Abstract: Synthetic peptides have an amino acids sequence corresponding to at least one antigenic determinant of at least one protein, usually a structural protein, particularly the E1, E2 or C proteins, of rubella virus (RV), are used as is, in hybrid or chimeric tandem T-B form, in lipidated form, linked to a carrier molecule and/or polymerized to form molecular aggregates, in vaccines against rubella. Analogs of peptides which are human T-cell determinants are used to treat rubella-associated autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are nucleotides for genes encoding the canine herpesvirus (CHV) gB, gC and gD homologues. These genes encode polypeptides of 879, 459 and 345 amino acids, respectively, which are also disclosed and claimed. The genes are useful as DNA probes or, for preparing PCR primers. The polypeptides are useful in antigenic, immunological or vaccine compositions. The nucleotides can be expressed in any suitable vector system, allowing for production of the polypeptides. Additionally, the vector system containing any or any combination of the nucleotides can be employed in an antigenic, immunological or vaccine composition, such as a poxvirus vector system, e.g., a CHV-vaccinia or avipox virus recombinant, as can the products from expression, i.e., the gB, gC and gD glycoproteins. Antibodies elicited by the glycoproteins or from expression of the vector containing the nucleotide(s) are also useful. Methods for making and using the composition are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to extracorporeal cell systems infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). The present invention also relates to products of such cell systems and their use as vaccines and in immunoassays. Methods whereby HCV-infected extracorporeal cell systems are constructed are included, and various immunoassays to detect HCV antibodies are also presented. The HCV-infected cell systems can be used to screen putative antiviral agents.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for performing assays for target polynucleotide strands include contacting a sample with a reagent which includes a first and a second polynucleotide probe. The first and second probes are capable of assuming a first position wherein the probes are bound to each other and a second position wherein the probes are bound to a target. The probes include label moieties capable of interacting to produce a signal indicative of the probes being in one of the two positions.

Abstract: Multiple methods for measuring the COUP-TF system, including: a method to measure the level of COUP-TF by combining antibodies with biological samples and measuring the resultant antibody/COUP-TF complex; the binding of COUP-TF to promoters by combining biological samples with COUP-TF binding oligonucleotides and measuring the resultant complex or gene synthesis; and a method to measure COUP-TF inducable promoters by combining native COUP-TF with nuclear extracts of biological samples and measuring the resultant complexes. The methods when applied to human biological samples can detect diabetes due to COUP-TF or promoter defects. In addition to the methods for measuring the COUP-TF system and associated diseases, there are also the polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies necessary for the methods. These bind to at least one immunoreactive site on COUP-TF. Furthermore, there is a DNA clone containing the genetic coding regions of the COUP-TF protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a receptor for a posterior pituitary hormone, oxytocin; a DNA sequence encoding for the receptor; a recombinant DNA molecule containing the DNA sequence and a transformant comprising the recombinant DNA molecule. The present invention further relates to methods of detection and diagnosis and a kit to aid in same which comprise either oxytocin, its receptor or antibodies to the receptor.

Abstract: Two amino acid sequences are joined together using an electron acceptor moiety and a linking moiety, such as a chelating agent. In particular, an amino acid sequence specific for binding to a material interest is linked to an enzyme which acts on an indicator, such as a colorimetric, phosphometric, fluorometric or chemiluminescent substrate. The linking composition is useful in immunoassays.

Abstract: A protective effect against bluetongue infection in susceptible mammals which is obtained by innoculating said mammals with a polypeptide comprising at least an antigenic portion of bluetongue virus structural protein VP2 in antigenic form produced by transforming a host with a recombinant expression vector having a DNA segment coding for said polypeptide.

Abstract: A subpopulation in the CD4.sup.+ 8.sup.+ (DP) thymic blast population is identified that is the precursor for thymic T cells. All such progenitors are c-kit.sup.+. The c-kit.sup.+ subset expresses lower levels of CD4 and CD8 than the large and small DP c-kit- cells. These DP.sup.int c-kit.sup.+ cells differentiate to thymic T cells rapidly on heterogenous thymic stromal cell cultures. Similar maturation takes place in vivo over 4 days. A method for isolating the cells which are c-kit.sup.+ and which express intermediate or low levels of CD4+/CD8+ is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical preparation for the therapy of immune deficiency conditions comprising an active principle--a peptide of the structure: H--L--Glu--L--Trp--OH and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.

