Abstract: Antisense oligonucleotides are provided which are capable of inhibiting HBV replication. These oligonucleotides are specifically hybridizable with HBV RNAs which encode a P gene product, S gene product or C gene product, or with the 5' cap region, U5 region, .epsilon. region or translation initiation site of HBV RNA. Methods of diagnosing HBV infection, methods of inhibiting HBV replication, methods of treating an HBV infection and methods of treating or preventing HBV-associated diseases using the oligonucleotides of the invention are also provided. Such diseases may include acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, fulminant hepatitis, or hepatocellular carcinoma.

Abstract: Modified oligonucleotides having a conserved G.sub.4 sequence and a sufficient number of flanking nucleotides to significantly inhibit the activity of a virus such as HSV-1 or phospholipase A.sub.2 or to modulate the telomere length of a chromosome are provided. G.sub.4 quartet oligonucleotide structures are also provided. Methods of prophylaxis, diagnosis and therapeutics for viral-associated diseases and diseases associated with elevated levels of phospholipase A.sub.2 are also provided. Methods of modulating telomere length of a chromosome are also provided; modulation of telomere length is believed to plat a role in the aging process of a cell and in control of malignant cell growth.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for inhibiting the translation of a capped target mRNA. Antisense oligomers of the invention are targeted to the 5' cap region of the target mRNA and include oligonucleosides, PNAs, or oligonucleotides modified at the 2' position of the sugar. Preferably said oligomers inhibit protein translation directly via interference with ribosome assembly.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for modulating the effects of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections are disclosed, comprising contacting CMV mRNA with an oligonucleotide or oligonucleotide analog which can bind with at least portions of the CMV RNA. In accordance with the preferred embodiments, oligonucleotides or oligonucleotide analogs are designed to bind with portions of the CMV mRNAs which code for the IE1, IE2 or DNA polymerase proteins. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, methods of treatment of human cytomegalovirus are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the treatment and diagnosis of herpesvirus infections. In accordance with preferred embodiments, oligonucleotides are provided which are specifically hybridizable with RNA or DNA deriving from a herpesvirus gene corresponding to one of the open reading frames UL5, UL8, UL9, UL20, UL27, UL29, UL30, UL42, UL52 and IE175 of herpes simplex virus type 1. The oligonucleotide comprises nucleotide units sufficient in identity and number to effect said specific hybridization. In other preferred embodiments, the oligonucleotides are specifically hybridizable with a translation initiation site, a coding region or a 5'-untranslated region. Methods of treating animals suspected of being infected with herpesvirus comprising contacting the animal with an oligonucleotide of the invention are disclosed.