Abstract: A cell-based assay system in which the detection of the reporter gene activity, or secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP), is dependent upon the protease activity of the Hepatitis C virus NS3 gene product. This system can be used to assess the activity of candidate protease inhibitors in a mammalian cell-based assay system. The assay system is simpler than previously described assays due to the use of SEAP which allows the reporter gene activity to be quantified by measuring the amount of secreted gene product in the cell media by monitoring the conversion of luminescent or calorimetric alkaline phosphatase substrate.

Abstract: A therapeutic composition comprising (i) at least one antigen or at least one in vivo generator of a compound comprising an amino acid sequence and (ii) at least one adjuvant comprising at least one pharmaceutically acceptable and water-soluble salt of an organic anion and a metal cation.

Abstract: This invention provides insecticidally effective toxins isolated from the venom of the Mexican scorpions of the genus Centruroides and the cDNA encoding one of the toxins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rapid, reliable and effective assays for screening and identifying pharmaceutically effective compounds that specifically inhibit the biological activity of fungal GTPase proteins, particularly GTPases involved in cell wall integrity, hyphael formation, and/or other cellular functions critical to pathogenesis. Another aspect of the present invention relates to novel Candida genes and gene products.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, a PC12 cell quiescently infected with a neurotropic virus. Preferred quiescently-infected neural cells are those wherein the neurotropic virus is a neurotropic herpes virus. Methods related to these and other materials are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to non-pathogenic, oncolytic, recombinant polioviruses for the treatment of various forms of malignant tumors. The recombinant polioviruses of the invention are those in which the internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) of the wild type poliovirus was exchanged with the IRES of other picornaviruses, and optionally P1, P3 or the 3′NTR thereof was exchanged with that of poliovirus Sabin type. More particularly, the present invention is directed to the administration of the non-pathogenic, oncolytic, recombinant poliovirus to the tumor directly, intrathecally or intravenously to cause tumor necrosis. The method of the present invention is particularly useful for the treatment of malignant tumors in various organs, such as: breast, colon, bronchial passage, epithelial lining of the gastrointestinal, upper respiratory and genito-urinary tracts, liver, prostate and the brain.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes an amino acid sequence comprising a FrpB protein. The invention also provides vaccine compositions capable of protecting a mammal against infection by N. gonorrhoeae or N. meningitidis comprising the FrpB protein encoded by the isolated nucleic acid of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Described is a new variety of retrovirus designated HIV-3, also known as HIV-1 subtype O, samples of which are deposited in the European Collection of Animal Cell Cultures (ECACC) under V88060301. Further described are variants of the virus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an antigen diluent or buffer for antigens, in particular HCV recombinant antigens, comprising a reducing agent. The antigen diluent or buffer serves as a stabilizing buffer for the antigens. The present invention is also directed to antigen diluents or buffers for use in an automated immunoassay.

Abstract: The invention features an hepadnavirus cellular receptor and a nucleic acid sequence that encodes the receptor. The receptor is a 170 kD surface glycoprotein, and is referred to as the p170 receptor.

Abstract: Prodrugs that are activated by and conjugated to a catalytic antibody conjugated to a moiety that binds to a tumor cell population are provided.

Abstract: Particle mediated immunization of tick-borne flavivirus genes confers homologous and heterologous protection against tick borne encephalitis.

Abstract: A method for the detection of a selected protein is provided wherein mRNA levels are correlated with the presence of protein using the technique referred to herein as immuno-aRNA.

Abstract: The invention features apoptosis-resistant, non-transformant immortalised avian cells, in particular, avian tissues, i.e., other than blood or haematopoietic cells, particularly fibroblasts and epithelial cells, for instance embryos.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for obtaining hybridoma cell lines which produce human antibodies capable of binding to the hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBVsAg), as well as the hybridoma cell lines, and antibodies produced by the cell lines. Also disclosed are various uses of said antibodies in the prevention and treatment of HBV infection. Peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained from human donors having a high titer of anti HBVsAg antibodies are engrafted into normal strains of mice which were lethally irradiated and radioprotected with SCID bone marrow. After immunization of such chimeric mice with HBVsAg, human cells are obtained from the mice spleens and fused in vitro with heteromyeloma cells to generate hybridomas secreting human antibodies having a high affinity and specificity to HBVsAg.

Abstract: A therapeutic composition comprising (i) at least one antigen or at least one in vivo generator of a compound comprising an amino acid sequence and (ii) at least one adjuvant comprising at least one pharmaceutically acceptable and water-soluble salt of an organic anion and a metal cation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a purified preparation containing, for example, a polynucleic acid encoding at least one polypeptide selected from the group consisting of proteins encoded by one or more open reading frames (ORF's) of an Iowa strain of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), antigenic regions of such proteins which are at least 5 amino acids in length and which effectively protect a porcine host against a subsequent challenge with a PRRSV isolate, and combinations thereof in which amino acids non-essential for antigenicity may be conservatively substituted. The present invention also concerns a polypeptide encoded by such a polynucleic acid; a vaccine comprising an effective amount of such a polynucleic acid or protein; antibodies which specifically bind to such a polynucleic acid or protein; methods of producing the same; and methods of protecting a pig against a PRRSV and treating a pig infected by a PRRSV.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving the specificity of a specific binding assay by adding methyl orange to a coating solution in an amount sufficient for improving specificity of an immunoassay conducted using said coating. The present invention also relates to a method for the detection of antibodies to hepatitis C virus is performed by, i) providing a solid phase comprising a coating solution comprising methyl orange and at least one first binding ligand for antibodies to hepatitis C virus; ii) contacting the solid phase with a sample that may contain antibodies to hepatitis C virus; iii) contacting the solid phase with at least one second binding ligand for antibodies to hepatitis C virus, said second ligand labelled directly or indirectly with a detectable group and iv) measuring the amount of the detectable group bound to the solid phase.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are attenuated forms of the B. dermatitidis fungus. The fungus remains replication competent but is unable to express the WI-1 protein. One can administer this fungus to a dog, human, or other mammal to vaccinate them against the wild type fungus. Preferably, the administration is by subcutaneous injection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of predicting the therapeutic response of a drug directed towards a cancer in a human patient using samples of blood cells taken from the patient at different times. The method comprises the steps of culturing cells from the samples in a suitable medium; adding a stimulator of proliferation and an immuno-modulating drug of the cells to the culture; and assaying the proliferation of the cells in the culture; comparing the assay of proliferation with a previously made analysis demonstrating correlation between the proliferation of the cells and parameters of the therapeutic response of the drug in the human patient.