Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for inducing an immune response in a subject, wherein the subject is administered an effective amount of a heat shock protein complexed to a hybrid antigen comprising an antigenic domain and a heat shock protein-binding domain. These methods and compositions may be used in the treatment of infectious diseases and cancers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the direct detection of analytes using observable spectral changes in biopolymeric systems. In particular, the present invention allows for the direct colorimetric detection of analytes using color changes that occur in glycopolythiophene polymer systems in response to selective binding of analytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for inducing an immune response in a subject, wherein the subject is administered an effective amount of at least one heart shock protein in combination with one or more defined target antigens. These methods and compositions may be used in the treatment of infectious diseases and cancers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for inducing an immune response in a subject, wherein the subject is administered an effective amount of at least one heat shock protein in combination with one or more defined target antigens. These methods and compositions may be used in the treatment of infectious diseases and cancers.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel polypeptides which can effectively penetrate into cells thereby transporting a substance of interest into the cells.

Abstract: A method for measuring the responses of sets or subsets of lymphocytes to mitogens or antigens in a sample is disclosed comprising incubating a population of cells with a mitogen or antigen, separating the desired subset of cells by means of the interaction of a specific binding reagent that is attached to the solid phase with a cell surface determinant that is present on the cell subset of interest, lysing the separated cells, and measuring an intracellular component that is increased if the cells have responded to the stimulus. The method provides a convenient, simple, and reliable method for measuring immune function in a variety of conditions.

Abstract: The invention concerns an oil-in-water immunostimulant emulsion comprising an aqueous phase and an oil phase, characterised in that it further comprises an immunostimulant polynucleotide whereof at least part is covalently bound to at least a lipid molecule. The invention also concerns a vaccine composition comprising such an emulsion as immunoadjuvant.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to novel methods and compositions for protecting cats from infection by a broad range of FIV strains using a multi-subtype FIV vaccine. Multi-subtype FIV vaccines comprising either cell free whole virus or cell lines infected with viruses are described. Methods for vaccinating cats with the subject vaccine compositions are also described. Cats vaccinated according to the methods and compositions of the subject invention exhibit protective humoral and cellular immune responses to FIV when challenged with homologous or heterologous strains of FIV. The subject invention also pertains to novel feline cell lines that are susceptible to infection by FIV and their methods of use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the efficient expression of HIV polypeptides in a variety of cell types, including, but not limited to, mammalian, insect, and plant cells. Synthetic expression cassettes encoding the HIV Gag-containing polypeptides are described, as are uses of the expression cassettes in applications including DNA immunization, generation of packaging cell lines, and production of Env-, tat- or Gag-containing proteins. The invention provides methods of producing Virus-Like Particles (VLPs), as well as, uses of the VLPs including, but not limited to, vehicles for the presentation of antigens and stimulation of immune response in subjects to whom the VLPs are administered.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods, devices and compositions for detection of endogenous retroviruses found in xenotransplant materials. The methods and compositions are suited for detection of endogenous type-C retroviruses and in particular, for porcine endogenous retrovirus, PERV.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable compacted, compressed or hard tableted injectable composition, including a vaccine composition comprising at least one freeze dried antigenic component and a dissolution aid. A package containing the above injectable composition and method to facilitate immunizing a subject against a disease comprising the steps of first dissolving the compacted, compressed or hard tableted vaccine composition in a package with a diluent to form a vaccine solution, and administering the resulting vaccine solution in an amount effective for immunizing is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the generation and use of recombinant rotavirus fusion proteins as immunogens to produce a protective immune response from immunized individuals. In one embodiment, the present invention contemplates a recombinant rotavirus fusion protein vaccine composition comprising a rotavirus subunit protein or immunogenic fragment thereof, and an adjuvant in combination with the recombinant rotavirus subunit fusion protein. In one aspect of this embodiment, the recombinant rotavirus fusion protein comprises a rotavirus subunit protein and a fusion partner protein in genetic association with the rotavirus subunit protein, wherein the fusion partner protein does not interfere with expression and immunogenicity of the rotavirus subunit protein, the fusion partner protein prevents complex formation by the rotavirus subunit protein, and the fusion partner protein facilitates purification of the recombinant rotavirus fusion protein.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for diagnosing early stage of a disease in which an intact protein found in urine is an indicator of the disease. The method includes assaying urine sample to detect the presence of modified protein using either immunological or non-immunological technique. Methods for preventing and treating the disease are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of testing the viral susceptibility of a compound. It includes the steps of mixing subject cells infected with a virus with target cells. The target cells of the compound include a marker. Another step includes stimulating viral production. The mixture is then subjected to at least one antiviral compound. Viral production in the target cells is then detected.

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: Methods for growing circoviruses, in particular porcine circoviruses, which are obtained from an infected cell culture after one or more passages in cultures of porcine, bovine or human cells are described. When the porcine circoviruses grow, a cytopathogenic effect occurs in the cell culture.

Abstract: An antibody is produced, which will bind effectively with the antigen Campath-1, and which has at least one complementarity determining region of rat origin, as identified in FIG. 2, which may be combined with a range of different foreign variable domain framework regions as desired, including framework regions of human origin.

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: A method of designing a new anti-CMV drug is disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention comprises (a) analyzing the binding of glycoprotein O to a glycoprotein O receptor and (b) designing a candidate drug that would competitively interfere with glycoprotein O binding to glycoprotein O receptor and (c) showing that the candidate drug competitively inhibits glycoprotein O binding to glycoprotein O receptor. A method of screening anti-CMV drugs, a vaccine effective to diminish CMV infection, and a method of diminishing CMV infection are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a permanent amniocytic cell line comprising at least one nucleic acid which brings about expression of the gene products of the adenovirus E1A and E1B regions. The present invention further relates to the production of a permanent amniocytic cell line and to its use for producing gene transfer vectors and/or adenovirus mutants. Further aspects are the use of amniocytes and of the adenoviral gene products of the E1A and E1B regions for producing permanent amniocytic cell lines.