Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for characterizing the immune response of a subject to a tetravalent dengue virus composition by performing the method for determining affinity, binding kinetics and/or concentration of an antibody or of an antibody mixture and at least one other method. In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for characterizing the immune response of a subject to a virus-containing vaccine composition by performing a combination of assays. In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for predicting protective efficacy of a dengue vaccine candidate. In another embodiment the present invention relates to a method for preparing a vaccine formulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for determining affinity, binding kinetics and/or concentration of an antibody or of an antibody mixture specific for a virus using virus-like particles (VLPs) and/or live viruses or inactivated viruses attached to biosensors. Further, the present invention relates to the VLPs and live or inactivated viruses attached to biosensors and methods for producing them.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated monoclonal antibodies, or antigen-binding portions thereof, that bind to ZIKV glycoproteins, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies and methods of use. The antibodies, or antigen-binding portions thereof, according to the present invention are useful for inhibiting or neutralizing ZIKV activity, thus providing a means of treating or preventing ZIKV infection in humans. The antibodies, or antigen-binding portions thereof, according to the present invention may be used prophylactically or therapeutically and may be used alone or in combination with one or more other anti-viral agents or vaccines.

Abstract: A KiSS-1 Peptide or a salt thereof can be industrially mass-produced by subjecting a fused protein or peptide in which the KiSS-1 peptide is ligated to the N-terminal of a low-molecular peptide having cysteine at its N-terminal to the cleavage reaction of the peptide linkage on the amino group side of said cysteine residue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a protein in the active form or salt thereof, which comprises extracting a protein, which has been expressed by genetic engineering in a prokaryotic host, with a solution containing about 0.1 mM to about 50 mM of a reducing agent having a reduction potential higher than −331 mV; and then refolding the protein in a solution containing a mercapto-free amino acid or its salt.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device having a cathode layer divided into a plurality of mesa type cathode layer portions and used under pressure applied from the cathode layer side through a pressing plate, the method comprising steps of disposing a flat plate having a lateral width covering at least from the outer edge of a cathode electrode disposed on one outermost cathode layer portion to the outer edge of a cathode electrode disposed on the other outermost cathode layer portion, applying an external pressure through the flat plate, and then disposing the pressing plate.