Abstract: Cytokines, which are biologically inactive in humans but remain immunogenic, are used in pharmaceutical compositions to promote a neutralizing immune response against native cytokines when administrated to a subject in need thereof to treat homeostatic conditions and disorders associated with an overproduction of cytokines.

Abstract: Immunogenic envelope glycoproteins are produced from enveloped virus, such as of the paramyxoviridae family, particularly PIV-3 and RSV, by culturing the virus in the substantial absence of exogenous serum proteins, isolating the virus from the tissue culture, solubilizing the envelope glycoproteins and isolating the solubilized envelope glycoproteins by chromatography.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid sequences coding for the ryegrass pollen allergens Lol pIa and Lol pIb, purified Lol pIa and Lol pIb protein and fragments thereof, methods of producing recombinant Lol pIa and Lol pIb or at least one fragment thereof or derivative or homologue thereof, and methods of using the nucleic acid sequences, proteins and peptides of the invention.

Abstract: Non-infectious, retrovirus-like particles contain mutations to reduce gag-dependent RNA-packaging of the gag gene product, eliminate reverse transcriptase activity of the pol gene product, eliminate integrase activity of the pol gene, product and eliminate RNase H activity of the pol gene product through genetic manipulation of the gag and pol genes. The corresponding nucleic acid molecules are described. The non-infectious, retrovirus-like particles have utility in in vivo administration including to humans and in diagnosis.

Abstract: In this application are described vaccinia monoclonal antibodies. Also provided are mixtures of antibodies of the present invention, as well as methods of using individual antibodies or mixtures thereof for the detection, prevention, and/or therapeutical treatment of vaccinia virus infections in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: Cultured brain slices are treated with a free radical generator, in the presence of a lysosomal enzyme inhibitor (specifically an inhibitor of two cathepsins). The treated brain slices rapidly develop autofluorescent lipofuscin granules—a universal feature of brain aging. Other correlates of the aged brain are also induced by this treatment, thereby providing an in vitro model for (1) the study of brain aging; (2) assessment of anti-brain aging drugs; and (3) therapeutics directed at the clinical condition referred to as neuronal ceroidlipofuscinosis.

Abstract: Novel DNA molecules for in vitro and in vivo expression of HCMV gB, gB transmembrane deleted derivatives, pp65, pp150, and IE-exon-4 proteins are described. Preferably, the molecules are plasmids. Also described are methods of using these DNA molecules to induce immune responses to HCMV, and the use of a plasmid of the invention to prime immune responses to HCMV vaccines.

Abstract: Fusion of the viral envelope, or infected cell membranes with uninfected cell membranes, is an essential step in the viral life cycle. Recent studies involving the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) demonstrated that synthetic peptides (designated DP-107 and DP-178) derived from potential helical regions of the transmembrane (TM) protein, gp41, were potent inhibitors of viral fusion and infection. A computerized antiviral searching technology (C.A.S.T.) that detects related structural motifs (e.g., ALLMOTI5, 107×178×4, and PLZIP) in other viral proteins was employed to identify similar regions in the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Several conserved heptad repeat domains that are predicted to form coiled-coil structures with antiviral activity were identified in the RSV genome. Synthetic peptides of 16 to 39 amino acids derived from these regions were prepared and their antiviral activities assessed in a suitable in vitro screening assay.

Abstract: Peanuts are a common cause of food hypersensitivity reactions. The sera of 10 patients who had atopic dermatitis and a positive double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge to peanut were used to investigate the major allergens of peanut. Crude Florunner extracts were fractionated by anion-exchange chromatography using a step gradient (limit buffer, 0.05M BisTris/1.5M NaCl). One hundred microliters of each 2.0 ml fraction was dot-blotted onto nitrocellulose paper and IgE-binding activity assessed using the serum pool to select allergen-containing fractions. A protein peak (OD 280) which eluted at 10% NaCl and demonstrated intense IgE-binding was further analyzed by two-dimensional SDS-PAGE/immunoblot analysis. The majority of this fraction is a protein which has a molecular weight of 17 kD and a pI of 5.2. Sequencing data from the N-terminus revealed the following initial 9 amino acids: (*)-Q-Q-(*)-E-L-Q-D-L.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid sequences coding Cyn dI, or at least one fragment thereof or the functional equivalent of such nucleic acid sequences. The present invention also provides expression vectors comprising such nucleic acid sequences and host cells transformed therewith. The present invention further provides isolated Bermuda grass pollen protein allergen Cyn dI or fragments thereof. Isolated Bermuda grass pollen protein allergens or antigenic or allergenic fragments thereof are useful for diagnosing and treating sensitivity in an individual to Bermuda grass pollen allergens.

Abstract: The molecular cloning and characterization of a novel human retrovirus, designated lymphadenopathy-associated virus, or LAV, is disclosed. LAV was originally isolated from a patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). A cloned LAV complementary DNA (cDNA) was used to screen a library of recombinant phages constructed from the genomic DNA of LAV-infected T lymphocytes. The nucleotide sequence of an insert obtained from the recombinant phage clone &lgr;J19 was ascertained through M13 shotgun cloning and the dideoxy chain termination sequencing method. The env coding region was identified and various hydrophilic peptides obtained therefrom. These peptides correspond to amino acids 551-577, 594-603, 621-630, 657-679, and 719-758 of the LAV envelope glycoprotein. These peptides should provide suitable diagnostic reagents for the detection LAV-specific antibodies and for the generation of LAV-specific immunological reagents.

