escherichia coli heat labile toxin (LT-A) or a fragment thereof wherein one or more amino acids at, or in positions corresponding to Val-53, Ser-63, Val-97, Tyr-104 or Pro-106 are replaced with another amino acid or deleted. Examples of specific replacements include Val-53-Asp, Val-53-Glu, Val-53-Tyr, Ser-63-Lys, Val-97-Lys, Val-97-Tyr, Tyr-104-Lys, Tyr-104-Asp, Tyr-104-Ser, Pro-106-Ser. The immunogenic detoxified protein is useful as vaccine for Vibrio cholerae or an enterotoxigenic strain of Escherichia coli and is produced by recombinant DNA means by site-directed mutagenesis.

Abstract: Helicobacter pylori is known to cause or be a cofactor in type B gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric tumors. In both developed and developing countries, a high percentage of people are infected with this bacterium. The present invention relates generally to certain H. pylori proteins, to the genes which express these proteins, and to the use of these proteins for diagnostic and vaccine applications. Specifically, molecular cloning, nucteotide, and amino acid sequences for the H. pylori cytotoxin (CT), the "Cytotoxin Associated Immunodominant" (CAI) antigen, and the heat shock protein (hsp60). are described herein.

Abstract: Novel Hepatitis C E1 and E2 truncated polypeptides and complexes comprising these polypeptides, are disclosed. The polypeptides are C-terminally truncated to remove all or a portion of their membrane spanning domains. Hence, the polypeptides are capable of secretion when expressed recombinantly.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to modified secreted viral proteins, to the genes which express these proteins and to antibodies produced against such proteins, and to the use of these materials in diagnostic and vaccine applications. In particular, the present invention describes deletion of the transmembrane region only and retention of at least part of the cytoplasmic domain itself or fusion with at least part of an alternate cytoplasmic domain. The result will generally be the secretion of proteins which are normally membrane-bound (nonsecretory). This invention greatly increases the efficiency of secretion of the derivative protein. Specific viral proteins of interest include, but are not limited to, those from CMV, HSV, EBV, VZV, HCV, HIV, and influenza.

Abstract: A plasmid isolated from Clamydia trachomatis is described, which comprises 8 genes encoding proteins useful in the formulation of vaccines or diagnostic test for determining the bacterium or specific antibodies generated during C. trachomatis infections; in particular the recombinant fusion MS2-pgp3D protein is described comprising polypeptidic sequences encoded by pCT and immunogenic in the course of infections in man. A method for preparing said protein in E. coli further described.

Abstract: A noncloning method for expressing a gene of interest in a mammalian host cell is disclosed. The invention utilizes three basic individual elements: (1) a promoter element; (2) at least one gene of interest; and (3) a selectable marker cassette which includes in 5' to 3' order, an internal ribosome entry site ("IRES"), at least one gene coding for a selectable marker, and a transcription termination sequence. The three individual elements are cotransfected into a mammalian host cell where they become operably linked such that expression of the selectable marker gene(s) necessarily requires coexpression of the gene of interest.

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: A cytotoxin associated immunodominant antigen and the nucleic acid encoding the antigen from Helicobacter pylori are described. This antigen was identified from the cytotoxin positive CCUG 17874 Helicobacter pylori strain, and both the antigen and the DNA encoding it have been sequenced. The antigen is a hydrophilic, surface-exposed protein having a molecular weight of 120-132 kDa. The nucleic acid encoding the antigen may be incorporated into a vector for transformation of host cells for expression of the antigen. Both the DNA and the antigen can be used in assays for detection of disease or infection by Helicobacter pylori, and may find use in treating and preventing infection by Helicobacter pylori and the diseases associated with such infection.

Abstract: Helicobacter pylori known to cause or be a cofactor in type B gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric tumors. In both developed and developing countries, a high percentage of people are infected with this bacterium. The present invention relates generally to certain H. pylori proteins, to the genes which express these proteins, and to the use of these proteins for diagnostic and vaccine applications. Specifically, molecular cloning, nucleotide, and amino add sequences for the H. pylori cytotoxin (CT), the "Cytotoxin Associated Immunodominant" (CAI) antigen, and the heat shock protein (hsp60) are described herein.

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: Two Hepatitis C Virus envelope proteins (E1 and E2) are expressed without sialylation. Recombinant expression of these proteins in lower eukaryotes, or in mammalian cells in which terminal glycosylation is blocked, results in recombinant proteins which are more similar to native HCV glycoproteins. When isolated by GNA lectin affinity, the E1 and E2 proteins aggregate into virus-like particles.

Abstract: Methods for activating T cells in the absence of antigen, and compositions for effecting the same, are described.

Abstract: The present application features nucleic acid, peptide and antibody compositions relating to genotypes of hepatitis C virus and methods of using such compositions for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.