Abstract: This invention relates to a recombinant plasmid comprising the cyaC and the cyaA genes of Bordetella which directs the expression of Bordetella adenylate cyclase in a transformed host cell. This invention also relates to a recombinat DNA molecule comprising the Bordetella cyaA gene containing at least one insertion of a heterologous DNA sequence at at least one permissive site. This invention further relates to recombinant Bordetella adenylate cyclase comprising a heterologous epitope at a permissive site as well as methods of inducing a specific B cell, helper T cell, and CTL cell immune response.

Abstract: The invention relates to a molecule comprising one or more peptide sequences of formula:Leu-Ala-Lys-Glu-Lys-Leu-Gln-X-Gln-Gln-Ser-Asp-Leu- Glu-Gln-Glu-Argin which X is Glu or Gly. It also relates to the utilisation of these molecules in assays and in vitro diagnostic kits for malaria on a biological sample derived from the individual in whom the disease is to be detected.

Abstract: A recombinant vector capable of replicating in Gram positive bacteria and containing: a) a nucleotide concatenation I of Bacillus thuringiensis with a size of about 2.6 kb between sites BalI-HpaI, or any fragment included in said concatenation as long as its allows replication of the recombinant vector when under the control of functional promoter in Gram positive bacteria, or any sequence which hybridizes with the complementary sequence of concatenation I or the above mentioned fragment under highly stringent conditions, and b) at least on DNA sequence of interest inserted in phase with the above mentioned concatenation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vector for transforming microorganisms capable of undergoing sporulation and which contains itself a heterologous insert comprising a DNA sequence coding for at least part of crystal protein, particularly that of B. thuringensis. It also concerns the polypeptides expressed by said microorganisms and having insecticidal properties similar to those of crystal protein, the microorganisms themselves, as transformed by this vector and insecticidal composition including either said polypeptide or the microorganism itself.

Abstract: This invention relates to human or murine monoclonal antibodies specific for a peptide sequence of HCV E1, fragments of said monoclonal antibodies, hybridomas producing said monoclonal antibodies, in vitro diagnostic methods for detecting HCV E1-specific antigens in a biological sample, and diagnostic kits for detecting HCV E1-specific antigens in a biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides papillomavirus polypeptides and antibodies against said polypeptides. The peptides and antibodies of the present invention are particularly useful for in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infections caused by distinct papillomaviruses. These papillomaviruses are linked to distinct infectious states. The polypeptides of the present invention are derived from L2 genes of different papillomaviruses (or from a portion of said genes). The present invention further provides kits containing one or more antibodies according to the present invention, and a method for the detection and identification of papillomaviruses in biological samples by immunological reaction with said antibodies. The diagnostic kits of the present invention are suitable for diagnosis of the specific infection affecting the donor subject of the biological sample, or infections to which the subject risks being exposed.

Abstract: The invention teaches modified desmin enhancer sequences which yield high level expression of operably linked DNA sequences. The claimed modified desmin enhancer sequences may be operably linked to genes encoding a protein. Further these modified desmin enhancer sequences may be placed into vectors including plasmids and transformed into cells including bacteria or myoblasts. Finally, these modified desmin enhancers may be used in methods of expression of proteins in the transformed bacteria or myoblasts.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant obtained by assembling in vitro various elements in order to form a neo-organ which is introduced preferably in the peritoneal cavity of the recipient. The implant comprises a biocompatible support intended to the biological anchoring of cells; cells having the capacity of expressing and secreting naturally or after recombination a predetermined compound, for example a compound having a therapeutical interest; and a constituent capable of inducing and/or promoting the gelling of said cells. The invention also relates to a kit for the preparation of the implant as well as to a new recombinant retroviral vector comprising a provirus DNA sequence modified in that the genes gag, pol and env have been deleted at least partially so as to obtain a proviral DNA capable of replication. The invention also relates to recombinant cells comprising the new retroviral vector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a particulate vector, characterized in that it comprises, from the inside to the outside, a non-liquid hydrophilic core, an external layer comprised of lipid compounds grafted on the core by covalent bonds. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing such vectors, as well as to a process for enhancing the activity of the polypeptide cellular mediator.

