Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for targeted replacement of at least a part of an endogenous gene by at least a part of a foreign gene or targeted insertion of at least a part of a foreign gene at a targeted site in an endogenous gene in a cell by homologous recombination.

Abstract: This invention includes a peptide comprising the sequence CAFRQVC and an antigenic composition using the same. It also includes an in vitro method of detecting HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies in a sample using the peptide, and a kit for carrying out the method.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward the isolation of a novel retrovirus, the human immune deficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2, previously named LAV-2), from patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) originating from West Africa. This virus is related to HIV-1, the causative agent of AIDS, both by its morphology and by its tropism and in vitro cytopathic effect on CD4 (T4) positive cell lines and lymphocytes. However, preliminary hybridization experiments indicated that there are substantiated differences between the sequences of the two genomes. Furthermore, the proteins of HIV-1 and HIV-2 have different sizes and their serological cross-reactivity is restricted to the major core protein, as the envelope glycoproteins of HIV-2 are not immunoprecipitated by HIV-1 positive sera. Overlapping molecular clones were obtained and the complete nucleotide sequence of the gag and env genes was ascertained.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to polynucleotides derived from staphylococcal genes encoding resistance to streptogramin A or to streptogramin B and chemically related compounds. This invention relates to the use of polynucleotides as oligonucleotide primers or probes for detecting Staphylococcal strains that are resistant to streptogramin A or to streptogramin B and related compounds in a biological sample. The present invention is directed to the full length coding sequences of the staphylococcal genes encoding for resistance to streptogramin A or to streptogramin B from Staphylococcus and to polypeptides expressed by these full length coding sequences. This invention relates to the use of the expressed polypeptides to produce specific monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies that serve as detection means in order to characterize any staphylococcal strain carrying genes encoding resistance to streptogramin A or to streptogramin B.

Abstract: The non-toxic proteolytic C fragment of tetanus toxin (TTC peptide) has the same ability to bind nerve cells and be retrogradely transported through a synapse as the native toxin. A hybrid protein encoded by the IacZ-TTC gene fusion retains the biological functions of both proteins in vivo, i.e. retrograde transynaptic transport of the TTC fragment and &bgr;-gal enzymatic activity. After intramuscular injection, enzymatic activity could be detected in motoneurons and connected neurons of the brainstem areas. This strategy is useful for the delivery of a biological activity to neurons from the periphery to the central nervous system. Such a hybrid protein can also be used to map synaptic connections between neural cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolation of a new gene, des, which encodes a M. tuberculosis protein named DES. The des gene appears to be conserved among different Mycobacteria species. The amino acid sequence of the DES protein contains two sets of motifs that are characteristic of the active sites of enzymes from the class II diiron-oxo protein family. Among this family of proteins, DES shares significant homology with soluble stearoyl-ACP desaturases. DES is a highly antigenic protein, which is recognized by human sera from patients infected with M. tuberculosis and M. leprae but not by sera from tuberculous cattle. Thus, the DES protein provides a useful tool for the serodiagnostic analysis of tuberculosis.

Abstract: A method for isolating a polynucleotide of interest that is present in the genome of a first mycobacterium strain and/or is expressed by the first mycobacterium strain, where the polynucleotide of interest is also absent or altered in the genome of a second mycobacterium strain and/or is not expressed in the second mycobacterium. The method includes (a) contacting the genomic DNA of the first mycobacterium strain under hybridizing conditions with the DNA of a least one clone that belongs to a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) genomic DNA library of the second mycobacterium strain, and (b) isolating the polynucleotide of interest that does not form a hybrid with the DNA of the second mycobacterium strain. This invention further pertains to a Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain H37Rv genomic DNA library, as well as a Mycobactetium bovis BCG strain Pasteur genomic DNA library, and the recombinant BAC vectors that belong to those genomic DNA libraries.

Abstract: A variant of a LAV virus, designated LAVMAL and capable of causing AIDS. The cDNA and antigens of the LAVMAL virus can be used for the diagnosis of AIDS and pre-AIDS.

Abstract: A purified polynucleotide having a chain of nucleotides corresponding to a mutated sequence, which in wild-type form encodes a polypeptide implicated in hereditary sensory defect, wherein the mutated purified polynucleotide presents a mutation responsible for prelingual non-syndromic deafness selected from the group consisting of a specific deletion of at least one nucleotide.

Abstract: Reagents and methods for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus are provided. The reagents contain an antibody that binds to a capsular polysaccharide of type 5 of Staphylococcus aureus, and can be used in methods for detection of oxacillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus that escapes detection by agglutination in the presence of fibrinogen and antibodies directed against protein A of Staphylococcus.

