Abstract: A method for treating autoimmune diseases comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of an immunotoxin comprising an anti-human CD86 monoclonal antibody IG10H6D10 as deposited in the ECACC collection under No. 95060210 or a humanized antibody, a single-chain antibody or fragments and specificity of said monoclonal antibody, coupled to a toxin or active fragments thereof wherein the binding of the immunotoxin to CD86 results in the killing of the CD86 expressing cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the rapid and reliable detection of drug-induced mutations in the reverse transcriptase gene allowing the simultaneous characterization of a range of codons involved in drug resistance using specific sets of probes optimized to function together in a reverse-hybridization assay.

Abstract: Method for the detection of the antibiotic resistance spectrum of Mycobacterium species present in a sample, possibly coupled to the identification of the Mycobacterium species involved, comprising the steps of: (i) if need be releasing, isolating or concentrating the polynucleic acids present in the sample; (ii) if need be amplifying the relevant part of the antibiotic resistance genes present in said sample with at least one suitable primer pair; (iii) hybridizing the polynucleic acids of step (i) or (ii) with at least one of the rpoB gene probes, as specified in table 2, under the appropriate hybridization and wash conditions, (iv) detecting the hybrids formed in step (iii); (v) inferring the Mycobacterium antibiotic resistance spectrum, and possibly the Mycobacterium species involved from the differential hybridization signal(s) obtained in step (iv).

Abstract: The present invention provides an alternative PCR amplification which does not draw upon the use of thermostable DNA polymerases. It provides means for the controlled manipulation of denaturing conditions which do not demand the use of high denaturing temperature. More particularly, it provides means for the, controlled oscillation of divalent metal ions, preferably of divalent metal ions such as Cu2+, Zn2+, Mn2+ and Cd2+, which are known to destabilize the DNA helix and thereby decrease the melting temperature of the DNA helix. The invention also provides methods for the automatization of this process. For instance, by means of cathodic reduction of the divalent metal species the concentration can be decreased to levels that allows for reannealing of separated strands with the primers; while oxidation of deposited metals or oxidation of monovalent metal ions, can restore the initially high concentration that allows for separation of both strands that make up the DNA helix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detection and identification of at least one microorganism, or for the simultaneous detection of several microorganisms in a sample, involving the steps of: (i) if need be releasing, isolating or concentrating the polynucleic acids present in the sample; (ii) if need be amplifying the 16S-235 rRNA spacer region, or a part of it, with at least one suitable primer pair; (iii) hybridizing the polynucleic acids of step (i) or (ii) with at least one and preferably more than one of the spacer probes as mentioned in table la or equivalents of thereof, under the appropriate hybridization and wash conditions, and/or with a taxon-specific probe derived from any of the spacer sequences as represented in FIGS.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated 17-kDa Brucclla antigen characterized by an amino acid sequence having at least 60% homology, preferably at least 70% homology, more preferably having at least 80% homology to the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID No. 1 or 2, with said antigen being specifically recognized by sera from Brucella field infected individuals, more particulary an antigen characterized by the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID No. 1 or 2. The invention also relates to recombinantly produced 17 kDa Brucella antigen, nucleic acids coding for the same and the use thereof in diagnostic and prophylactic methods and kits.

Abstract: Peptide sequences are provided which are capable of mimicking proteins encoded by HCV for use as reagents for screening of blood and blood products for prior exposure to HCV. The peptides are at least 5 amino acids long and can be used in various specific assays for the detection of antibodies to HCV, for the detection of HCV antigens, or as immunogens.

Abstract: The present invention provides an alternative PCR amplification which does not draw upon the use of thermostable DNA polymerases. It provides means for the controlled manipulation of denaturing conditions which do not demand the use of high denaturing temperature. More particularly, it provides means for the controlled oscillation of divalent metal ions, preferably of divalent metal ions such as Cu2+, Zn2+, Mn2+ and Cd2+, which are known to destabilize the DNA helix and thereby decrease the melting temperature of the DNA helix. The invention also provides methods for the automatization of this process. For instance, by means of cathodic reduction of the divalent metal species the concentration can be decreased to levels that allows for reannealing of separated sands with the primers; while oxidation of deposited metals or oxidation of monovalent metal ions, can restore the initially high concentration that allows for separation of both strands that make up the DNA helix.

Abstract: Described is a new variety of retrovirus designated HIV-3, also known as HIV-1 subtype O, samples of which are deposited in the European Collection of Animal Cell Cultures (ECACC) under V88060301. Further described are variants of the virus.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of the GTPase gene family as a target for nucleic acid based assays for the detection and differentiation of prokaryotic organisms. The invention relates to polynucleic acids derived from gene sequences encoding prokaryotic GTPase (=GTP-binding) proteins, as well as their use in the detection and identification of prokaryotic organisms; primers and probes derived from said polynucleic acid sequences, for specific amplification and detection of prokaryotic DNA in a biological sample; as well as methods and kits allowing the detection and identification of at least one micoroorganism, and preferentially several microorganisms simultaneously in a sample. More specifically, the invention relates to new polynucleic acid sequences encoding GTPase proteins from Campylobacter species, primers and probes derived from them, and methods and kits comprising these reagents for the detection and differentiation of species belonging to the genus Campylobacter.

