Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions and kits for treating and or preventing an HIV infection. For example, HIV envelope-like polypeptides (wild-type HIV polypeptides and mimotopes) may be administered to an individual so as to induce a protective immune response to HIV. Alternatively, antibodies directed to the HIV envelope-like polypeptides may be administered to an individual to treat or prevent an HIV infection and/or one or more symptoms associated with the infection (e.g., AIDS).

Abstract: Described herein are pharmaceutical compositions capable of inhibiting vesicle formation and methods of treatment or prophylactic administration of these pharmaceutical compositions to treat pathogenic infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel compositions and methods for delivering genes of interest to stem cells using vectors that contain differentiation-specific transcriptional regulatory elements. For example, stem cells in the internal epithelia could be transfected with a vaccine construct, which has an epithelial cell differentiation-specific promoter driving the expression of viral envelope proteins. When the promoter used is specific for terminally differentiated epithelial cells, then the viral envelope proteins will be expressed only in the upper part of the epithelia and therefore, stimulate the immune response. The infected epithelial stem cells in the basal layer will continue to produce new antigen-expressing cells, without being eliminated by the immune response. This invention will be useful in the development of vaccines against viral agents that target the internal mucosa like HIV.

Abstract: Baboon Adenovirus (BaAdV)-2/4 and BaAdV-3 are described herein. BaAdV-2/4 and BaAdV-3 polynucleotide, polypeptides and antibodies that specifically bind BaAdV-2/4 and/or BaAdV-3 are described. Methods are described for detecting BaAdV-2/4 and BaAdV-3. Methods are also described for treating, preventing, and inducing an immune response to BaAdV-2/4 and/or BaAdV-3. Kits are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel compositions and methods for delivering genes of interest to stem cells using vectors that contain differentiation-specific transcriptional regulatory elements. For example, stem cells in the internal epithelia could be transfected with a vaccine construct, which has an epithelial cell differentiation-specific promoter driving the expression of viral envelope proteins. When the promoter used is specific for terminally differentiated epithelial cells, then the viral envelope proteins will be expressed only in the upper part of the epithelia and therefore, stimulate the immune response. The infected epithelial stem cells in the basal layer will continue to produce new antigen-expressing cells, without being eliminated by the immune response. This invention will be useful in the development of vaccines against viral agents that target the internal mucosa like HIV.