Abstract: The present invention relates to C-terminally truncated flavivirus envelope proteins 80-81% in size which are more immunogenic than their counterpart full-length proteins. The present invention further relates to recombinant viruses which encode the truncated protein and to host cells infected therewith. Host cells express the truncated protein on their outer membrane and secrete it into the medium. The present invention further relates to vaccines for use against flavivirus infection. The vaccines include either a recombinant vaccinia virus expressing the truncated envelope protein of the present invention, and the truncated envelope protein produced by a recombinant baculovinis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a DNA segment encoding a recombinant HIV p24 protein or HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein and a recombinant DNA (rDNA) molecule capable of expressing either protein. Cells transformed with the rDNA, methods for producing the fusion protein and diagnostic methods and systems using the fusion protein are also described.

Abstract: A cancer recognition factor (SCM factor) useful in the performance of the structuredness of the cytoplasmic matrix (SCM) test has been isolated, purified to substantial homogeneity, and characterized, and methods for its use have been described. The factor is a peptide of at least 9 amino acid residues including a core sequence of 9 amino acid residues having an amphipathicity profile substantially equivalent to that of the sequence F-L-M-I-D-Q-N-T-K and produces at least a 10 percent decrease in the intracellular fluorescence polarization value of SCM-responding lymphocytes from donors afflicted with cancer. A synthetic SCM factor representing a consensus sequence of M-I-P-P-E-V-K-F-N-K-P-F-V-F-L-M-I-D-Q-N-T-K-V-P-L-F-M-G-K is fully active. Antibodies specific for SCM factor are useful in immunoassays that can detect the factor, including detection in cancer cells grown in vitro.

Abstract: An immunogenic HIV retrovirus-like particle which is non-infectious and non-replicating and which is useful as a candidate vaccine component against HIV infection, is produced by genetic engineering. A DNA molecule comprising the HIV genome devoid of long terminal repeats is incorporated into an expression vector, which is introduced into mammalian cells for expression of the HIV retrovirus-like particle.