Abstract: The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, comprising an amount of a soluble active agent which interacts with at least one of the binding sites between hIL6 and pS1 and between hIL6 and hepatocytes and other HBV-permissive cells, the active agent being present in sufficient amount to competitively bind to at least one of the sites and thereby to prevent hIL6-mediated HBV infection of hepatocytes and other HBV-permissive cells.

Abstract: A family of cDNA sequences derived from hepatitis C virus (HCV) are provided. These sequences encode antigens which react immunologically with antibodies present in individuals with non-A non-B hepatitis (NANBH), but which are absent from individuals infected with hepatitis A virus, or hepatitis B virus, and also are absent in control individuals. The HCV cDNA sequences lack substantial homology to the sequences of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) and HBV. A comparison of the sequences of amino acids encoded in the HCV cDNA with the sequences of Flaviviruses indicates that HCV may be related to the Flaviviruses. The HCV cDNA sequences and the polypeptides encoded therein are useful as reagents for the detection and therapy of HCV. The reagents provided in the invention are also useful for the isolation of NANBH agent(s), for the propagation of these agents in tissue culture, and for the screening of antiviral agents for HCV.

Abstract: HBV surface antigen particles, prepared by recombinant DNA technology are described, said particles being composed of epitopes from the group of surface peptides and/or core peptide of non-A, non-B hepatitis virus, hepatitis virus A and/or hepatitis virus B. Respective particles are especially characterized by a composition of different epitopes selected from pre-S and S peptides. There are also described DNA-sequences, plasmids and cell lines coding for respective HBV surface antigen particles as well as a new vaccine containing the same.

Abstract: HBV surface antigen particles, prepared by recombinant DNA technology are described, said particles being composed of epitopes from the group of surface peptides and/or core peptide of non-A, non-B hepatitis virus, hepatitis virus A and/or hepatitis virus B. Respective particles are especially characterized by a composition of different epitopes selected from pre-S and S peptides. There are also described DNA-sequences, plasmids and cell lines coding for respective HBV surface antigen particles as well as a new vaccine containing the same.

Abstract: A family of cDNA sequences derived from hepatitis C virus (HCV) are provided. These sequences encode antigens which react immunologically with antibodies present in individuals with non-A non-B hepatitis (NANBH), but which are absent from individuals infected with hepatitis A virus, or hepatitis B virus, and also are absent in control individuals. The HCV cDNA sequences lack substantial homology to the sequences of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) and HBV. A comparison of the sequences of amino acids encoded in the HCV cDNA with the sequences of Flaviviruses indicates that HCV may be related to the Flaviviruses.The HCV cDNA sequences and the polypeptides encoded therein are useful as reagents for the detection and therapy of HCV. The reagents provided in the invention are also useful for the isolation of NANBH agent(s), for the propagation of these agents in tissue culture, and for the screening of antiviral agents for HCV.

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: The present invention relates to methods of producing recombinant molecules including the nucleotide sequence for the structure of the preS1 region of the surface glycoprotein of the hepatitis B virus, and to compositions of the molecules. Compositions of the recombinant molecules may include a promoter and a marker gene. Cloning vectors are used to incorporate the recombinant molecules into hosts. Cells infected with the chimeric vaccinia produce high levels of preS1 protein. Isolation and purification of the preS1-containing protein is facilitated by the use of a recombinant molecule in which the myristylation site has been deleted by a modification of the nucleotide sequence. The purified preS1-containing protein is useful for development of vaccines, diagnostic kits and therapies.

Abstract: HBV surface antigen particles, prepared by recombinant DNA technology are described, said particles being composed of epitopes from the group of surface peptides and/or core peptide of non-A, non-B hepatitis virus, hepatitis virus A and/or hepatitis virus B. Respective particles are especially characterized by a composition of different epitopes selected from pre-S and S peptides. There are also described DNA-sequences, plasmids and cell lines coding for respective HBV surface antigen particles as well as a new vaccine containing the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a hypoallergenic wheat flour, which comprises mixing water or aqueous ethanol solution to wheat flour, and then mixing a protease having a high collagenase-like activity and being applicable to food preparation with the mixture. The present invention also provides a hypoallergenic wheat flour produced by the above method, and wheat flour processed food products made from this hypoallergenic wheat flour as a raw material. The present invention makes it possible for a patient suffering from wheat-associated allergy to safely take various food products made from the wheat flour.

