Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods related to the isolation and identification of the primate T-lymphotropic viruses, HTLV-3 and HTLV-4. The diversity of HTLVs was investigated among central Africans reporting contact with NHP blood and body fluids through hunting, butchering, and keeping primate pets. Herein it is shown that this population is infected with a variety of HTLVs, including two retroviruses; HTLV-4 is the first member of a novel phylogenetic lineage that is distinct from all known HTLVs and STLVs; HTLV-3 falls within the genetic diversity of STLV-3, a group that has not previously been seen in humans. The present disclosure also relates to vectors and vaccines for use in humans against infection and disease. The disclosure further relates to a variety of bioassays and kits for the detection and diagnosis of infection with and diseases caused by HTLV-3 and HTLV-4 and related viruses.

Abstract: Plant viral vectors have great potential in rapid production of proteins, but no simple. Here a geminivirus-based system for high-yield and rapid production of oligomeric protein complexes, including virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is described. In particular, a single vector that contains two non-competing replicons for transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves is described. The correct assembly of these subunit proteins into functional oligomeric structures (VLPs or full-size mAb) is also described. This system advances plant transient expression technology by eliminating the need for non-competing viruses, and thus, enhances the realistic commercial application of this technology for producing multiple-subunit protein complexes.

Abstract: Described is a method for isolating Hepatitis C Virus peptides (HPs) which have a binding capacity to a MHC/HLA molecule or a complex comprising said HCV-peptide and said MHC/HLA molecule characterized by the following steps: —providing a pool of HCV-peptide, said pool containing HCV-peptides which bind to said MHC/HLA molecule and HCV-peptides which do not bind to said MHC/HLA molecule, —contacting said MHC/HLA molecule with said pool of HCV-peptides whereby a HCV-peptide which has a binding capacity to said MHC/HLA molecule binds to said MHC/HLA molecule and a complex comprising said HCV-peptide and said MHC/HLA molecule is formed, —detecting and optionally separating said complex from the HCV-peptide which do not bind to said MHC/HLA molecule and optionally isolating and characterizing the HCV-peptide from said complex.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery that a high titer reassortant influenza virus is produced in mammalian cell culture by replacing the NS gene of the A/PuertoRico/3/24 master strain with the NS gene of the A/England/1/53 strain. The invention provides influenza viruses and vaccines generated in mammalian cells as well as methods for producing such. The invention further provides an influenza virus master strain and kits for generating reassortant influenza viruses in mammalian cell culture and methods of making and using the master strain.

Abstract: Cyclic peptides which comprise, as a constituent chain or chains thereof, one or two amino acid sequences selected from the amino acid sequence Asn-Val-Ser-Glu-Ala-Asp-Asp-Arg-Tyr-Ile and the amino acid sequence Arg-Ser-Gln-Lys-Glu-Gly-Leu-His-Tyr-Thr, and AIDS vaccines containing at least one of the cyclic peptides as an active ingredient. From the in vivo absorption and antibody expression viewpoint, a substituent group is preferably bound to at least one active group selected from among the carboxyl, amino and hydroxyl groups contained in the cyclic peptides. The cyclic peptides can neutralize the second receptors which the HIV-1 virus utiliizes in the infection of humans therewith.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to adjuvants, and in particular to methods and products utilizing a synergistic combination of immunostimulatory oligonucleotides having at least one unmethylated CpG dinucleotide (CpG ODN) and a non-nucleic acid adjuvant. Such combinations of adjuvants may be used with an antigen or alone. The present invention also relates to methods and products utilizing immunostimulatory oligonucleotides having at least one unmethylated CpG dinucleotide (CpG ODN) for induction of cellular immunity in infants.

Abstract: The invention concerns DNA fragments derived from the genomic DNA of HPV-33. These fragments are selected from the group of fragments extending between the nucleotide extremities defined hereafter in relation to the nucleotide-numbering in FIGS. 1a and 1b respectively: 76-556 543-864 867-2811 2728-3808 3326-3575 3842-4079 4198-5611 5516-8091 The invention also relates to the use of these fragments as probes for the detection of HPV in tissue cultures.

