Abstract: This invention is directed toward a multideterminant human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) peptide which comprises a covalently linked T-helper (Th) lymphocyte epitope, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) epitope, and an epitope capable of eliciting a neutralizing antibody response (AbN), wherein said peptide has the following amino acid sequence: KQIINMWQEVGKAMYAPPISGQIRRIHIGPGRAFYTTKN. This peptide has the further characteristic of evoking all three of these immune responses in hosts having a broad range of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) types. This peptide is useful as an immunogen to generate broad immune responses in a host, to assess immune responses in virally infected hosts, and as a diagnostic reagent to detect viral infection.

Abstract: Methods for augmenting immune responses in immunodeficient individuals are disclosed. The methods utilize steroid hormones, particularly DHEA, its prohormones (particularly DHEA-S), and DHEA-cogeners. Additional embodiments of the invention include pharmaceutical compositions for use in the methods.

Abstract: A recombinant fusion protein (DEN-2 MBP) containing the B domain of the due (DEN 2 envelope protein is disclosed as a candidate subunit immunogen for vaccination against dengue virus infection. A gene fragment encoding amino acid 298 to amino acid 400 of the DEN-2 virus envelope was expressed as a fusion protein with the maltose binding protein (MBP) of Escherichia coli (E. coli). The recombinant fusion protein was purified and analyzed for its antigenicity imunogenicity and ability to protect mice against lethal challenge. This antigen is detected by monoclonal antibody (3H5) which is specific for a neutralizing epitope on the DEN-2 envelope and reacted with homologous polyclonal mouse immune ascitic fluid and DEN-2 immune human sera. A recombinant fusion plasmid bearing the DEN-2 MBP DNA sequence, expressing the fusion product in E. coli is disclosed.

Abstract: A composition and method for inducing a protective immune response to HIV-1 in an individual, of (a) a replication incompetent HIV-1, HIV-1 pseudovirus, HIV-1 VLP or oligomeric gp120; and (b) a water soluble polyphosphazene polyelectrolyte, wherein (a) and (b) are present in an amount effective to induce a protective immune response against HIV-1.

Abstract: A novel retroviral nucleotide sequence comprising a constitutive transport enhancer which functions to transport mRNA transcripts from the nucleus to the cytoplasm of a cell, wherein the mRNA transcript is either differentially spliced, alternatively spliced, incompletely spliced, or unspliced. Additionally disclosed are methods of using the constitutive transport enhancer to screen agents for antiviral activity against rev-dependent HIV proteins by expressing the proteins in a rev-negative subgenomic construct containing the enhancer either in the presence of absence of the agent.

Abstract: Upon entry into a host cell, retroviruses direct the reverse transcription of the viral RNA genome and the establishment of an integrated proviral DNA. The retroviral integrase protein (IN) is responsible for the insertion of the viral DNA into host chromosomal targets. The IN catalyzes two specific biochemical reactions: (i) cleavage of the 3'termini of the viral DNA to produce 3'-OH ends, and (ii) joining of the two newly generated 3'-termini to the 5'-phosphates on each strand of the target sequence in a concerted strand-transfer reaction. The yeast two-hybrid system was used to identify a novel human gene product, herein designated integrase interactor 1 or INI-1, that binds tightly to the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) integrase in vitro. Approximately 10.sup.6 complementary DNAs (cDNAs) of the HL60 macrophage-monocytic cell line were expressed as GAL4AC (activation domain) fusions and tested for coactivation of a reporter gene together with a GAL4DB (DNA binding) IN fusion.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for facilitating gene therapy procedures involving the transduction of target cells with retroviral vector particles in the presence of complement containing body fluids. The reduction of levels of galactose alpha (1,3) galactosyl epitopes on the retroviral vector particles and/or the blockade of antibody binding to such epitopes have been found to render the particles less sensitive to inactivation by complement mediated mechanisms, and to thus allow transduction in the presence of complement containing body fluids. Means are provided for obtaining such reductions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the HIV-1 strains MN-ST1 and BA-L which are typical United States HIV-1 isotypes. The present invention relates to DNA segments encoding the envelope protein of MN-ST1 or BA-L, to DNA constructs containing such DNA segments and to host cells transformed with such constructs. The viral isolates and envelope proteins of the present invention are of value for use in vaccines and bioassays for the detection of HIV-1 infection in biological samples, such as blood bank samples.

Abstract: CDR-grafted antibody heavy and light chains comprise acceptor framework and donor antigen binding regions, the heavy chains comprising donor residues at at least one of positions (6, 23) and/or (24, 48) and/or (49, 71) and/or (73, 75) and/or (76) and/or (78) and (88) and/or (91). The CDR-grafted light chains comprise donor residues at at least one of positions (1) and/or (3) and (46) and/or (47) or at at least one of positions (46, 48, 58) and (71). The CDR-grafted antibodies are preferably humanised antibodies, having non human, e.g. rodent, donor and human acceptor frameworks, and may be used for in vivo therapy and diagnosis. A generally applicable protocol is disclosed for obtaining CDR-grafted antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the prevention or lessening of disease in cats caused by Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). Prevention or lessening of disease is understood to mean the amelioration of any symptoms, including immune system disruptions, that result from FIV infection. The invention provides recombinant proteins produced in a baculovirus expression system having at least one internal gene comprising a DNA sequence that encodes either the entire FIV env region (ENV-ABC), or a DNA sequence consisting of viral nucleotides 6252-8469 of FIV env (ENV-AB), a DNA sequence consisting of viral nucleotides 6252-6722 and 8264-9140 of FIV env (ENV-AC), or immunogenic fragments of any of the foregoing either singly or in combination. By immunogenic fragment is meant any portion of the coding sequence of FIV env polypeptides that induces a beneficial immune response in cats.

