Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for inducing immune responses against Hepatatis C virus (HCV). The compositions comprise one or more epitope from a hotspot epitope. In certain embodiments, an HCV vaccine comprising at least two epitopes, each from a different hotspot epitope, is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for inducing immune responses against Hepatitis C virus (HCV). The compositions comprise one or more epitope from a hotspot epitope. In certain embodiments, an HCV vaccine comprising at least two epitopes, each from a different hotspot epitope, is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for inducing immune responses against Hepatitis C virus (HCV). The compositions comprise one or more epitope from a hotspot epitope. In certain embodiments, an HCV vaccine comprising at least two epitopes, each from a different hotspot epitope, is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to genetically engineered soluble fusion proteins composed of human proteins not belonging to the immunoglobulin family, or of parts thereof, and of various portions of the constant region of immunoglobulin molecules. The functional properties of the two fusion partners are surprisingly retained in the fusion protein.

Abstract: The cDNA which codes for factor XIIIa has been isolated using a cDNA bank from human placenta and probes constructed on the basis of the amino acid sequence of factor XIIIa peptide fragments. It is possible with this cDNA not only to obtain factor XIIIa by gene manipulation in high purity but also to prepare diagnostic aids which permit the analysis of genetic factor XIIIa defects. Furthermore, it is possible on the basis of the amino acid sequence to prepare antibodies which are suitable for diagnostic aids and antibody columns.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Hepatitis C virus (HCV) vaccine comprising at least two epitopes, each from a different hotspot epitope, wherein a hotspot epitope is defined as an epitope containing peptide selected from the group consisting of KFPGGGQIVGGVYLLPRRGPRLGVRATRK, GYKVLVLNPSVAAT, AYAAQGYKVLVLNPSVAAT, DLMGYIP(A/L)VGAPL, GEVQVVSTATQSFLATCINGVCWTV, HMWNFISGIQYLAGLSTLPGNPA, VDYPYRLWHYPCT(V/I)N(F/Y)TIFK(V/I)RMYVGGVEHRL, AAWYELTPAETTVRLR, GQGWRLLAPITAYSQQTRGLLGCIV, IGLGKVLVDILAGYGAGVAGALVAFK, FTDNSSPPAVPQTFQV, LEDRDRSELSPLLLSTTEW, YLVAYQATVCARAQAPPPSWD, MSTNPKPQRKTKRNTNR, LINTNGSWHINRTALNCNDSL, TTILGIGTVLDQAET, FDS(S/V)VLCECYDAG(A/C)AWYE, ARLIVFPDLGVRVCEKMALY, AFCSAMYVGDLCGSV, GVLFGLAYFSMVGNW, VVCCSMSYTWTGALITPC, TRVPYFVRAQGLIRA and TTLLFNILGGWVAAQ.

Abstract: The cDNA which codes for factor XIIIa has been isolated using a cDNA bank from human placenta and probes constructed on the basis of the amino acid sequence of factor XIIIa peptide fragments. It is possible with this cDNA not only to obtain factor XIIIa by gene manipulation in high purity but also to prepare diagnostic aids which permit the analysis of genetic factor XIIIa defects. Furthermore, it is possible on the basis of the amino acid sequence to prepare antibodies which are suitable for diagnostic aids and antibody columns.

Abstract: The cDNA which codes for factor XIIIa has been isolated using a cDNA bank from human placenta and probes constructed on the basis of the amino acid sequence of factor XIIIa peptide fragments. It is possible with this cDNA not only to obtain factor XIIIa by gene manipulation in high purity but also to prepare diagnostic aids which permit the analysis of genetic factor XIIIa defects. Furthermore, it is possible on the basis of the amino acid sequence to prepare antibodies which are suitable for diagnostic aids and antibody columns.

Abstract: The invention relates to genetically engineered soluble fusion proteins composed of human proteins not belonging to the immunoglobulin family, or of parts thereof, and of various portions of the constant region of immunoglobulin molecules. The functional properties of the two fusion partners are surprisingly retained in the fusion protein.

Abstract: The invention provides a transgenic mouse which is heterozygous or homozygous for an at least partially defective coagulation factor XIII gene.

Abstract: Mutants of AT III which have been advantageously modified at one or more potential glycosylation sites or at the Arg393 position are described. As a rule, combination of the mutations enhances the advantageous modifications.

Abstract: The invention relates to cell-free receptor binding assays which permit the binding behavior of receptor proteins in the cell membrane toward natural or artificial ligands to be investigated. This entails the particular receptor being linked to a suitable carrier molecule, preferably the heavy chain of an immunoglobulin, and being bound via the carrier, with retention of its biological property, to a suitable solid phase.

Abstract: Mutants of AT III which have been advantageously modified at one or more potential glycosylation sites or at the Arg393 position are described. As a rule, combination of the mutations enhances the advantageous modifications.

Abstract: The invention relates to muteins of human erythropoietin (EPO) in the carboxyl terminal region which are prepared by means of recombinant DNA techniques. These mutants have advantageous properties in comparison with human wild-type EPO.