Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that CREB binding protein (CBP) cooperates with upstream activators involved in the activation of transcription of such signal dependent transcription factors as c-Jun (responsive to phorbol ester), serum response factor, and the like. It has also been discovered that CBP can be employed in an assay to identify compounds which disrupt the ability of such signal dependent transcription factors to activate transcription. In another aspect, it has been discovered that CBP can be employed in an assay to identify new signal dependent transcription factors. In yet another aspect of the present invention, it has been discovered that CBP can be employed in an assay to identify novel co-factor protein(s) which mediate the interaction between signal dependent transcription factors and inducer molecules involved in the activation of transcription.

Abstract: A method for measurement of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) characterized by measuring HCV core antigen and HCV core antibody by their binding with probes in the presence of an anionic surfactant or a non-ionic surfactant, or both.

Abstract: An immunogenic complex includes at least one glycoside and at least one lipid. The complex further contains a) at least one mucosal surface targeting protein, protein derivative or carbohydrate that targets lymphatic tissue and induces an immune response when administered locally on mucous membranes; and b) at least one passenger immunogen that lacks tropism for mucous membranes.

Abstract: Optimal ratios of pharmaceutical compositions of &bgr;-1 and &bgr;-2 agonists with their respective antagonists. Safer, more cost-effective drugs for heart and lung therapies are made by combining specific antagonists with their agonists to prevent desensitization of cellular receptors, reducing some of the unwanted side-effects of the agonist drugs alone. Determining the optimal concentration of an antagonist or inhibitor, which is necessary to prevent desensitization, without causing unnecessary and unwanted inhibition, creates a new class of pharmaceuticals. To derive an optimum ratio for a specific composition, a formulative method is provided to detail how competitive antagonists of the receptor should be combined with agonists, in specific proportions, to maximize and maintain receptor response throughout drug administration.

Abstract: Disclosed is an immunological or vaccine composition that includes at least one plasmid that contains and expresses in vivo in host canine cells a nucleic acid molecule that encodes an antigen of a canine pathogen, such as rabies G. The plasmid can include more than one nucleic acid molecule such that the plasmid can express more than one antigen. Also disclosed are methods for using and kits employing such compositions.

Abstract: Plant expression vectors comprising at least two expression cassettes are provided which function to reduce transcriptional silencing of polynucleotide expression. Further, novel plant expression vectors for expression of immunogenic polypeptides, including HBsAg, are provided. The plant expression vectors can be used to produce immunogenic polypeptides, including HBsAg, in edible plant tissues. The edible plant tissues can be used to elicit an immune response in humans and animals when the plant tissues are consumed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the fields hyperproliferative disease and angiogenesis. More particularly, the present invention demonstrates that a C-CAM1 cytoplasmic domain is necessary and sufficient for inhibiting angiogenesis. In particular embodiments, it relates to inhibiting hyperproliferative cell growth by administering to a cell a C-CAM1 cytoplasmic domain or an expression construct encoding a C-CAM1 cytoplasmic domain. In other embodiments, angiogenesis is inhibited by administering to a subject a C-CAM1 polypeptide or an expression construct encoding a C-CAM1 polypeptide.

Abstract: The nucleotide sequences of the genomes of eleven molecular clones for non-subtype B isolates of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 are disclosed. The invention relates to the nucleic acids and peptides encoded by and/or derived from these sequences and their use in diagnostic methods and as immunogens.

Abstract: Two monoclonal antibodies which neutralize all infectious bursal disease viruses are employed in the preparation of infectious bursal disease vaccines. A panel of monoclonal antibodies can be used to characterize the infectious bursal disease virus strains present, according to neutralization site characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for detecting in situ the presence of a target sequence in a substantially double-stranded nucleic acid segment, which comprises: a) contacting in situ under conditions suitable for hybridization a substantially double-stranded nucleic acid segment with a detectable third strand, said third strand being capable of hybridizing to at least a portion of the target sequence to form a triple-stranded structure, if said target sequence is present; and b) detecting whether hybridization between the third strand and the target sequence has occured.

