Abstract: Polyclonal Antibodies produced using HIV-1 Trimeric Envelope Glycoprotein Subunits (TEGS) are provided. TEGS are comprised of non-infectious complexes comprising a trimeric envelope glycoprotein subunit comprising gp120 bound to membrane-anchored trimeric native gp41. The gp120 and gp41 present in the TEGS are not chemically fixed or cross-linked. Immunization with the TEGS elicits polyclonal antibodies that neutralize diverse viruses in HIV infection assay using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The present invention relates to a method for reducing the occurrence and/or severity of HIV infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing the occurrence and/or severity of viral infections. The method embodies procedures for expanding HIV from the blood of HIV antibody negative donors and deriving a non-infectious virus particle product that is antigenic. The procedures for deriving the antigenic, non-infectious virus particle product are optimally designed to maintain the integrity of the envelope proteins while maximizing the depletion of capsid proteins and RNA. The resulting virus particle product, when introduced into humans or non-human animals, enables the production of antibodies that target the natural envelope macromolecular structure that is required for infectivity. The present invention can be applied to producing virus stocks from the blood of HIV-seronegative donors, for deriving non-infectious virus particles that retain intact envelope proteins, for producing anti-viral antibodies, and for administering anti-virus antibodies to patients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing the occurance and/or severity of viral infections. The method embodies procedures for expanding HIV from the blood of HIV antibody negative donors and deriving a non-infectious virus particle product that is antigenic. The procedures for deriving the antigenic, non-infectious virus particle product are optimally designed to maintain the integrity of the envelope proteins while maximizing the depletion of capsid proteins and RNA. The resulting virus particle product, when introduced into humans or non-human animals, enables the production of antibodies that target the natural envelope macromolecular structure that is required for infectivity. The present invention can be applied to producing virus stocks from the blood of HIV-seronegative donors, for deriving non-infectious virus particles that retain intact envelope proteins, for producing anti-viral antibodies, and for administering anti-virus antibodies to patients.

Abstract: Flow cytometric methodology is provided for simultaneous determination of (1) ABO and Rh(D) typing of human red cells, (2) natural isoantibodies in plasma, and (3) screening for alloantibodies in plasma. The method includes (a) the use of a unique combination of fluorescent labelled antibodies to A, B and Rh(D) antigens to carry out (1); (b) different sized beads coated with blood group substances A & B to carry out (2); and (c) the differential fluorescent labelling of screening reagent red blood cells for flow cytometric analyses to carry out (3). The routine ABO and Rh(D) typing and antibody screening of human blood for both isoantibodies and alloantibodies can be determined in three individual reactions compared to 7 to 10 tests currently performed in blood banks.

Abstract: Novel oligopeptides are provided having serologic activity for the a determinant of hepatitis B virus surface antigen. Included in the oligopeptide chain are a sequence of at least two cysteines and a lysine in proximity to the cysteines. The oligopeptides can find use in immunoassays, the formulation of vaccines, and the production of antisera.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for an inexpensive safe vaccine for hepatitis infection. Immunogenic polymerized human albumin free of other hepatitis related immunogens is employed in a physiologically acceptable carrier as a vaccine for protection against hepatitis.

Abstract: Methods and compositions concerned with the a determinant of hepatitis B antigen, providing immunogens and antibodies. The immunogens can serve as vaccines.

Abstract: Novel oligopeptides are provided having serologic activity for the a determinant of hepatitis B virus surface antigen. Included in the oligopeptide chain are a sequence of at least two cysteines and a lysine in proximity to the cysteines. The oligopeptides can find use in immunoassays, the formulation of vaccines, and the production of antisera.