Abstract: The invention relates to seroreactive regions on proteins E1 and E2 of human papillomavirus (HPV) 16.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides of pRb2/p130 or mutants or fragments thereof which inhibit cdk2 kinase activity. Method of inhibiting cdk2 kinase activity in cells with these peptides are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to seroreactive regions on protein E1 and E2 of human papillomavirus (HPV) 16. The application also relates to a vaccine which contains such peptides which contain the seroreactive regions. The invention likewise embraces compositions for diagnostic purposes which contain peptides with the seroreactive regions.

Abstract: Peptide derivatives which are antagonists of neurokinin A. The derivatives have a modified peptide bond having a reduced amide and a fluorinated alkyl attached to the nitrogen atom of the modified peptide bond. For example, Asp-Ser-Phe-Val-Gly-Leu&PSgr;[CH2N(CH2CF3)]Leu(NH2).

Abstract: Equine rhinovirus 1 (ERhV1) is a respiratory pathogen of horses which has an uncertain taxonomic status. The nucleotide sequence of the ERhV1 genome and amino acid sequence have been substantially determined (FIG. 2). The predicted polyprotein was encoded by 6,741 nucleotides and possessed a typical picornavirus proteolytic cleavage pattern, including a leader polypeptide. The genomic structure and predicted amino acid sequence of ERhV1 were more similar to those of foot-and-mouth disease viruses (FMDV), the only members of the aphthovirus genus, than other picornaviruses. Nucleotide sequences coding for the complete polyprotein, the polymerase, and VP1 were analyzed separately. The phylogenetic trees confirmed that ERhV1 was more closely related to aphthoviruses than to other picornaviruses. Virion proteins and virus-like particles are described and probes, primers, antigens, vectors, diagnostics and tests developed.

Abstract: Diagnostically relevant polypeptides and fusion proteins comprising an amino acid sequence which originates from cytomegalovirus and corresponds to a region of the major DNA-binding protein or of the C-terminal region of the tegument protein pp150 fused with at least one further fragment from another antigenic protein of cytomegalovirus are disclosed. The major DNA-binding protein is encoded by the reading frame UL57. The poly-peptides and fusion proteins according to the invention can be used in an advantageous manner in diagnostic tests and methods for the detection of IgM antibodies against cytomegalovirus.

Abstract: The present invention provides papillomavirus DNA, and more particularly DNA probes derived from papillomavirus. The present invention also provides procedures for the use of DNA derived from papillomavirus in the in vitro diagnosis of papillomavirus infections.

Abstract: The invention involves polypeptides which correspond to amino acid sequences of protein p57 or protein p9.5 of Borna disease virus. These polypeptides, as well as DNA and RNA fragments are used in test kits and vaccines.

Abstract: E6-BP polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding E6-BP polypeptides, and uses thereof.

Abstract: An inhibitor of the HCV NS3 protease. The inhibitor is a subsequence of a substrate of the NS3 protease or a subsequence of the NS4A cofactor. Another inhibitor of the present invention contains a subsequence of a substrate linked to a subsequences of the NS4A cofactor. In another embodiment the inhibitor is a bivalent inhibitor comprised of a subsequence, a mutated subsequence or a mutated full-length of a substrate of the NS3 protease linked to a subsequence, a mutated subsequence or a mutated full-length suquence of the HCV NS4A cofactor.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions comprising an antigenic amount of peptides derived from the L1 and L2 OFR's of human papillomavirus type 16 coupled to a carrier or in multimer form.

Abstract: A protein designated p35 binds to a number of the chemotaxis-stimulating cytokines known as chemokines. p35 may be used to treat conditions that are mediated by chemokines, such as inflammation. p35 is a secreted protein that can be purified from the culture supernatant of cells infected with certain viruses, or produced using recombinant DNA techniques. Isolated DNA sequences encoding p35 are provided, along with expression vectors comprising the p35 DNA, and purified p35 protein.

Abstract: Peptides are used to define epitopes that stimulate HLA-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity against hepatitis B virus antigens. The peptides are derived from regions of HBV envelope, and are particularly useful in treating or preventing HBV infection, including methods for stimulating the immune response of chronically infected individuals to respond to HBV antigens.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gene encoding an envelope glycoprotein of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1), the glycoprotein D (gD) gene, its gene product and antibodies directed against gD polypeptides. The envelope glycoproteins of herpesvirus are major targets of the immune response to herpesviral infection. Hence, an important aspect of this invention is directed towards a vaccine against EHV-1 and treatment of EHV-1 infection by anti-EHV-gD antibodies or antisera.

