Abstract: A chimaeric protein, suitable for incorporation in a vaccine and capable of forming parts of a capsid assembly, comprises the amino acid sequence of the coat protein of phage MS-2, or a conservatively modified variant thereof, or sufficient of said sequence or variant to retain capsid-forming capability, which amino acid sequence has been modified by insertion of a foreign epitope in the region corresponding to a protuberant protein hairpin in the capsid assembly as shown in the crystal structure of the intact phage.

Abstract: What is described is a recombinant poxvirus, such as vaccinia virus, fowlpox virus and canarypox virus, containing foreign DNA from flavivirus, such as Japanese encephalitis virus, yellow fever virus and Dengue virus. In a preferred embodiment, the recombinant poxvirus generates an extracellular particle containing flavivirus E and M proteins capable of inducing neutralizing antibodies, hemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies and protective immunity against flavivirus infection. What is also described is a vaccine containing the recombinant poxvirus for inducing an immunological response in a host animal inoculated with the vaccine.

Abstract: The presence of certain extracellular regions ("ECR") from human and rat variants of the CD44 membrane glycoprotein have been found to be associated with metastasis ability in tumor cells. Isolated polynucleotides encoding the ECRs permit expression of the ECR polypeptide, which in turn can be used as an antigen to obtain monoclonal antibodies that recognize the ECR polypeptide. The anti-ECR monoclonal antibodies have the ability to prevent metastasis by tumor cells that would otherwise metastasize and spread.

Abstract: The invention concerns a carrier-bound recombinant protein obtainable by expression of a fusion protein gene in gram-negative bacteria which codes for at least one hydrophobic non-lytically active protein domain capable of membrane integration as well as the recombinant protein and of a gene which codes for a lytically active membrane protein from bacteriophages or a lytically active toxin release gene or lytically active partial sequences thereof and isolation of the carrier-bound recombinant protein from the culture broth. The recombinant protein is thereby firmly incorporated into the cell wall complex of gram-negative bacteria via a target sequence. Furthermore the invention concerns a recombinant DNA for the production of the protein, the production process as well as the use of carrier-bound recombinant proteins according to the present invention for immunization and as vaccines.

Abstract: Protein expression levels from Bordetella strains, particularly Bordetella pertussis, are altered by genetic modification to a natural Bordetella strain whereby one or more of the natural genes, particularly including the TOX, FHA, CYA and PRN genes, is deleted from the genome of the natural strain and one or more of the natural genes or a genetic mutation thereof, particularly a genetically-detoxified TOX* gene, or a hybrid gene, is inserted into the genome of the natural strain to provide at least two copies of one or more of the natural genes or genetic mutation thereof or hybrid gene, singly or in tandem. The altered genotype Bordetella strain is useful in producing whole-cell or defined component vaccines against Bordetella, particularly whooping cough, which may be employed in combination with other vaccines.

Abstract: This invention discloses linear and cyclic peptides of the E1 and E2 glycoproteins of the rubella virus. These peptides and analogues, mixtures and combinations of them are useful in detecting and quantifying antibodies raised against the rubella virus. They are also useful in raising antibodies to the rubella virus for use in the diagnosis of and protection against rubella viral infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a DNA segment encoding an Onchocerca volvulus antigen: a specific and early marker of onchocerciasis infection. The nvention further relates to recombinant molecules containing such a segment and to methods of utilizing same to produce the Onchocerca volvulus antigen. The invention also relates to the antigen itself. The invention further relates to methods of diagnosing Onchocerciasis infection.

Abstract: This invention relates to a DNA sequence comprising at least part of a porcine zona pellucida PZP-4.alpha. or -4.beta. gene coding for an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2, respectively, in SEQUENCE LISTING.This invention also relates to an expression system and to expression of said DNA.In addition, this invention relates to an immunogenic recombinant polypeptide or peptide which comprises at least part of said amino acid sequence and which is obtained by expressing said DNA, and to a contraceptive vaccine for use in human or other animals which comprises said polypeptide or peptide as an active ingredient.

Abstract: Regression associated antigens (RAAs) are identified in material from neoplastic cells by their immunological reactivity with regression associated antibodies from the serum of patients diagnosed as undergoing regression of a tumor. Regression associated antibodies (RAAbs) are identified by their absence during progression of a neoplastic disease state and by their presence in a diagnosed state of regression. RAAs have been purified and used to monitor the condition of cancer patients. Production of RAAbs and treatments employing those antibodies are described. It is herein disclosed that RAAs are expressed by M. hyorhinis and are also expressed by expression of provided nucleotide sequences in recombinant host cells, particularly nucleotide sequence for 38 kd and 43 kd RAAs as expressed in E. coli. RAAs and nucleic acids encoding RAAs (or portions thereof) and RAAbs may be used in diagnostic assays and immunotherapy.