Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-throughput diagnostic assay for the virus causing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in humans (“hSARS virus”). In particular, the invention relates to a high-throughput reverse transcription-PCR diagnostic test for SARS associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). The present assay is a rapid, reliable assay which can be used for diagnosis and monitoring the spread of SARS and is based on the nucleotide sequences of the N (nucleocapsid)-gene of the hSARS virus. The present method eliminates false negative results and provides increased sensitivity for the assay. The invention also discloses the S (spike)-gene of the hSARS virus. The invention further relates to the deduced amino acid sequences of the N-gene and S-gene products of the hSARS virus and to the use of the N-gene and S-gene products in diagnostic methods. The invention further encompasses diagnostic assays and kits comprising antibodies generated against the N-gene or S-gene product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adjuvant compositions which are suitable to be used in vaccines. In particular, the adjuvant compositions of the present invention comprises a saponin and an immunostimulatory oligonucleotide, optionally with a carrier. Also provided by the present invention are vaccines comprising the adjuvants of the present invention and an antigen. Further provided are methods of manufacture of the adjuvants and vaccines of the present invention and their use as medicaments. Methods of treating an individual susceptible to or suffering from a disease by the administration of the vaccines of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and adjuvants for enhancing an immune response to RSV in a host, wherein the methods and adjuvants comprise a source of a CD40 binding protein. Preferably, the CD40 binding protein is CD40L and the source is a vector comprising a promoter operatively linked to a CD40L coding region. The enhanced immune response produced by the adjuvants and methods of the current invention includes both increased expression of Th1 cytokines and increased production of antibody.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of eliciting antibodies and neutralizing of binding antibodies against a hepatitis C virus (HCV) E1E2 or E2 antigen using HCV E2 or HCV E1E2 polypeptides and/or HCV E2 or E1E2 polynucleotides. Elicitation of anti-E2 antibodies and anti-E2 NOB antibodies can be used, inter alia, to provide model systems to optimize anti-E2 antibody responses and/or anti-E2 NOB antibody responses to HCV and to provide prophylactic or therapeutic treatment against HCV infection.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies to thymidine kinase 1 are disclosed which are useful in methods of detecting, diagnosing, and treating viral infection.

Abstract: This invention provides cellular gene products which have anti-apoptotic activity in HIV-1 infected cells. Other pro-apoptotic genes and methods of use thereof are also disclosed. The compositions of the invention may be used to advantage to develop novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of HIV infection. The compositions of the invention may also be used to advantage to develop novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of disorders associated with inordinate cellular apoptosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a compound that binds to a C-type lectin on the surface of a dendritic cell, in the preparation of a composition for modulating, in particular reducing, the immune response in an animal, in particular a human or another mammal. The composition in particular modulates the interactions between a dendritic cell and a T-cell, more specifically between a C-type lectin on the surface of a dendritic cell and an ICAM receptor on the surface of a T-cell. The compositions can be used for preventing/inhibiting immune responses to specific antigens, for inducing tolerance, for immunotherapy, for immunosuppression, for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, and the treatment of allergy. The compound that binds to a C-type lectin is preferably chosen from mannose, fucose, plant lectins, antibiotics, sugars, proteins or antibodies against C-type lectins. The invention also relates to such antibodies.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of activating hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific T cells, including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. HCV-specific T cells are activated using fusion proteins comprising HCV NS3, NS4, NS5a, and NS5b polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding such fusion proteins, or polypeptide or polynucleotide compositions containing the individual components of these fusions. The method can be used in model systems to develop HCV-specific immunogenic compositions, as well as to immunize a mammal against HCV.

