Abstract: The present disclosure relates to reagents (antigenic and/or immunogenic reagents) and kits that are useful in a variety of in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo methods including, e.g., methods for inducing an immune response, or for generating an antibody, in a subject. The reagents described herein can be used in the treatment or prevention of HIV-1 infections. In addition, the disclosure provides methods and compositions useful for designing (or identifying) an agent that binds to an membrane proximal external region (MPER) of an HIV-1 gp160 polypeptide or an agent that inhibits the fusion of an HIV-1 particle to a cell.

Abstract: Methods for identifying at least one conserved peptide block in three or more homologous polypeptides are provided and compositions comprising conserved peptides are provided. More particularly, methods for selecting conserved peptides in variable viral polypeptides for use in immunogenic compositions are provided.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide-based microarrays for tissue typing (e.g., HLA tissue typing) are provided. More particularly, the microarrays are high resolution arrays useful for diagnostic evaluations and determining donor/recipient transplant compatibility.

Abstract: Methods for identifying at least one conserved peptide block in three or more homologous polypeptides are provided and compositions comprising conserved peptides are provided. More particularly, methods for selecting conserved peptides in variable viral polypeptides for use in immunogenic compositions are provided.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide-based microarrays for tissue typing (e.g., HLA tissue typing) are provided. More particularly, the microarrays are high resolution arrays useful for diagnostic evaluations and determining donor/recipient transplant compatibility.

Abstract: The invention features a method of generating an immunogenic compound with the ability to induce an immune response to a molecule produced by a pathogenic agent, e.g., a infectious agent or a tumor cell. Also included in the invention are an immunogenic compound generated by the method of the invention and a method of inducing an immune response in a mammal that involves administering the immunogenic compound to the mammal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to reagents (antigenic and/or immunogenic reagents) and kits that are useful in a variety of in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo methods including, e.g., methods for inducing an immune response, or for generating an antibody, in a subject. The reagents described herein can be used in the treatment or prevention of HIV-1 infections. In addition, the disclosure provides methods and compositions useful for designing (or identifying) an agent that binds to an membrane proximal external region (MPER) of an HIV-1 gp160 polypeptide or an agent that inhibits the fusion of an HIV-1 particle to a cell.

Abstract: A human CD2 cytoplasmic tail binding protein, CD2BP2, is described, as well as the nucleic acids encoding the protein. Also described are expression vectors and recombinant host cells comprising nucleic acids encoding the CD2BP2 protein, and methods of use for the CD2BP2 protein and nucleic acids encoding the CD2BP2 protein.

Abstract: A human CD2 cytoplasmic tail binding protein, CD2BP1, is described, as well as the nucleic acids encoding the protein. Also described are expression vectors and recombinant host cells comprising nucleic acids encoding the CD2BP1 protein, and methods of use for the CD2BP1 protein and nucleic acids encoding the CD2BP1 protein.

Abstract: The invention features a computer-based method of identifying subunit immunogens useful for generating antibodies against a variety of infectious microorganisms (e.g., variola major virus). Such subunit immunogens will preferably be capable of inducing protective immunity to relevant microorganisms and the antibodies elicited by them will be useful as passive immunoprotectants.

Abstract: Methods of thymic vaccination are described, in which a polypeptide of interest is administered and which allows positive or negative selection of a T cell receptor (TCR) specificity in the thymus, to retain a desired specificity (positive) or to eliminate an undesired specificity (negative) at the level of TCR repertoire development, in order to generate TCRs which are designed to recognize disease antigens or foreign antigens, such as to treat or prevent cancers, autoimmune diseases, infections, or effects of biological warfare agents.

Abstract: A human CD2 cytoplasmic tail binding protein, CD2BP2, is described, as well as the nucleic acids encoding the protein. Also described are expression vectors and recombinant host cells comprising nucleic acids encoding the CD2BP2 protein, and methods of use for the CD2BP2 protein and nucleic acids encoding the CD2BP2 protein.

Abstract: A human CD2 cytoplasmic tail binding protein, CD2BP1, is described, as well as the nucleic acids encoding the protein. Also described are expression vectors and recombinant host cells comprising nucleic acids encoding the CD2BP1 protein, and methods of use for the CD2BP1 protein and nucleic acids encoding the CD2BP1 protein.

Abstract: Soluble, single chain T cell receptors, nucleic acid sequences, particularly DNA sequences, encoding the soluble, single chain T cell receptor, expression vectors containing the DNA sequences, and host cells containing the expression vectors.

Abstract: DNA encoding modified soluble human CD4 fragments whose ability to bind to the HIV gp120 envelope protein is different from the ability of soluble human CD4 fragments; modified soluble human CD4 fragments having altered gp120 binding ability, methods of making such fragments and methods of using such fragments.

Abstract: A method of detecting activated T-cells in a population of cells, the method involving determining intracellular calcium ion concentration or intracellular pH in the cells, a calcium ion concentration two-fold or greater above that of resting T-cells, or a pH increase of over 0.2 pH units, indicating activation.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody which specifically binds to the surface recognition structure of a predetermined mature human T cell clone, which recognition structure renders the clone capable of acting as causative agent in a predetermined autoimmune disease, the monoclonal antibody being capable of specifically binding to the recognition structure of the clone to inhibit the ability of the clone to act as a causative agent in the predetermined autoimmune disease.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies specific to a mature human T cell surface antigen of molecular weight of about 120,000 daltons as determined by electrophoresis, the antigen not being modulated by monoclonal antibodies specific to it and being restricted within the human lymphoid system to the surface of mature T cells, the monoclonal antibodies being capable of selectively binding mature human T cells and rendering them inactive in vivo and failing to induce the proliferation or activation of human lymphocytes.