Abstract: Peptides are used to define epitopes that stimulate HLA-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity against hepatitis B virus antigens. The peptides are derived from regions of HBV polymerase, and are particularly useful in treating or preventing HBV infection, including methods for stimulating the immune response of chronically infected individuals to respond to HBV antigens.

Abstract: Peptides are used to define epitopes that stimulate HLA-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity against hepatitis B virus antigens. The peptides are derived from regions of HBV envelope, and are particularly useful in treating or preventing HBV infection, including methods for stimulating the immune response of chronically infected individuals to respond to HBV antigens.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a molecule comprising a polypeptide having substantial homology with a CTL epitope selected from the group consisting of ADLMGYIPLV (Core131-140; SEQ ID NO:1), LLALLSCLTV (Core178-187; SEQ ID NO:2), QLRRHIDLLV (SEQ ID NO:55), LLCPAGHAV (NS31169-1177; SEQ ID NO:26), KLVALGINAV (NS31406-1415; SEQ ID NO:28), SLMAFTAAV (NS41789-1797; SEQ ID NO:34), LLFNILGGWV (NS41807-1816; SEQ ID NO:35), and ILDSFDPLV (NS52252-2260; SEQ ID NO:42). Such molecules are used for the treatment and prevention of acute or chronic HCV hepatitis; suitable pharmaceutical compositions and methods using such compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: Peptides are used to define epitopes that stimulate HLA-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity against hepatitis B virus antigens. The peptides are derived from regions of HBV envelope, and are particularly useful in treating or preventing HBV infection, including methods for stimulating the immune response of chronically infected individuals to respond to HBV antigens.

Abstract: Peptides are used to define epitopes that stimulate HLA-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity against hepatitis B virus antigens. The peptides are derived from regions of HBV envelope, and are particularly useful in treating or preventing HBV infection, including methods for stimulating the immune response of chronically infected individuals to respond to HBV antigens.

Abstract: Peptides are used to define epitopes that stimulate HLA-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity against hepatitis B virus antigens. The peptides are derived from regions of HBV polymerase, and are particularly useful in treating or preventing HBV infection, including methods for stimulating the immune response of chronically infected individuals to respond to HBV antigens.

Abstract: Peptides are used to define epitopes that stimulate HLA-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity against hepatitis B virus antigens. The peptides are derived from regions of HBV polymerase, and are particularly useful in treating or preventing HBV infection, including methods for stimulating the immune response of chronically infected individuals to respond to HBV antigens.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the use of compositions comprising IL-18, also known as interferon-&ggr;-inducing factor (IGIF), and IL-18 in combination with other agents, for the prevention and/or treatment of viral diseases caused by HIV, HSV, HPV, HAV, HBV, and HCV.

Abstract: Peptides are used to define epitopes that stimulate HLA-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity against hepatitis B virus antigens. The peptides are derived from regions of HBV envelope, and are particularly useful in treating or preventing HBV infection, including methods for stimulating the immune response of chronically infected individuals to respond to HBV antigens.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a molecule comprising a polypeptide having substantial homology with a CTL epitope selected from the group consisting of ADLMGYIPLV (Core131-140; SEQ ID NO:1), LLALLSCLTV (Core178-187; SEQ ID NO:2), QLRRHIDLLV (SEQ ID NO:55), LLCPAGHAV (NS31169-1177; SEQ ID NO:26), KLVALGINAV (NS31406-1415; SEQ ID NO:28), SLMAFTAAV (NS41789-1797; SEQ ID NO:34), LLFNILGGWV (NS41807-1816; SEQ ID NO:35), and ILDSFDPLV (NS52252-2260; SEQ ID NO:42). Such molecules are used for the treatment and prevention of acute or chronic HCV hepatitis; suitable pharmaceutical compositions and methods using such compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: Peptides are used to define epitopes that stimulate HLA-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity against hepatitis B virus antigens. The peptides are derived from regions of HBV envelope, and are particularly useful in treating or preventing HBV infection, including methods for stimulating the immune response of chronically infected individuals to respond to HBV antigens.

Abstract: Peptides are used to define epitopes that stimulate HLA-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity against hepatitis B virus antigens. The peptides are derived from regions of HBV polymerase, and are particularly useful in treating or preventing HBV infection, including methods for stimulating the immune response of chronically infected individuals to respond to HBV antigens.

Abstract: Peptides are used to define epitopes that stimulate HLA-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity against hepatitis B virus antigens. The peptides are derived from regions of HBV nucleocapsid, envelope, polymerase and the transcriptional transactivator X protein, and are particularly useful in treating or preventing HBV infection, including methods for stimulating the immune response of chronically infected individuals to respond to HBV antigens. Pharmaceutical compositions and hepatitis B vaccines which comprise the peptides and physiologically acceptable carriers can be employed in conjunction with other HBV vaccines to provide more effective immunity against the disease. Methods for identifying individuals who are particularly susceptible to developing chronic HBV infection and who can be targeted for treatment by the CTL peptides are also provided.

Abstract: Peptides are used to define epitopes that stimulate HLA-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity against hepatitis B virus antigens. The peptides are derived from regions of HBV envelope, and are particularly useful in treating or preventing HBV infection, including methods for stimulating the immune response of chronically infected individuals to respond to HBV antigens.

Abstract: Peptides are used to define epitopes that stimulate HLA-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity against hepatitis B virus antigens. The peptides are derived from regions of HBV polymerase, and are particularly useful in treating or preventing HBV infection, including methods for stimulating the immune response of chronically infected individuals to respond to HBV antigens.

Abstract: The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the major cause of non-A, non-B vital hepatitis. The most striking feature of HCV induced liver disease is its tendency toward chronicity and slowly progressive liver cell injury. HLA Class I-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses are considered to be a sine qua non for the effective clearance of vital infections. However, the characteristics of HCV-specific cytotoxic effector cells and identification of their cognate target antigens remains to be elucidated. This invention discloses novel HCV-derived peptides that are recognized by patient CTL. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained from HLA-A2 positive patients with chronic HCV infection and stimulated with HCV-derived peptides. Effector cells were tested for their ability to lyse HLA-A2-matched target cells sensitized either with a peptide or a vaccinia virus construct containing HCV sequences. Immunogenic HCV CTL peptides were identified in the putative core protein and nonstructural proteins (e.