Abstract: A composition which elicits antibodies to greater than 95%, and even greater than 99%, of the known variants of HIV-1 Tat protein contains at least one peptide or polypeptide of the formula of Epitope I (based on amino acids 2-10 of HIV-1 Tat consensus sequence) and optionally one or more of a peptide or polypeptide of Epitope II (based on amino acids 41 to 51 of that sequence), of Epitope III (based on amino acids 52-62 of that sequence), or of Epitope IV (based on amino acids 62 through 72 of that sequence with a C-termninal Pro). Vaccinal and pharmaceutical compositions can contain one or more such peptides associated with carrier proteins, in multiple antigenic peptides or as part of recombinant proteins. Various combinations of the Epitope I through IV peptides can provide other compositions useful in eliciting anti-Tat antibodies which cross-react with multiple strains and variants of HIV-1 Tat protein.

Abstract: A composition which elicits antibodies to multiple known variants of Tat protein of HIV-1 of both the B and non-B clades contains the peptide R1-Asp-Pro-Asn-Leu-Asp-Pro-Trp-Asn-R2 SEQ ID NO: 23, and preferably an additional at least two variants of a peptide or polypeptide of the formula: R1-Asp-Pro-Y7-Leu-X8-Pro-Trp-Z12-R2 (SEQ ID NO: 8). In this composition, at least one of the two variants contains Arg at Y7 and Lys at Z12, and in at least a second of the two variants Y7 is Asn and Z12 is Asn. Vaccinal and pharmaceutical compositions can contain one or more such peptides associated with carrier proteins, associated in multiple antigenic peptides or as part of recombinant proteins. Diagnostic compositions and uses are described for assessing the immune status of vaccinated patients.

Abstract: A composition which elicits antibodies to multiple known variants of Tat protein of HIV-1 of both the B and non-B clades contains the peptide R1-Asp-Pro-Asn-Leu-Asp-Pro-Trp-Asn-R2 SEQ ID NO: 23, and preferably an additional at least two variants of a peptide or polypeptide of the formula: R1-Asp-Pro-Y7-Leu-Glu-Pro-Trp-Z12-R2 SEQ ID NO: 8. In this composition, at least one of the two variants contains Arg at Y7 and Lys at Z12, and in at least a second of the two variants Y7 is Asn and Z12 is Asn. Vaccinal and pharmaceutical compositions can contain one or more such peptides associated with carrier proteins, associated in multiple antigenic peptides, or as part of recombinant proteins. Diagnostic compositions and uses are described for assessing the immune status of vaccinated patients.

Abstract: A composition which elicits antibodies to greater than 95%, and even greater than 99%, of the known variants of HIV-1 Tat protein contains at least one peptide or polypeptide of the formula of Epitope I (based on amino acids 2-10 of HIV-1 Tat consensus sequence) and optionally one or more of a peptide or polypeptide of Epitope II (based on amino acids 41 to 51 of that sequence), of Epitope III (based on amino acids 52-62 of that sequence), or of Epitope IV (based on amino acids 62 through 72 of that sequence with a C-terminal Pro). Vaccinal and pharmaceutical compositions can contain one or more such peptides associated with carrier proteins, in multiple antigenic peptides or as part of recombinant proteins. Various combinations of the Epitope I through IV peptides can provide other compositions useful in eliciting anti-Tat antibodies which cross-react with multiple strains and variants of HIV-1 Tat protein.

Abstract: A composition is provided which contains a non-naturally occurring peptide or polypeptide comprising at least two or more, and preferably all four amino acid sequences -Asp-Pro-Arg-Leu-Glu-Pro- SEQ ID NO: 6; -Asp-Pro-Lys-Leu-Glu-Pro- SEQ ID NO: 7; -Asp-Pro-Ser-Leu-Glu-Pro- SEQ ID NO: 8; and -Asp-Pro-Asn-Leu-Glu-Pro- SEQ ID NO: 9. This composition, including a number of additional optional peptides or polypeptides, and in a variety of forms, demonstrates a biological activity of inducing antibodies that react with most HIV-1 Tat proteins and impairing the multiplication of HIV-1. Also provided are synthetic genes encoding these peptides, recombinant viruses and commensal bacterium carrying these genes, transfected host cells, and polyclonal or other types of antibodies produced by immunizing other mammals with these aforementioned compositions. Methods for making and using such compositions to lower the viral level of HIV-1 are described.

