Abstract: Methods and kits for the in vitro detection of antibodies of an HIV variant are disclosed. In particular, the detection of HIV-1 variants, such as LAVBRU, LAVELI, LAVMAL, are taught by using an immunologically distinct antigen of these HIV variants to detect the antibodies of these variants. Moreover, the immunological characteristics of the HIV-1 variants of the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: Peptide sequences are disclosed which immunologically mimic proteins encoded by the env and gag regions of LAV-2, a retrovirus associated with AIDS. The peptide can be used in various specific binding assays to detect the presence of antibodies to LAV-2 in individuals previously exposed to the virus. The peptides enable one to distinguish the presence of antibodies to LAV-2 from antibodies to HIV-1.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an HIV-2 (LAV-II) infection and a kit containing reagents for the same is disclosed. These reagents include cDNA probes which are capable of hybridizing to at least a portion of the genome of HIV-2. In one embodiment, the DNA probes are capable of hybridizing to the entire genome of HIV-2. These reagents also include polypeptides encoded by some of these DNA sequences.

Abstract: A variant of a LAV virus, designated LAVMAL and capable of causing AIDS. The cDNA and antigens of the LAVMAL virus can be used for the diagnosis of AIDS and pre-AIDS.

Abstract: The claimed invention is directed toward in vitro methods for the detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) antibodies employing polypeptide fragments of HIV-2 Gag.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of lymphadenopathy virus, which has been designated Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1). This invention relates to a diagnostic means and method to detect the presence of DNA, RNA or antibodies of the lymphadenopathy retrovirus associated with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome or of the lymphadenopathy syndrome by the use of DNA fragments or the peptides encoded by said DNA fragments. The invention further relates to the DNA fragments, vectors comprising them and the proteins expressed.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an HIV-2 (LAV-II) infection and a kit containing reagents for the same is disclosed. These reagents include cDNA probes which are capable of hybridizing to at least a portion of the genome of HIV-2. In one embodiment, the DNA probes are capable of hybridizing to the entire genome of HIV-2. These reagents also include polypeptides encoded by some of these DNA sequences.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward polypeptides derived from novel lentiviruses. A novel lentivirus, designated the human immunodeficiency virus type 2, was isolated from West African patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Several isolates were obtained and designated HIV-2.sub.ROD, HIV-2.sub.IRMO, and HIV-2.sub.EHO. A recombinant lambda phage library was constructed from HIV-2.sub.ROD -infected CEM genomic DNA. Overlapping molecular clones were obtained and the nucleotide sequence of the complete 9.5-kilobase (kb) HIV-2.sub.ROD genome ascertained. The genetic organization of HIV-2 is analogous to that of other retroviruses and consists of the 5'LTR-gag-pol-central region-env-nef-3'LTR. The central region also encodes for the regulatory proteins Tat and Rev, as well as the ancillary proteins Vif, Vpr, and Vpx. The proteins encoded by this proviral clone will provide novel immunologic, biochemic, and diagnostic reagents useful for the detection of HIV-2.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an HIV-2 (LAV-II) infection and a kit containing reagents for the same is disclosed. These reagents include cDNA probes which are capable of hybridizing to at least a portion of the genome of HIV-2. In the embodiment, the DNA probes are capable of hybridizing to the entire genome of HIV-2. These reagents also include polypeptides encoded by some of these DNA sequences.

Abstract: The molecular cloning and characterization of a novel human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2), designated HIV-2.sub.ROD, is described. A recombinant .lambda. phage genomic library was screened with an HIV-2-specific probe to identify overlapping subgenomic clones. Fragments of these .lambda. phage clones were subcloned into a suitable vector to reconstitute the complete HIV-2.sub.ROD genome. The complete nucleotide sequence of this proviral clone was ascertained and the following genes and gene products identified: gag (including p16, p26, and p12), pol, vif, vpr, vpx, env, tat, rev, and nef. These gene products will be useful, inter alia, in in vitro diagnostic methods and kits for the detection of HIV-2-specific antisera.

