Abstract: Peptide reagents that interact preferentially with the PrPsc form of the prion protein are described. Methods of using the reagents or antibodies to the reagents for detection, diagnosis, purification, therapy and prophylaxis for prions and prion-associated diseases are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting HCV infection in a biological sample, the method comprising providing an immunoassay solid support, comprising an HCV anti-core antibody, an antigen comprising an HCV NS3/4a epitope, and an HCV multiple epitope fusion antigen, that can detect both HCV antigens and antibodies present in a sample. The invention also includes polynucleotides encoding multiple epitope fusion antigens for use in the assay, recombinant vectors and host cells comprising such polynucleotides, and methods of producing the multiple epitope fusion antigens.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of activating hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific T cells, including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. HCV-specific T cells are activated using fusion proteins comprising HCV NS3, NS4, NS5a, and NS5b polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding such fusion proteins, or polypeptide or polynucleotide compositions containing the individual components of these fusions. The method can be used in model systems to develop HCV-specific immunogenic compositions, as well as to immunize a mammal against HCV.

Abstract: Fusion proteins comprising an immunogenic polypeptide are disclosed. The immunogenic polypeptide consists of the amino acid sequence motif Xaa-Thr-Xaa-Val-Thr-Gly-Gly-Xaa-Ala-Ala-Arg-Thr-Thr-Xaa-Gly-Xaa-Xaa-Ser-Leu-Phe-Xaa-Xaa-Gly-Xaa-Ser-Gln-Xaa-Ile-Gln-Leu-Ile (SEQ ID NO:8). Also disclosed are immunogenic compositions comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and the fusion protein.

Abstract: Tetraspanins have been found to dimerise. Methods for inhibiting or promoting the dimerisation of tetraspanins are provided, which may involve protein engineering of the tetraspanins themselves, or may rely on other molecules.

Abstract: HCV immunoassays comprising an NS3/4a conformational epitope and a multiple epitope fusion antigen are provided, as well as immunoassay solid supports for use with the immunoassays.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided lipid-conjugated polyamide compounds and related compositions and methods thereof. Lipid-conjugated polyamide compounds of the present invention are particularly useful as vehicles for delivering biologically active agents to a target site. In particular, the invention compounds are effective at facilitating the delivery of polynucleotides to cells. The present invention also provides a method for producing stable formulations of polynucleotides complexed with a delivery vehicle.

Abstract: An HCV antigen/antibody/antigen assay is provided. The assay employs an isolated first antigen from a region of the HCV polyprotein, and an HCV multiple epitope fusion antigen that includes an epitope from the same region of the polyprotein as the first antigen. Both the first antigen and the multiple epitope fusion antigen bind antibodies present in an HCV-infected sample.

Abstract: West Nile virus capture oligonucleotides, primers and probes derived from conserved regions of the West Nile virus genome are disclosed. Also disclosed are nucleic acid-based assays using the capture oligonucleotides, primers and probes.

Abstract: Immunoassays for detecting hepatitis C virus protein and immune complexes between hepatitis C virus protein and antibodies in biological samples, methods of screening blood products for hepatitis C virus, and kits employed therefor are provided.

Abstract: HCV immunoassays comprising an NS3/4a conformational epitope and a multiple epitope fusion antigen are provided, as well as immunoassay solid supports for use with the immunoassays.

Abstract: A method of extracting telomerase from a cell sample having telomerase is provided which includes the step of contacting a cell sample with a buffer having (i) a non-ionic detergent at a concentration of not more than 5% (v/v) and (ii) an ionic detergent at a concentration of not more than 1 mM, to form a cell lysate. The method provides efficient extraction of telomerase that can be assayed for diagnostic and prognostic purposes.