Abstract: A purified insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP) selected from the group consisting of insulin-like growth factor binding protein having an amino acid sequence that, preferably, is at least 70% homologous to the amino acid sequence of FIG. 1 and fragments thereof that are capable of binding to an antibody specific for the protein or to an insulin-like growth factor is described. This new IGFBP is designated herein as IGFBP-6. Recombinant DNA molecules encoding the binding proteins and subsequences thereof are also described along with recombinant microorganisms and cell lines containing the DNA molecules and methods for producing the binding proteins using recombinant hosts containing the relevant DNA molecules. Antibodies to the protein, useful in various diagnostic applications, are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptide, oligopeptide or polypeptide compounds that are capable of eliciting a protective immune response against the capsular polysaccharide of group B Streptococcus (GBS), particularly type III GBS. Such compounds are useful in the development of vaccines that are effective against diseases caused by these pathogens.

Abstract: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Intron A fragments for expressing gene products are disclosed. Also described are expression vectors including the fragments, as well as methods of using the same.

Abstract: Compositions are provided which include biodegradable microparticles with entrapped or adsorbed antigens, in combination with submicron oil-in-water emulsions. Also provided are methods of immunization which comprise administering to a vertebrate subject (a) a submicron oil-in-water emulsion, and (b) a therapeutically effective amount of a selected antigen entrapped in a microparticle.

Abstract: Methods for treating and/or protecting H. pylori infection are described. The methods utilize non-mucosal administration of an effective amount of one or more H. pylori antigens.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the production of human manganese superoxide dismutase and a protocol for enhancing efficiency of expression. The gene encoding for human manganese superoxide dismutase was isolated and inserted into a vector in conjunction with a synthetic linker which provides for enhanced efficiency in translation. E. coli strain HB101 containing the plasmid Nco5AHSODm was deposited at the A.T.C.C. on Oct. 3, 1986 and given Accession No. 67191.

Abstract: Compositions are provided which include hyaluronic acid derivatives in combination with vaccine antigens, and optionally adjuvants, for mucosal delivery. Also provided are methods of making the compositions, as well as methods of immunization using the same.

Abstract: Imnunoassays 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 24 kd protein capable of binding the E2 envelope protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV), and functionally equivalent variants or fragments of the 24 kd protein, are disclosed. Processes for production and purification of the 24 kd protein, and functionally equivalent variants or fragments thereof, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Chimeric antigens derived from hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are described which form virus-like particles when co-expressed with an excess of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg). The chimeric antigens are fusion proteins containing an immunogenic peptide derived from an HCV protein coupled to the amino terminus of HBsAg. Also described are nucleic acid constructs and vectors for transfection of cells and expression of the chimeric antigens. The invention further provides methods for producing HBV/HCV virus-like particles containing the chimeric antigens, cell lines for producing the virus-like particles, combination vaccines containing the virus-like particles, and DNA vaccines that express the virus-like particles.

Abstract: A 24 kd percent capable of binding the E2 envelope protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV), and functionally equivalent variants or fragments of the 24 kd protein, are disclosed. Processes for production and purication of the 24 kd protein, and functionally equivalent variants or fragments thereof, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Gene delivery vectors, for example, recombinant FIV vectors, and methods of using such vectors are provided for use in treating or preventing retinal diseases of the eye and diseases of the brain associated with lysosomal storage disorders.

Abstract: The invention provides proteins from Neisseria meningitidis (strains A & B), including amino acid sequences, the corresponding nucleotide sequences, expression data, and serological data. The proteins are useful antigens for vaccines, immunogenic compositions, and/or diagnostics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a keratinocyte growth factor fragment, KGFdes1-23, or an analog thereof that is composed of a portion of an amino acid sequence of mature, full length keratinocyte growth factor, KGF163. The fragment exhibits at least a 2-fold increase in mitogenic activity as compared to a mature, recombinant keratinocyte growth factor, rKGF, but lacks a sequence comprising the first 23 amino acid residues. C-N-D-M-T-P-E-Q-M-A-T-N-V-N-C-S-S-P-E-R-H-T-R- (SEQ ID NO: 2) of the KGF163 N-terminus. The present invention also relates to a DNA molecule encoding KGFdes1-23, an expression vector and a transformed host containing the DNA molecule, and a method of producing KGFdes1-23 by culturing the transformed host. The present invention further relates to a conjugate of KGFdes1-23 and a toxin molecule, and the use thereof for treatment of hyperproliferative disease of the epidermis.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptide, oligopeptide or polypeptide compounds that are capable of eliciting a protective immune response against the capsular polysaccharide of group B Streptococcus (GBS), particularly type III GBS. Such compounds are useful in the development of vaccines that are effective against diseases caused by these pathogens.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of generating cells that stably replicate sub-genomic virus replicons. This invention also provides methods of generating cells that have disabled PKR activity and that stably replicate HCV sub-genomic replicons. The invention also provides methods of using the cells of the invention to screen for compounds that modulate viral RNA replication, including HCV RNA replication.

Abstract: Novel bactericidal antibodies against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (“MenB”) are disclosed. The antibodies either do not cross-react or minimally cross-react with host tissue polysialic acid and hence pose minimal risk of autoimmune activity. The antibodies are used to identify molecular mimetics of unique epitopes found on MenB or E. coli K1. Examples of such peptide mimetics are described that elicit serum antibody capable of activating complement-mediated bacteriolysis of MenB. Vaccine compositions containing such mimetics can be used to prevent MenB or E. coli K1 disease without the risk of evoking autoantibody.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for efficient production of human insulin-like growth factor. Synthetic IGF I and IGF II genes are joined to leader and processing signals which provide for expression and secretion of the gene product in yeast. Enhanced yields of the product may then be recovered from the nutrient medium. Yeast strains S. cerevisiae AB103 (pYIGF-I-10/1) and AB103 (pYIGF-II-10/1) were deposited at the American Type Culture Collection on Apr. 23, 1983 and granted Accession Nos. 20673 and 20674, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention pertains generally to Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B glycoconjugates. More particularly, the invention pertains to glycoconjugates formed from a Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B capsular oligosaccharide derivative (MenB OS derivative) in which sialic acid residue N-acetyl groups are replaced with N-acyl groups. The invention also pertains to vaccine formulations containing the glycoconjugates, methods of making the vaccine formulations, and methods of using the vaccine formulations to treat or prevent Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B or E. coli K1 disease in a mammalian subject.