Abstract: Methods for producing the newly discovered HIV-2 retrovirus and its antigens are provided. The antigens are obtained from various HIV-2 retroviruses. The antigen compositions comprise a lysate of an HIV-2 retrovirus, a protein of an HIV-2 retrovirus, or a glycoprotein of an HIV-2 retrovirus. Specifically, the antigen composition can comprise p12, p16, p26, gp32, gp42, and gp140.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of lymphadenopathy virus which has been desogmated Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) This invention relates to a diagnostic means and method to detect the presence of DNA, RNA or antibodies of the lymphadenopathy retrovirus associated with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome or of the lymphadenopathy syndrome by the use of DNA fragments or the peptides encoded by said DNA fragments. The invention further relates to the DNA fragments, vectors comprising them and the proteins expressed.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an HIV-2 (LAV-II) infection and a kit containing reagents for the same is disclosed. These reagents include cDNA probes which are capable of hybridizing to at least a portion of the genome of HIV-2. In one embodiment, the DNA probes are capable of hybridizing to the entire genome of HIV-2. These reagents also include polypeptides encoded by some of these DNA sequences.

Abstract: A variant of a LAV virus, designated LAV.sub.ELI and capable of causing. AIDS. The cDNA and antigens of the LAV.sub.ELI virus can be used for the diagnosis of AIDS and pre-AIDS.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an HIV-2 (LAV-II) infection and a kit containing reagents for the same is disclosed. These reagents include cDNA probes which are capable of hybridizing to at least a portion of the genome of HIV-2. In one embodiment, the DNA probes are capable of hybridizing to the entire genome of HIV-2. These reagents also include polypeptides encoded by some of these DNA sequences.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an HIV-2 (LAV-II) infection and a kit containing reagents for the same is disclosed. These reagents include cDNA probes which are capable of hybridizing to at least a portion of the genome of HIV-2. In one embodiment, the DNA probes are capable of hybridizing to the entire genome of HIV-2. These reagents also include polypeptides encoded by some of these DNA sequences.

Abstract: This invention is directed to nucleic acids derived from the pol region of the genome of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). The nucleic acids are useful as probes for the detection of HIV-1. More particularly, this invention is directed to nucleic acids encoding a pol region of HIV-1 extending from about nucleotide 1856 to about 1906 and extending from about nucleotide 2048 to about nucleotide 2797.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new class of retroviruses, designated by HIV-2, of which samples have been deposited to the ECACC under numbers 87.01.1001 and 87.01.1002 and to the NCIB under numbers 12.398 and 12.399.It relates also to antigens capable to be obtained from this virus, particularly proteins p12, p16, p26 and gp140. These various antigens can be used for the diagnosis of the disease, especially by contacting these antigens with a serum of a patient submitted to the diagnosis.It relates to immunogenic compositions containing more particularly the glycoprotein gp140. Finally it concerns nucleotidic sequences, which can be used especially as hybridization probes, derived from the RNA of HIV-2.

Abstract: An HIV isolate, LAV.sub.MAL, has been purified, sequenced, and characterized at the genetic level. The entire nucleic acid sequence of the viral genome, the encoded amino acid sequences, and the open reading frames found in the genome are disclosed. Specific peptides relating to the envelope glycoprotein of the viral genome are discussed. These peptides can be used in diagnostic methods and kits for detecting the presence of an HIV virus.

Abstract: A novel human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) isolate, designated lymphadenopathy-associated virus strain MAL, or LAV.sub.MAL, was molecularly cloned and characterized. Nucleotide sequence analysis demonstrated that the viral genome of LAV.sub.MAL is 9229 nucleotides long. This retrovirus contains the canonical gag, pol, and env genes, as well as ancillary genes encoding Vif (or Q), Vpr (or R), Tat (or S), and Nef (or F). This virus differs significantly, at both the nucleotide and amino acid sequence levels, from prototypical HIV isolates (e.g., HTLV-III, LAV.sub.BRU, and ARV). DNA fragments corresponding to the various gene products and regulatory regions are disclosed. These fragments are useful, inter alia, as probes in diagnostic assays and for the generation of recombinant proteins.