Abstract: Compositions which are useful for treatment of individuals for Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infections are provided, as are methods for their use. These compositions are comprised of immunogenic polypeptides which are comprised of an epitope of HSV VP16; they may also be comprised of an epitope of an HSV glycoprotein. Also provided are polypeptides which are used in the compositions for treating individuals for HSV infection, and methods and compositions used in the production of the polypeptides.

Abstract: A vaccine composition, comprising an antigenic substance in association with a liposome and an oil-in-water emulsion comprising a muramyl peptide, a metabolizable oil, and optionally an additional emulsifying agent. The two components of the adjuvant (i.e., the liposome/antigen component and the emulsion component) act together to produce high levels of immune response.

Abstract: Polynucleotide sequences are provided for the diagnosis of the presence of retroviral infection in a human host associated with lymphadenopathy syndrome and/or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, for expression of polypeptides and use of the polypeptides to prepare antibodies, where both the polypeptides and antibodies may be employed as diagnostic reagents or in therapy, e.g., vaccines and passive immunization. The sequences provide detection of the viral infectious agents associated with the indicated syndromes and can be used for expression of antigenic polypeptides.

Abstract: Disclosed are recombinant, synthetically and otherwise biologically produced novel proteins and polypeptides which are encoded by the DNA sequence for HSV-2 glycoprotein G (gG) or fragments of said gG sequence particularly by the unique sequence for gG or portions of said unique sequence. The unique sequence proteins and polypeptides are serologically active, can be produced easily and safely at low cost, are useful as diagnostic reagents for HSV-2 and as vaccines against HSV-2. Further disclosed are serological assays based on such unique sequence gG proteins and polypeptides that diagnose the presence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) specific antibodies and can differentiate between HSV-2 and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) specific antibodies. Such assays are useful to diagnose genital infections, to detect for exposure to HSV-2 and to screen pregnant women to protect newborns from neonatal HSV-2 infection.

Abstract: Disclosed are recombinant, synthetically and otherwise biologically produced novel proteins and polypeptides which are encoded by the DNA sequence for HSV-2 glycoprotein G (gG) or fragments of said gG sequence, particularly by the unique sequence for gG or portions of said unique sequence. The unique sequence proteins and polypeptides are serologically active, can be produced easily and safely at low cost, are useful as diagnostic reagents for HSV-2 and as vaccines against HSV-2. Further disclosed are serological assays based on such unique sequence gG proteins and polypeptides that diagnose the presence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) specific antibodies and can differentiate between HSV-2 and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) specific antibodies. Such assays are useful to diagnose genital infections, to detect for exposure to HSV-2 and to screen pregnant women to protect newborns from neonatal HSV-2 infection.

Abstract: The glycoprotein B ("gB") and analogs thereof are provided by recombinant DNA technology. Oligonucleotide sequences are provided coding the glycoprotein, its precursor and fragments thereof. Methods and compositions are disclosed for the production of the glycoprotein and analogous proteins as well as oligonucleotide sequences, which may be used for probes or other applications, and particularly may be used for vaccines.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing the immune response to vaccination in animals, including humans, comprise administering interleukin-2 (IL-2) as part of the vaccination regimen, preferably for 5 to 14 days post-vaccination. In addition, compositions for enhancing the immune response of an animal to a vaccine employ IL-2 as an active ingredient, preferably human IL-2.

Abstract: The cloning and sequencing of the gene which codes for a new pilinic subunit of Bordetella pertussis are described. The aminoacid sequence of the mature subunit, deduced from its necleotide sequence, is similar but not identical to that of the known pilins 2, 3 and 6. Polypeptides having the aminoacid sequence of the mature pilinic subunit or of regions thereof are particularly useful for the development of synthetic acellular vaccines against pertussis.

Abstract: A method for purifying recombinant HIV gp120 so as to provide a glycopeptide having protein/protein binding properties substantially identical to natural viral HIV gp120, which comprises fractionating a composition containing crude gp120 sequentially using (1) ion exchange chromatography, (2) hydrophobic-interaction chromatography, and (3) size exclusion filtration, collecting at each step a fraction that exhibits specific binding affinity for CD4 peptide. The process is carried out in the absence of any affinity purification steps or any steps (such as reverse-phase HPLC) that use contact protein with organic solvents. The product obtained by this method is a purified, full-length, non-fusion recombinant HIV gp120 glycoprotein having protein/protein-interaction properties substantially identical to gp120 as presented on an HIV virus, including binding affinity for CD4 and binding affinity for at least one antibody capable of neutralizing HIV infectivity.

