Abstract: Human and simian immunodeficiency viruses (HIV/SIVs) contain, in addition to the canonical gag/pol/env genes, additional small open reading frames (ORFs) encoding gene products, including the 96-amino acid 15-kDa virion-associated HIV-1 Vpr gene product. Vpr functions as a regulator of cellular processes related to HIV replication. A biologically active recombinant HIV-1 Vpr protein was employed as a ligand to identify its cognate cellular target(s). A novel 41-kDa cytosolic viral protein R interacting protein, designated Rip-1, was identified using the recited assay. Rip-1 displays a wide-tissue distribution, including relevant targets of HIV infection. HIV-1 Vpr induced nuclear translocation of Rip-1. This invention provides novel biochemical reagents and methods that will facilitate the identification of antiviral agents.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of isolating an increased number of hematopoietic stem cells from a subject comprising a) administering interleukin-7 to the subject in an amount that mobilizes the hematopoietic stem cells to the peripheral blood; and, b) isolating a population of leukocytes enriched for hematopoietic stem cells from the peripheral blood. Also provided is a method of transplanting an increased number of hematopoietic stem cells from a donor to a recipient to enhance repopulation of the recipient's hematopoietic and immune cells comprising a) administering interleukin-7 to the donor in an amount that mobilizes the hematopoietic stem cells to the peripheral blood; b) isolating a population of leukocytes enriched for hematopoietic stem cells from the donor's peripheral blood; and, c) transplanting the isolated population of leukocytes enriched for hematopoietic stem cells to the recipient, thereby enhancing the repopulation of the recipient's hematopoietic and immune cells.

Abstract: The cDNA encoding a novel beta integrin subunit, called the beta-8 integrin subunit, has been isolated from rabbit and human tissue and sequenced. Provided herein is nucleic acid sequence of the beta-8 integrin subunit useful as a diagnostic and in the recombinant preparation of beta-8 integrin subunit and alpha-beta integrin complexes. The beta-8 integrin subunit is used in the preparation and purification of antibodies thereto, and in diagnostic assays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bioactive molecule, herein referred to as the CD8 suppressor molecule, that is produced by the CD8 subset of human T-lymphocytes and suppresses type-1 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) replication through inhibition of vital transcription. The invention relates to isolation of clonal CD8 cells lines that produce the antiviral activity and the development of an assay system for detection of the antiviral activity. The clonal cell lines and the assay system, described herein, may be utilized to purify, characterize and clone the CD8 suppressor molecule. The CD8 suppressor molecule may have therapeutic applications for treatment of diseases associated with HIV-1 infection.

Abstract: Antigen proteins of Mycoplasma gallisepticum, genes encoding the antigen protein, recombinant vectors integrated with the gene and hosts transformed with the vector are provided. Diagnostics and vaccine using the antigen protein produced by such hosts are effective for poultry, especially chicken infected with Mycoplasma gallisepticum. Vaccination can maintain poultry free of Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to the secretion of heavy chain immunoglobulin fragments and light chain immunoglobulins from prokaryotic hosts using a prokaryotic secretion signal peptide wherein the heavy chain fragments and light chains are capable of associating to form an antigen binding antibody fragment.

Abstract: A safe, effective vaccine for the protection of susceptible animals against foot-and-mouth disease has been produced. The vaccine comprises a mutant virus from which the amino acid sequence Gly-Val-Arg-Gly-Asp-Phe (SEQ ID NO: 8) from the G-H loop of VP1 has been deleted and replaced with the amino acid sequence Asn-Pro. The mutant virus retains its antigenicity but is not infectious.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating HIV-associated immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) which comprises administering to a patient in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a molecule comprising an amino acid sequence capable of binding to HIV.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies to cyclosporine A (CsA), a potent immunosuppressant, were generated in Balb/c mice using a novel antigen prepared by linking CsA to a protein carrier via a photoactive cross-linking reagent, 4-benzoylbenzoic acid (BBa). Twenty-two monoclonal anti-CsA antibodies were generated, using CsA-BBa-bovine serum albumin (CsA-BBa-BSA) as the immunogen. Epitope mapping studies were performed using a series of singly substituted CsA derivatives and an antibody was identified that recognizes N-methyl leucine residues 9 and 10 of CsA. This antibody also cross-reacts with the HIV-1 Gag protein. A method for the detection of HIV-1 in patient samples employing this monoclonal antibody is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel osteoclast growth regulatory factor, hereinafter referred to as "osteoclastpoietic factor (OPF)," which stimulates the formation of osteoclast bone cells, a process of preparing same, therapeutic and diagnostic uses thereof, antibodies to and antagonists of OPF, and assays for OPF, all of which relate to the development of therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of diseases involving bone tissue, for example, osteoporosis, Paget's disease and osteopetrosis.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the treatment and prevention of graft versus host disease in man through the combined use of anti-CD8 monoclonal antibodies and a CD4.sup.+ cell inactivator.

Abstract: A novel retroviral nucleotide sequence comprising a constitutive transport enhancer which functions to transport mRNA transcripts from the nucleus to the cytoplasm of a cell, wherein the mRNA transcript is either differentially spliced, alternatively spliced, incompletely spliced, or unspliced. Also disclosed is a recombinant attenuated HIV containing only structural proteins gag, pol, and env, wherein the expression of the structural proteins is rev-independent and facilitated by the constitutive transport enhancer.