Abstract: A genetic construct for use in production of transgenic plants with reduced susceptibility or increased resistance to pests or diseases comprises an isolated nucleotide sequence encoding the glucose oxidase enzyme of Talaromyces flavus, the nucleotide sequence being operably linked to a promoter capable of expression in a plant, plant cell or group of plant cells, and further comprises a nucleic acid segment having a nucleotide sequence encoding a signal sequence which directs secretion of the functional glucose oxidase enzyme of T. flavus from plant cells.

Abstract: A mosaic protein comprising a variety of immunoreactive antigenic epitopes from several genotypes of hepatitis C virus. The mosaic protein provides a sensitive and specific immunological hepatitis detection assay. A restriction enzyme assisted ligation method of making an artificial gene permits controlled construction of mosaic proteins, and allows confirmatory expression of the intermediate gene products.

Abstract: This invention relates to a DNA encoding a peptide of a papilloma virus major capsid protein. Furthermore, this invention deals with a papilloma virus genome containing such a DNA. In addition, this invention concerns proteins encoded by the papilloma virus genome and virus-like particles as well as antibodies directed thereagainst and the use thereof and the use thereof in diagnosis, treatment and vaccination.

Abstract: Bacteria containing eukaryotic and/or viral genes, and often having highly pleiomorphic morphology, are obtained by culturing virally-infected eukaryotic cells under aseptic, low oxygen conditions. The bacteria so produced express products encoded by the eukaryotic genes. Analyses indicate that several isolates obtained from culturing retrovirally-infected human brain capillary endothelial cells express human-specific genes previously mapped to widely separated human chromosomes.

Abstract: A combination, comprising at least one polypeptide sequence, mediating the antigenicity of one or more epitopes, and a carrier, capable of presenting this/these polypeptide sequence(s), which are useful for the production of a medicament for the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis, is provided.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an electron multiplier is provided. The method consists of depositing a random channel layer on a substrate such that the random channel layer is capable of producing a cascade secondary electron emission in response to an incident electron in the presence of an electric field.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed for generating an immune response against a herpes virus in an animal subject susceptible thereto, wherein the vaccine comprises a compound of the Formula:Val Asn Pro Arg Gly Gly Cys Phe Leu Gly Gly Gly Ala Lys Ala Gly 5 10 - 15 Gly Gly Gly Gly Arg Ala Ala Gly Gln Pro Arg Ala 20 25designated Sequence ID 1. The composition is especially effective in generating an immune response against Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus.

Abstract: The invention provides immunogenic peptides from the HPV type 16 E7 protein that comprise overlapping class I restricted T cell epitopes. Also disclosed are methods of administering DNA molecules encoding these peptides to a host mammal.

Abstract: The present invention provides papillomavirus DNA, and more particularly DNA probes derived from papillomavirus. The present invention also provides procedures for the use of DNA derived from papillomavirus in the in vitro diagnosis of papillomavirus infections.

Abstract: A class of active agents, and articles and compositions containing them and methods for treating human patients with them, which inhibit bone resorption of all types. This class of active agents comprises phosphodiester inhibiting compositions which inhibit any of interleukin 1 (IL1), interleukin 6 (IL6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF), which are cytokines that mediate bone resorption. Exemplary compositions in this class include: pentoxifylline; isobutylmethyl xanthine; ciprofloxacin; rolipram; terferol; and the quinolones generally. Each of these IL1/IL6/TNF inhibitors may be administered alone or in combination by a variety of delivery routes and dosage forms, and they may optionally be administered in conjunction with additional active agents including but not limited to metal chelators.

Abstract: EBI 3 polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing EBI 3 polypeptides and polynucleotides in the design of protocols for the treatment of infections such as bacterial, fungal, protozoan and viral infections, particularly infections caused by HIV-1 or HIV-2; pain; cancers; anorexia, bulimia, asthma; Parkinson's disease; acute heart failure; hypotension; hypertension; urinary retention; osteoporosis; angina pectoris; myocardial infarction; ulcers; asthma; allergies; benign prostatic hypertrophy; and psychotic and neurological disorders, including anxiety, schizophrenia, manic depression, delirium, dementia, severe mental retardation and dyskinesias, such as Huntington's disease or Gilles dela Tourett's syndrome, among others and diagnostic assays for such conditions.