Abstract: The invention concerns a system comprising an AAV vector, which contains a foreign DNA, and rep 68/78 sequences of AAV with delayed expression, these sequences being present (a) in cis or (b) in trans. The invention also concerns the use of such a system for the production of AAV vectors.

Abstract: This invention is directed to antigen library immunization, which provides methods for obtaining antigens having improved properties for therapeutic and other uses. The methods are useful for obtaining improved antigens that can induce an immune response against pathogens, cancer, and other conditions, as well as antigens that are effective in modulating allergy, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to the sequence of the capsid gene and a corresponding cDNA sequence, of a dominant FCV strain called FCV 431. It also relates to the sequence of the capsid gene as well as the cDNA sequence of a complementary strain called G1. The cDNA sequences may be incorporated into expression vectors for the preparation of immunogenic preparations and of recombinant or subunit vaccines allowing vaccination against feline calicivirosis.

Abstract: A highly efficient method for generating human antibodies in particular which are specific to be RSV fusion protein which combines in vitro primary of human spleen cells and antigen boosting in SCID mice is taught. This method provides for very high human antibody titers which are predominantly of the IgG isotype which contain antibodies of high specificity and affinity to desired antigens. This method is well suited for generating human monoclonal antibodies for therapeutic and diagnostic applications as well as for rescue of human cells for generation of combinational human antibody gene libraries. Two human monoclonal antibodies, RF-1 and RF-2 which each possess an affinity for RSV F-protein ≦2×10−9 Molar are taught as well as their corresponding amino acid and DNA sequences. These antibodies are to be used therapeutically and prophylactically for treating or preventing RSV infection, as well as for diagnosis of RSV in analytes.

Abstract: Harvesting the full richness of biodiversity is instantly recognized by Diversa Corporation as a powerful means to access both novel molecules having direct commercial utility as well as molecular templates that could be retooled to acquire commercial utility. A directed evolution process for rapid and facilitated production from a progenitor polynucleotide template, of a library of mutagenized progeny polynucleotides wherein each of the 20 naturally encoded amino acids is encoded at each original codon position. This method, termed site-saturation mutagenesis, or simply saturation mutagenesis, is preferably based on the use of the degenerate N,N,G/T sequence. Also, a method of non-stochastically producing a library of chimeric nucleic acid molecules having an overall assembly order that is chosen by design. Accordingly, a set of progenitor templates, such as genes (e.g. a family of esterase genes) or genes pathways (e.g.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel method for purifying and quantifying viral particles. More particularly, the invention concerns a method for purifying and quantifying adenovirus by ion-exchange chromatography. The invention also concerns a method for identifying different adenovirus serotypes.

Abstract: Diagnostic product and vaccine for Acquired Immuno-deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and methods for making and using same, wherein viral polypeptide sequences from an AIDS associated retrovirus are expressed directly or as a fusion polypeptide in a prokaryotic or mammalian cell expression host to produce a diagnostic product which specifically binds complementary antibody produced by individuals afflicted with AIDS or a vaccine against AIDS which confers resistance to infection by AIDS associated retrovirus. The reverse transcriptase of an AIDS associated retrovirus is used separately or in a whole cell assay to identify compounds which selectively inhibit retroviral reverse transcriptase.

Abstract: Synthetic polynucleotides comprising a DNA sequence encoding a peptide or protein are provided. The DNA sequence of the synthetic polynucleotides comprise codons optimized for expression in a nonhomologous host. The invention is exemplified by synthetic DNA molecules encoding HIV env as well as modifications of HIV env. The codons of the synthetic molecules include the projected host cell's preferred codons. The synthetic molecules provide preferred forms of foreign genetic material. The synthetic molecules may be used as a polynucleotide vaccine which provides immunoprophylaxis against HIV infection through neutralizing antibody and cell-mediated immunity. This invention provides polynucleotides which, when directly introduced into a vertebrate in vivo, including mammals such as primates and humans, induces the expression of encoded proteins within the animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel human protein called Bone Marrow-Specific Protein (BMSP), and isolated polynucleotides encoding this protein. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing this human protein. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing, treating, and/or preventing disorders related to this novel human protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant vectors comprising polynucleotides encoding defective monomers of HIV (e.g., HIV-1 or HIV-2) protease which are used to interfere with viral maturation. The defective monomers result in the formation of inactive protease heterodimers and thus inhibit the polyprotein processing events that are essential for viral maturation and infectivity.

Abstract: A novel immunodeficiency virus is disclosed which has the designation MVP-5180/91 and which has been deposited with the European Collection of Animal Cell Cultures (ECACC) under No. V 920 52 318. The characteristic antigens which can be obtained from it and which can be employed for detecting antibodies against retroviruses which are associated with immunodeficiency diseases are also disclosed, as are the DNA and amino acid sequences of the virus.