Abstract: A method for producing a refolded, inactive form of recombinantly produced NS2/3 protease which comprises the steps of: a) purifying the protease from inclusion bodies in the presence of a chaotropic agent; and b) refolding the purified protease by contacting it with a reducing agent and lauryldiethylamine oxide (LDAO) in the presence of reduced concentration of chaotropic agent or polar additive. The invention further comprises a method for activating this refolded inactive NS2/3 protease by adding an activation detergent. This method produces large amounts of the active NS2/3 protease to allow small molecules and ligands to be screened as potential inhibitors of NS2/3 protease, which may be useful as therapeutic agents against HCV.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of bovine adenovirus sequence(s) essential for encapsidation and E1 transcriptional control regions. The present invention provides adenovirus expression systems, host cells and compositions comprising adenovirus vectors which comprise one or more BAV sequence(s) essential for encapsidation, as well as helper virus which express BAV sequences essential for encapsidation. The present invention also provides helper vectors comprising a BAV sequence essential for encapsidation which is used in a helper virus for propagating recombinant adenovirus. The present invention also provides adenovirus expression systems, host cells and compositions comprising adenovirus vectors which comprise modifications in BAV E1 transcriptional control regions. The present invention also provides methods for making adenovirus vectors comprising BAV sequence(s) essential for encapsidation as well as modifications in BAV E1 transcriptional control regions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an invention related to the preparation and use of vaccines against pathogenic organisms, such as herpes virus. The vaccines hereof are based upon the use of truncated, membrane-free derivatives of a membrane-bound polypeptide from the pathogen. These polypeptides when incorporated into a vaccine composition afford protection against pathogenic challenge after administration.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods and compositions useful in diagnosing and treating hepatic disorders, especially those characterized by inflammation. The method comprises administration of an agent which prevents the interaction of MAdCAM with a MAdCAM binding partner or ligand. These compositions are useful in treating diseases or disorders involving ?4?7/MAdCAM blockade, as well as inhibiting a primary event in the inflammatory response such as blocking interactions between intercellular adhesion molecules and their ligands. Disorders treatable using the methods disclosed herein include infections, especially viral infections, iatrogenic disorders, cholestatic disorders, hereditary disorders, sarcoidosis, organ transplant, and the like. The diagnostic methods of the invention can be employed to detect the presence of a disorder or to monitor the course of therapy used to treat the disorder.

Abstract: Vif binds to APOBEC3G and induces its rapid degradation, thus eliminating it from cells and preventing its incorporation into HIV-1 virions. Vif contains two domains, one that binds APOBEC3G and another with a conserved SLQ(Y/F)LA motif that mediates APOBEC3G degradation by a proteasome-dependent pathway. Provided herein are methods of exploiting these discoveries to develop compounds useful to inhibit Vif degradation of APOBEC3G, and thereby inhibit viral infection and/or replication.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cytostatics which have a tumour-specific action as a result of linkage to ?v?3 integrin antagonists via preferred linking units. The preferred linking units guarantee serum stability of the conjugate of cytostatic and ?v?3 integrin antagonist and at the same time the desired intracellular action in tumour cells as a result of their enzymatic or hydrolytic cleavability with release of the cytostatic.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pseudopeptide of at least 6 amino acids comprising at least a unit selected among the general formulae (I) and/or (II) wherein: R1, R2 and R3 each independently of one another represent a side-chain of amino acids and can be identical or different; X represents an oxygen or sulphur atom. The invention also concerns its synthesis process, a reagent containing it, a detection kit comprising such a reagent, a method for detecting an antigen or an antibody using said pseudopeptide, and antibody or and anti-idiotype and finally a therapeutic composition.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for analyzing a HCV genotype by extracting RNA from plasma and serum, performing C-type hepatitis virus (HCV) RT-PCR and then making them react on an oligonucleotide chip. The present invention also provides a method for simply and exactly examining the analysis of the HCV genotype for four people on one slide.

Abstract: The present invention discloses compositions and methods for the prophylaxis and treatment of bacterial infections by the use of polyvalent bacteriophage having multiple host range.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and compositions for remodeling a peptide molecule, including the addition or deletion of one or more glycosyl groups to a peptide, and/or the addition of a modifying group a peptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for eliminating virally-infected cells by administering a Shiga-toxin composition, and the present invention provides methods and compositions for suppressing bovine leukemia-related cell proliferation. In the methods, a Shiga-toxin composition is administered in an amount effective to suppress bovine leukemia-related cell proliferation. The Shiga-toxin composition can include a Shiga-toxin polypeptide; a probiotic microorganism expressing a Shiga-toxin polypeptide; or a transgenic plant expressing a Shiga-toxin polypeptide. In one embodiment, the Shiga-toxin polypeptide is Stx1A and, in another embodiment, the Shiga-toxin polypeptide is Stx1 holotoxin. In yet a further embodiment, the Shiga-toxin polypeptide comprises Stx2.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising recombinant DNA polymerases that include amino acid substitutions, insertions, deletions, and/or exogenous features that confer modified properties upon the polymerase for enhanced single molecule sequencing. Such properties include increased resistance to photodamage, and can also include enhanced metal ion coordination, reduced exonuclease activity, reduced reaction rates at one or more steps of the polymerase kinetic cycle, decreased branching fraction, altered cofactor selectivity, increased yield, increased thermostability, increased accuracy, increased speed, increased readlength, and the like. Also provided are nucleic acids which encode the polymerases with the aforementioned phenotypes, as well as methods of using such polymerases to make a DNA or to sequence a DNA template.