Abstract: The present invention relates to a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine that comprises peptides from host cell proteins and more particularly, a vaccine that is directed against cancers that are associated with HPV infections, such as cervical cancer, head and neck cancer and skin cancers. The peptides comprise fragments of host cell proteins that have been targeted for degradation by HPV proteins, such as E6 and E7 and are presented on the surface of HPV infected cells in relatively large amounts. These peptides can be recognised by CTL and elicit an immune response, and are therefore ideal tumour-specific markers. The invention also relates to novel peptide: peptide complexes such as peptide/HLA complexes and their use in a tumour-specific vaccine.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to oligodeoxynucleotides that suppress an immune response. Methods are disclosed for preventing or treating an immune-mediated disorder, such as, but not limited to, an autoimmune disease, by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a suppressive oligodeoxynucleotide. Also disclosed are methods of suppressing an immune response in a subject by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a suppressive oligodeoxynucleotide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cupredoxin, specifically Pseudomonas aeruginosa azurin, and/or Pseudomonas aeruginosa cytochrome c551 and their use in inhibiting of viral infection, and in particular infection of mammalian cells by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The invention also relates to variants and derivatives of cupredoxin and cytochrome c that retain the ability to inhibit viral infection, and in particular infection by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The invention also relates to research methods for studying viral and bacterial infection in mammalian cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying peptides in a mammalian. Tsg101 protein that binds to the PTAPP (SEQ ID NO: 3) motif or L domain of human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1). Such peptides can be used to inhibit Tsg101-HIV Gag binding, and is therefore effective in reducing HIV particle production. The invention also provides the peptides identified by the method of the invention and to method of using such peptides for treating HIV infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the detection and characterization of HCV sequences. More particularly, the present invention provides compositions, methods and kits for using invasive cleavage structure assays (e.g. the INVADER assay) to screen nucleic acid samples, e.g., from patients, to determine HCV genotype.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified erythrocytes which comprise viral receptor proteins capable of mediating entry of respective viruses into the modified erythrocytes. The present invention also provides methods of using the modified erythrocytes for the treatment or prevention of viral infections. In one embodiment, the modified erythrocytes of the present invention comprise CD4 and at least one HIV coreceptor, such as CXCR4 or CCR5. The modified erythrocytes, when administered to an HIV patient, bind to the plasma virus and induce the injection of the HIV ribonucleoprotein complex into the cells. The entrapped viral content is either degraded or deactivated within the erythrocytes, or destroyed by erythrophagocytosis.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses influenza vaccines, in particular canine influenza vaccines. The vaccine may be a recombinant poxvirus vaccine or an inactivated vaccine. The invention also encompasses recombinant poxvirus vectors encoding and expressing influenza antigens, epitopes or immunogens which can be used to protect animals, in particular dogs, against influenza.

Abstract: Hybrid antigens comprising an antigenic domain and improved heat shock protein binding domains are described which are useful for the induction of an immune response to the antigenic domain and thus can be used to treat infectious diseases and cancers that express an antigen of the antigenic domain.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adenovirus serotype 30 (Ad30) fiber amino acid sequence. The present invention also provides polynucleotides and expression vectors encoding an Ad30 fiber and viral particles and cells containing such expression vectors. The present invention further provides methods of treating genetic diseases or cancers in a mammal using the polynucleotides, polypeptides, expression vectors, viral particles and cells of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heart homing peptide that contains the amino acid sequence GGGVFWQ (SEQ ID NO: 2); HGRVRPH (SEQ ID NO: 3); VVLVTSS (SEQ ID NO: 4); CLHRGNSC (SEQ ID NO: 9); or CRSWNKADNRSC (SEQ ID NO: 10) and further provides conjugates in which a heart homing peptide is linked to a moiety such as a therapeutic agent. The conjugates of the invention are useful for treating cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and restenosis.

Abstract: The design, construction, and use of transgenic animals which exhibit features, including neurofibrillary tangles and aluminum sensitivity, is described. The founder transgenic animals of the invention are produced by methods well known in the art, and utilize DNA sequences designed to express all or any part of the human neurofilament subunit genes, NF-L, NF-M, NF-H, in a neural-enriched manner.

Abstract: A method for introducing a biological substance into a target which utilizes particles having a substantially pure carbonaceous surface to which is associated a biological substance wherein the particles are sufficiently small to penetrate the target without killing the target is described.

Abstract: Positive-negative selector (PNS) vectors are provided for modifying a target DNA sequence contained in the genome of a target cell capable of homologous recombination. The vector comprises a first DNA sequence which contains at least one sequence portion which is substantially homologous to a portion of a first region of a target DNA sequence. The vector also includes a second DNA sequence containing at least one sequence portion which is substantially homologous to another portion of a second region of a target DNA sequence. A third DNA sequence is positioned between the first and second DNA sequences and encodes a positive selection marker which when expressed is functional in the target cell in which the vector is used. A fourth DNA sequence encoding a negative selection marker, also functional in the target cell, is positioned 5' to the first or 3' to the second DNA sequence and is substantially incapable of homologous recombination with the target DNA sequence.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide analogs having one or more substitute linkages of the formula 2'/3'--S--CH.sub.2 --CH.dbd.5' or 2'/3'--O--CH.sub.2 --CH.dbd.5' between adjacent nucleomonomers are disclosed. The substitute linkage replace the usual phosphodiester linkage found in unmodified nucleic acids. The oligonucleotide analogs are easy to synthesize, stable in vivo, resistant to endogenous nucleases and are able to hybridize to target nucleic acid sequences in a sequence specific manner.

Abstract: The sequence of the T.sub.L -DNA of Ri plasmids found in Agrobacterium rhizogenes strains HRI and A4 is disclosed. Sixteen open reading frames bounded by eukaryotic promoters, ribosome binding sites, and polyadenylation sites were found, five of which were observed to be transcripted in a developmentally and phenotypically regulated manner. The use of promoters and polyadenylation sites from pRi T.sub.L -DNA to control expression of heterologous foreign structural genes is taught, using as examples the structural genes for Phaseolus vulgaris storage protein (phaseolin), P. vulgaris lectin, a sweet protein (thaumatin), and Bacillus thuringiensis crystal protein. Vectors useful for manipulation of sequences of the structural genes and T-DNA are also provided.

Abstract: A maize plant has in its genome a non-mutable form of a mutant allele designated vitX-8132. The allele is located at a locus designated as glt which conditions kernels having an altered starch characteristic. Maize plants including such a mutant allele produce a starch that does not increase in viscosity on cooling, after heating.

Abstract: A new Anthurium plant particularly distinguished by having unique brown-red, durable spathes, dark-green, compact, durable leaves, a medium-long erect penduncle, rich shoot formation, flowers early and continuously throughout the year, a compact and full plant habit and a plant height of 30 cm to 35 cm, is disclosed.

Abstract: The new and distinct variety is a Feijoa designated Opal Star. The Opal S variety is characterized by a lower tree height and spread than the Appolo variety, more lateral branching than the Triumph variety and a fruit having a smoother skin and a higher productivity than Triumph and a smaller size than Appolo. The variety is further distinguished by its late season maturity, heavy cropping and moderately compact habit.