Abstract: The present invention is directed to ProMac signature genes and methods and kits for using the ProMac signature genes for diagnostic, prognostic, or monitoring ProMac associated diseases.

Abstract: Methods for treating viral infections using polyamine analogs, including mitoguazone (MGBG), are provided. In these methods, polyamine analogs destroy macrophages that act as viral reservoirs, facilitating the destruction of the viruses that dwell within the macrophages. Examples of viral infections that may be treated with the present methods include, but are not limited to, infections from human immunodeficiency viruses. These methods differ from previous methods of treatment using polyamine analogs, wherein the polyamine analogs were administered only as anti-tumor agents.

Abstract: Conformational epitopes of the envelope protein E2 of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) have been identified and characterized using a panel of monoclonal antibodies derived from patients infected with HCV. These conformational epitopes have been determined to be important in the immune response of humans to HCV and may be particularly important in neutralizing the virus. Based on the identification of these conformational epitopes, vaccines containing peptides and mimotopes with these conformational epitopes intact may be prepared and administered to patients to prevent and/or treat HCV infection. The identification of four distinct groups of monoclonal antibodies with each directed to a particular epitope of E2 may be used to stratify patients based on their response to HCV and may be used to determine a proper treatment regimen.

Abstract: Conformational epitopes of the envelope proteins E1 and E2 of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) have been identified and characterized using a panel of monoclonal antibodies derived from patients infected with HCV. These conserved conformational and linear epitopes of the HCV protein E1 or E2 have been determined to be important in the immune response of humans to HCV and may be particularly important in neutralizing the virus. Based on the identification of these conformational epitopes, vaccines containing peptides and mimotopes with these conformational epitopes intact may be prepared and administered to patients to prevent and/or treat HCV infection. The identification of four distinct groups of monoclonal antibodies with each directed to a particular epitope of E1 or E2 may be used to stratify patients based on their response to HCV and may be used to determine a proper treatment regimen.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of monitoring amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disease development or progression and monitoring an ALS therapy in an individual by determining the presence or absence of Herv-K/HML-2 expression in a biological sample from the individual. The invention is also directed to methods for aiding diagnosis of ALS by determining expression of Herv-K/HML-2 in a biological sample from the individual. The invention is also directed to methods of reducing Herv-K/HML-2 expression in infected cells and individuals. The invention includes reagents for use in these methods.

Abstract: Conformational epitopes of the envelope protein E2 of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) have been identified and characterized using a panel of monoclonal antibodies derived from patients infected with HCV. These conformational epitopes have been determined to be important in the immune response of humans to HCV and may be particularly important in neutralizing the virus. Based on the identification of these conformational epitopes, vaccines containing peptides and mimotopes with these conformational epitopes intact may be prepared and administered to patients to prevent and/or treat HCV infection. The identification of four distinct groups of monoclonal antibodies with each directed to a particular epitope of E2 may be used to stratify patients based on their response to HCV and may be used to determine a proper treatment regimen.