Abstract: The invention relates to preparation of selected peptides of the HIV gag protein and derivatives thereof which comprise the peptide sequence NPGLLETSEGCRQ, and which inhibit HIV.

Abstract: Vaccines against Herpes Simplex virus containing recombinant polypeptides which are cross-reactive with glycoprotein D of the virus, methods for their production using recombinant DNA techniques in yeast, and methods for the use of the vaccine are provided. E. coli strains HB101 containing plasmids pYHS 109 and pYHS118 were deposited at the American Type Culture Collection on Jul. 11, 1984, and granted accession nos. 39762 and 39763, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant polypeptides derived from CMV glycoprotein gB and truncated fragments thereof which contain at least one epitope which is immunologically identifiable with one encoded by the CMV genome. The complete characterization of the gB protein, including the identity of glycoprotein gp55, permits the production of polypeptides which are useful as standards or reagents in diagnostic tests and/or as components of vaccines. This invention provides recombinant polypeptides and recombinant polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides wherein a neutralizing epitope of gB is localized within gp55.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing the immune response to vaccination in animals, including humans, comprise administering interleukin-2 (IL-2) as part of the vaccination regimen, preferably for 5 to 14 days post-vaccination. In addition, compositions for enhancing the immune response of an animal to a vaccine employ IL-2 as an active ingredient, preferably human IL-2.

Abstract: Methods for the recombinant expression and secretion of viral proteins are disclosed. The methods involve the use of compatible escorts to shuttle the proteins to the cell surface. In this way, egress of recombinantly produced proteins out of the cell is facilitated, resulting in increased yields and easier purification of the desired protein.

Abstract: Cloning and sequencing of the Eco RI fragment of B. pertussis chromosomal DNA with 4696 base pairs, containing the genes which code for the five subunits of the pertussis toxin.A hybrid plasmid containing the DNA fragment or its further fragments and a micro-organism transformed by the hybrid plasmid and capable of expressing the cloned DNA fragment or further fragments thereof by synthesis of the pertussis toxin or one or more subunits of the pertussis toxin.The pertussis toxin or one or more subunits of the pertussis toxin so obtained are useful for the preparation of vaccines and diagnostic kits.

Abstract: The entire genome of the hepatitis D virus has been shown to be a circular single-stranded RNA of 1679 bases. Several open reading frames in both the genomic and complementary strands indicate possible protein products. The products encoded in one open reading frame, ORF5, are identified as viral polypeptides p24.sup..delta. and p27.sup..delta., of which the nuclear .delta. antigens in HDV infected liver is comprised. These products, as well as others encoded in ORFs 1, 2, 6, and 7 are produced in recombinant expression systems. The ORF5 products, in particular, are useful for HDV diagnosis and vaccines.

Abstract: The entire genome of the hepatitis D virus has been shown to be a circular single-stranded RNA of 1679 bases. Several open reading frames in both the genomic and complementary strands indicate possible protein products. The products encoded in one open reading frame. ORF5, are identified as vital polypeptides p24.sup..delta. and p27.sup..delta., of which the nuclear .delta. antigens in HDV infected liver is comprised. These products, as well as others encoded in ORFs 1, 2, 6, and 7 are produced in recombinant expression systems. The ORF5 products, in particular, are useful for HDV diagnosis and vaccines.

Abstract: Two new isolates of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), J1 and J7, are disclosed. These new isolates comprise nucleotide and amino acid sequences which are distinct from the prototype HCV isolate, HCV1. Thus, J1 and J7 provide new polynucleotides and polypeptides for use, inter alia, in diagnostics, recombinant protein production and vaccine development.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant polynucleotides which encode glucose oxidase (GO). It also provides recombinant expression systems which produce, and when desired, secrete active GO and GO analogs into the extracellular medium.

Abstract: Yeast promoters of glycolytic enzymes are modified by isolating a fragment encompassing the RNA polymerase binding site and joining to the 5' end of this fragment a DNA sequence providing for enhanced inducible or constitutive transcription of a structural gene. Constructs are prepared for efficient expression of foreign genes in yeast.Yeast strains 2150-2-3(pC1/1GAPSOD) and AB110(pC1/1GAPATi9), producing human .alpha..sub.1 -antitrypsin and superoxide dismutase, were desposited at the A.T.C.C. on May 9, 1984 and given Accession Nos. 20708 and 20709, respectively; and 2150-2-3(GAP5), 2150-2-3(Pyk5) and 2150-2-3(PHO5GAP1), expressing Hepatitis B surface antigen, were deposited at the A.T.C.C. on May 9, 1984 and given Accession Nos. 20705, 20706 and 20707, respectively.