Abstract: A protein is described. The protein comprises a lipid globule targeting sequence linked to a protein of interest (POI) wherein the targeting sequence comprises a hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein or fragment or homologue thereof.

Abstract: A protein is described. The protein comprises a lipid globule targeting sequence linked to a protein of interest (POI) wherein the targeting sequence comprises a hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein or fragment or homologue thereof.

Abstract: A method for identifying a substance for affecting a viral infection is described. The method comprises providing a lipid globule targeting sequence, as a first component; providing a lipid globule, as a second component; contacting the two components with a substance to be tested under conditions that would permit the two components to interact in the absence of the substance; and determining whether the substance disrupts the interaction between the first and second components; where the targeting sequence comprises a hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein or a fragment, derivative, variant or homologue thereof.

Abstract: A protein is described. The protein comprises a lipid globule targeting sequence linked to a protein of interest (POI) wherein the targeting sequence comprises a hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein or fragment or homologue thereof.

Abstract: There is described an antiviral agent capable of disrupting the association of two viral structural proteins required for maturation, replication and infection of herpesviruses. The agents are based upon VP22 and disrupt the normal association of that protein with VP16 and/or gB. Suitable agents are peptides having the amino acid sequences TPRVAGFNKRVFCAAVGRLAAMHARMAAVQLW or ITTIRVTVCEGKNLLQRANE. The agents are suitable for combatting infection of herpesviruses and thus for the treatment of cod sores, genital herpes, chickenpox and shingles. An assay to test for agents able to disrupt VP22/V16 and/or VP22/gB association is also described.

Abstract: In addition to virions, herpesvirus-infected cells produce non-infectious particles, termed L-particles, which consist of tegument surrounded by envelope but lack the nucleocapsid. L-particles of a herpesvirus can be prepared substantially free of infectious virions, e.g. by allowing an appropriate temperature-sensitive mutant to replicate at its non-permissive temperature, and such L-particles are useful as a component of a vaccine against the herpesvirus. They can also be prepared to contain a foreign protein or peptide, by use of a recombinant herpesvirus.

Abstract: Test apparatus for a cathode ray tube has optical elements disposed along two optical paths from the screen of a cathode ray tube to two photosensors. One optical path passes through a graticule which has a pattern of light transmissive and non-transmissive areas. The real image of a luminous spot on the screen is accurately positioned on a boundary between two of the areas of the graticule by deriving a control signal from a comparison of the photosensor outputs.