Abstract: In a method for describing repertoires of antibodies (Ab) and T cell recers (TcR) of the immune system of an individual, reverse transcription is carried out on the mRNA contained in a biological sample, separate amplifications are then carried out on the transcription product (or directly on the DNA extracted from the sample) by a PCR type method for each primer pair V, C, where V corresponds to a variable segment of the repertoire of interest and C hybridizes on the constant segment of the repertoire of interest. For each J segment of the labelled repertoire, an elongation step is carried out on each of the amplification products using a specific oligonucleotide of this segment J as primer and the amplification product as matrix. For each elongation product corresponding to a triplet (V, C)J thus obtained, the size of the different elongation products is revealed. The description of the repertoires corresponds to a VCJ triplet and to the element size for each element of the repertoire.

Abstract: Multi-drug resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis represent a considerable threat to public health worldwide. Resistance to isoniazid (INH), a key component of anti-tuberculosis regimens, is often associated with loss of catalase activity and virulence. The katG gene, encoding HPI catalase-peroxidase, mediates INH-sensitivity and that the high level resistance encountered clinically may be due to deletions, insertions or point mutations which reduce or eliminate the expression of the catalase gene in the chromosomal region encompassing katG. INH-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis are detected by nucleic acid hybridization with a unique nucleic acid sequence or by amplification techniques.

Abstract: Nucleic sequences from the genome of Salmonella typhi include all or part of the genetic information required for the in vitro infection of cultured HeLa cells by Salmonella bacteria. Polypeptides encoded by these nucleic sequences are also described, as is the use of said polypeptides and nucleic sequences for implementing methods of in vitro Salmonella detection in biological samples which are thought to contain it.

Abstract: A novel human retrovirus which is the aetiological agent of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), designated lymphadenopathy-associated virus (LAV), was isolated from the lymph nodes of a patient suffering from generalized persistant lymphadenopathy. LAV displays a tropism for CD4.sup.+ lymphocytes, a Mg.sup.2+ -dependent reverse transcriptase (RT) activity, a density of 1.16-1.17 as determined by sucrose gradient centrifugation, a particle diameter of 139 nm, and a p25 antigen that is immunologically distinct from the HTLV-I/II p24 protein. Radioimmunoprecipitation analysis (RIPA) of .sup.35 S-cysteine-labeled viral or cellular lysates employing patient antisera resulted in the identification of a viral antigen having a molecular weight of 110 kDa. Endoglycosidase treatment of this antigen produces a protein with a molecular weight of 90 kDa. Methods are disclosed for the preparation of hybridomas producing LAV gp110-specific monoclonal antibodies (Mabs).

Abstract: Detection methods and compositions of matter comprising an enzyme coupled to a nucleic acid are disclosed. A complex of the enzyme-nucleic acid hybridized to a nucleic acid to be detected is also disclosed. The nucleic acid is detected by measuring the activity of the enzyme.

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: 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 utilization 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: Peptide sequence capable of initiating delayed hypersensitivity reactions of different intensity in the presence of living bacteria as opposed to dead bacteria of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. The sequence is characterized in that it comprises no more than 0.5% by weight of tyrosine, phenylalanine, methionine, histidine, arginine and cysteine amino acids. The invention also concerns the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of a peptide or protein comprising said sequence.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new variety of retroviruses designated Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 2 (HIV-2), samples of which have been deposited at CNCM and having Accession Numbers I-502 and I-532. The invention also concerns purified forms of the antigens which can be obtained from this virus, in particular from the gp36 and gp130-140 envelope glycoproteins. These various antigens are useful in medical diagnosis and kits, in particular by being placed in contact with serum of the patient to be diagnosed. The invention further relates to polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies specific for the antigens of HIV-2, particularly antibodies specific for gp130-140 envelope glycoprotein. Lastly, the invention relates to immunizing compositions, in particular containing at least one of glycoproteins gp36 or gp130-140.

Abstract: Nucleic acid fragments have been obtained from the genome of mycobacteria, and applications of the nucleic acid fragments in the diagnosis of mycobacterial infections are described. More particularly, the present invention concerns an isolated polynucleotide of the formula:5'-(SEQ ID NO: 1)-(formula III)-(SEQ ID NO: 2)-3'where formula III represents a polynucleotide containing nucleotides 343-1152 of SEQ ID NO: 3. Primers and probes based on the isolated polynucleotide, DNA complementary to any of the polynucleotides, primers or probes, a method of detecting and identifying at least one species or group of mycobacteria, and a kit, box, or coordinated set for conducting the method are also described.

