Abstract: The claimed invention is directed toward in vitro methods for the detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) antibodies employing polypeptide fragments of HIV-2 Gag.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward polypeptides derived from novel lentiviruses. A novel lentivirus, designated the human immunodeficiency virus type 2, was isolated from West African patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Several isolates were obtained and designated HIV-2.sub.ROD, HIV-2.sub.IRMO, and HIV-2.sub.EHO. A recombinant lambda phage library was constructed from HIV-2.sub.ROD -infected CEM genomic DNA. Overlapping molecular clones were obtained and the nucleotide sequence of the complete 9.5-kilobase (kb) HIV-2.sub.ROD genome ascertained. The genetic organization of HIV-2 is analogous to that of other retroviruses and consists of the 5'LTR-gag-pol-central region-env-nef-3'LTR. The central region also encodes for the regulatory proteins Tat and Rev, as well as the ancillary proteins Vif, Vpr, and Vpx. The proteins encoded by this proviral clone will provide novel immunologic, biochemic, and diagnostic reagents useful for the detection of HIV-2.

Abstract: Methods for producing the newly discovered HIV-2 retrovirus and its antigens are provided. The antigens are obtained from various HIV-2 retroviruses. The antigen compositions comprise a lysate of an HIV-2 retrovirus, a protein of an HIV-2 retrovirus, or a glycoprotein of an HIV-2 retrovirus. Specifically, the antigen composition can comprise p12, p16, p26, gp32, gp42, and gp140.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an HIV-2 (LAV-II) infection and a kit containing reagents for the same is disclosed. These reagents include cDNA probes which are capable of hybridizing to at least a portion of the genome of HIV-2. In one embodiment, the DNA probes are capable of hybridizing to the entire genome of HIV-2. These reagents also include polypeptides encoded by some of these DNA sequences.

Abstract: This invention discloses the identification and characterization of a novel human retrovirus, originally designated lymphadenopathy-associated virus type II, or LAV-II, and subsequently redesignated the human immunodeficiency virus type 2, or HIV-2. This virus was isolated from West African AIDS patients and propagated on immortalized lymphocytic cell lines or donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Immunological and nucleic acid hybridization studies demonstrated that HIV-2 differs significantly from HIV-1, the aetiological agent of AIDS. Additional biochemical characterization identified viral antigens having molecular weights of 16, 26, 36, and 130-140 kDa, as determined by SDS-PAGE. These proteins were subsequently designated p16, p26, gp36, and gp130-140, respectively. These antigens can be employed, inter alia, in the generation of both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, which should prove useful in diagnostic and viral antigen purification applications.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an HIV-2 (LAV-II) infection and a kit containing reagents for the same is disclosed. These reagents include cDNA probes which are capable of hybridizing to at least a portion of the genome of HIV-2. In one embodiment, the DNA probes are capable of hybridizing to the entire genome of HIV-2. These reagents also include polypeptides encoded by some of these DNA sequences.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new class of retroviruses, designated by HIV-2, of which samples have been deposited to the ECACC under numbers 87.01.1001 and 87.01.1002 and to the NCIB under numbers 12.398 and 12.399.It relates also to antigens capable to be obtained from this virus, particularly proteins p12, p16, p26 and gp140. These various antigens can be used for the diagnosis of the disease, especially by contacting these antigens with a serum of a patient submitted to the diagnosis.It relates to immunogenic compositions containing more particularly the glycoprotein gp140. Finally it concerns nucleotidic sequences, which can be used especially as hybridization probes, derived from the RNA of HIV-2.

Abstract: Novel mycoplasmas are described which are prominent in patients who are thought to be suffering from AIDS. Devices are also provided for the in vitro detection of mycoplasmas in biological fluid by means of a reagent which is specific for the mycoplasma group without being specific for particular species within said group. Devices for testing mycoplasma sensitivity to antibiotics are also described.

