Abstract: Recombinant monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and fragments that bind specifically to an HLA-E-peptide complex, including HLA-E-VL9 complexes, and regulate the cytotoxicity effector cell function of NK and/or CD8+ T-cells positive for cell-surface expression of NKG2A (“NKG2A+”). Herein, monoclonal antibodies were recombinantly derived from isolated functional HLA-E-VL9-specific mAbs from HLA-E-VL9 peptide-immunized HLA-B transgenic mice and from the naive human B cell repertoire. Such antibodies are capable of regulating effector cell cytotoxicity and can preferentially recognize HLA-E-VL9 peptide complexes expressed on the surface of tumor cells. The invention provides methods for using HLA-E-VL9 m Abs to modulate NK and/or CD8+ T-cell function as part of immunotherapeutic strategies.

Abstract: The present invention provides affinity matured recombinant monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and fragments that bind specifically to an HLA-E-peptide complex, including HLA-E-VL9 complexes, and. regulate the cytotoxicity effector cell function of NK and/or CD8+ T-cells positive for cell-surface expression of NKG2A (“NKG2A+”). Herein, monoclonal antibodies were recombinant.lv derived from isolated functional HLA-E-VL9-specific mAbs from HLA-E-VL9 peptide-immunized HLA-B transgenic mice and from the naive human B cell repertoire. Such antibodies are capable of regulating effector cell cytotoxicity' and can preferentially recognize HLA-E-VL9 peptide complexes expressed on the surface of tumor cells. The monoclonal antibodies were subject to one or more rounds of affinity 7 maturation. The invention provides methods for using affinity matured HLA-E-VL9 mAbs to modulate NK and/or CD8+T-cell function as part of immunotherapeutic strategies.

Abstract: The present invention provides artificial fusion proteins (AFPs) designed to elicit an anti-HIV immune response, as well as nucleic acid molecules and expression vectors encoding those proteins. The AFPs of the invention may comprise domains from various HIV proteins, such as Gag, Pol, Vif, and Env proteins, which are partial sequences. HIVCON is an AFP in which the HIV domains are from several HIV Glade consensus sequences and which optionally contains additional domains which may be useful, for example, in monitoring expression levels or laboratory animal immune responses. Other aspects of the invention may include compositions and methods for inducing an anti-HIV immune response in a subject, preferably with a DNA prime-MVA boost strategy, and to induce a cell-mediated immune response.

Abstract: The present invention provides artificial fusion proteins (AFPs) designed to elicit an anti-HIV immune response, as well as nucleic acid molecules and expression vectors encoding those proteins. The AFPs of the invention may comprise domains from various HIV proteins, such as Gag, Pol, Vif, and Env proteins, which are partial sequences. HIVCON is an AFP in which the HIV domains are from several HIV clade consensus sequences and which optionally contains additional domains which may be useful, for example, in monitoring expression levels or laboratory animal immune responses. Other aspects of the invention may include compositions and methods for inducing an anti-HIV immune response in a subject, preferably with a DNA prime-MVA boost strategy, and to induce a cell-mediated immune response.

Abstract: The present invention provides artificial fusion proteins (AFPs) designed to elicit an anti-HIV immune response, as well as nucleic acid molecules and expression vectors encoding those proteins. The AFPs of the invention may comprise domains from various HIV proteins, such as Gag, Pol, Vif, and Env proteins, which are partial sequences. HIVCON is an AFP in which the HIV domains are from several HIV Glade consensus sequences and which optionally contains additional domains which may be useful, for example, in monitoring expression levels or laboratory animal immune responses. Other aspects of the invention may include compositions and methods for inducing an anti-HIV immune response in a subject, preferably with a DNA prime-MVA boost strategy, and to induce a cell-mediated immune response.

Abstract: The present invention provides artificial fusion proteins (AFPs) designed to elicit an anti-HIV immune response, as well as nucleic acid molecules and expression vectors encoding those proteins. The AFPs of the invention may comprise domains from various HIV proteins, including Reverse Trancriptase (RT), Env (gp41), Nef and Tat proteins, as well as at least one HIV CTL epitope associated with long-term, non-progression to AIDS; these domains are biologically-inactivated for one or more of the normal activity of those proteins or are partial protein sequences (and similarly biologically-inactivated). RENTA is an AFP in which the HIV domains are from an HIV Clade A consensus sequence and contains additional domains, useful for example, in monitoring expression levels or laboratory animal immune responses. Such domains are optionally included in the AFPs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substantially free-flowing polymer particles. The polymer particles are those which have a one millimeter penetration temperature of less than about 75° C. as determined by thermal mechanical analysis or an unconfined yield strength of greater than about 15 pounds per square foot (73 kilograms per square meter). The composition also comprises an effective amount of an anti-blocking agent in the presence or absence of a binding agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substantially free-flowing polymer particles. The polymer particles are those which have a one millimeter penetration temperature of less than about 75° C. as determined by thermal mechanical analysis or an unconfined yield strength of greater than about 15 pounds per square foot (73 kilograms per square meter). The composition also comprises an effective amount of an anti-blocking agent in the presence or absence of a binding agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substantially free-flowing polymer particles. The polymer particles are those which have a one millimeter penetration temperature of less than about 75° C. as determined by thermal mechanical analysis or an unconfined yield strength of greater than about 15 pounds per square foot (73 kilograms per square meter). The composition also comprises an effective amount of an anti-blocking agent in the presence or absence of a binding agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotides for use in cancer therapy. In particular, the invention provides a polynucleotide capable of expressing an epilope-&bgr;2m fusion protein; for use in the generation of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses against a tumour, and a polynucleotide capable of expressing an epitope-&bgr;2m fusion protein; for use in a method of restoring antigen presentation in the tumour of a host.

Abstract: A powered apparatus for removing floor coverings includes two frames which are interconnected in a scissor-type manner. Each of the frames supports one or more wheels which are secured at the outer ends of the frames. Thus, the wheels are adapted to be brought into contact in a vertical configuration. Furthermore, at least one of the wheels is driven. Also disclosed is a method of using the device of the present invention.

Abstract: A method of identifying peptides of an antigen of interest which are capable of recognition by or induction of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, comprises the steps of: ascertaining a "motif" of peptides which bind to a chosen HLA class I allele; providing peptides having this motif which are present in the known sequence of the antigen of interest; screening the peptides using an HLA assembly assay; and screening the resulting peptides for recognition by or induction of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. The above peptides have been identified by this method, and the peptides and vaccines containing them are also claimed.

Abstract: A novel human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) epitope has been identified in the gag coding region. This epitope corresponds to amino acids 255-269 of Gag and has the following sequence: NH.sub.2 -asn-pro-pro-ile-pro-val-gly-glu-ile-tyr-lys-arg-trp-ile-ile-COOH. This peptide interacts specifically with human leukocyte antigen-B8 (HLA-B8). This peptide is useful for the identification HIV-1 gag-specific CTL.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptidal fragments of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which interact specifically with a particular human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecule to stimulate cytotoxic T lymphocyte immunity.

Abstract: Peptides are described which have the amino acid sequence of a fragment of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) which interacts specifically with a particular human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecule, to stimulate cytotoxic T lymphocyte immunity. Such fragments can be used in a potential vaccine against AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), and for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.