Abstract: Peptide sequences are disclosed which immunologically mimic proteins encoded by the env and gag regions of LAV-2, a retrovirus associated with AIDS. The peptide can be used in various specific binding assays to detect the presence of antibodies to LAV-2 in individuals previously exposed to the virus. The peptides enable one to distinguish the presence of antibodies to LAV-2 from antibodies to HIV-1.

Abstract: Novel peptides are provided having substantially the same sequence as immunologically significant fragments of AIDS-related viruses. The polypeptides can be used as reagents in the determination of exposure of a human host to the virus. Of particular interest is the use of polypeptides in screening blood products.

Abstract: Methods and reagents are provided for a novel immunodiagnostic test for the presence of P. aeruginosa in a biological sample. Monoclonal antibodies are employed which bind to an outer membrane protein antigen, which may be exposed by a solubilizing reagent. The antibody binds substantially all strains of P. aeruginosa. No cross-reactivity with other species of Pseudomonas or with other clinically significant gram-negative or gram-positive species is observed. Conjugating the monoclonal antibody of the invention with a fluorescent label provides for a rapid and sensitive direct immunofluorescent test for P. aeruginosa.

Abstract: Cell lines which lack human class II histocompatibility antigens are disclosed. The cell lines may be utilized within a method for propagating microorganisms, such as viruses, for determining the presence and/or amount of antibody to a microorganism in a biological fluid, and within a method for producing antibodies to a selected microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel monoclonal antibody reactive with human colorectal mucin antigen. More particularly, the antibody of the invention is a murine monoclonal antibody, CT43, reactive with a novel antigenic determinant on much antigen highly correlated with human colorectal cancer. The antigenic determinant found by the CT43 has been characterized as neuraminidase and proteinase K resistant, periodate sensitive and unreactive with the glycoconjugates of Table 2. Methods are provided for the detection and quantitation of the CT43 antigenic determinant and its correlation with colorectal cancer. CT43, and CT66 specific for the sialylated Lewis a and Lewis a antigen have been deposited with the American Type Culture Collection, as accession numbers ATCC HB 10217 and ATCC HB 10218, deposited Sep. 6, 1989.

Abstract: Peptides immunoreactive with antibodies to native proteins, and which have at least two cysteine residues that contribute to mimicking an epitope of the protein, are prepared with the cysteine thiol groups protected. When deprotected, the peptides have enhanced immunoreactivity. The peptides are particularly useful for detecting antibodies or antigens associated with retroviruses, including the clinically important lymphotropic retroviruses HIV-1, HIV-2, HTLV-I, and HTLV-II.

Abstract: Novel cell lines, receptors and monoclonal antibodies prepared therefrom that are specific for the human HLA-B27 antigen are provided. The monoclonal antibodies are useful in diagnosis and therapy, particularly with respect to certain rheumatoid disorders.

Abstract: Rapid assays for analytes of interest in a fluid sample utilize a first conjugate of a labelled reactant that specifically binds to the analyte, and a second conjugate that binds to the analyte coupled to a polymer that has an affinity for a selected solid phase. The reaction components are incubated briefly, then contacted with the selected solid phase and the labelled components determined. Optional wash steps provide for enhanced sensitivity and specificity. When the analyte of interest is an antibody to HIV, the first reactant may be a synthetic, recombinant or native HIV antigen, and the second reactant may be protein A or an anti-immunoglobulin.

Abstract: Methods for determining the presence and/or concentration of an analyte in a biological fluid sample are disclosed. The methods generally include admixing in solution certain polymer/reactant and reporter/reactant conjugates along with the biological fluid sample suspected of containing the analyte, thereby forming ternary complexes. The separation of the complexes from the reaction mixture is achieved through the affinity of certain selected polymer compositions for various solid phases. Upon separation, the amount of reporter activity in the solution may be measured, and therefrom the presence and/or concentration of the analyte determined. Multiple analyses on a biological fluid sample suspected of containing one or more analytes may also be performed, using either a variety of different reporters or selected polymers having varied affinity for the solid phase.

Abstract: Methods for identifying individuals at increased risk of diabetes are disclosed. The methods disclosed utilize the discovery of the DQw3.2 variant, which identifies a specific allelic polymorphism at a sinle gene locus. One preferred method utilizes a labeled probe to detect the DQw3.2 allele. This method involves estimating the size of the hybridizable DNA fragment generated by a specific restriction endonuclease and therefrom determining the presence of the allele. A second preferred method involves the serologic detection of the DQw3.2 allele. Within this method, immunocomplexes formed between two different MAb's and separate portions of a cell collection are detected and the presence or absence of the allele determined.