Abstract: An isolated and purified polypeptide having heparin binding properties with the amino acid sequence of SQ ID No: 1 and pharmaceutical compositions for treating skin wounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new genomic nucleotide sequences and amino acid sequences corresponding to the coding region of these genomes. The invention relates to new HCV types and subtypes sequences which are different from the known HCV types and subtypes sequences. More particularly, the present invention relates to new HCV type 7 sequences, new HCV type 9 sequences, new HCV type 10 and new HCV type 11 sequences. Also, the present invention relates to new HCV type 1 sequences of subtypes 1d, 1e, 1f and 1g; new HCV type 2 sequences of subtypes 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h, 2i, 2k and 2l; new HCV type 3 sequences of subtype 3g, new HCV type 4 sequences of subtypes 4k, 4l and 4m; a process for preparing them, and their use for diagnosis, prophylaxis and therapy. More particularly, the present invention provides new type-specific sequences of the Core, the E1 and NS5 regions of new HCV types 7, 9, 10 and 11, as well as of new variants (subtypes) of HCV types 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated and pure Toxoplasma gondii antigenic fragments, recombinant polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding them, primers and probes derived from the same, as well as the use of these polypeptides, nucleic acids, primers and probes in methods and kits for the diagnosis and prevention of T. gondii infection in mammals (humans and animals).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purifying recombinant HCV single or specific oligomeric envelope proteins selected from the group consisting of E1 and/or E2 and/or E1/E2, characterized in that upon lysing the transformed host cells to isolate the recombination expressed protein a disulphide bond cleavage or reduction step is carried out with a disulphide bond cleavage agent. The present invention also relates to a composition isolated by such a method. The present invention also relates to the diagnostic and therapeutic application of these compositions. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of HCV E1 protein and peptides for prognosing and monitoring the clinical effectiveness and/or clinical outcome of HCV treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wound dressing comprising a biopolymer matrix comprising gelatin cross-linked with an oxidized polysaccharide. Preferably said oxidized polysaccharide comprises an oxidized dextran or an oxidized xanthan. Preferably said matrix is in the form of a hydrated film, a hydrated or dry foam, dry fibers which may be fabricated into a woven or non-woven tissue, hydrated or dry microbeads, dry powder; or said matrix is covered with a semipermeable film, so as to control the humidity of the wound covered with the dressing, with the permeability chosen so as to maintain this humidity within a therapeutically optimal window. A polysulfated polysaccharide with a M.W. greater than 30,000 kDa is mechanically entrapped during the formation of said matrix.

Abstract: The field of the present invention is that of identification and analysis of chemical and/or biological species of the enzyme/substrate, enzyme/inhibitor or antigen/antibody etc. type. The problem on which the invention is based is to provide a system for qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of biological substances by amplified chemiluminescence which allows an actual significant improvement in the emission of light resulting from passage of a chemiluminescent reagent to the excited state. This problem has been solved by means of a system according to the invention, which involves a ligand a) which can be coupled with the substances to be analysed, a chemiluminescent reagent b) of the luminol type, an enzyme c), a substrate d) which oxidizes the enzyme c), and at least one amplifier e), this system being characterized in that the amplifier e) is chosen from the family of halogenophenol (iodophenol) esters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the rapid and reliable detection of drug-induced mutations in the reverse transcriptase gene allowing the simultaneous characterization of a range of codons involved in drug resistance using specific sets of probes optimized to function together in a reverse-hybridization assay.

Abstract: An immunotoxin molecule comprising an antibody specific for human CD 86 antigen located on the surface of a human cell, coupled to a toxin molecule or active fragment thereof, wherein the binding of the immunotoxin to the CD86 antigen results in the killing of CD86 expressing cell and pharmaceutical compositions and the use therefor to treat diseases of the immune system of warm-blooded animals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to human foam cells generated in vitro from monocyte/macrophage related cell lines which give rise to an average intracellular cholesterol amount of at least 139+36 ug/mg cell protein as determined by HPLC, with said cholesterol being characterized by a degree of 46+6% of esterification as determined by HPLC. The invention also relates to monoclonal antibodies selected via said foam cells and which can be used for pharmaceutical and diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detection and identification of at least one microorganism, or for the simultaneous detection of several microorganisms in a sample, comprising the steps of: (i) if need be releasing, isolating or concentrating the polynucleic acids present in the sample; (ii) if need be amplifying the 16S-23S rRNA spacer region, or a part of it, with at least one suitable primer pair, (iii) hybridizing the polynucleic acids of step (i) or (ii) with at least one and preferably more than one of the spacer probes as mentioned in table 1a or equivalents of thereof, under the appropriate hybridization arid wash conditions, and/or with a taxon-specific probe derived from any of the spacer sequences as represented in FIGS.