Abstract: A new virus, Hepatitis C virus (HCV), which has proven to be the major etiologic agent of blood-borne NANBH, was discovered by Applicant. Reagents for isolating, amplifying, and detecting HCV polynucleotides are provided. These reagents are oligomers containing polynucleotide sequences which are capable of forming hybrid structures with HCV target polynucleotide sequences.

Abstract: Combinations of HCV antigens that have a broader range of immunological reactivity than any single HCV antigen. The combinations consist of an antigen from the C domain of the HCV polyprotein, and at least one additional HCV antigen from either the NS3 domain, the NS4 domain, the S domain, or the NS5 domain, and are in the form of a fusion protein, a simple physical mixture, or the individual antigens commonly bound to a solid matrix.

Abstract: The protease necessary for polyprotein processing in Hepatitis C virus is identified, cloned, and expressed. Proteases, truncated protease, and altered proteases are disclosed which are useful for cleavage of specific polypeptides, and for assay and design of antiviral agents specific for HCV.

Abstract: A family of cDNA sequences derived from hepatitis C virus (HCV) are provided. These sequences encode antigens which react immunologically with antibodies present in individuals with non-A non-B hepatitis (NANBH), but which are absent from individuals infected with hepatitis A virus, or hepatitis B virus, and also are absent in control individuals. The HCV cDNA sequences lack substantial homology to the sequences of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) and HBV. A comparison of the sequences of amino acids encoded in the HCV cDNA with the sequences of Flaviviruses indicates that HCV may be related to the Flaviviruses.The HCV cDNA sequences and the polypeptides encoded therein are useful as reagents for the detection and therapy of HCV. The reagents provided in the invention are also useful for the isolation of NANBH agent(s), for the propagation of these agents in tissue culture, and for the screening of antiviral agents for HCV.

Abstract: Combinations of HCV antigens that have a broader range of immunological reactivity than any single HCV antigen. The combinations consist of an antigen from the C domain of the HCV polyprotein, and at least one additional HCV antigen from either the NS3 domain, the NS4 domain, the S domain, or the NS5 domain, and are in the form of a fusion protein, a simple physical mixture, or the individual antigens commonly bound to a solid matrix.

Abstract: Cell lines are provided that produce improved neutralizing monoclonal antibodies reactive with human cachectin. The antibodies have various therapeutic and diagnostic uses.

Abstract: The protease necessary for polyprotein processing in Hepatitis C virus is identified, cloned, and expressed. Proteases, truncated protease, and altered proteases are disclosed which are useful for cleavage of specific polypeptides, and for assay and design of antiviral agents specific for HCV.

Abstract: The protease necessary for polyprotein processing in Hepatitis C virus is identified, cloned, and expressed. Proteases, truncated protease, and altered proteases are disclosed which are useful for cleavage of specific polypeptides, and for assay and design of antiviral agents specific for HCV.

Abstract: The protease necessary for polyprotein processing in Hepatitis C virus is identified, cloned, and expressed. Proteases, truncated protease, and altered proteases are disclosed which are useful for cleavage of specific polypeptides, and for assay and design of antiviral agents specific for HCV.

Abstract: Immunoassays for the detection of antibodies to HCV are provided which employ "C" domain antigens. Immunoassay kits comprising such antigens are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for recombinant DNA production of Factor VIIIC and truncated derivatives thereof. Based on amino acid sequences, probes are developed for isolating messenger RNA, cDNA and/or chromosomal DNA encoding for Factor VIIIC. The Factor VIIIC gene in its entirety, a fragment thereof, or a cDNA is then used for expression of Factor VIIIC in a host.The bacteriophage .lambda.FVIII23D containing the 14.43kb EcoRI fragment was deposited at the A.T.C.C. on Jan. 4, 1984 and given Accession No. 40094. Also, the vector pSVF8-200 was deposited at the A.T.C.C. on July 17, 1985 and given Accession No. 40190.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for recombinant DNA production of Factor VIIIC and truncated derivatives therfeof. Based on amino acid sequences, probes are developed for isolating messenger RNA and/or chromosomal DNA encoding for Factor VIIIC. The Factor VIIIC gene in its entirety or encoding for a fragment thereof is then used for expression of Factor VIIIC in a host.The bacteriophage .lambda.FVIII23D containing the 14.43kb EcoRI fragment was deposited at the A.T.C.C. on Jan. 4, 1984 and given Accession No. 40094.

Abstract: Novel immunogenic compositions are provided involving viral particles composed at least in part of hybrid proteins of at least a portion of a particle forming protein and one or more polypeptides having at least one epitope of interest. Nucleic acid sequences are employed coding for the hybrid protein which are introduced into a host cell for expression, either by themselves or in combination with other DNA sequences coding for particle forming proteins. Expression of the DNA sequences results in formation of particles which may be isolated and used as immunogens for production of antibodies for diagnostics purposes, passive immunization, vaccination, or other uses.Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, 2150-2-3 (pDC103), was deposited on Sept. 7, 1984, at the ATCC and given ATCC Accession No. 20726. Also, Saccharomyces cerevisiae PO17 (pC1/1-MCS29) was deposited at the ATCC on Sept. 5, 1985, and given ATCC Accession No. 20770.

Abstract: Hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies specific for polypeptide fragments derived from human Factor VIIIC are provided. Class I hybridomas produce monoclonal antibodies reactive with a 80/77 kd doublet fragment or with both the 80/77 kd doublet and a 240 kd polypeptide. Class III hybridomas produce monoclonal antibodies reactive with the 240 kd polypeptide as well as a 92.5 kd fragment and its precursors. Class III antibodies show additional reactivity with a 40 kd thrombin digestion product. The monoclonal antibodies are useful for the separation of Factor VIIIC and its constituent polypeptides, as well as for the immunoassay of Factor VIIIC in biological samples.