Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to attenuated negative-strand RNA viruses having an impaired ability to antagonize the cellular interferon (IFN) response, and the use of such attenuated viruses in vaccine and pharmaceutical formulations. The invention also relates to the development and use of IFN-deficient systems for selection of such attenuated viruses. In particular, the invention relates to attenuated influenza viruses having modifications to the NS1 gene that diminish or eliminate the ability of the NS1 gene product to antagonize the cellular IFN response. The mutant viruses replicate in vivo but demonstrate reduced pathogenicity, and therefore are well suited for live virus vaccines, and pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: Nucleotide sequences and fragments which code for a human endogenous retrovirus which is infectious. “Fragments” according to the present invention relate also to specific fragments of the sequences inserted into the vector pCR4-Topo and deposited as MERV-env, MERV-gag, MERV-prt and MERV-pol as mentioned above. Additionally, methods of using such sequences, polypeptides encoded by such sequences, antibodies directs against such sequences, and methods and compositions relating to the same are all contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention provides antigenic polypeptides derived from the melanoma-associated endogenous retrovirus (MERV). These antigens are useful compounds for the detection of cancerous cells and melanoma-diagnosis as well as melanoma-prognosis. Furthermore these antigenic polypeptides of the present invention form the basis for anti-cancer vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition with an adjuvant based on an apathogenic virus, together with an antigen. The adjuvant has a natural or through genetical engineering no, reduced or altered expression of an endogenous interferon antagonist or endogenous immune suppressor.

Abstract: Described is a polynucleotide molecule being a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence of an infectious human endogenous retrovirus, said polynucleotide molecule comprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of (a) a sequence with at least 98%, preferably 99%, still preferred 99.5%, identity to a sequence according to SEQ ID No 1, (b) a sequence which hybridises under stringent conditions with a nucleotide sequence according to said SEQ ID No 1, (c) a sequence which differs from said sequences (a) or (b) due to degeneration of the genetic code and (d) a sequence comprising sequences inserted into vectors pCR4-Topo and deposited as “MERV-env”, “MERV-gag”, “MERV-prt” and “MERV-pol” at the DSMZ on 26 Sep. 2001 or fragments thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to attenuated negative-strand RNA viruses having an impaired ability to antagonize the cellular interferon (IFN) response, and the use of such attenuated viruses in vaccine and pharmaceutical formulations. The invention also relates to the development and use of IFN-deficient systems for selection of such attenuated viruses. In particular, the invention relates to attenuated influenza viruses having modifications to the NS1 gene that diminish or eliminate the ability of the NS1 gene product to antagonize the cellular IFN response. The mutant viruses replicate in vivo but demonstrate reduced pathogenicity, and therefore are well suited for live virus vaccines, and pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: Nucleotide sequences and fragments which code for a human endogenous retrovirus which is infectious. “Fragments” according to the present invention relate also to specific fragments of the sequences inserted into the vector pCR4-Topo and deposited as MERV-env, MERV-gag, MERV-prt and MERV-pol as mentioned above. Additionally, methods of using such sequences, polypeptides encoded by such sequences, antibodies directs against such sequences, and methods and compositions relating to the same are all contemplated.

Abstract: The invention discloses a use of dithiocarbamate compounds having the structural formula R1R2NCS2H, in which R1 and R2, independently of each other, represent a straight or branched C1-C4 alkyl, or, with the nitrogen atom, form an aliphatic ring with 4 to 6 C atoms, in which R1, R2, or the aliphatic ring is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from OH, NO2, NH2, COOH, SH, F, Cl, Br, I, methyl or ethyl, and oxidized forms of these compounds, in particular dimers thereof, as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, to prepare an agent for treating or preventing an infection by RNA viruses which attack the respiratory tract and cause disease there.

Abstract: The invention discloses a use of dithiocarbamate compounds having the structural formula R1R2NCS2H, in which R1 and R2, independently of each other, represent a straight or branched C1-C4 alkyl, or, with the nitrogen atom, form an aliphatic ring with 4 to 6 C atoms, in which R1, R2, or the aliphatic ring is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from OH, NO2, NH2, COOH, SH, F, Cl, Br, I, methyl or ethyl, and oxidized forms of these compounds, in particular dimers thereof, as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, to prepare an agent for treating or preventing an infection by RNA viruses which attack the respiratory tract and cause disease there.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically engineered attenuated viruses and methods for their production. In particular, the present invention relates to engineering live attenuated viruses which contain a modified NS gene segment. Recombinant DNA techniques can be utilized to engineer site specific mutations into one or more noncoding regions of the viral genome which result in the down-regulation of one or more viral genes. Alternatively, recombinant DNA techniques can be used to engineer a mutation, including but not limited to an insertion, deletion, or substitution of an amino acid residue(s) or an epitope(s) into a coding region of the viral genome so that altered or chimeric viral proteins are expressed by the engineered virus.

