Abstract: A cell comprising: a nucleotide sequence encoding a Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) operably linked to a promoter; two nucleotide sequences each encoding an isoform of HNF4?; and a nucleotide sequence encoding a repressor of HBV transcription, wherein said nucleotide sequence is mutated to decrease or silence expression of the repressor.

Abstract: Presently disclosed is a method of modulating Hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication, by contacting the cell with at least one agent that modulates at least one factor from a specified group consisting of SNAI2, SOX7 and other factors, the screening of said agent and use thereof in a medicament for treating HBV infection or disease or condition associated with a HBV infection in a subject. In one preferred embodiment, the agent is one peptide derived from SOX7 or SNAI2 or stapled peptides thereof. As a separate invention, a method of identifying at least one factor that modulates replication of a virus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Presently disclosed is a method of modulating Hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication, by contacting the cell with at least one agent that modulates at least one factor from a specified group consisting of SNAI2, SOX7 and other factors, the screening of said agent and use thereof in a medicament for treating HBV infection or disease or condition associated with a HBV infection in a subject. In one preferred embodiment, the agent is one peptide derived from SOX7 or SNAI2 or stapled peptides thereof. As a separate invention, a method of identifying at least one factor that modulates replication of a virus is also disclosed.

Abstract: We describe a nucleic acid comprising the sequence RNNWCAAA, in which R is independently G or A, N is independently T, C, G or A and W is independently T or A, suitable for the treatment or prevention of hepatitis B or cancer. N at position 3 may be C, A or T, preferably A or T, more preferably T; N at position 2 may be C; W at position 4 may be T; and R at position 1 may be A. The nucleic acid may have the sequence ACATCAAA or ACTTCAAA.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a potential interaction between a ligand and a receptor is disclosed. The method comprises the step of: evaluating the potential interaction between the ligand and the receptor based on a predictive model trained using a database. The database describes the affinity with the receptor of a source ligand, and a plurality of additional ligands derived from the source ligand.

Abstract: The present invention provides primers directed to conserved regions of the HA and NA genes of avian influenza virus subtypes H5 and H5N1, and provides a method for detecting avian influenza subtype H5 or H5N1.

Abstract: This invention provides oligonucleotides, reagents and amplification methods for detecting the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS CoV). This invention also provides related compositions, kits, systems, and computers.

Abstract: The present invention provides primers directed to conserved regions of the HA and NA genes of avian influenza virus subtypes H5 or H5N1, and provides a method for detecting avian influenza subtype H5 or H5N1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for altering the load of a Hepatitis virus present in an infected host organism. The method involves modulation of the complex formation of a heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) and the regulatory region of a Hepatitis virus, enhancer II region. Additionally there are methods of identifying compounds that modulate complex formation, and the use of such compounds in diagnosis of a Hepatitis infection. The present invention also relates to a mutation in enhancer II region at position 1752 of the virus sequence which reduces the binding affinity of hnRNP K with the enhancer II region.

Abstract: This invention provides reagents and methods for detecting the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS CoV). This invention also provides related compositions, kits, systems, and computers.