Abstract: A heteroduplex tracking assay (HTA), a hybridization based method of determining the genetic relationship between two or more viral genomes, for genotyping HCV is disclosed. The HTA for genotyping HCV was developed using single stranded probes derived form the carboxyl terminus of core and part of the E1 for HCV subtypes 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, and 3a. HTA is more accurate than RFLP for sub-typing HCV and has potential for identifying new variants and is useful for epidemiological studies.

Abstract: New proteins and subunit antigens from P. haemolytica for use in stimulating immunity against respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, including shipping fever pneumonia, are disclosed. The subunit antigens include immunogenic amino acid sequences of P. haemolytica fimbrial protein, P. haemolytica plasmin receptor protein, and P. haemolytica 50K outer membrane protein and P. haemolytica leukotoxin. The antigens can be used in a vaccine composition, either alone or in combination. Also disclosed are methods of vaccination as well as methods of making the subunit antigens employed in the vaccines.

Abstract: The use of recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) virions for delivery of DNA molecules to muscle cells and tissue in the treatment of anemia is disclosed. The invention allows for the direct, in vivo injection of recombinant AAV virions into muscle tissue, e.g., by intramuscular injection, as well as for the in vitro transduction of muscle cells which can subsequently be introduced into a subject for treatment. The invention provides for sustained, high-level expression of a delivered nucleotide sequence encoding erythropoietin, and for in vivo secretion thereof from transduced muscle cells such that systemic delivery is achieved.

Abstract: New immunological carrier systems, DNA encoding the same, and the use of these systems, are disclosed. The carrier systems include chimeric proteins which include a leukotoxin polypeptide fused to one or more selected GnRH multimers which comprise at least one repeating GnRH decapeptide sequence, or at least one repeating unit of a sequence corresponding to at least one epitope of a selected GnRH molecule. Under the invention, the selected GnRH sequences may all be the same, or may correspond to different derivatives, analogues, variants or epitopes of GnRH so long as the GnRH sequences are capable of eliciting an immune response. The leukotoxin functions to increase the immunogenicity of the GnRH multimers fused thereto.

Abstract: A method for producing a mammalian model for papillomavirus infection by engrafting a portion of human skin onto a transplant-tolerant non-human mammal, inoculating the engrafted human skin with a papillomavirus genomic DNA such that a papillomavirus infection develops in the engrafted human skin or human skin cells. The non-human mammals are then used to identify compounds and therapies effective against papillomavirus infections.

Abstract: Novel vaccines for use against Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae are disclosed. The vaccines contain at least one A. pleuropneumoniae transferrin binding protein and/or one A. pleuropneumoniae cytolysin and/or one A. pleuropneumoniae APP4. Also disclosed are DNA sequences encoding these proteins, vectors including these sequences and host cells transformed with these vectors. The vaccines can be used to treat or prevent porcine respiratory infections.

Abstract: A method for depositing particles coated with biological substances onto the concave inner surface of a length of tubing includes the steps of preparing a uniform suspension of coated particles, introducing the particles into the tubing, placing the tubing into a generally horizontal position, removing the evaporable liquid after the particles have settled, and drying the particles. When dry, the tubing is cut into sample cartridges of appropriate length for use in a particle acceleration instrument.An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Particles coated with biological substances are deposited onto the concave inner surface of a length of tubing by a process which includes preparing a uniform suspension of coated particles and introducing the particles into the tubing while rotating horizontally. Then the speed of rotation is increased to drive the particles out of suspension and against the inner surface. After particle separation, the rotational speed is decreased and a gas is passed through the tubing to blow out the separated liquid. Next both the speed of rotation and the gas flow rate are increased to dry the particles that have been deposited against the inner surface of the tubing. An apparatus for performing the method also is disclosed.

Abstract: A novel expression system using the heat-inducible bovine hsp70A promoter and associated cis-acting elements is disclosed. The system provides for the continuous production of a highly pure, authentic protein, substantially free of infectious viral and cellular protein contaminants.

Abstract: New immunological carrier systems, DNA encoding the same, and the use of these systems, are disclosed. The carrier systems include chimeric proteins which comprise a leukotoxin polypeptide fused to a selected GnRH multimer which consists essentially of at least one repeating GnRH decapeptide sequence, or at least one repeating unit of a sequence corresponding to at least one epitope of a selected GnRH molecule. Under the invention, the selected GnRH sequences may all be the same, or may correspond to different derivatives, analogues, variants or epitopes of GnRH so long as the GnRH sequences are capable of eliciting an immune response. The leukotoxin functions to increase the immunogenicity of the GnRH multimer fused thereto.

Abstract: New immunological carrier systems, DNA encoding the same, and the use of these systems, are disclosed. The carrier systems include chimeric proteins which comprise a leukotoxin polypeptide fused to a selected antigen. The leukotoxin functions to increase the immunogenicity of the antigen fused thereto.

Abstract: Novel Quinoa saponin pharmaceutical compositions are disclosed. The compositions are useful for enhancing mucosal absorption of a drug administered therewith.

Abstract: A DNA molecule encoding a secretable mature epidermal growth factor (EGF) polypeptide is delivered to a skin wound. The cells that take up the recombinant DNA construct express soluble EGF that is secreted into surrounding fluid. The presence of the EGF accelerates, by a statistically significant amount, the healing time of a wound treated in this manner.The DNA molecule can be a genetic construction that expresses an EGF encoding portion that differs from the naturally occurring EGF precursor gene in that the only coding region retained from the precursor gene is that of the mature EGF polypeptide. Amino-terminal EGF-like repeats and the carboxy-terminal hydrophobic sequence that anchors natural EGF to the cell membrane are not present in the genetic construction.