Abstract: A variant of a LAV virus, designated LAVMAL and capable of causing AIDS. The cDNA and antigens of the LAVMAL virus can be used for the diagnosis of AIDS and pre-AIDS.

Abstract: H-2 class I negative, HLA-A2.1 transgenic HHD mice were used for a comparative evaluation of the immunogenicity of HLA-A2.1 restricted human tumor-associated CTL epitopes and HIV 1-derived epitopes. A hierarchy was established among these epitopic peptides injected into mice in IFA which correlates globally with their capacity to bind and stabilize HLA-A2.1 molecules. A tyrosine substitution in position 1 of the HIV 1-derived epitopic peptides, which increases both their affinity for and their HLA-A2.1 molecule stabilizing capacity, was introduced in a significant proportion of them. DNA immunizations were performed using a construct comprising nucleic acids encoding the epitopes inserted into the pre-S2 segment of the hepatitis B middle glycoprotein. CTL responses against most of the inserted epitopes could be elicited simultaneously in a single animal.

Abstract: The present application relates to nucleotide sequences which regulate the biosynthesis of the flagella proteins Helicobacter pylori, to the proteins encoded by these sequences and to aflagellate bacterial strains. The invention also relates to the use of these means for detecting an infection due to H . pylori or for protecting against such an infection.

Abstract: A molecule, protein or peptide characterized in that it is recognized by cytophilic antibodies from individuals who are immune to infection by Plasmodia, and recognized by non-cytophilic antibodies from individuals who are vulnerable to infection by Plasmodiae. Said antibodies are capable of blocking the erythrocytic phase of the parasite by co-operating with accessory cells such as monocytes.

Abstract: Polypeptide molecules containing at least 10 consecutive amino acids of the amino acid sequence representing antigen LSA-3 and shown in FIG. 2, with the exception of the polypeptides (I).

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotides useful for detecting and/or typing Enteroviruses contained in a sample by amplification and/or hybridization and/or sequencing; and kits containing the polynucleotides.

Abstract: Attempts to generate modified viral pseudo-particles that are capable of stably incorporating heterologous antigenic determinants has encountered a number of difficulties including inhibition of pseudo-particle formation following epitope insertion and failure of the epitope to retain its native configuration. The present invention is directed toward recombinant viral pseudo-particles of the family Parvoviridae that stably encode heterologous epitopes. Hybrid virus-like particles (VLP) were prepared by self-assembly of a modified porcine parvovirus (PPV) VP2 capsid protein carrying a CD8+ or CD4+ T cell epitope in the amino terminus. Immunization of mice with hybrid pseudo-particles carrying a lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) nucleoprotein CTL epitope, without adjuvant, induced strong cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses against both peptide-coated- or virus-infected-target cells.

Abstract: Several genes encoding subunits of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors have been cloned and regulatory elements involved in the transcription of the &agr;:2 and &agr;:7 subunit genes have been described. Yet, the detailed mechanisms governing the neuron-specific transcription and the spatio-temporal expression pattern of these genes remain largely uninvestigated. The &bgr;2-subunit is the most widely expressed neuronal nicotinic receptor subunit in the nervous system. We have studied the structural and regulatory properties of the 5′ sequence of this gene. A fragment of 1163 bp of upstream sequence is sufficient to drive the cell-specific transcription of a reporter gene in both transient transfection assays and in transgenic mice. Deletion analysis and site-directed mutagenesis of this promoter reveal two negative elements and one positive element. The positively acting sequence includes one functional E-box.

Abstract: Several genes encoding subunits of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors have been cloned and regulatory elements involved in the transcription of the &agr;:2 and &agr;:7- subunit genes have been described. Yet, the detailed mechanisms governing the neuron-specific transcription and the spatio-temporal expression-pattern of these genes remain largely uninvestigated. The &bgr;2-subunit is the most widely expressed neuronal nicotinic receptors subunit in the nervous system. We have studied the structural and regulatory properties of the 5′ sequence of this gene. A fragment of 1163 bp of upstream sequence is sufficient to drive the cell-specific transcription of a reporter gene in both transient transfection assays and in transgenic mice. Deletion analysis and site-directed mutagenesis of this promoter reveal two negative and one positive element. The positively acting sequence includes one functional E-box.

Abstract: KAL protein is identified the active agent in a therapeutic composition for treatment of injury to nerve tissue including spinal cord tissue, as well as support of treatment for renal grafts. Additionally, therapeutic treatment of renal injury, and kidney transplantation and renal surgery, is effected by administration of KAL protein. The therapeutic agent may be administered locally, or intravenously. Retinal disorders may be similarly treated.