Abstract: An oligopeptides comprising the following sequence Thr Gln Cys His Cys Gly Lys Cys (SEQ ID NO: 5) may be used as an antigenic compound capable of being recognized by anti-ovary antibodies and as an immunogenic compound capable of inducing the production of anti-ovary antibodies. In addition, the oligopeptides may be used to detect and/or quantify anti-ovary antibodies.

Abstract: The invention concerns a structural peptide, identified by antibodies directed against a polypeptide, comprising the 2-45 amino acid sequence of the N-terminal end of the Core or nucleocapsid (p21) protein of the hepatitis C virus (HCV), excluding any protein or peptide compound comprising or consisting of the N-terminal end. The invention is characterized in that it comprises a tertiary structure consisting of at least a first peptide fragment having a secondary structure in ? helix, a second peptide fragment having secondary structure in ? helix and a third peptide bond fragment linking the two ? helices, these two ? helices being substantially perpendicular to each other in space. This peptide can be used for detecting antibodies directed against the p21 protein of HCV, for detecting all of part of the RNA of HCV and for preparing a diagnostic, prophylactic or therapeutic composition for detecting, preventing or treating an HCV infection.

Abstract: The invention concerns an artificial antigen specifically identified by the anti-filaggrin autoantibodies present in the serum of patients suffering from rheumatoid polyarthritis, and consisting of one polypeptide comprising all or part of the sequence of one filaggrin unit or of a related molecule, in which an arginine radical has been substituted by a citrulline radical. The invention also concerns the use of this antigen for diagnosing rheumatoid polyarthritis.

Abstract: An oligopeptides comprising the following sequence Thr Gln Cys His Cys Gly Lys Cys (SEQ ID NO: 5) may be used as an antigenic compound capable of being recognized by anti-ovary antibodies and as an immunogenic compound capable of inducing the production of anti-ovary antibodies. In addition, the oligopeptides may be used to detect and/or quantify anti-ovary antibodies.

Abstract: Oligopeptides containing one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-5 may be used as antigenic compounds to recognize anti-ovary antibodies. The oligopeptides may also be used as immunogenic compounds to induce the production of anti-ovary antibodies.

Abstract: The invention concerns a structural peptide, identified by antibodies directed against a polypeptide, comprising the 2-45 amino acid sequence of the N-terminal end of the Core or nucleocapsid (p21) protein of the hepatitis C virus (HCV), excluding any protein or peptide compound comprising or consisting of the N-terminal end. The invention is characterized in that it comprises a tertiary structure consisting of at least a first peptide fragment having a secondary structure in &agr; helix, a second peptide fragment having secondary structure in &agr; helix and a third peptide bond fragment linking the two &agr; helices, these two &agr; helices being substantially perpendicular to each other in space. This peptide can be used for detecting antibodies directed against the p21 protein of HCV, for detecting all of part of the RNA of HCV and for preparing a diagnostic, prophylactic or therapeutic composition for detecting, preventing or treating an HCV infection.

Abstract: The invention concerns a structural peptide, identified by antibodies directed against a polypeptide, comprising the 2-45 amino acid sequence of the N-terminal end of the Core or nucleocapsid (p21) protein of the hepatitis C virus (HCV), excluding any protein or peptide compound comprising or consisting of the N-terminal end. The invention is characterized in that it comprises a tertiary structure consisting of at least a first peptide fragment having a secondary structure in &agr; helix, a second peptide fragment having secondary structure in &agr; helix and a third peptide bond fragment linking the two &agr; helices, these two &agr; helices being substantially perpendicular to each other in space. This peptide can be used for detecting antibodies directed against the p21 protein of HCV, for detecting all of part of the RNA of HCV and for preparing a diagnostic, prophylactic or therapeutic composition for detecting, preventing or treating an HCV infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polypeptide comprising a peptide sequence belonging to the sequence of the first 62 amino acids of the terminal part of the CORE (or capsid) protein of the human hepatitis C virus (HCV), the polypeptide comprising either an isolated peptide sequence that is composed of the 45 N-terminal amino acids of the core protein, with 1 to 10 amino acids optionally amputated from its N-terminal part and/or its C-terminal part, or an immunogenic sequence equivalent to the peptide sequence and exhibiting immunological cross-reactivity with the peptide sequence towards HCV. The invention also relates to a polypeptide composition, a reagent and a means for the detection of the HCV virus, a process and a device for the detection of anti-HCV antibodies, an immunotherapeutic composition and antibodies directed against HCV.