Abstract: Described is a polynucleotide molecule being a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence of an infectious human endogenous retrovirus, said polynucleotide molecule comprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of (a) a sequence with at least 98%, preferably 99%, still preferred 99.5%, identity to a sequence according to SEQ ID No 1, (b) a sequence which hybridises under stringent conditions with a nucleotide sequence according to said SEQ ID No 1, (c) a sequence which differs from said sequences (a) or (b) due to degeneration of the genetic code and (d) a sequence comprising sequences inserted into vectors pCR4-Topo and deposited as “MERV-env”, “MERV-gag”, “MERV-prt” and “MERV-pol” at the DSMZ on 26 Sep. 2001 or fragments thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to attenuated negative-strand RNA viruses having an impaired ability to antagonize the cellular interferon (IFN) response, and the use of such attenuated viruses in vaccine and pharmaceutical formulations. The invention also relates to the development and use of IFN-deficient systems for selection of such attenuated viruses.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to attenuated negative-strand RNA viruses having an impaired ability to antagonize the cellular interferon (IFN) response, and the use of such attenuated viruses in vaccine and pharmaceutical formulations. The invention also relates to the development and use of IFN-deficient systems for selection of such attenuated viruses. In particular, the invention relates to attenuated influenza viruses having modifications to the NS1 gene that diminish or eliminate the ability of the NS1 gene product to antagonize the cellular IFN response. The mutant viruses replicate in vivo but demonstrate reduced pathogenicity, and therefore are well suited for live virus vaccines, and pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically engineered attenuated viruses and methods for their production. In particular, the present invention relates to engineering live attenuated viruses which contain a modified NS gene segment. Recombinant DNA techniques can be utilized to engineer site specific mutations into one or more noncoding regions of the viral genome which result in the down-regulation of one or more viral genes. Alternatively, recombinant DNA techniques can be used to engineer a mutation, including but not limited to an insertion, deletion, or substitution of an amino acid residue(s) or an epitope(s) into a coding region of the viral genome so that altered or chimeric viral proteins are expressed by the engineered virus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically engineered attenuated viruses and methods for their production. In particular, the present invention relates to engineering live attenuated viruses which contain a modified NS gene segment. Recombinant DNA techniques can be utilized to engineer site specific mutations into one or more noncoding regions of the viral genome which result in the down-regulation of one or more viral genes. Alternatively, recombinant DNA techniques can be used to engineer a mutation, including but not limited to an insertion, deletion, or substitution of an amino acid residue(s) or an epitope(s) into a coding region of the viral genome so that altered or chimeric viral proteins are expressed by the engineered virus.

Abstract: Disclosed are antibodies which can be used for the manufacture of vaccines for active and/or passive immunization of persons in need of such treatment. The invention also provides for human monoclonal antibodies that are functionally equivalent to the above-mentioned antibodies produced by any one of the cell lines CL1 through CL6 (deposited at the European Collection of Animal Cell Cultures (ECACC) at the PHLS in Porton Down, Salisbury, UK). Also provided are hybridoma and/or CHO cell lines producing any one of the antibodies disclosed and claimed herein, Also provided are mixtures of antibodies of the present invention, as well as methods of using individual antibodies or mixtures thereof for the detection, prevention and/or therapeutical treatment of HIV-1 infections in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention relates to engineering attenuated viruses by altering a non-coding region or the coding sequence of a viral gene. Alterations of the non-coding regions which regulate transcription and/or replication are described. These alterations result in the down-regulation of the viral gene and an attenuation of the virus, either by the production of defective particles during replication, or by reducing the number of progeny virions produced during viral replication. Alterations of viral coding sequences are also described which result in a recombinant or chimeric attenuated virus.

Abstract: Disclosed are antibodies which can be used for the manufacture of vaccines for active and/or passive immunization of persons in need of such treatment. The invention also provides for human monoclonal antibodies that are functionally equivalent to the above-mentioned antibodies produced by any one of the cell lines CL1 through CL6 (deposited at the European Collection of Animal Cell Cultures (ECACC) at the PHLS in Porton Down, Salisbury, UK). Also provided are hybridoma and/or CHO cell lines producing any one of the antibodies disclosed and claimed herein. Also provided are mixtures of antibodies of the present invention, as well as methods of using individual antibodies or mixtures thereof for the detection, prevention and/or therapeutical treatment of HIV-1 infections in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: This invention concerns peptides binding to antibodies which show neutralizing activity against different strains and clinical isolates of HIV-1 and which inhibit the fusion of cells infected with HIV-1. These peptides are combined with an adjuvant, as recombinant fusion proteins, chemically coupled to carrier molecules, as recombinant chimeric viruses or as recombinant antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fusion peptides wherein at least one peptide consisting of an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1 through SEQ ID NO: 25 is bound to an adjuvant being a protein molecule by fusion of the respective nucleotide sequences and subsequent expression of the fusion genes in a biological expression system.