Abstract: The invention provides vaccines and methods for preventing or treating intestinal protozoal infections in an animal. In particular, vaccines and methods for prevention or treatment of giardiasis are provided. The invention also encompasses methods of preparing and methods of use of novel toxins, antibodies, vaccine strains and compositions that result from or are used in these methods.

Abstract: This invention relates to peptides and their preparation. The peptides each have a sequence that corresponds to the immunodominant region of the HIV-1 group O gp41 envelope protein. The sequence is characterized in that it does not correspond to any known naturally occurring group O sequence or variant. Furthermore, the peptide binds anti-HIV-1 group O antibodies. There are several uses for the peptides, including the detection of antibodies produced in response to HIV-1 group O infection. The peptides may also be incorporated in mosaics and expressed recombinantly.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the diagnosis and for the monitoring/screening of cartilage diseases by an MIA test, a suitable reagent for this as well as the use of antibodies to MIA to detect cartilage diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assays for the identification of compounds that block palmitylation of influenza virus HA and inhibit virus assembly. In another aspect of the invention, the compounds which inhibit virus assembly, infection and/or replication and which demonstrate a good therapeutic index may be used to treat influenza infection.

Abstract: Biotherapeutic agents are provided which comprise recombinant PAP or a biologically equivalent variant or mutant thereof, linked to a targeting moiety which are effective for the treatment of certain human diseases. The invention further provides a process for producing the biotherapeutic agents as well as a method which utilizes the disclosed biotherapeutic agents to systemically treat cancer patients.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptides or fragments thereof which are immunochemically reactive with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) antibodies. New antibodies directed to said peptides or fragments thereof are also part of the invention.

Abstract: Sperm, oocyte, and embryo survival and function is improved in vivo or in vitro by the use of a polysaccharide containing arabinose, galactose and/or hexuronic acid. In particular, a nonspermicidal lubricant containing such a polysaccharide (e.g., gum arabic, pectin, or galacturonic acid) increases the fertilization potential of the sperm during coitus, artificial insemination or sperm collection. Similarly, a freezing medium containing a polysaccharide containing arabinose, galactose and/or hexuronic acid enhances sperm, oocyte, or embryo viability.

Abstract: The present invention provides for peptide conjugate compositions, methods of using the peptide conjugate compositions, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the peptide conjugate compositions. The peptide conjugate compositions comprise peptides with amino acid sequences similar to the gp120 principal neutralizing domain (PND) of HIV, gp41, and Nef (p27) of HIV and carriers which enhance immunogenicity. The peptide conjugate compositions of the present invention may comprise a multivalent cocktail of several different peptide conjugates. Also provided by present invention is a method for reducing the level of HIV titers in a mammal by administering to the mammal a peptide composition of the present invention in an amount effective to reduce the level of HIV titers. The peptide conjugate compositions of the present invention induce prolonged antibody response in serum, a high level of antibody in the mucosa, and the production of cytotoxic lymphocytes.

Abstract: A novel surface exposed protein of Haemophilus influenzae or related Haemophilus species is described. The protein named protein D is an Ig receptor for human IgD and has an apparent molecular weight of 42,000. Protein D can be detected in all of 116 encapsulated and non-encapsulated isolates of H. influenzae studied. The protein from all strains shows in addition to the same apparent molecular weight immunogenic similarities since protein D from all strains interacts with three different mouse monoclonal antibodies and monoclonal human IgD. A method for purification of protein D is described. Cloning of the protein D gene from H. influenzae in E. coli is described as well as the nucleotide sequence and the deduced amino acid sequence.

Abstract: A method of producing active immunity against a viral disease in an animal subject comprises administering to the subject a vaccine conjugate consisting essentially of a live virus and a neutralizing factor bound to the live virus. The neutralizing factor is selected from the group consisting of antibodies and antibody fragments. The live virus is one capable of producing disease in the subject, and the antibody or antibody fragment is one capable of neutralizing the live virus. Preferred subjects are birds, a preferred virus is Infectious Bursal Disease Virus, and a preferred route of administration to birds is by in ovo administration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polynucleotide in substantially isolated form comprising a sequence of nucleotides which is capable of selectively hybridizing to the genome of the human multiple sclerosis virus (HMSV) or the complement thereof, wherein HMSV is characterized by:(i) a positive stranded RNA genome;(ii) said genome comprising one or more open reading frames (ORF) encoding protein(s) or polyprotein(s);(iii) said genome encoding a reverse transcriptase enzyme; and(v) said genome comprising nucleotide sequences which are homologous to or selectively hybridizable with any one of the nucleotide sequences illustrated in SEQ ID NOS:1 to 6.

