Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a fragment of IgA1-protease having 40 to 200 amino acid residues and comprising at least 40 amino acids of an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:1, beginning with the amino acid in any one of positions 1 to 5 and ending with an amino acid in any one of positions 40 to 104 or a homologous sequence, its use as a carrier for a conjugate, particularly in combination with a polysaccharide, and a process for producing the peptide as well as vaccines comprising said peptide.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a fragment of IgA1-protease having 40 to 200 amino acid residues and comprising at least 40 amino acids of an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:1, beginning with the amino acid in any one of positions 1 to 5 and ending with an amino acid in any one of positions 40 to 104 or a homologous sequence, its use as a carrier for a conjugate, particularly in combination with a polysaccharide, and a process for producing the peptide as well as vaccines comprising said peptide.

Abstract: On the basis of a first repertoire of genes coding for a population of one of two kinds of polypeptides capable of being combined, particularly an antibody light chain variable region, and at least one gene, and preferably a second repertoire coding for the other kind of polypeptide, particularly an antibody heavy chain variable region, the genes from the first repertoire are inserted into a first vector to form a vector population and the genes from the second repertoire are inserted into a second vector, at least one of said vectors being a recipient for the expression of both genes as polypeptides irreversibly combined with the outer surface of the product of said vector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vaccine against Lyme Disease or its causative agent Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu stricto or sensu lato) containing a plasmid a DNA encoding a promoter for driving expression in a mammalian cell, DNA encoding a leader peptide for facilitating secretion/release of a prokaryotic protein sequence from a mammalian cell, a DNA encoding Borrelia OspA or OspB, and a DNA encoding a terminator. Disclosed too is an immunogenic composition against Lyme Disease or its causative agent Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu stricto or sensu lato) containing a plasmid comprising a DNA encoding a promoter for driving expression in a mammalian cell, DNA encoding a leader peptide for facilitating secretion/release of a prokaryotic protein sequence from a mammalian cell, a DNA encoding a Borrelia OspC, and a DNA encoding a terminator. And, methods for making and using such vaccines and the immunogenic composition are also disclosed.

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: The present invention relates to the use of virus-like particles (VLP's) of papillomavirus for preparing vector pseudoviruses useful for transferring genetic material into target cells of an organism

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to method for removing unconventional transmissible agents (UCTA) from aqueous protein solution. This method involves treating the aqueous protein solution with simultaneous electrostatic adsorption and hydrophobic chromatography. The method of the present invention is particularly suitable for treating calf serum or an albumin solution.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing C hepatitis (HCV), induced infections, which in a preferred embodiment, comprises a main active principle, (i) a fusion polypeptide, including the HCV capsid polypeptide (C191) and polypeptide coat (E1) and in which at least one cleavage site 173/174 and 191/192 has been made inoperative by mutation; (ii) an equimolar mixture of the C191 polypeptide of which the cleavage site 173/174 has been made inoperative and of the E1 polypeptide (mixture equivalent to the fusion polypeptide); or (iii) a DNA molecule coding for this fusion polypeptide. Products (i) to (iii) are characterized in that the C191 element is incapable of regulating the functioning of the genes, in particular of causing them to interact. Such a composition can also include any form equivalent to the products described above.

Abstract: Vaccine compositions are disclosed which comprise at least one antigen formed by the capsular polysaccharide of Haemophilus influenzae type b or high molecular weight polyribosylribitol phosphate coupled to tetanus anatoxin.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a DNA fragment which encodes a protein capable of being recognised by an antiserum against the transferrin receptor of the strain IM2394 or IM2169 of N. meningitidis as well as a process for producing the said protein by a recombinant route. By way of example, such a DNA fragment encodes the tbp1 subunit of the strain IM2394 or IM2169 or the tbp2 subunit of the strain IM2394 or IM2169.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing C hepatitis (HCV), induced infections, which in a preferred embodiment, comprises a main active principle, (i) a fusion polypeptide, including the HCV capsid polypeptide (C191) and polypeptide coat (E1) and in which at least one cleavage site 173/174 and 191/192 has been made inoperative by mutation; (ii) an equimolar mixture of the C191 polypeptide of which the cleavage site 173/174 has been made inoperative and of the E1 polypeptide (mixture equivalent to the fusion polypeptide); or (iii) a DNA molecule coding for this fusion polypeptide. Products (i) to (iii) are characterized in that the C191 element is incapable of regulating the functioning of the genes, in particular of causing them to interact. Such a composition can also include any form equivalent to the products described above.