Abstract: An fluorescent metal-chelating amphiphile having the structure: ##STR1## wherein A is a hydrophobic fluorophore, X and Y are aliphatic hydrocarbons having from 9 to 25 carbon atoms, B is a hydrophilic spacer, C is a metal chelator, and L is either an ether or ester linkage.The fluorescent metal-chelating amphiphile is combined with a matrix lipid to form lipid-based sensors which provide fluorometric detection of metal ions in liquids.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a soluble thrombomodulin-containing composition comprising at least one molecular species of soluble thrombomodulin, and at least one member selected from the group consisting of maltose, lactose, sucrose, arginine and a salt thereof, and a nonionic surface-active agent; and a production method therefor; as well as a stabilizing agent; a stabilization method; an anti-adsorption agent; and an anti-adsorption method for the soluble thrombomodulin. The present invention provides a soluble thrombomodulin-containing lyophilized preparation which is useful as a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for diseases associated with abnormalities in blood coagulation, and which is stable for a prolonged period of time and would not become adsorbed onto the container; and a production method therefor; as well as a stabilization agent; a stabilization method; an anti-adsorption agent; and an anti-adsorption method for the soluble thrombomodulin.

Abstract: The instant invention provides for isolated gp48 glycoprotein, methods of passive immunization with anti-gp48 antibodies, and methods of active immunization for generating anti-gp48 antibodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new class of retroviruses, designated by HIV-2, of which samples have been deposited to the ECACC under numbers 87.01.1001 and 87.01.1002 and to the NCIB under numbers 12.398 and 12.399.It relates also to antigens capable to be obtained from this virus, particularly proteins p12, p16, p26 and gp140. These various antigens can be used for the diagnosis of the disease, especially by contacting these antigens with a serum of a patient submitted to the diagnosis.It relates to immunogenic compositions containing more particularly the glycoprotein gp140. Finally it concerns nucleotidic sequences, which can be used especially as hybridization probes, derived from the RNA of HIV-2.

Abstract: A method for the detection of the presence or absence of antibodies which bind to antigens of an NMA virus indicative of Chronic Fatigue Immune Deficiency Syndrome is disclosed. This method comprises contacting a solution containing antigens of an NMA virus with a biological sample of a patient and detecting the antibody-antigen complexes. Methods for detection of the presence or absence of antigens or nucleic acid sequences specific to an NMA virus are also disclosed. A substantially purified preparation of an NMA virus and a human cell line chronically infected with an NMA virus are also disclosed.

Abstract: An insert is provided containing gas under pressure for insertion in a carbonated beverage can to nucleate release of gas from solution when the can is opened. The insert has a jetting orifice closed by a burstable seal which is held closed by a sealing member until the can is opened. The sealing member may be made of moisture sensitive material which weakens in the can and ruptures on opening the can. The insert may be weighted to float in a given orientation with the jetting orifice submerged.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sterilization container which is preferably intended for hospital waste and is formed by a bin (1) having a filler opening, which is delimited by the upper edge of the side wall (5) of the bin and is opposite the base (4) thereof, and a lid (2) for covering the filler opening. The bin (1), and possibly also the lid (2), consists of a tough plastics material which is permeable to microwaves and is still resistant to elongation above the boiling point of water. A pressure-tight sealing arrangement (20), disposed between the bin (1) and the lid (2), and a closure arrangement (3, 29), for securing the lid (2) on the bin (1) against the effect of internal pressure in the bin (1), ensure that the contaminated waste collected in this waste-collection container can be sterilized when the container has been hermetically closed and the waste has been moistened by microwave radiation and then disposed of in the sterile state.

Abstract: A fluid bed for producing and/or processing a particulate material, said bed comprising a container constituted by two convex parts, through which a perforated plate for supporting a fluidized particle layer is fixed. Nozzles for injection of a treatment liquid are provided in the perforated plate and above the plate filtering means are provided for removal of particles entrained by the fluidizing gas.

Abstract: A multimer of monomers non-covalently held together by interactive peptide linkers is provided for the enhancement of the immunogenicity of a substance. These multimers are useful for stimulating or suppressing the immune system, detecting the presence of antibodies, bypassing MHC restriction in an animal, the effective presentation of antigen, suppressing autoimmune disease, inducing cytokine production, adsorption, treating a defective immune system and for use as an adjuvant.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for recombinant DNA production of Factor VIIIC and truncated derivatives thereof. Based on amino acid sequences, probes are developed for isolating messenger RNA and/or chromosomal DNA encoding for Factor VIIIC. The Factor VIIIC gene in its entirety or encoding for a fragment thereof is then used for expression of Factor VIIIC in a host. The bacteriophage .lambda.FVIII23D containing the 14.43 kb EcoRI fragment was deposited at the A.T.C.C. on Jan. 4, 1984 and given Accession No. 40094.