Abstract: This invention discloses the identification and characterization of a novel human retrovirus, originally designated lymphadenopathy-associated virus type II, or LAV-II, and subsequently redesignated the human immunodeficiency virus type 2, or HIV-2. This virus was isolated from West African AIDS patients and propagated on immortalized lymphocytic cell lines or donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Immunological and nucleic acid hybridization studies demonstrated that HIV-2 differs significantly from HIV-1, the aetiological agent of AIDS. Additional biochemical characterization identified viral antigens having molecular weights of 16, 26, 36, and 130-140 kDa, as determined by SDS-PAGE. These proteins were subsequently designated p16, p26, gp36, and gp130-140, respectively. These antigens can be employed, inter alia, in the generation of both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, which should prove useful in diagnostic and viral antigen purification applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to the DNAs of papillomaviruses, and more particularly to the probes derived from these papillomaviruses, as well as procedures for their implementation in the in vitro diagnosis of papillomavirus infection.

Abstract: This invention relates to oligonucleotides encoding HCV E1 peptides, labeled oligonucleotide probes, recombinant DNA molecules comprising HCV E1 nucleotides, plasmids, expression vectors, transformed hosts, analytical kits for detecting nucleotide sequences of hepatitis C virus, and process for preparing polypeptides.

Abstract: Method for the detection and/or location of mutations or deletions in nucleotide sequences by creation of heteroduplexes between two types of double-stranded DNA able to form mismatches at the sites of said mutations or deletions. The heteroduplexes are detected as a result of the labeling of each type of strand by different fluorescent molecules or are screened by passage over a support which specifically retains them.

Abstract: The invention concerns DNA fragments derived from the genomic DNA of HPV-33. These fragments are selected from the group of fragments extending between the nucleotide extremities defined hereafter in relation to the nucleotide-numbering in FIGS. 1a and 1b respectively76-556543-864867-28112728-38083326-35753842-40794198-56115516-8091.The invention also relates to the use of these fragments as probes for the detection of HPV in tissue cultures.

Abstract: Method for detecting the possible presence of a DNA fragment, notably of a gene, in the midst of a complex sample of nucleic acids.It comprises the hybridization of the sought fragment with a RNA probe, this being, prior or subsequent to the hybridization reaction, modified by an enzyme.Application to seeking of particular genes or DNA fragments in the midst of a biological sample.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of enhancing the immunogenicity of an envelope virus glycoprotein in a host organism. The method comprises administering to the host a composition comprising the virus envelope glycoprotein and at least one oligopeptide derived from the amino acid sequence of the envelope glycoprotein, wherein the oligopeptide contains or corresponds to virus-neutralization epitopes. The method and compositions are useful for vaccinating against viruses, such as HIV, SIV, HTLV-I, HTLV-II, or any retrovirus capable of inducing AIDS in its natural host.

Abstract: The invention concerns human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA and more particularly the probes derived from these papillomaviruses, as well as the methods of detecting HPV using these probes. These human papillomaviruses are designated as HPV-2d, HPV-10b, HPV-14a, HPV-14b, HPV-15, HPV-17a, HPV-17b, HPV-19, HPV-20, HPV-21, HPV-22, HPV-23, HPV-24, HPV-28, HPV-29, HPV-31, HPV-32, HPV-IP2 and HPV-IP4.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences of Actinomycetales, in particular of mycobacteria, to oligonucleotides contained within said nucleotide sequences, to their uses as primers for the synthesis of Actinomycetales DNA and as probes for the detection of DNA and/or the transcription products of Actinomycetales, in particular of mycobacteria, to the products of expression of said sequences, to their uses and to antibodies directed towards the said products, to a method for detecting and identifying Actinomycetales and its uses, as well as to immunogenic compositions comprising the said expression products.

Abstract: Primers selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 and an isolated nucleic acid encoding the C. Perfringens type .beta.-toxin .beta..sub.2 consisting of nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID No. 27 and the plasmids of the gene thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated polynucleotides and probes which are optionally labelled and which hybridize with polynucleotides encoding polypeptides implicated in the bacterial resistance to vancomycin, teicoplanin and to both vancomycin and teicoplanin. The invention also relates to the utilization of these polynucleotide probes for the diagnosis of resistance to the glycopeptides.