Abstract: Methods are provided for amplifying regions of the HIV pol gene amplifying double-stranded nucleic acid template derived from HIV tube RT-PCR with novel PCR primers to produce amplified target sequences. Methods are also provided for analyzing the nucleotide sequence of these amplified targets using novel sequencing primers and the data is analyzed. The determined nucleotide sequence can be compared to the sequence of known drug resistance mutations in the HIV pol gene to determine the viral genotype.

Abstract: A novel immunodeficiency virus is disclosed which has the designation MVP-5180/91 and which has been deposited with the European Collection of Animal Cell Cultures (ECACC) under No. V 920 52 318. The characteristic antigens which can be obtained from it and which can be employed for detecting antibodies against retroviruses which are associated with immunodeficiency diseases are also disclosed, as are the DNA and amino acid sequences of the virus.

Abstract: Recombinant PB2 tryptophan variant influenza viruses, RNA, cDNA and vectors are provided. Also provided are immunogenic compositions containing the variant viruses, methods of producing such viruses and methods for the prophylactic treatment of influenza in humans.

Abstract: A novel immunodeficiency virus is disclosed which has the designation MVP-5180/91 and which has been deposited with the European Collection of Animal Cell Cultures (ECACC) under No. V 920 52 318. The characteristic antigens which can be obtained from it and which can be employed for detecting antibodies against retroviruses which are associated with immunodeficiency diseases are also disclosed, as are the DNA and amino acid sequences of the virus.

Abstract: A mammalian protein, like the human serum transferrin (HST), is modified with an inserted peptide sequence flanked at both ends by cleavage sites. The peptide insert contains a motif known to induce apoptosis in cells and the cleavage sites are specific for the viral protease of HIV-1. The delivery of such recombinant transferrin into an HIV-1 infected cell results in the release of the peptide which then induces apoptosis. The peptide is inserted into surface exposed loops of the N-terminal lobe of the HST containing the RGD motif flanked by two modified p17/p24 HIV-1 protease cleavage sites. When delivered to the infected cell the cleavage of the loop inserted sequences by the HIV-1 protease results in the release of the central RGD-containing peptide sequences. Peptides containing the RGD motif (arginine, glycine, aspartic acid) have been shown to induce cell apoptosis even in small concentrations.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed whereby inhibition of proteolytic activity causes an increase in delivery of a transferable label from a viral display package to a target cell. Assaying for the transferable label in the target cell in the presence of a test substance can identify the test substance as a protease inhibitor. Protease inhibitors so identified are used therapeutically, to treat conditions such as cancer, inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases, and infections, including AIDS, herpes, and hepatitis.

Abstract: A composition which elicits antibodies to multiple known variants of Tat protein of HIV-1 of both the B and non-B clades contains the peptide R1-Asp-Pro-Asn-Leu-Asp-Pro-Trp-Asn-R2 SEQ ID NO: 23, and preferably an additional at least two variants of a peptide or polypeptide of the formula: R1-Asp-Pro-Y7-Leu-X9-Pro-Trp-Z12-R2 (SEQ ID NO: 8). In this composition, at least one of the two variants contains Arg at Y7 and Lys at Z12, and in at least a second of the two variants Y7 is Asn and Z12 is Asn. Vaccinal and pharmaceutical compositions can contain one or more such peptides associated with carrier proteins, associated in multiple antigenic peptides or as part of recombinant proteins. Diagnostic compositions and uses are described for assessing the immune status of vaccinated patients.

Abstract: This invention provides a vector comprising cDNA encoding an RNA viral gene, characterized in that the vector is constructed such that both termini of the RNA viral gene can be transcribed precisely and uniformly. This vector is useful to elucidate the mechanisms of RNA virus replication and of the development of RNA virus infections, and to develop therapeutic agents and means of treatment, and so on.

Abstract: Liposomal conjugates having a clinically useful delivery vehicle linked to a biologically active species which acts to increase vascular permeability and expand blood volume at or in proximity to the tumor site are disclosed. The vehicle-linked species may be, for example, a vasoactive agent, a substance that recruits or amplifies a vasoactive species, a drug, or a pharmaceutical compound. Suitable biological species comprises peptides, lipids, carbohydrates, or their derivatives. Chemical or recombinant DNA methods suitable for linking the species to the vehicles are indicated. A therapy is disclosed which comprises administering the vasoactive conjugate and delivering a diagnostic agent or a therapeutic agent at an optimal time thereafter, when tumor vasculature is maximally affected.