Abstract: The present invention provides novel antibody sequences that bind Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) and neutralize VZV infection. The novel sequences can be used for the medical management of VZV infection, in particular for detecting the virus or for preparing pharmaceutical compositions to be used in the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of VZV infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel antibody sequences that bind and neutralize Rubella Virus (RuV). The novel sequences can be used for the medical management of RuV infection, in particular for detecting the virus or for preparing pharmaceutical compositions. The RuV-specific antigens recognized by such antibody sequences can be identified using novel phage libraries that display peptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel technologies for producing and screening fusion proteins on the surface of filamentous phage. In particular, a single vector can be used for generating cell and phage libraries containing a given series of protein sequences fused to either one or other of two phage coat proteins. This approach simplifies and improves the efficiency of the subsequent phage display-based selection of protein-binding molecules having therapeutic or diagnostic utility, such as antibodies, peptides, or epitope-binding regions.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of antibodies or fragments thereof using a prokaryotic host cell containing DNA sequences encoding for said antibodies of fragments thereof, wherein said DNA sequence is derived from a coronary plaque sample. Compositions containing said antibodies are also provided. Ligands to said antibodies and compositions containing said ligands are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel technologies for producing and screening fusion proteins on the surface of filamentous phage. In particular, a single vector can be used for generating cell and phage libraries containing a given series of protein sequences fused to either one or other of two phage coat proteins. This approach simplifies and improves the efficiency of the subsequent phage display-based selection of protein-binding molecules having therapeutic or diagnostic utility, such as antibodies, peptides, or epitope-binding regions.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies directed against the influenza A virus are described, which have the advantageous and unpredicted property of being able to bind a plurality of subtypes of the influenza A virus. One preferred embodiment is the antibody designated as Fab28, which displays a neutralizing activity against a plurality of subtypes of the influenza A virus. Anti-idiotype antibodies directed against the monoclonal antibodies of the invention, immunogenic or vaccine compositions comprising the monoclonal antibodies of the invention are also described, as well as therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic applications for the monoclonal antibodies of the invention. The monoclonal antibodies of the invention can also be used for testing antibody preparations to be used as vaccines.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody directed against the influenza A virus is described, which is capable of binding human and animal isolates of influenza A viruses expressing the H1-subtype hemagglutinin. A preferred embodiment is the antibody designated as Fab49, which shows a neutralizing activity against a plurality of influenza A virus isolates expressing the H1-subtype hemagglutinin, including animal-derived isolates. Anti-idiotype antibodies directed against the monoclonal antibody of the invention, immunogenic or vaccine compositions comprising the monoclonal antibody of the invention are also described, as well as therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic applications for the monoclonal antibody of the invention. The monoclonal antibody of the invention can also be employed for testing antibody preparations to be used as vaccines.

Abstract: Novel anti-idiotype monoclonal antibodies are described which are capable of specifically reacting with the idiotype of human anti-gp120 antibodies, of inhibiting the binding between the gp120 antigen and human anti-gp120 antibodies, and of evoking a neutralising anti-gp120 immune response in an animal host to which they are administered. The anti-idiotype antibodies of the invention can be identified based on the amino acid sequences of the variable portions of their light and heavy chains. In addition, a method for obtaining a panel of anti-idiotype monoclonal antibodies, expression vectors and transformed host cells usable in a recombinant DNA procedure in order to generate the aforesaid anti-idiotype monoclonal antibodies, as well as the therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic use of such antibodies are disclosed.