Abstract: Novel mycoplasmas are described which are prominent in patients who are thought to be suffering from AIDS. Devices are also provided for the in vitro detection of mycoplasmas in a biological fluid by means of a reagent which is specific for the mycoplasma group without being specific for particular species within said group. Devices for testing mycoplasma sensitivity to antibiotics are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new variety of retroviruses designated Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 2 (HIV-2), samples of which have been deposited at CNCM and having Accession Numbers I-502 and I-532. The invention also concerns purified forms of the antigens which can be obtained from this virus, in particular from the gp36 and gp130-140 envelope glycoproteins. These various antigens are useful in medical diagnosis and kits, in particular by being placed in contact with serum of the patient to be diagnosed. The invention further relates to polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies specific for the antigens of HIV-2, particularly antibodies specific for gp130-140 envelope glycoprotein. Lastly, the invention relates to immunizing compositions, in particular containing at least one of glycoproteins gp36 or gp130-140.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an HIV-2 (LAV-II) infection and a kit containing reagents for the same is disclosed. These reagents include cDNA probes which are capable of hybridizing to at least a portion of the genome of HIV-2. In one embodiment, the DNA probes are capable of hybridizing to the entire genome of HIV-2. These reagents also include polypeptides encoded by some of these DNA sequences.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an HIV-2 (LAV-II) infection and a kit containing reagents for the same is disclosed. These reagents include cDNA probes which are-capable of hybridizing to at least a portion of the genome of HIV-2. In one embodiment, the DNA probes are capable of hybridizing to the entire genome of HIV-2. These reagents also include polypeptides encoded by some of these DNA sequences.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new variety of retroviruses designated Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type II, HIV-II, samples of which have been deposited at CNCM as I-502 and I-532. It also concerns purified forms of the antigens which can be obtained from this virus, in particular from the gp 36 and gp 130-140 proteins. These various antigens are useful in medical diagnosis and kits, in particular by being placed in contact with serum of the patient to be diagnosed. Lastly, the invention relates to immunizing compositions, in particular containing at least one of glycoproteins gp 36 and gp 130-140.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an HIV-2 (LAV-II) infection and a kit containing reagents for the same is disclosed. These reagents include cDNA probes which are capable of hybridizing to at least a portion of the genome of HIV-2. In one embodiment, the DNA probes are capable of hybridizing to the entire genome of HIV-2. These reagents also include polypeptides encoded by some of these DNA sequences.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an HIV-2 (LAV-II) infection and a kit containing reagents for the same is disclosed. These reagents include cDNA probes which are capable of hybridizing to at least a portion of the genome of HIV-2. In one embodiment, the DNA probes are capable of hybridizing to the entire genome of HIV-2. These reagents also include polypeptides encoded by some of these DNA sequences.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new variety of retroviruses designated Immunodeficiency Virus Type II, HIV-II, samples of which have been deposited at CNCM as I-502 and I-532. It also concerns purified forms of the antigens which can be obtained from this virus, in particular from the gp 36 and gp 130-140 proteins. These various antigens are useful in medical diagnosis and kits, in particular by being placed in contact with serum of the patient to be diagnosed. Lastly, the invention relates to immunizing compositions, in particular containing at least one of glycoproteins gp 36 and gp 130-140.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new class of retroviruses, designated by HIV-2, of which samples have been deposited to the ECACC under numbers 87.01.1001 and 87.01.1002 and to the NCIB under numbers 12.398 and 12.399.It relates also to antigens capable to be obtained from this virus, particularly proteins p12, p16, p26 and gp140. These various antigens can be used for the diagnosis of the disease, especially by contacting these antigens with a serum of a patient submitted to the diagnosis.It relates to immunogenic compositions containing more particularly the glycoprotein gp140. Finally it concerns nucleotidic sequences, which can be used especially as hydridization probes, derived from the RNA of HIV-2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new variety of retroviruses designated Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type II, HIV-II, samples of which have been deposited at CNCM as I-502 and I-532. It also concerns purified forms of the antigens which can be obtained from this virus, in particular from the gp 36 and gp 130-140 proteins. These various antigens are useful in medical diagnosis and kits, in particular by being placed in contact with serum of the patient to be diagnosed. Lastly, the invention relates to immunizing compositions, in particular containing at least one of glycoproteins gp 36 and gp 130-140.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an HIV-2 (LAV-II) infection and a kit containing reagents for the same is disclosed. These reagents include cDNA probes which are capable of hybridizing to at least a portion of the genome of HIV-2. In one embodiment, the DNA probes are capable of hybridizing to the entire genome of HIV-2. These reagents also include polypeptides encoded by some of these DNA sequences.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new variety of retroviruses designated Human Immunodeficiency virus Type II, HIV-II, samples of which have been deposited at CNCM as I-502 and I-532. It also concerns purified forms of the antigens which can be obtained from this virus, in particular from the gp 36 and gp 130-140 proteins. These various antigens are useful in medical diagnosis and kits, in particular by being placed in contact with serum of the patient to be diagnosed. Lastly, the invention relates to immunizing compositions, in particular containing at least one of glycoproteins gp 36 and gp 130-140.