Abstract: An immunogenic composition for treating and/or preventing infectious diseases where the infectious agent has at least one intracellular phase in the host during its multiplication cycle, is disclosed. The immunogenic composition comprises at least one cryptic epitope of a cellular element that is carried along by an intracellular infectious agent as it leaves the cell, and revealed by said infectious agent. A composition for treating and/or preventing HIV infections, antibodies to a peptide of interest, and a diagnostic method, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody useful for clinical application which recognizes the conserved region of V3-PND region of glycoprotein antigen having a molecular weight of about 1.2.times.10.sup.5 daltons (gp120) on a coating membrane of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and which has an ability to neutralize a broad range of various HIV variants, or a fragment thereof, and the chimeric and humanized antibodies derived therefrom are provided. By using as an immunogen a plurality of peptides having PND-Tip region containing the highly conserved GPGR sequence within PND of HIV gp120, a monoclonal antibody having a neutralizing activity to many HIV variants can be prepared. By transplanting the gene fragment coding for the variable region of said monoclonal antibody or complementarity determining region (CDR) of said region to a human antibody gene, a chimeric antibody or a reshaped antibody having an anti-HIV neutralizing activity which are effective for clinical application can be obtained.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide sequences encoding gp120 polypeptides from breakthrough isolates of vaccine trials using MN-rgp120 and the encoded gp120 polypeptides are provided. Use of the gp120 polypeptides from one or more of the isolates in a subunit vaccine, usually together with MN-rgp120, can provide protection against HIV strains that are sufficiently different from the vaccine strain (e.g.; MN-rgp120) that the vaccine does not confer protection against those strains. Antibodies induced by the polypeptides are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to recombinant DNA and polypeptides encoded thereby which have use in the provision of vaccines, diagnostic test kits and methods of diagnosis and treatment or prophylaxis for equine arteritis virus (EAV) and EAV mediated disease.

Abstract: Compositions which comprise one or more B epitopes of the envelope glycoprotein of a retrovirus and one or more T epitope of the envelope glycoprotein from a distinct retrovirus, or a Tepitope from a different protein of the same retrovirus as the B epitope. In particular, the retrovirus is a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or a simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I), or a human T-cell lymphotropic virus type II (HTLV-II).

Abstract: According to certain embodiments, the invention relates to an immunoconjugate produced by conjugating at least one membrane-anchoring compound with at least one partial sequence of a protein of a virus, a bacterium, a parasite or a tumor antigen. The immunoconjugate has the advantage that it can be stored for a very long time even without cooling. According to certain embodiments, the invention relates to an immunogenic composition for the specific induction of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes which comprises a conjugate from at least one membrane anchor compound and a protein, containing at least one killer T-cell epitope, of a virus, a bacterium, a parasite or a tumor antigen, or at least one partial sequence containing at least one killer T-cell epitope of a viral, bacterial or parasite protein or of a tumor antigen.

Abstract: Wicks or pads for use in vitaminized air fresheners and room deodorizer devices are disclosed, which permit devices occupants to directly receive and enjoy the benefits of vitamins with little or no effort intra-nasally as they breath the released volatile compositions. A method for the continuous release of a vitamin containing composition for the delivery of discrete droplets intra nasally absorbed vitamins such as, but not limited to A, C, and D is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of testing a substance for the ability to affect the formation or oligomerization of a complex comprising members of a specific binding pair, a first member of the binding pair being present on the surface of a lipid enveloped particle comprising a transferrable label, said first member of the binding pair being capable of binding to a second member of the specific binding pair present on the surface of a cell, the lipid envelope of the particle being capable of fusing with the membrane of the cell so as to transfer the label to the cell, said transfer being inhibited by formation or oligomerization of a complex between the first and second members of the binding pair, wherein the method comprises reacting the particle and the cell, in the presence of the substance under test, (under conditions which would allow for binding of the first and second members of the specific binding pair in the absence of the substance under test), and detecting the label transferred, if any; together with a

Abstract: This invention discloses methods for preparing compositions of cyclodextrin polymers for carrying drugs and other active agents. Methods are also disclosed for preparing cyclodextrin polymer carriers that release drugs under controlled conditions. The invention also discloses methods for preparing compositions of cyclodextrin polymer carriers that are coupled to biorecognition molecules for targeting the delivery of drugs to their site of action.The advantages of the water soluble (or colloidal) cyclodextrin polymer carrier are:(1) Drugs can be used that are designed for efficacy without conjugation requirements.(2) It will allow the use of drugs designed solely for efficacy without regard for solubility.(3) Unmodified drugs can be delivered as macromolecules and released within the cell.(4) Drugs can be targeted by coupling the carrier to biorecognition molecules.(5) Synthesis methods are independent of the drug to facilitate multiple drug therapies.