Abstract: Nucleic acid molecule that comprise an incomplete hepatitis C viral genome including specifically disclosed DNA sequences are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions that contain nucleic acid molecules comprising an incomplete hepatitis C viral genome including a nucleotide sequence encoding a complete hepatitis C core protein operably linked to regulatory elements functional in human cells are disclosed.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecule that comprise an incomplete hepatitis C viral genome including specifically disclosed DNA sequences are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions that contain nucleic acid molecules comprising an incomplete hepatitis C viral genome including a nucleotide sequence encoding a complete hepatitis C core protein operably linked to regulatory elements functional in human cells are disclosed. Methods of immunizing individuals susceptible to or infected by hepatitis C virus comprising the step of administering such pharmaceutical compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of introducing genetic material into cells of an individual and compositions and kits for practicing the same are disclosed. The methods comprise the steps of contacting cells of an individual with a genetic vaccine facilitator and administering to the cells a nucleic acid molecule that is free of retroviral particles. The nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence that encodes a protein that comprises at least one epitope that is identical or substantially similar to an epitope of a pathogen antigen or an antigen associated with a hyperproliferative or autoimmune disease, a protein otherwise missing from the individual due to a missing, non-functional or partially functioning gene, or a protein that produces a therapeutic effect on an individual. Methods of prophylactically and therapeutically immunizing an individual against HIV are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and kits for practicing methods of the present invention are disclosed.

Abstract: Chimeric kanamycin resistance genes are disclosed. The chimeric genes comprise a nucleotide sequence that encodes ANT(4')-IA enzyme operably linked to a heterologous promoter and a heterologous termination sequence. Plasmids that comprise the chimeric kanamycin resistance gene are disclosed. Bacterial cells that comprise the chimeric gene on a plasmid or integrated into the bacterial genome are disclosed. Methods of producing plasmids are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising plasmids that include the chimeric genes are disclosed. Methods of enhancing growth of a bacterial cells are disclosed. Plasmid which comprise the chimeric kanamycin resistance gene and the sequences from herpes simplex virus gene HSVgD.sub.2 or human immunodeficiency virus are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of introducing genetic material into cells of an individual and compositions and kits for practicing the same are disclosed. The methods comprise the steps of contacting cells of an individual with a genetic vaccine facilitator and administering to the cells, a nucleic acid molecule that is free of retroviral particles. The nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence that encodes a protein that comprises at least one epitope that is identical or substantially similar to an epitope of a pathogen antigen or an antigen associated with a hyperproliferative or autoimmune disease, a protein otherwise missing from the individual due to a missing, non-functional or partially functioning gene, or a protein that produce a therapeutic effect on an individual. Methods of prophylactically and therapeutically immunizing an individual against HIV are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and kits for practicing methods of the present invention are disclosed.