Abstract: A method for preparing an active and inactive adenylate cyclase from a culture of Bordetella parapertussis having specific reactivity with polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies to adenylate cyclase from Bordetella pertussis is presented. The inactive adenylate cyclase is devoid of calmodulin-activatable adenylate cyclase activity and of affinity for calmodulin. The method comprises culturing a clone of Bordetella parapertussis, homogenizing the culture to produce a homogenate, and isolating the active and inactive adenylate cyclase from the homogenate by urea precipitation. The isolated active and inactive adenylate cyclase may be used to prepare a vaccine for the prevention of Bordetella infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to papillomavirus probes derived from new DNA-HPVs deposited with the C.N.C.M. on May 6, 1988, under the following filing numbers:______________________________________ PGEM 4 HPV49: I-754 PSP 65 HPV50: I-755 PSP 64 HPV54: I-756 PGEM 4 HPV55A: I-757 PGEM 4 HPV55B: I-758 ______________________________________These probes can be used for in vitro detection of:in the case of HPV49: warts of the skin (in particular, common and plantar warts) and the differential diagnosis of epidermodysplasia verruciformis,in the case of HPV50: epidermodysplasia verruciformis, intraepithelial neoplasias and cutaneous cancer,in the case of HPV55: genital neoplasias and cancers of the uterine cervix,in the case of HPV55: genital nepolasias and cancers of the uterine cervix, condylomas and papillomas.

Abstract: Method for the production of antigens vaccinating against the virus of B viral hepatitis. It consists of transforming a cell culture with a vector, more particularly a plasmid, itself containing an insertion sequence including itself at least the part of the viral DNA coding for the immunogen protein, capable of inducing in vivo antibody production active with respect to the whole virus, as well as the viral promoter under the control of which the transcription and translation of the above-said part of viral DNA is normally carried out, in particular in a host infected with the corresponding virus.

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 in vitro diagnostic kits for malaria on a biological sample derived from the individual in whom the disease is to be detected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a defective recombinant retrovirus containing a sequence coding for a specific protein in the genome of the cells. The DNA of the recombinant retrovirus contains the sequence coding for the protein intercalated between an acceptor splicing site and a donor splicing site, the whole assembly being placed under the control of a suitable promoter under conditions such that the infection of the said cells by this recombinant retrovirus is accompanied by the incorporation of the sequence coding for the protein into the genome of the infected cells.

Abstract: A novel lentivirus, designated the human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2.sub.ROD), was isolated from West African patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). A recombinant lambda phage library was constructed from HIV-2.sub.ROD -infected CEM genomic DNA. Overlapping molecular clones were obtained and the nucleotide sequence of the complete 9.5-kilobase (kb) HIV-2.sub.ROD genome ascertained. The genetic organization of HIV-2 is analogous to that of other retroviruses and consists of the 5'LTR-gag-pol-central region-env-nef-3'LTR. The central region also encodes for the regulatory proteins Tat and Rev, as well as the ancillary proteins Vif, Vpr, and Vpx. The proteins encoded by this proviral clone will provide novel immunologic, biochemic, and diagnostic reagents useful for the detection of HIV-2.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an HIV-2 (LAV-II) infection and a kit containing reagents for the same is disclosed. These reagents include cDNA probes which are capable of hybridizing to at least a portion of the genome of HIV-2. In one embodiment, the DNA probes are capable of hybridizing to the entire genome of HIV-2. These reagents also include polypeptides encoded by some of these DNA sequences.

Abstract: A composition containing powdered Lactobacillus brevis subsp. coagulans is used to enhance the immunological functions of a patient, particularly with respect to increasing interferon production, 2-5A synthetase activity and Natural Killer activity.

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 respectively:______________________________________ 76-556 543-864 867-2811 2728-3808 3326-3575 3842-4079 4198-5611 5516-8091. ______________________________________The invention also relates to the use of these fragments as probes for the detection of HPV in tissue cultures.

Abstract: The invention relates to new purified antigens of the LAV virus. They have molecular weights of about 135,000 and 150,000 daltons. They are useful for the detection of LAV antibodies in human sera. They are produced by hybrid cell-lines resulting from the fusion of T4 lymphocytes and cells of the MOLT-4 cell line.