Abstract: The invention concerns a novel 116 kDa polypeptide exhibiting homologies of sequences with RNA helicases (DEXH box) called RH116 and its fragments, the cloning of cDNA and the polynucleotides encoding said polypeptides, cloning and/or expression vectors including said polynucleotides, cells transformed by said vectors and specific antibodies directed against said polypeptides. The invention also concerns methods for detecting and/or assaying said polypeptides and polynucleotides, corresponding diagnosis kits, and a method for screening ligands, as well as compounds for use as medicine for preventing and/or therapeutic treatment.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel SSA-56 kDA polypeptide and its fragments, cDNA cloning and polynucleotides encoding said polypeptides, cloning and/or expression vectors including said polynucleotides, cells transformed by said vectors and specific antibodies directed against said polypeptides. The invention also concerns methods for detecting and/or assaying said polypeptides and polynucleotides, corresponding diagnostic kits, a method for screening ligands, a method for detecting anti-Ro/SSA-like autoantibodies, a method for purifying a human biological fluid capable of containing anti-Ro/SSA-like autoantibodies, and compounds for use as medicines for preventing and/or treating viral pathologies such as AIDS and autoimmune diseases, in particular systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)and Sjögren syndrome.

Abstract: The use of non-toxic muramyl peptides, particularly Murabutide and Murametide, to prepare drugs for inhibiting HIV replication in humans is disclosed. Said muramyl peptides are capable of up to 100% inhibition of retroviral replication in primary host monocyte cultures.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions containing Muramyl dipeptide derivatives and conjugates or Muramyl dipeptide derivatives and conjugates combined with nucleoside derivatives which induce hematopoietic stem cell stimulation and mobilization into the circulating blood system. Methods to induce hematopoietic stem stimulation and mobilization, as well as methods to decrease myelotoxic effects using these pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: A therapeutical composition for use in humans, comprising a combination of at least one natural or recombinant and preferably human cytokine with at least one muramyl peptide selected from those which, when administered in vivo together with an interferon, also induce an increased in vivo production of an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist IL-1 RA, but preferably do not induce any increase in TNF, IL-8 and IL-1 cytokines. Said composition is useful for antiviral and antitumoral therapies and/or for promoting restoration of the haematopoietic system, particularly in individuals with a weakened immune system.