Abstract: Assembly for the distribution of a pharmaceutical solution, contained in multi-dose vial, into single-dose carpules for single use, comprising single-dose carpules and a distribution apparatus, in which assembly pressure and suction means are provided to circulate a liquid from the carpules to the vial and from the vial to the carpules, by means of a network of channels.

Abstract: Stabilizers for live vaccines and attenuated mono- or multivalent live vaccines, stabilized vaccines containig such stabilizers, and methods for preparing such vaccines, are disclosed. Said stabilizers for vaccines containing one or more attenuated live viruses include one or more components selected from each of the following groups: amino acids, disaccharides, polyalcohols and buffer solutions, with the proviso that one component selected from the disaccharide group is saccharose.

Abstract: What is described is a recombinant poxvirus, such as vaccinia virus, containing foreign DNA from Plasmodium Merozoite Surface Antigen 1. What is also described is a vaccine containing the recombinant poxvirus for inducing an immunological response in a host animal inoculated with the vaccine.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are compositions and methods for therapy and/or prevention of restenosis and/or atherosclerosis. The compositions can include an agent for decreasing viral load of cytomegalovirus, such as an immunological composition or vaccine against cytomegalovirus (CMV) containing at least one epitope of interest of CMV and/or an expression system which expresses at least one epitope of interest of CMV. Such compositions can include at least one epitope of p53. Alternatively, the compositions can include at least one epitope of p53 and/or an expression system which expresses the epitope. The methods can include administering the compositions to a patient in need of such therapy and/or prevention.

Abstract: On the basis of a first repertoire of genes coding for a population of one of two kinds of polypeptides capable of being optionally covalently combined, particularly variable regions of either the antibody light chain type or the antibody heavy chain type, and at least one gene coding for the other type of polypeptide, particularly a variable region of the other type, an antibody chain or preferably a second repertoire of genes coding for a population of said other type, the genes from the first repertoire are inserted into a first vector to form a population of vectors carrying the various genes of said first repertoire, and said gene of said other type or the genes from said second repertoire is/are inserted into a second vector. Both starting vectors have means enabling each to exchange one part by one or more irreversible recombinations to generate recombinant final vectors of which one contains a gene of one of said types and a gene of the other type.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for industrially producing a Japanese encephalitis vaccine, wherein (a) cells from a cell line are cultured, (b) the resulting cell culture is inoculated with a Japanese encephalitis virus in the presence of a viral growth medium, (c) the virus is propagated and multiplied on the cells, (d) the viral growth medium is recovered in the form of a suspension of viruses produced by the cells, (e) the virus suspension is purified in at least one ion exchange chromatography step and a gel permeation step, and (f) the virus suspension is formulated and converted into a pharmaceutical form to preserve it until the moment of use. A Japanese encephalitis vaccine characterised in that it comprises a Japanese encephalitis virus produced by culturing cells from a cell line, and in that the cellular DNA content is less than 100 pg/dose, is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition intended for inducing in a host mammal a protective immune response against an antigen, at a mucosal effector site, which comprises at least two identical or different products each containing an inducing agent for the immune response, selected from the antigen and, provided the antigen is protein in nature, an expression cassette capable of expressing the antigen, for a concomitant or consecutive administration; one of the products being formulated so as to be administered via the nasobuccal route so that the inducing agent is targeted to the inducer site(s) for an immune response in the naso-oropharynx or the salivary glands, the other product being formulated so as to be administered via a suitable mucosal route other than the nasal route, so that the inducing agent is targeted to the inducer site(s) for an immune response at the effector site at which the immune response is sought.

Abstract: A cationic amphipathic compound of formula (I), ##STR1## wherein A is a single bond, an NH--R' grouping or (a), wherein --R'-- is a straight or branched, optionally substituted, saturated or unsaturated C.sub.1-22 aliphatic chain optionally interrupted by one or more O, S or N heteroatoms and one or more saturated, unsaturated or aromatic carbocyclic or heterocyclic radicals; each of R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3, which are the same or different, is a higher acyl or alkyl grouping; each of R.sub.7, R.sub.8 and R.sub.9, which are the same or different, is a (CH.sub.2).sub.n alkylene radical where 1.ltoreq.N.ltoreq.6; each of R.sub.4, R.sub.5 and R.sub.6, which are the same or different, is a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted C.sub.1-22 alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl or acyl radical optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms selected from), S and N, or one or more saturated, unsaturated or aromatic carbocyclic or heterocyclic radicals, or else at least two of the groupings R.sub.4, R.sub.5 and R.sub.

Abstract: The prevention and treatment of gastric infections caused by the bacterium Helicobacter are disclosed. A newly identified cell-surface protein purified from Helicobacter, and the use thereof as a vaccine, are also disclosed. Said protein is able to bind to human lactoferrin.