Abstract: Tripeptides capable of regulating the function of cells of the mammalian immune and/or central nervous system, pharmaceutical compositions containing the peptides and methods of use thereof are provided.

Abstract: Method for accurately measuring thymopoietin (TP) in human serum or plasma by dissociating TP from protein complexes, releasing bound TP in a unbound form, extracting TP, preparing it for assay, and measuring TP levels in a suitable assay.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel means of diagnosing, or confirming a diagnosis of, affective disorders, such as depression, based on the blood levels of arginine vasopressin and thymopoietin, either alone or in combination.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel nucleotide and amino acid sequences for human thymopoietin .alpha., .beta., and .gamma., methods of recombinantly expressing same, and diagnostic and therapeutic uses thereof.

Abstract: Tetrapeptides and pentapeptides are disclosed which are capable of regulating the function of cells of the mammalian immune system. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions containing the peptides and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Pentapeptides are disclosed which are capable of regulating the function of cells of the mammalian immune and/or nervous system. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions containing the peptides and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Hybrid cell line for production of monoclonal antibody to an antigen found on normal human monocytes and granulocytes. The hybrid is formed by fusing splenocytes from immunized BALB/cJ mice with P3X63Ag8U1 myeloma cells. Diagnostic and therapeutic uses of the monoclonal antibody are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing aqueous formulations of thymopentin, which method permits the peptide to retain its biological activity during storage at room temperature.

Abstract: A composition for use in the topical treatment of skin disorders such as dermatitis or poison ivy, which comprises an effective amount of thymopentin and a suitable carrier is provided. A method for treating skin disorders and a method for making a topical composition are disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-functional mammalian peptide probursin isolated in purified form, produced synthetically or recombinantly can be used therapeutically for treatment of immune disorders and tumor inhibition.

Abstract: Hybrid cell line for production of monoclonal antibody to an antigen found on normal human monocytes and granulocytes. The hybrid is formed by fusing splenocytes from immunized BALB/cJ mice with P3X63Ag8Ul myeloma cells. Diagnostic and therapeutic uses of the monoclonal antibody are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the protein human splenin (hsP), substantially free of material associated with the protein in its natural environment in the human spleen. In particular, the present invention relates to such isolated or synthesized human splenin having the amino acid residue sequence:-GLY-LEU-PRO-LYS-GLU-VAL-PRO-ALA-VAL-LEU-THR-LYS-GLN-LYS -LEU-LYS-SER-GLU-LEU-VAL-ALA-ASN-ASN-VAL-THR-LEU-PRO-ALA -GLY-GLU-MET-ARG-LYS-ALA-VAL-TYR-VAL-GLU-LEU-TYR-LEU-GLY -SER-LEU-THR-ALA-GLU-HIS-.Additionally, the present invention relates to a therapeutic composition of matter comprising a therapeutically effective amount of the hsP having the above sequence and a pharmaceutically acceptible carrier.

Abstract: Hybrid cell line for production of monoclonal antibody to an antigen found on normal human monocytes and granulocytes. The hybrid is formed by fusing splenocytes from immunized BALB/cJ mice with P3X63Ag8Ul myeloma cells. Diagnostic and therapeutic uses of the monoclonal antibody are also disclosed.

Abstract: Synthetic peptides which possess the ability to specifically induce the differentiation of precursor B cells into mature B-cells capable of producing antibody.

Abstract: Immunoregulating peptides are disclosed which are more potent than thymopentin or splenin and are useful for their effects on the immune system, especially the treatment of thymic deficiencies.