Abstract: The present invention provides substances suitable for use as vaccines for the prevention of EBV infection and EBV-associated disorders and methods for administering them. The vaccines are directed against HERV-K18 emv (SEQ ID:1) and most preferably comprise antigens obtained from HERV-K18 emv. Preferred antigens include SEQ ID:2, SEQ ID:3 and SEQ ID:4. Most preferably, the SAg T cell stimulatory activity of the HERV-K18 emv is diminished or eliminated. In another embodiment, the vaccine contains a nucleic acid encoding HERV-K18 emv or an immunogenic fragment thereof. The present invention also provides methods for treating EBV infection and EBV-associated disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are the cDNA and polypeptide sequences of a novel cytoplasmic post-prolyl dipeptidase, QPP. QPP is expressed in T-cells and in neurons, and functions to protect quiescent cells from apoptotic death. Therefore, QPP can be used as a therapeutic to inhibit apoptotic cell death and as a target in screening for compounds that modulate cell death.

Abstract: A method for stimulating proliferation of T-cells containing cytoplasmic post-prolyl dipeptidase activity; the method, in one aspect, involves contacting the T-cells with an organic compound at a concentration below 10−8M, wherein the compound is characterized in that: (a) it is capable of crossing the membrane of T-cells to enter the cytoplasm, (b) it binds to the dipeptidase activity at a concentration of below 10−8M, and thus (c) stimulates proliferation of the T-cells at that concentration.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel polypeptides which are substantially free of a B. burgdorferi spirochete or fragments thereof and which are thus useful in compositions and methods for the treatment and prevention of B. burgdorferi infection and Lyme disease. In one preferred embodiment, this invention provides modified OspA polypeptides and pharmaceutically effective compositions and methods comprising those polypeptides. Preferred modified OspA polypeptides are characterized by modifications which diminish and/or ablate their ability to bind the human MHC allele HLA-DRB1*0401.

Abstract: A method for increasing immune responses of a human patient infected with HIV, involving contacting the T-cells, in vitro or in vivo, with an organic compound at a concentration effective to cause T-cell proliferation, but below an amount that causes detectable cytotoxicity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are the cDNA and polypeptide sequences of a novel cytoplasmic post-prolyl dipeptidase, QPP. QPP is expressed in T-cells and in neurons, and functions to protect quiescent cells from apoptotic death. Therefore, QPP can be used as a therapeutic to inhibit apoptotic cell death and as a target in screening for compounds that modulate cell death.

Abstract: A method for increasing immune responses of a human patient infected with HIV, involving contacting the T-cells, in vitro or in vivo, with an organic compound at a concentration effective to cause T-cell proliferation, but below an amount that causes detectable cytotoxicity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are the cDNA and polypeptide sequences of a novel cytoplasmic post-prolyl dipeptidase, QPP. QPP is expressed in T-cells and in neurons, and functions to protect quiescent cells from apoptotic death. Therefore, QPP can be used as a therapeutic to inhibit apoptotic cell death and as a target in screening for compounds that modulate cell death.

Abstract: A method for increasing immune responses of a human patient infected with HIV, involving contacting the T-cells, in vitro or in vivo, with an organic compound at a concentration effective to cause T-cell proliferation, but below an amount that causes detectable cytotoxicity.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel polypeptides which are substantially free of a B. burgdorferi spirochete or fragments thereof and which are thus useful in compositions and methods for the treatment and prevention of B. burgdorferi infection and Lyme disease. In one preferred embodiment, this invention provides modified OspA polypeptides and pharmaceutically effective compositions and methods comprising those polypeptides. A preferred modified OspA polypeptide is set forth in FIG. 1, below. Preferred modified OspA polypeptides are characterized by modifications which diminish and/or ablate their ability to bind the human MHC allele DRB*0401.

Abstract: A method for stimulating proliferation of T-cells containing cytoplasmic post-prolyl dipeptidase activity; the method, in one aspect, involves contacting the T-cells with an organic compound at a concentration below 10−8M, wherein the compound is characterized in that: (a) it is capable of crossing the membrane of T-cells to enter the cytoplasm, (b) it binds to the dipeptidase activity at a concentration of below 10−8M, and thus (c) stimulates proliferation of the T-cells at that concentration.

Abstract: A method for increasing immune responses of a human patient infected with HIV, involving contacting the T-cells, in vitro or in vivo, with an organic compound at a concentration effective to cause T-cell proliferation, but below an amount that causes detectable cytotoxicity.

Abstract: A method for stimulating proliferation of T-cells containing cytoplasmic post-prolyl dipeptidase activity; the method, in one aspect, involves contacting the T-cells with an organic compound at a concentration below 10.sup.-8 M, wherein the compound is characterized in that: (a) it is capable of crossing the membrane of T-cells to enter the cytoplasm, (b) it binds to the dipeptidase activity at a concentration of below 10.sup.-8 M, and thus (c) stimulates proliferation of the T-cells at that concentration.