Abstract: Compositions including a polypeptide or nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide that binds TAR DNA (particularly the region -18 to +28 of HIV-LTR DNA) and that does not bind to TAR RNA (particularly the region +1 to +80 of the TAR RNA) are disclosed. The cellular binding protein TDP-43 including the polypeptide has an estimated molecular weight of between about 40 kD and 46 kD as determined by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Fusion proteins that include the entire cellular binding protein TDP-43 or fragments thereof are also described. The cellular binding protein, peptide fragments and nucleic acid sequences encoding them, repress HIV gene expression. Methods for preparing the cellular binding protein from cells as recombinant proteins with recombinant host cells are also disclosed. Antibodies to the TDP-43 cellular binding protein are also described. The isolated nucleic acid sequences of the protein and its fragments are described in the construction of retroviral vectors.

Abstract: An isolated gene encoding all or part of the VP7 protein of human rotavirus serotype 4 is claimed. Also claimed in a DNA transfer vector which contains the gene or a portion or sub-unit and a host cell contg. the DNA transfer vector.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptides representing CTL epitopes from the HTLV-I envelope protein. The invention further relates to compositions, comprising the peptides, for priming a T-cell response in a subject. Furthermore, methods for priming a T-cell response by administration of the compositions to a subject and methods for evaluating the T-cell function of a patient are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to seroreactive regions on proteins E1 and E2 of human papillomavirus (HPV) 16.The application also relates to a vaccine which contains such peptides which contain the seroreactive regions.The invention likewise embraces compositions for diagnostic purposes which contain peptides with the seroreactive regions.

Abstract: Mutant Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) nucleic acid sequences useful for a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic applications, kits for using the HBV nucleic acid sequences, HBV immunogenic particles, and a method for producing antibodies to HBV. Also provided are methods for producing antibodies, polyclonal or monoclonal, from the HBV nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: This invention relates to E2 trans-activation repressors which interfere with normal functioning of the native full-length E2 transcriptional activation protein of the papillomavirus. This invention also relates to DNA sequences and recombinant DNA molecules encoding such repressors, unicellular hosts transformed with such DNA molecules, and processes for producing and using such repressors. Native full-length E2 trans-activation protein activates transcription of papillomavirus only through binding to DNA, and it binds to DNA only in the form of a pre-formed homodimer--a pair of identical polypeptide subunits held together by non-covalent interactions. The E2 trans-activation repressors of this invention are proteins, polypeptides or other molecules that dimerize with full-length native E2 polypeptides to form inactive heterodimers, thus interfering with the formation of active homodimers comprising full-length native E2 polypeptides, thereby repressing papillomavirus transcription and replication.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel peptides and mixtures thereof useful for detecting HCV infections. These peptides are also useful as active ingredients in vaccines against HCV infection.

Abstract: The invention provides a tumor suppressor protein of the retinoblastoma family (pRb2) which binds to the E1A transforming domain and to DNA encoding for the pRb2 protein.

Abstract: Useful materials for diagnostic tests, affinity chromatography, enzymatic reactions and immunoassays are prepared by covalently attaching reactive compounds containing reactive amino or sulfhydryl groups to polymeric particles having pendant carboxyl groups on the outer surfaces. Such reactive compounds include biologically reactive species, such as enzymes, polypeptides and proteins. This attachment is carried out using carbamoylonium compounds which react with the carboxyl groups to form intermediate reactive groups which then react with the amino or sulfhydryl groups to form a covalent linkage between particle and reactive compound. A kit comprises polymeric particles having carboxyl groups on the outer surfaces, and a carbamoylonium compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates a peptide having specific immunoreactivity to antibodies to HTLV-I, HTLV-II, or combinations thereof comprising a peptide selected from the group consisting of:Env-1 (HTLV-I; a.a 191-214)LPHSNLDHILEPSIPWKSKLLTLV,Env-2 (HTLV-II; a.a 187-210)VHDSDLEHVLTPSTSWTTKILKFI,Env-5 (HTLV-I; a.a 242-257)SPNVSVPSSSSTPLLY,Gag-1a (HTLV-I; a.a 102-117)PPSSPTHDPPDSDPQI,Pol-3 (HTLV-I; a.a 487-502)KQILSQRSFPLPPPHK, andanalogues thereof, wherein the amino acids in the sequence may be substituted as long as the immunoreactivity to antibodies to HTLV-I or HTLV-II derived from the three dimensional conformation of the sequences is substantially preserved.The invention is further directed to an immunoassay method for the detection of antibodies to HTLV-I, HTLV-II or a combination thereof, a test kit for the detection of said antibodies, a peptide composition containing said peptides and a vaccine.