Abstract: Hybrid immunoglobulin-enzyme molecules are provided which are composed of antibodies, or derivatives or fragments thereof, which specifically bind an arterial or venous thrombus that are operably linked to the enzymatically active portions of thrombolytic enzymes such as plasminogen activators. In a preferred embodiment the hybrid molecules specifically bind to fibrin and have fibrinolytic activity. The hybrid molecules of the present invention may be produced by any means, including chemical conjugation, or by means of recombinant DNA, genetic engineering and/or hybridoma technology. Methods for making and using the molecules in diagnosis and therapy are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for AIDS diagnosis and monitoring of anti-AIDS drug therapy, and more particularly to a method of assaying for human immunodeficiency virus. The present invention uses a focal immunoassay (FIA) which utilizes HIV-specific antibodies and indirect immunoassay techniques to detect local areas of HIV infection in susceptible target cells growing in monolayers on plastic dishes. The present invention further relates to specific cell lines used as the susceptible target cells in the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Characterization of the envelope transmembrane protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) was carried out using murine polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies or patient sera specific for HIV-2 proteins. A 80-Mr glycoprotein (gp80) was produced in HIV-2 infected cells along with three other glycoproteins that were recently reported: the extracellular glycoprotein (gp125), the envelope glycoprotein precursor (gp140), and the transient dimeric form of gp140 (gp300). The gp125 and gp80 were detectable after the synthesis of gp140 and the formation of gp300. Among these four glycoproteins, only gp80 and gp125 were associated with HIV-2 virions. As the other glycoproteins, gp8O was recognized by all HIV-2 positive sera. A murine polyclonal antibody raised against the purified gp300 recognized all four glycoproteins.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel Eimeria proteins with immunogenic properties as well as to DNA sequences encoding these proteins. These proteins can be administered to poultry thereby protecting the birds against coccidiosis. In addition the DNA encoding these proteins can be used for the preparation of a vector vaccine against coccidiosis.

Abstract: A method to potentiate the effect of a chemotherapeutic agent in a tumor cell, which method comprises administering to said tumor cell, along with said chemotherapeutic agent, a potentiating amount of a compound of the formula: ##STR1## or an amide, ester or hybrid amide/ester thereof, wherein X is a hydrocarbon radical optionally substituted on any aromatic moiety contained therein; Y--CO is .gamma.-Glu or .beta.-Asp and AA.sub.C is an amino acid, preferably glycine, phenylglycine, .beta.-alanine, alanine or phenylalanine is disclosed.Similar compounds can also be used to selectively exert cytotoxicity versus target cells as compared to nontarget cells and also to elevate the production of GM progenitors in bone marrow of mammalian subjects.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a Feline herpesvirus (FHV) mutant comprising a heterologous gene introduced into an insertion-region of the FHV genome.The invention also relates to a vector vaccine comprising such an FHV mutant which expresses a heterologous polypeptide derived from a feline pathogen and induces an adequate immune response in an inoculated host against both FHV and the feline pathogen.

Abstract: Molecular clones of the feline immunodeficiency virus isolate PPR (FIV.sub.PPR) were obtained from a genomic library prepared from infected feline peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). FIV.sub.PPR infected and replicated efficiently in feline PBLs but not Crandall feline kidney (CRFK) or G355-5 cells. In contrast, a clone designated 34TF10 of the prototypical FIV Petaluma isolate (FIV.sub.Pet) replicated inefficiently on feline PBLs while readily infecting and replicating in CRFK and G355-5 cells. The 34TF10 and PPR clones have an overall nucleic acid sequence identity of 91% while the env genes display only 85% conservation at the amino acid level. The long terminal repeats (LTRs) were 7% divergent between the two clones, with a lack of conservation in putative NF-.kappa.B, LBP-1, and CCAAT enhancer promoter sites. Full-length proviral clones will provide important biochemic, immunologic, and diagnostic reagents.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid sequences coding for two ryegrass pollen allergen Lol p Ib family members, purified Lol p Ib.1 and Lol p Ib.2 proteins and fragments thereof, methods of producing recombinant Lol p Ib.1 or Lol p Ib.2 or at least one fragment thereof or derivative or homologue thereof, and methods of using the nucleic acid sequences, proteins and peptides of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid sequences coding for two ryegrass pollen allergen Lol p Ib family members, purified Lol p Ib.1 and Lol p Ib.2 proteins and fragments thereof, methods of producing recombinant Lol p Ib.1 or Lol p Ib.2 or at least one fragment thereof or derivative or homologue thereof, and methods of using the nucleic acid sequences, proteins and peptides of the invention.

Abstract: The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the major cause of non-A, non-B vital hepatitis. The most striking feature of HCV induced liver disease is its tendency toward chronicity and slowly progressive liver cell injury. HLA Class I-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses are considered to be a sine qua non for the effective clearance of vital infections. However, the characteristics of HCV-specific cytotoxic effector cells and identification of their cognate target antigens remains to be elucidated. This invention discloses novel HCV-derived peptides that are recognized by patient CTL. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained from HLA-A2 positive patients with chronic HCV infection and stimulated with HCV-derived peptides. Effector cells were tested for their ability to lyse HLA-A2-matched target cells sensitized either with a peptide or a vaccinia virus construct containing HCV sequences. Immunogenic HCV CTL peptides were identified in the putative core protein and nonstructural proteins (e.