Abstract: A novel metalloproteinase inhibitor, analogs thereof, polynucleotides encoding the same, and methods of production, are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating disorders caused by excessive amounts of metalloproteinase are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treatment of amyloidogenic diseases. Such methods entail administering an agent that induces a beneficial immune response against an amyloid deposit in the patient. The methods are particularly useful for prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In such methods, a suitable agent is A?, peptide or an antibody thereto.

Abstract: Hepatitis A virus primers and probes derived from the capsid proteins and junction between the capsid precursor P1 and 2A of the HAV genome are disclosed. Also disclosed are nucleic acid-based assays using the primers and probes, antigen detection of HAV, and immunoassay for detecting the antibodies that bind to HAV.

Abstract: A prophylactic or therapeutic vaccine for use in protecting mammals such as humans or animals against Venezelan Equine Encephalitis virus (VEE) is described. In particular, the vaccine comprises a recombinant virus such as a recombinant vaccinia virus which is able to express the structural genes of VEE in attenuated form, which has been modified to increase the protective effect of the vaccine. This is achieved by modifying the sequence of the attenuated VEE strain and/or putting this under the control of modified promoter which increases expression from the vector. Formulations of the vaccine as well as methods of treatment using the vaccine are also described.

Abstract: A 69 kD protein, designated PM-1, is expressed in human pancreatic islet cells and a human insulinoma. The amino acid sequence of the protein has been determined. Autoantibodies to the PM-1 protein have been found in sera of prediabetic patients. Natural, synthetic or recombinant forms of the PM-1 protein can be used in immunochemical assays to detect anti-PM-1-autoantibodies and to identify patients at risk of developing diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a variable region of the monoclonal antibody against the S-surface antigen of hepatis B virus and a gene encoding the same, a recombinant vector containing the said gene, and a transformant obtained from the said recombinant vector.

Abstract: An immunogenic preparation or vaccine against avian pneumovirosis, comprising an antigen of the avian pneumovirus strain C990427, in a vehicle or excipient which is acceptable from the veterinary point of view and, optionally, an adjuvant.

Abstract: A method of producing an attenuated bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) having increased or decreased transcription and/or replication, as compared to a wild-type BRSV, including the steps of inserting a synthetic cDNA which codes for an infectious BRSV into a host cell, wherein the cDNA is operably-linked to a promoter; expressing the cDNA in the host cell to produce the infectious BRSV; and thereafter introducing at least one site-specific RNA point mutation on the P gene of the BRSV. An attenuated BRSV and vaccine produced by the method are also included.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated PGC-1 nucleic acid molecules, which encode proteins which can modulate various adipocyte-associated activities including, for example, thermogenesis in adipocytes, e.g., brown adipocytes, and adipogenesis. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing PGC-1 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a PGC-1 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated PGC-1 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-PGC-1 antibodies. Diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating patients infected with hepatitis B virus comprising the adminstration of both a nucleoside analogue and interferon-? over a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: There is provided a method of preventing a respiratory infection by administering an effective amount of an agent for regulating ICAM-1 expression. Also provided is a composition for the prevention of respiratory infection including an agent which regulates ICAM expression. method of preventing RSV infection by administering an effective amount of an agent that interferes with the binding of RSV to ICAM-1. A method of preventing RSV infection by administering an effective amount of an agent that down regulates the expression of ICAM-1, thereby decreasing RSV binding to ICAM-1 is also provided. There is provided a method of treating RSV infection by administering an effective amount of an agent for down regulating ICAM-1 expression. A method of blocking RSV-ICAM-1 interaction by administering an effective amount of agents for blocking ICAM sites of binding is provided. Also provided is a compound for blocking RSV-ICAM-1 interaction including an agent for blocking ICAM sites of binding.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for determining, in a composition containing different species of types of live viruses, the amount of viruses of each type or species, consisting in the following steps: propagating viruses of each type or species on cells permissive to the viruses but not inducing viral interference, assaying each type or species of virus using a specific monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: Human monoclonal rabies virus neutralizing antibodies represent a safe and efficacious post-exposure prophylactic therapy for individuals exposed to a rabies virus. The nucleic acid and encoded amino acid sequences of the heavy and light chain immunoglobulins of human monoclonal rabies virus neutralizing antibodies, and their use, is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the engineering of recombinant influenza viruses that express tumor-associated antigens. Expression of tumor-associated antigens by these viruses can be achieved by engineering specific epitopes into influenza virus proteins, or by engineering viral genes that encode a viral protein and the specific antigen as independent polypeptides. Tumor-bearing patients can be immunized with the recombinant influenza viruses alone, or in combination with another treatment, to induce an immune response that leads to tumor reduction. The recombinant viruses can also be used to vaccinate high risk tumor-free patients to prevent tumor formation in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an immunoglobulin light chain binding protein which comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 modified by an amino acid substitution at one or more of positions 39, 53 and 57 and/or by an amino acid insertion between positions 59 and 60 such that the dissociation constant (Kd) of the protein with respect to human immunoglobulin ?-chain is 400 nM or more at pH 8, or the amino acid sequence of a corresponding immunoglobulin light chain binding domain modified by an amino acid substitution at one or more of the positions equivalent to positions 39, 53 and 57 of SEQ ID NO:1 and/or by an amino acid insertion between positions equivalent to positions 59 and 60 of SEQ ID NO:1, such that the dissociation constant (Kd) of the protein with respect to human immunoglobulin ?-chain is 400 nM or more at pH 8, or the amino acid sequence of a fragment of (a) or (b) which contains at least one said substitution and/or insertion, such that the dissociation constant (Kd) of the protei

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated PGC-1 nucleic acid molecules, which encode proteins which can modulate various adipocyte-associated activities including, for example, thermogenesis in adipocytes, e.g., brown adipocytes, and adipogenesis. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing PGC-1 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a PGC-1 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated PGC-1 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-PGC-1 antibodies. Diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treatment of amyloidogenic diseases. Such methods entail administering an agent that induces a beneficial immune response against an amyloid deposit in the patient. The methods are particularly useful for prophylactic therapeutic treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In such methods, a suitable agent is A? peptide or an antibody thereto.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treatment of amyloidogenic diseases. Such methods entail administering an agent that induces a beneficial immune response against an amyloid deposit in the patient. The methods are particularly useful for prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In such methods, a suitable agent is A? peptide or an antibody thereto.

Abstract: Ebola virus vaccines comprising nucleic acid molecules encoding Ebola viral proteins are provided. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes the transmembrane form of the viral glycoprotein (GP). In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes the secreted form of the viral glycoprotein (sGP). In yet another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes the viral nucleoprotein (NP). Methods for immunizing a subject against disease caused by infection with Ebola virus are also provided.

Abstract: By isolating a so far unknown novel hepatitis virus and determining the gene sequence thereof, genes, polynucleotides, polypeptides, methods for isolating virus particles, virus particles, and antiviral antibodies, which can be used for diagnosis and treatment, as well as methods for detecting viruses are provided. Disclosed is a non-B, non-C, non-G hepatitis virus gene having a nucleotide sequence from which a sequence having a length of from about 3500 nucleotides to about 4000 nucleotides can be amplified by PCR utilizing an oligonucleotide having the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 57 and an oligonucleotide having the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 60 as primers, or PCR utilizing an oligonucleotide having the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 57 and an oligonucleotide having the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 61 as primers. Based on the nucleotide sequence of the gene, polypeptides etc. are provided.