Abstract: Peptide antigens which are immunoreactive with sera from individuals infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are disclosed. Several of the antigens are immunologically reactive with antibodies present in individuals identified as having chronic and acute HCV infection. The antigens are useful in diagnostic methods for detecting HCV infection in humans. Also disclosed are corresponding genomic-fragment clones containing polynucleotides encoding the open reading frame sequences for the antigenic peptides.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting cell infection by an enveloped virus, by administering to an infection site, a therapeutically effective amount of a calix(n)arene compound derivatized, at its ring positions meta to the bridge attachements to the ring, with polar substitutent having a terminal carboxylate, phosphate, or sulfonate groups, including esters and amides which are cleavable in vivo. The compound may be administered orally, or topically, e.g., for treatment of herpes virus.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting thrombus formation in a mammalian subject. The method involves administering to the subject a therapeutically effective dose of a calix(n)arene compound derivatized, at its ring positions meta to the bridge attachments to the ring, with polar substituents having terminal sulfonate groups, including esters and amides which are cleavable in vivo.

Abstract: Purified virus particles, antigens, antibodies reactive with viral antigens, and a viral genetic material associated with non-A, non-B hepatitis are provided by the present invention. Cloned genetic material useful both in identifying intact virus particles of the invention and for use in diagnostic techniques and/or production of antigens is also disclosed.

Abstract: A compound and method for inhibiting cell infection by an enveloped virus. The compound is a macrocyclic chromotropic acid derivative which can be substituted at a variety of naphthalene ring and bridge positions. The compound may be administered parenterally, orally, or topically for treating infection by enveloped viruses.

Abstract: A novel retrovirus isolated from human lymphoma cells is disclosed. The retrovirus is characterized by a C-type retroviral particle of approximately 100 nm diameter; and an approximately 27,000 molecular weight p24 core protein. Also disclosed are cell lines from which the virus can be obtained and screening methods for detecting the presence of the virus in human sera.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting cell infection by herpes simplex virus-1 or -2. The method includes contacting the virus with a macrocyclic chromotropic acid compound, in an amount effective to inhibit cell infectivity of the virus.

Abstract: Disclosed are the entire coding sequence for unprocessed and mature trichosanthin from Trichosanthes kirilowii, and primers derived from this coding sequence for use in obtaining the coding sequences of ribosome inactivating proteins which have regions of amino acid sequence identical to those of trichosanthin. Also disclosed is a recombinant trichosanthin protein produced from the coding sequence, and the mature protein with amino-terminal and/or carboxy-terminal extensions.

Abstract: Disclosed are the entire protein and nucleic acid coding sequences for unprocessed and mature trichosanthin protein from Trichosanthes kirilowii. A recombinant trichosanthin protein produced from the coding sequence, and the trichosanthin protein with amino-terminal and/or carboxy-terminal extensions are also described. Primers derived from the coding sequence are disclosed for use in obtaining the coding sequences of ribosome-inactivating-proteins which have regions of amino acid sequence identical to those of trichosanthin. Further, a multigene family of ribosome-inactivating-protein encoding genes of Trichosanthes kirilowii is also described.

Abstract: A novel retrovirus isolated from human lymphoma cells is disclosed. The retrovirus is characterized by a C-type retroviral particle of approximately 100 nm diameter; and an approximately 27,000 molecular weight p24 core protein. Also disclosed are cell lines from which the virus can be obtained and screening methods for detecting the presence of the virus in human sera.

Abstract: Disclosed are the entire coding sequence for unprocessed and mature trichosanthin from Trichosanthes kirilowii, and primers derived from this coding sequence for use in obtaining the coding sequences of ribosome inactivating proteins which have regions of amino acid sequence identical to those of trichosanthin. Also disclosed is a recombinant trichosanthin protein produced from the coding sequence, and the mature protein with amino-terminal and/or carboxy-terminal extensions.

Abstract: A substantially pure, hemagglutinin-free composition of trichosanthin, and a method of producing the composition is disclosed. A plant extract from Trichosanthes kirilowii is contacted with an anionic exchange resin to remove contaminating hemagglutinins, and trichosanthin is further purified from the extract by cation exchange chromatography to a purity of greater than 95%.

Abstract: A recombinant peptide antigen is provided which is derived from HTLV-I envelope protein gp46 and immunoreactive with anti-HTLV-I antibody present in a individuals with HTLV-I related T-cell leukemia. The antigen is useful as a diagnostic tool in determining whether an individual has been or is infected with HTLV-I, and is also useful in a method of immunizing individuals against such infection.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting HIV replication in and cellular proliferation of HIV-infected cells. The infected cells are exposed to a single-chain ribosome inactivating protein, at a protein concentration and for an exposure period sufficient to produce a substantial reduction in (a) the level of HIV antigen or reverse transcriptase associated with the infected cells, (b) the ratio of viability of infected/uninfected T cells, and/or (c) the ratio of HIV antigen/cellular antigen in infected macrophages. The method is used to treat HIV infection in humans.

Abstract: A membrane structure is disclosed having controlled capillarity useful in detecting cells in a solution by promoting effective contacting between cells and the membrane surface bearing affinity for selected cell sites. Also disclosed is a mtehod of using such membrane structures to detect particles in solution. One embodiment of the invention is an improved blood-typing device and method. The device may be attached to a blood bag, clamp, stick or the like, to provide a permanent visual record of blood type.

Abstract: A stable trioma cell line capable of secreting a non-human primate monoclonal antibody specific against a selected antigen. An exemplary cell line secretes chimpanzee monoclonal antibody specific against an antigen associated with hepatitis nonA/nonB infection. The cell line is produced, in the method of the invention, by isolating lymphocytes from a primate immunized with the selected antigen, and immortalizing the lymphocytes by fusion with a stable, non-antibody-secreting murine myeloma/human hybridoma cell line having selected-for human characteristics. The trioma fusion products are selected for secretion of the desired antibody, which has a variety of diagnostic and/or therapeutic uses.