Abstract: The inventors disclose nucleic acids of HIV-2 encoding the entire envelope glycoprotein and peptide regions thereof. Also described are purified and cloned nucleic acids having the entire HIV-2 genome. The nucleic acids can be used to produce polypeptides corresponding to the HIV-2 envelope gene or peptides from specific regions of the HIV-2 envelope gene. Uses in hybridization assays are also disclosed.

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

Abstract: The complete nucleotide sequence of a proviral molecular clone of the lymphadenopathy-associated virus, LAV, was ascertained. Recombinant phage clones were isolated from a genomic library of LAV-infected human T-lymphocyte DNA. The insert of recombinant phase .lambda.J19 was sequenced according to the dideoxy chain termination method. In addition to the retroviral structural genes gag, pol, and env, a novel open reading frame (ORF) was identified in the 3' region of the viral genome and designated ORF-R. The ORF-R coding region, which has subsequently been renamed nef, encodes a 206 amino acid protein that slightly overlaps the 3' end of the env gene and the 5' portion of the U3 region of the viral long terminal repeat (LTR). Nucleic acids encoding this protein and the precise amino acid sequence of the Nef are disclosed in this application. These products are useful for the generation of immunological reagents to facilitate the detection of LAV.

Abstract: A novel lentivirus, designated the human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2.sub.ROD), was isolated from West African patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). 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 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: 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: 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: 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 hydridization probes, derived from the RNA 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 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 variant of the LAV virus, designated LAV.sub.MAL and capable of causing AIDS. The cDNA and antigens of the LAV.sub.MAL virus can be used for the diagnosis of AIDS and pre-AIDS.