Abstract: Isolated viral proteins, and pharmaceutical compositions made therefrom, are disclosed which are capable of binding to Tumor Necrosis Factor, thereby functioning as Tumor Necrosis Factor antagonists. Also disclosed are processes for preparing isolated viral protein cytokine antagonists.

Abstract: Immunoassays for the detection of antibodies to HCV are provided which employ "C" domain antigens. Immunoassay kits comprising such antigens are also provided.

Abstract: A gene and gene product that regulates the expression of the capsidal envelope genes of HTLV-III/LAV and that can be used to regulate the expression of heterologous (non-viral) genes as well is disclosed. This art gene consists of two exons and can be used in creating nucleotide segments, vectors and cell lines. A new method for screening for compounds that inhibit the replication of HTLV-III is also described and comprises:(1) transfecting a T-cell line with the HTLV-III art and env genes;(2) thereafter, adding a preselected compound to the transformed cell line in increasing concentrations; and(3) determining whether the compound effects the art function without being toxic to the cell.An additional parameter to use in diagnosis of AIDS disease is also described. The use of the art gene and gene product in AIDS therapy is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to E2 trans-activation repressors which interfere with normal functioning of the native full-length E2 transcriptional activation protein of the papillomavirus. Native full-length E2 trans-activation protein activates transcription of papillomavirus only through binding to DNA, and it binds to DNA only in the form of a pre-formed homodimer--a pair of identical polypeptide subunits held together by non-covalent interactions. The E2 trans-activation repressors of this invention are proteins, polypeptides or other molecules that dimerize with full-length native E2 polypeptides to form inactive heterodimers, thus interfering with the formation of active homodimers comprising full-length native E2 polypeptides, thereby repressing papillomavirus transcription and replication. The E2 trans-activation repressors of this invention are advantageously used in the treatment of papillomavirus infections and their associated diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a DNA fragment containing at the most 315 pairs of nucleotides coding for a peptide which can be recognized by antibodies acting both against the "C" and "D" particles of the same poliovirus and against the VP-1 structural polypeptide of the capsid of this poliovirus. This peptide contains in particular the following sequence:Asp Asn Pro Ala Ser thr Thr Asn Lys Asp Lys Leu.

Abstract: Immunologically reactive gag proteins of LAV are expresesed in bacterial cells. The gag proteins are encoded by a recombinant plasmid containing procaryotic transcriptional and translational signals for expression, followed downstream by a DNA sequence comprising a portion of the gag region of LAV. Preferred signals for expression are selected from an inducible and/or suppressible operon, such as the trp operon. The gag proteins are isolated from the bacterial host and are utilized in diagonstic assays which detect the presence of LAV antigens or antibodies immunologically reactive with LAV. Further, the proteins produced by the method disclosed may be used as a vaccine against infection by the caustive virus for acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

Abstract: Immunologically reactive gag proteins of LAV/HTLV-III are expressed in bacterial cells. The gag proteins are encoded by a recombinant plasmid containing procaryotic transcriptional and translational signals for expression, followed downstream by a DNA sequence comprising pGAG-1. Preferred signals for expression are selected from an inducible and/or suppressible operon, such as the trp operon. The gag proteins are isolated from the bacterial host and are utilized in diagnostic assays which detect the presence of LAV/HTLV-III antigens or antibodies immunologically reactive with LAV/HTLV-III. Further, the proteins produced by the method disclosed may be used as a vaccine against infection by the causative virus for acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

Abstract: A substantially pure, synthetic protein possessing anti-complement property and a DNA sequence encoding said protein are described.