Abstract: Immunologically reactive gag proteins of LAV/HTLV-III are expressed in bacterial cells. The gag proteins are encoded by a recombinant plasmid containing procaryotic transcriptional and translational signals for expression, followed downstream by a DNA sequence comprising pGAG-1. Preferred signals for expression are selected from an inducible and/or suppressible operon, such as the trp operon. The gag proteins are isolated from the bacterial host and are utilized in diagnostic assays which detect the presence of LAV/HTLV-III antigens or antibodies immunologically reactive with LAV/HTLV-III. Further, the proteins produced by the method disclosed may be used as a vaccine against infection by the causative virus for acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

Abstract: Immunologically reactive gag proteins of LAV are expresesed in bacterial cells. The gag proteins are encoded by a recombinant plasmid containing procaryotic transcriptional and translational signals for expression, followed downstream by a DNA sequence comprising a portion of the gag region of LAV. Preferred signals for expression are selected from an inducible and/or suppressible operon, such as the trp operon. The gag proteins are isolated from the bacterial host and are utilized in diagonstic assays which detect the presence of LAV antigens or antibodies immunologically reactive with LAV. Further, the proteins produced by the method disclosed may be used as a vaccine against infection by the caustive virus for acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies capable of binding antigenic determinants within regions of the core proteins of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and immortalized cell lines producing those monoclonal antibodies are provided. The monoclonal antibodies find use in a variety of ways, including HIV antigen detection in biological samples. Using these methods, individuals may be identified who are infected with HIV but who have not yet developed anti-HIV antibodies. The methods also find use in monitoring in vitro growth of HIV, and the efficacy of therapeutic agents and vaccines.

Abstract: Human monoclonal antibodies capable of specifically reacting with an antigenic determinant of LAV/HTLV-III and cell lines producing those monoclonal antibodies are disclosed. The human monoclonal antibodies may be utilized in a method for determining the presence of LAV/HTLV-III in biological samples, or in a method for separating specific antigenic determinants of LAV/HTLV-III from a mixture. Pharmaceutical compositions containing such a human monoclonal antibody, and a method for significantly reducing the infectivity of LAV/HTLV-III in animals using the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel peptides are provided having substantially the same sequence as immunologically significant fragments of AIDS-related viruses. The polypeptides can be used as reagents in the determination of exposure of a human host to the virus. Of particular interest is the use of polypeptides in screening blood products.

Abstract: A method of identifying and enumerating specific cell types in a heterogeneous population of cells by enhancing the specific staining of desired cells, comprising contacting a sample from the heterogeneous population of cells with a labeled primary antibody which recognizes and binds to a desired cell surface antigen and an unlabeled cross-linking agent which recognizes and binds to the primary antibody is disclosed.

Abstract: A microwell for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays has a concavely curved, circumferential sidewall, a flat optical bottom and a top lip, including smooth transitions between the top lip, concave sidewall and flat bottom. This shape minimizes the tendency of fluid to cling to the well for washing efficiency and maximizes a vertical optical path length of fluid in the well for improved optical determination.

Abstract: Immortalized cell lines have been produced that secrete human monoclonal antibodies capable of binding to bacterial species which are a major cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis. These antibodies have been found to be protective against lethal challenges of these bacteria, which include group B streptococcus, E. coli, K1, and Neisseria meningitidis group B. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these antibodies, which can be in combination with other monoclonal anitbodies, blood plasma fractions and antimicrobial agents, and the prophylactic and therapeutic use of such compositions in the management of infections, are included.

Abstract: Method and compositions including monoclonal antibodies to a serogroup-common antigen are provided for the detection and diagnosis of Legionella pneumophila. The monoclonal antibodies recognize a proteinaceous antigen of molecular weight 28,000-29,000 Daltons which is detected in at least serogroups 1 through 8 of Legionella pneumophila and is not detected in other common respiratory pathogens.

Abstract: Immunoassay methods and compositions are disclosed for the detection of analytes in fluid samples. The disclosure provides conjugates of analytes or reactants with polymerizable organic monomers. Specific binding reactions between reactants are detected by means of resporter/reactant conjugates. Free and specifically-bound reporter/reactant conjugates are separated by a polymerization reaction which renders the polymerized monomers insolule.