Abstract: The present invention provides artificial fusion proteins (AFPs) designed to elicit an anti-HIV immune response, as well as nucleic acid molecules and expression vectors encoding those proteins. The AFPs of the invention may comprise domains from various HIV proteins, such as Gag, Pol, Vif, and Env proteins, which are partial sequences. HIVCON is an AFP in which the HIV domains are from several HIV Glade consensus sequences and which optionally contains additional domains which may be useful, for example, in monitoring expression levels or laboratory animal immune responses. Other aspects of the invention may include compositions and methods for inducing an anti-HIV immune response in a subject, preferably with a DNA prime-MVA boost strategy, and to induce a cell-mediated immune response.

Abstract: The present invention provides artificial fusion proteins (AFPs) designed to elicit an anti-HIV immune response, as well as nucleic acid molecules and expression vectors encoding those proteins. The AFPs of the invention may comprise domains from various HIV proteins, such as Gag, Pol, Vif, and Env proteins, which are partial sequences. HIVCON is an AFP in which the HIV domains are from several HIV clade consensus sequences and which optionally contains additional domains which may be useful, for example, in monitoring expression levels or laboratory animal immune responses. Other aspects of the invention may include compositions and methods for inducing an anti-HIV immune response in a subject, preferably with a DNA prime-MVA boost strategy, and to induce a cell-mediated immune response.

Abstract: The present invention provides artificial fusion proteins (AFPs) designed to elicit an anti-HIV immune response, as well as nucleic acid molecules and expression vectors encoding those proteins. The AFPs of the invention may comprise domains from various HIV proteins, such as Gag, Pol, Vif, and Env proteins, which are partial sequences. HIVCON is an AFP in which the HIV domains are from several HIV Glade consensus sequences and which optionally contains additional domains which may be useful, for example, in monitoring expression levels or laboratory animal immune responses. Other aspects of the invention may include compositions and methods for inducing an anti-HIV immune response in a subject, preferably with a DNA prime-MVA boost strategy, and to induce a cell-mediated immune response.

Abstract: The present invention provides artificial fusion proteins (AFPs) designed to elicit an anti-HIV immune response, as well as nucleic acid molecules and expression vectors encoding those proteins. The AFPs of the invention may comprise domains from various HIV proteins, including Reverse Trancriptase (RT), Env (gp41), Nef and Tat proteins, as well as at least one HIV CTL epitope associated with long-term, non-progression to AIDS; these domains are biologically-inactivated for one or more of the normal activity of those proteins or are partial protein sequences (and similarly biologically-inactivated). RENTA is an AFP in which the HIV domains are from an HIV Clade A consensus sequence and contains additional domains, useful for example, in monitoring expression levels or laboratory animal immune responses. Such domains are optionally included in the AFPs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotides for use in cancer therapy. In particular, the invention provides a polynucleotide capable of expressing an epilope-&bgr;2m fusion protein; for use in the generation of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses against a tumour, and a polynucleotide capable of expressing an epitope-&bgr;2m fusion protein; for use in a method of restoring antigen presentation in the tumour of a host.

Abstract: A method of identifying peptides of an antigen of interest which are capable of recognition by or induction of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, comprises the steps of: ascertaining a "motif" of peptides which bind to a chosen HLA class I allele; providing peptides having this motif which are present in the known sequence of the antigen of interest; screening the peptides using an HLA assembly assay; and screening the resulting peptides for recognition by or induction of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. The above peptides have been identified by this method, and the peptides and vaccines containing them are also claimed.

Abstract: A novel human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) epitope has been identified in the gag coding region. This epitope corresponds to amino acids 255-269 of Gag and has the following sequence: NH.sub.2 -asn-pro-pro-ile-pro-val-gly-glu-ile-tyr-lys-arg-trp-ile-ile-COOH. This peptide interacts specifically with human leukocyte antigen-B8 (HLA-B8). This peptide is useful for the identification HIV-1 gag-specific CTL.

Abstract: Peptides are described which have the amino acid sequence of a fragment of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) which interacts specifically with a particular human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecule, to stimulate cytotoxic T lymphocyte immunity. Such fragments can be used in a potential vaccine against AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), and for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.