Abstract: The present invention describes (1) an immortal cell line derived from grouper and a method for establishing the cell line; (2) methods for mass producing and purifying aquatic viruses using the immortal cell line from grouper; (3) an anti-NNV antibody and a method for producing the anti-NNV antibody; and (4) a vaccine of NNV and a method for protecting fish against NNV infection. The present immortal cell line is derived from the grouper and is susceptible to the viral families of Birnaviridae such as Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus (IPNV); Herpesviridae such as Eel Herpes Virus Formosa (EHVF); Reoviridae such as Hard Clam Reovirus (HCRV); and Nodaviridae such as Nervous Necrosis Virus (NNV).

Abstract: Prokayrotic FAB I polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such FAB I and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such FAB I for the treatment of infection, such as bacterial infections. Antagonists against such FAB I and their use as a therapeutic to treat infections, such asstaphylococcal infections are also disclosed. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting diseases related to the presence of FAB I nucleic acid sequences and the polypeptides in a host. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting polynucleotides encoding FAB I and for detecting the polypeptide in a host.

Abstract: An instrument for sequencing oligonucleotides is loaded with the products of four sequencing reaction mixtures. These products are a combination of A, C, G and T reaction products for several sequencing reactions. The products of the different sequencing reactions are labeled with fluorescent tags which are distinguishable one from the other on the basis of their excitation or emission spectra. After separation of the oligonucleotides by electrophoresis, the order of the detected peaks is used to call the base sequence.

Abstract: The present invention describes the selection and use of antidiotypic monoclonal antibodies. (AB2) IgG type with the main characteristic of being highly connected to the idiotipic network and recognition of B and T human lymphocytes, which are major participants in the immune response. According to the previous statement the objective of this invention is to provide antidiotypic monoclonal antibodies IgG type connected to the immune network, able to interact with T and B lymphocytes and able to exert an immunoregulatory effect, irmunostimulation or immunosupression that can be used for immunotherapy of autoimune diseases, infectious diseases and cancer.

Abstract: The invention discloses a new system for gene expression. The system is based in particular on the use of derived sequences of the first intron of the tyrosine hydroxylase gene having transcription enhancing properties. The system is particularly useful in the production of proteins in vitro, ex vivo or in vivo, particularly in gene therapy applications.

Abstract: Retroviruses associated with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), including Lymphadenopathy Associated Virus (LAV), are isolated from the sera of patients afflicted with Lymphadenopathy Syndrome (LAS) or AIDS. LAV is a Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Viral extract, structural proteins and other fractions of the retrovirus immunologically recongize the sera of such patients. Immunological reaction is used to detect antibodies that specifically bind to antigenic sites of the retrovirus in samples of body fluids from patients with AIDS or risk of AIDS.

Abstract: Human hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been identified as the aetiological agent of non-A, non-B hepatitis (NANBH). HCV viruses display considerable genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity. Thus, there is considerable need in the art for more sensitive reagents that facilitate the detection of HCV variants. The genome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) consists of seven functional regions: the core, E1, E2/NS1, NS2, NS3, NS4, and NS5 regions. An attempt was made to improve the sensitivity of anti-HCV assays by developing multiple copy epitope fusion antigens (MEFAs) which incorporate the major immunodominant epitopes from the functional regions of the HCV genome. These MEFAs are encompassed by the following generic structural formula: (A)x—(B)y—(C)z. This formula represents a linear amino acid sequence comprising multiple copies of one HCV epitope (A) linked to multiple copies of another HCV epitope (B) which in turn is linked to multiple copies of yet another HCV epitope (C).

Abstract: To elucidate molecular mechanisms in learning and memory, the expression of mRNAs in brains of rabbitsundergoing eyeblink conditioning was analyzed. Infusion of the transcription inhibitor actinomycin D (ActD) into the cerebellar nuclei reversibly blocked learning but not performance of the CR. Differential display PCR (DD-PCR) analysis of cerebellar RNAs from trained and pseudo-trained rabbits identified a 207-bp band that was induced with learning. The fragment was used to isolate a cDNA from a &lgr;gt11 rabbit brain library containing a 1698-bp open-reading frame. The genomic sequence also has been obtained and is reported. The deduced amino acid sequence contains the KKIAMRE motif, which is conserved among cdc2-related kinases. These results suggest that there is a new category of cdc2-related kinases in the brain whose function may be important in learning and memory.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a novel human retrovirus isolated from West African AIDS patients. This virus was originally designated lymphadenopathy associated virus (LAV) type II and subsequently renamed the human immunodeficiency virus type 2, or HIV-2. This virus is genotypically and phenotypically distinct from both human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). A recombinant &lgr; phage library was prepared by subjecting HIV-2-infected CEM genomic DNA to digestion with Sau3AI. The library was screened with an HIV-2-specific cDNA probe and molecular clones of the virus were obtained. Restriction maps and the nucleotide sequences of these clones were ascertained. These nucleic acids should prove useful, inter alia, as probes for the detection of HIV-2 in biological samples and for the expression of HIV-2 gene products.