Abstract: Hepatitis GB Virus (HGBV) nucleic acid and amino acid sequences useful for a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic applications, kits for using the HGBV nucleic acid or amino acid sequences, HGBV immunogenic particles, and antibodies which specifically bind to HGBV. Also provided are methods for producing antibodies, polyclonal or monoclonal, from the HGBV nucleic acid or amino acid sequences.

Abstract: The invention involves viral vectors that can be used to transduce a target cell, i.e., to introduce genetic material into the cell. The targets of interest are eukaryotic cells and particularly human cells. The transduction can be done in vivo or in vitro. More particularly the invention concerns viral vectors that have chimeric envelope proteins and contain the IgG-binding domain of protein A. These vectors when used in conjunction with antibodies targeting a particular cell are particularly useful for gene therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Friend murine leukemia virus (F-MuLV) specific monoclonal antibodies, or binding fragments thereof, specific for an antigenic determinant of a gp85 envelope precursor protein characteristic of a methanol-fixed F-MuLV infected cell. The invention also relates to hybridomas resulting from the fusion of myeloma cells and spleen cells, which hybridomas produce a Friend murine leukemia virus (F-MuLV) specific monoclonal antibody specific for an antigenic determinant of a gp85 envelope precursor protein characteristic of a methanol-fixed F-MuLV infected cell. The invention further relates to kits containing the above-described monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel liquid and lyophilized formulations of vaccines against rotavirus infection and methods of their preparation. The formulations include buffering agents appropriate for oral administration of rotavirus vaccines. The formulations also include compounds to stabilize of the vaccine compositions against loss of potency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic oligomer primers or probes useful for detection of TTV in test samples. Also provided are assays which utilize these primers and probes, as well as test kits which contain these oligomer primers and/or probes. In addition, the present invention encompasses the use of TTV nucleotide sequences as nucleic acid vectors and as markers for determining transmission between individuals as well as the route thereof. Additionally, the present invention encompasses a method of detecting TTV infection prior to xenotransplatation of a tissue or organ.

Abstract: The invention relates to manipulation of equine herpes virus for use in gene therapy and in particular to modifications of the virus so that it can carry heterologous material and furthermore, preferably, be replication deficient so that the virus cannot replicate in the target tissue.

Abstract: Methods and kits for simultaneously measuring both members of a binding pair are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of human genetics. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods and materials used to isolate and detect a human prostate cancer predisposing gene (HPC2), some alleles of which cause susceptibility to cancer, in particular prostate cancer. More specifically, the present invention relates to germline mutations in the HPC2 gene and their use in the diagnosis of predisposition to prostate cancer. The invention also relates to presymptomatic therapy of individuals who carry deleterious alleles of the HPC2 gene. The invention further relates to somatic mutations in the HPC2 gene in human prostate cancer and their use in the diagnosis and prognosis of human prostate cancer. Additionally, the invention relates to somatic mutations in the HPC2 gene in other human cancers and their use in the diagnosis and prognosis of human cancers.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel antibiotic peptides, including naturally occurring peptides. The present invention also includes the nucleic acid sequences encoding such peptides and the corresponding amino acid sequences. Methods of identifying, making, and using the antibiotic peptides are also disclosed. The present invention further provides novel proteins involved in the regulation of bacterial autolysis.

Abstract: Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-stimulating peptides induce HLA-restricted responses to hepatitis B virus antigens. The peptides, derived from CTL epitopic regions of both HBV surface and nucleocapsid antigens, are particularly useful in the treatment and prevention of HBV infection, including the treatment of chronically infected HBV carriers. The peptides can be formulated as HBV vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions, such as lipid-containing compositions for enhancing the HLA-restricted CTL responses. The peptides are also useful in diagnostic methods, such as predicting which HBV-infected individuals are prone to developing chronic infection.