Abstract: The invention relates to the use of peptides representing a portion of the HTLV-I envelope protein in diagnostic assays for exposure to HTLV-I. The peptides are also useful as components of compositions for eliciting a T-cell response to HTLV-I in an immunized subject.

Abstract: The instant invention describes the synthesis of short peptides, corresponding to the amino acid residues of the V3 loop of the gpl6O envelope glycoprotein of HIV-1 numbered 315 to 329 by Ratner (Ratner, L. et al., Nature 313, 277 (1985)) in the strain IIIB, wherein the residue corresponding to number 325 in HIV-1 IIIB is substituted by the homologous residue from another clinical isolate or strain. The invention further describes the use of said peptides in pharmaceutical compositions and an immunization protocol which elicits cytotoxic T cells reactive to a broad range of isolates of HIV-1.

Abstract: The instant invention describes the synthesis of short peptides, corresponding to the amino acid residues of the V3 loop of the gp160 envelope glycoprotein of HIV-1 numbered 315 to 329 by Ratner (Ratner, L. et al., Nature 313, 277 (1985)) in the strain IIIB, wherein the residue corresponding to number 325 in HIV-1 IIIB is substituted by the homologous residue from another clinical isolate or strain. The invention further describes the use of said peptides in pharmaceutical compositions and an immunization protocol which elicits cytotoxic T cells reactive to a broad range of isolates of HIV-1.

Abstract: The invention resides in various peptides derived from the envelope glycoprotein of HTLV-1 and conjugates of the peptides. Compositions including the peptides are also included in the invention. The peptides, their conjugates and compositions thereof have use in diagnostic and immunization methods, especially those that are based upon T-helper and/or cytotoxic T lymphocyte function.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptides representing CTL epitopes from the HTLV-I envelope protein. The invention further relates to compositions, comprising the peptides, for priming a T-cell response in a subject. Furthermore, methods for priming a T-cell response by administration of the compositions to a subject and methods for evaluating the T-cell function of a patient are described.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a peptide having the amino acid sequence Glu-Ile-Cys-Thr-Glu-Met-Glu-Lys-Glu-Gly-Lys-Ile-Ser-Lys-Ile-Gly-Pro or portions thereof. This peptide is derived from, or based upon, a region of a relatively conserved epitope of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. The peptide may be utilized in the treatment of patients having human immunodeficiency virus or in the prevention of infection of those individuals who have been exposed to the disease, yet have not become sero-positive. The preparation containing the peptide may be administered either subcutaneously, intramuscularly or intravenously.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for enhancing antibody response to an antigen. A novel step in the process is the preparation of a conjugate of the antigen with an anti-immunoglobulin. The conjugate thus prepared is then administered to a host for in vivo effect or presented to T and B cells in a suitable culture system for in vitro response. The present invention by increasing immunogenicity makes it possible to produce antibodies against very low doses of antigens and otherwise weak or insufficient antigens or synthetic vaccines.

Abstract: This invention relates to the identification of short peptide segments of AIDS virus proteins which elicit T cellular immunity, and to a method of inducing cellular immunity to native proteins of the AIDS virus by immunization with short synthetic peptides. Five potential peptides have been identified by searching for regions which can fold as a maximally amphipathic helix. These may be useful to include in either a synthetic peptide- or recombinant fragment- based vaccine.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptide antigens which stimulate helper T lympocytes which specifically recognize HIV envelope protein, thereby enhancing antibody production and cytotoxic T cells to inhibit expression of an infection caused by HIV virus.

Abstract: A purified peptide which induces proliferation or activation of cytotoxic T cells specifically against circumsporozoite protein of P. falciparum is described. The peptide has an amino acid sequence KPKDELDYENDIEKKICKMEKCS in single letter amino acid code.

Abstract: The circumsporozoite (CS) protein of Plasmodium falciparum has been analyzed to develop a new anti-sporozoite malarial vaccine. Localization of sites for T-cell recognition on this molecule is critical for vaccine design. By using an algorithm designed to predict T-cell sites and a large panel of H-2 congenic mice, a major nonrepetitive T-cell was located. When a synthetic peptide corresponding to this site was covalently linked to the major B-cell site on the molecule, an immunogen capable of eliciting a high titer antibody response was formed. This peptide sequence is capable of priming helper T-cells for a secondary response to the intact CS protein. This site represents the first helper T-cell site described for the CS molecule outside of the repetitive region, and is a major immunodominant T-site on the molecule. The approach described herein is useful in the rational design and construction of more efficacious vaccines.