Abstract: Replaceable components for use with a needleless syringe delivery device are provided. One replaceable component is a cartridge having a source of particles and a source of compressed gas. Another replaceable component is a nozzle assembly having a particle acceleration nozzle and a coaxial filter element. Reusable needleless syringe devices which include these replaceable components are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for sampling an analyte present in a biological system are provided. The methods entail use of particle delivery methods to obtain a sample of an analyte of interest from the system.

Abstract: An approach to genetic vaccine methodology is described. A genetic construction encoding antigenic determinants of a filovirus is transfected into cells of the vaccinated individuals using a particle acceleration protocol so as to express the viral antigens in healthy cells to produce an immune response to those antigens.

Abstract: A needleless syringe having a membrane (28) which is ruptured by gas pressure to generate a supersonic gas flow in which particles containing a therapeutic agent are injected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for the genetic transformation of organisms by accelerated particle mediated transformation. Foreign genes are introduced into cells by coating on carrier particles which are physically accelerated into the cells. The treated cells are recovered, and a portion of them will contain in their genome the foreign gene. The procedure may be used to create genetically engineered organisms of many types.

Abstract: A sample delivery module for use in conjunction with a particle acceleration apparatus includes a fitting for connecting the sample delivery module to the apparatus. The sample delivery module provides a particle acceleration path which includes a portion adapted to receive a sample of particles coated with a biological material, a particle acceleration chamber coaxial with, and in fluid communication, with the cartridge chamber, and a substantially conical exit nozzle coaxial with and in fluid communication with the particle acceleration chamber. In use, a gas stream causes sample particles to be entrained therein and accelerated through the particle acceleration chamber and the exit nozzle toward a target.

Abstract: A needleless syringe particle delivery system is provided. The needleless syringe comprises an elongate nozzle which is connected at its upstream end to an open ended capsule chamber. The capsule chamber is configured to house and intimately enclose a nonrigid capsule containing particles of a therapeutic agent. An opening means is provided at the upstream end of the capsule chamber, and is used to pierce the upstream end of a capsule in the chamber. After the capsule is opened, an energizing means connected to the upstream end of the capsule chamber applies a gaseous pressure sufficient to force the particles out of the capsule and the open downstream end of the capsule chamber and thus to create through the nozzle a supersonic gas flow in which the particles are entrained.

Abstract: A needleless syringe capable of accelerating particles comprising a therapeutic agent across skin or mucosal tissue of a vertebrate subject is provided. The syringe comprises an elongate tubular nozzle having a bend along its length and is connected to or capable of connection to a suitable energizing means for producing in the nozzle a supersonic condition sufficient to cause delivery of the particles to a target surface. A method for delivering particles comprising a therapeutic agent from the needleless syringe is also provided.

Abstract: A needleless syringe, in which particles of a therapeutic agent are entrained in a high pressure gas flow, has a nozzle surrounded by a shroud silencer through which gas reflected from the target surface may be vented to atmosphere while retaining any particles reflected in the gas.

Abstract: Medicaments, and methods of identifying the same, are described that are useful for treating papillomavirus diseases that have the characteristics of preventing, interfering with, or reversing the binding of the appropriate papillomavirus proteins E1 or E2 to a nucleotide sequence homologous to a nucleotide sequence present in the papillomavirus genome, or of the formation of a complex consisting of papillomavirus proteins E1 and E2, or the binding of the complex to the nucleotide sequence.

Abstract: Novel compositions are provided that are derived from antigen-binding sites of immunoglobulins having affinity for cancer antigens. The compositions exhibit immunological binding properties of antibody molecules capable of binding specifically to a human tumor cell displaying a MDR phenotype. A number of synthetic molecules are provided that include CDR and FR regions derived from same or different immunoglobulin moieties. Also provided are single chain polypeptides wherein V.sub.H and V.sub.L domains are attached by a single polypeptide linker. The sFv molecules can include ancillary polypeptide moieties which can be bioactive, or which provide a site of attachment for other useful moieties. The compositions are useful in specific binding assays, affinity purification schemes, drug or toxin targeting, imaging, and genetic or immunological therapeutics for various cancers.

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: 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: A method for controlling the overgrowth of hyperproliferating cells in the presence of non-proliferating cells by exposing the hyperproliferating cells to a toxin conjugate that has a binding region that binds to an internalizable element of the hyperproliferating cell and a toxic moiety bound thereto is provided. The toxin conjugate may be a monoclonal antibody to transferrin receptor. Such toxin conjugates will have use in controlling hyperproliferative diseases of the integument and the eye.

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.