Abstract: The present invention relates to a gp41 trivalent peptide mimetic having three gp41 N-peptides on a chemical scaffold which conformationally constrains the N-peptides into a trimeric coiled-coil to mimic gp41 presentation. The present invention also relates to N-peptides having the entire HIV gp41 NH2-terminal heptad repeat region and which are capable of forming gp41 peptide mimetics. Such peptide mimetics of HIV-1 gp41 pre-hairpin intermediates can be utilized in a vaccine for the treatment or prevention of HIV-1 infection through eliciting neutralizing antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention includes assays and kits for detecting the assembly of an RNA binding protein-RNA complex and for detecting the activity of an RNA binding protein.

Abstract: A method to identify small molecules useful as therapeutics and/or vaccines to prevent, alleviate or ameliorate a pathogenic infection or an autoimmune disorder. The method can be used to screen small molecule test compounds for the ability to disrupt particular antigen-antibody interactions of interest. In one embodiment, the antigen is a pathogen-derived antigen and the antibody decreases or inhibits virulence of the pathogen when bound to the antigen (e.g., a neutralizing antibody, antibody with serum bactericidal activity, etc.). In another embodiment, the antigen is a self-antigen (autoantigen) and the antibody is an autoantibody that is known to be associated with a pathological condition (e.g., autoimmune disorder). Compounds that bind to the antigen or antibody disrupt binding can be used as therapeutics to decrease or inhibit the autoimmune disorder.

Abstract: The present invention includes assays and kits for detecting the assembly of an RNA binding protein-RNA complex and for detecting the activity of an RNA binding protein.