Abstract: An unprocessed human immunodeficiency virus 2 (HIV-2) gag precursor protein, containing a deficient protease, assembles into virus-like particles by budding through the cytoplasmic domain of baculovirus-infected cells. Chimeric constructs were generated by coupling the truncated HIV-2 gag gene to the neutralizing domain (V3) or the neutralizing and CD4 binding domains (V3+CD4B) of gp120 env gene sequences obtained from HIV-1 or HIV-2. Virus-like particles were formed by chimeric gene products when the env gene sequences were linked to the 3' terminus of the gag gene. The gag-env chimeric proteins displayed immunoreactivity towards anti-gp120 rabbit antisera.

Abstract: This invention is directed towards peptidic compositions, methods, and diagnostic kits for the accurate and sensitive detection of human acetylcholine receptor (AChR) autoantibodies associated with the disease myasthenia gravis (MG). Eighteen synthetic overlapping oligopeptides encompassing the entire extracellular domain (residues .alpha.1-210) of the .alpha.-chain of human AChR and an additional peptide (residues .alpha.262-276) corresponding to the extracellular connection between the two transmembrane regions were prepared. The immunologic reactivity of these peptides against autoantibodies in the plasma of patients with MG was ascertained by solid-phase radioimmunoassay. Autoantibody responses were subjected to genetic regulation as indicated by the variation in recognition profiles from patient to patient. However, it was possible to detect AChR autoantibodies in a heterogenous patient population by employing a peptide mixture comprising at least four peptides (SEQ ID NOS. 8, 17, 18, and 23).

Abstract: This invention relates in general to a phosphoprotein product of the retinoblastoma susceptibility gene. In particular, this invention relates to a phosphoprotein ppRB.sup.110 primarily located in the cell nucleus which has a DNA binding activity. The invention also relates to the amino acid sequence of the phosphoprotein and to the specific purified anti-retinoblastoma phosphoprotein antibody. The invention further relates to a method of diagnosing retinoblastoma and other retinoblastoma gene involved cancers, treating such kind of cancers and regulating the oncogenicity of other genes.

Abstract: Disclosed is the construction, expression, and purification of chimeric human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Gag-Env fusion proteins. Gag-Env chimeras were generated by fusing the amino terminus (amino acids 512-611) of the Env protein to the carboxyl terminus of the Gag protein (either amino acids 121-406 or 308-406). These proteins were overexpressed in Escherichia coli, purified, and their immunologic properties ascertained. Both chimeric proteins displayed immunoreactivity towards antisera obtained from HIV-1 seropositive patients. These HIV-1 Gag-Env fusion proteins should provide useful antigens for the detection of HIV-1-specific antibodies.

Abstract: Anti-gp130 monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) obtained from hybridomas designated 4B11 and 2H4 are effective in the inhibition of the acute phase response on hepatoma cells and prevent the IL-6-induced growth inhibition of A375 cells in vitro. Administration of the antibodies to dogs showed that 2H4 is a potent in vivo inhibitor of the IL-6-induced acute phase response, abrogating IL-6-mediated-increments in fibrinogen, C-reactive protein and the platelet count. Antibodies may be used in methods for measuring soluble gp130 and in therapeutic treatments. The 2H4 antibody may be used in inhibiting in vivo the function of gp130 or cellular factors dependent on gp130 for cellular transduction.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies have been produced which bind to Transforming Growth Factors .beta.1 (TGF-.beta.1) and .beta.2 (TGF-.beta.2). The monoclonal antibody produced by the hybridoma designated 1D11.16 deposited as A.T.C.C. Accession No. HB 9849 binds to both TGF-.beta.1 and TGF-.beta.2. The antibodies are produced by immunizing with TGF-.beta.2 and may be of any isotype. The antibodies may be of any mammalian origin such as murine or human origin. Diagnostic and therapeutic applications utilizing the monoclonal antibodies are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is directed towards nucleic acid molecules capable of producing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) retrovirus-like particles, which are non-infectious, replication defective, and immunogenic. Recombinant HIV genomes were generated that are devoid of long terminal repeats (LTRs) but contain a heterologous, inducible metallothionein promoter. Additional modifications have been made to the primer binding site, pol, vif, and env coding regions. Upon transfection into a suitable host these DNA molecules are capable of producing HIV retrovirus-like particles that lack genomic RNA. These non-infectious particles will provide suitable antigens for HIV diagnostic assays and immunogenic preparations.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for facilitating gene therapy procedures involving the transduction of target cells with retroviral vector particles in the presence of complement containing body fluids. The administration of soluble complement inhibitor molecules to body fluids prevents the complement mediated inactivation of the retroviral vector particles, and provides a safety mechanism for such gene therapy procedures, as the action of soluble complement inhibitors is transient, and any retroviral vector particles present after the return of uninhibited complement activity will be inactivated. Preferred soluble complement inhibitors for use in the practice of the present invention include complement inhibitory anti-complement component mAbs (including complement inhibitory anti C5 antibodies).