Abstract: Immunological reagents obtained from multimeric forms of the HIV-2 and SIV envelope glycoproteins and their use in the detection of HIV-2 are disclosed. Particularly, the HIV-2 proteins, gp300, p200, p90, and p80, and gp300 of SIV are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides encoded by a nucleotide sequence from an HIV-1, HIV-2, or SIV viral genome, in which the nucleotide sequence is amplified from the viral genome using a pair of primers that contain sequences that are conserved between different HIV and SIV strains. The primers are insensitive to variations in the genomes of different HIV and SIV isolates and, therefore, can be used to amplify nucleotide sequences from HIV-1, HIV-2, and SIV strains. The invention also relates to antibodies directed against these polypeptides and methods and kits for diagnosing viral infection.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward polypeptides derived from novel lentiviruses. A novel lentivirus, designated the human immunodeficiency virus type 2, was isolated from West African patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Several isolates were obtained and designated HIV-2.sub.ROD, HIV-2.sub.IRMO, and HIV-2.sub.EHO. A recombinant lambda phage library was constructed from HIV-2.sub.ROD -infected CEM genomic DNA. Overlapping molecular clones were obtained and the nucleotide sequence of the complete 9.5-kilobase (kb) HIV-2.sub.ROD genome ascertained. The genetic organization of HIV-2 is analogous to that of other retroviruses and consists of the 5'LTR-gag-pol-central region-env-nef-3'LTR. The central region also encodes for the regulatory proteins Tat and Rev, as well as the ancillary proteins Vif, Vpr, and Vpx. The proteins encoded by this proviral clone will provide novel immunologic, biochemic, and diagnostic reagents useful for the detection of HIV-2.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a composition comprising one or more human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) envelope proteins and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The proteins of the claimed invention are gp300, p200 and p90/80 of HIV-2. The composition is useful for the diagnostic assay of HIV-2 and as an antigen for the production of antibodies, for example.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an HIV-2 (LAV-II) infection and a kit containing reagents for the same is disclosed. These reagents include cDNA probes which are capable of hybridizing to at least a portion of the genome of HIV-2. In the embodiment, the DNA probes are capable of hybridizing to the entire genome of HIV-2. These reagents also include polypeptides encoded by some of these DNA sequences.

Abstract: The molecular cloning and characterization of a novel human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2), designated HIV-2.sub.ROD, is described. A recombinant .lambda. phage genomic library was screened with an HIV-2-specific probe to identify overlapping subgenomic clones. Fragments of these .lambda. phage clones were subcloned into a suitable vector to reconstitute the complete HIV-2.sub.ROD genome. The complete nucleotide sequence of this proviral clone was ascertained and the following genes and gene products identified: gag (including p16, p26, and p12), pol, vif, vpr, vpx, env, tat, rev, and nef. These gene products will be useful, inter alia, in in vitro diagnostic methods and kits for the detection of HIV-2-specific antisera.

Abstract: Methods for producing the newly discovered HIV-2 retrovirus and its antigens are provided. The antigens are obtained from various HIV-2 retroviruses. The antigen compositions comprise a lysate of an HIV-2 retrovirus, a protein of an HIV-2 retrovirus, or a glycoprotein of an HIV-2 retrovirus. Specifically, the antigen composition can comprise p12, p16, p26, gp32, gp42, and gp140.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an HIV-2 (LAV-II) infection and a kit containing reagents for the same is disclosed. These reagents include cDNA probes which are capable of hybridizing to at least a portion of the genome of HIV-2. In one embodiment, the DNA probes are capable of hybridizing to the entire genome of HIV-2. These reagents also include polypeptides encoded by some of these DNA sequences.

Abstract: This invention discloses the identification and characterization of a novel human retrovirus, originally designated lymphadenopathy-associated virus type II, or LAV-II, and subsequently redesignated the human immunodeficiency virus type 2, or HIV-2. This virus was isolated from West African AIDS patients and propagated on immortalized lymphocytic cell lines or donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Immunological and nucleic acid hybridization studies demonstrated that HIV-2 differs significantly from HIV-1, the aetiological agent of AIDS. Additional biochemical characterization identified viral antigens having molecular weights of 16, 26, 36, and 130-140 kDa, as determined by SDS-PAGE. These proteins were subsequently designated p16, p26, gp36, and gp130-140, respectively. These antigens can be employed, inter alia, in the generation of both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, which should prove useful in diagnostic and viral antigen purification applications.

Abstract: A variant of a LAV virus, designated LAV.sub.ELI and capable of causing. AIDS. The cDNA and antigens of the LAV.sub.ELI virus can be used for the diagnosis of AIDS and pre-AIDS.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an HIV-2 (LAV-II) infection and a kit containing reagents for the same is disclosed. These reagents include cDNA probes which are capable of hybridizing to at least a portion of the genome of HIV-2. In one embodiment, the DNA probes are capable of hybridizing to the entire genome of HIV-2. These reagents also include polypeptides encoded by some of these DNA sequences.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an HIV-2 (LAV-II) infection and a kit containing reagents for the same is disclosed. These reagents include cDNA probes which are capable of hybridizing to at least a portion of the genome of HIV-2. In one embodiment, the DNA probes are capable of hybridizing to the entire genome of HIV-2. These reagents also include polypeptides encoded by some of these DNA sequences.

Abstract: This invention is directed to nucleic acids derived from the pol region of the genome of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). The nucleic acids are useful as probes for the detection of HIV-1. More particularly, this invention is directed to nucleic acids encoding a pol region of HIV-1 extending from about nucleotide 1856 to about 1906 and extending from about nucleotide 2048 to about nucleotide 2797.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new class of retroviruses, designated by HIV-2, of which samples have been deposited to the ECACC under numbers 87.01.1001 and 87.01.1002 and to the NCIB under numbers 12.398 and 12.399.It relates also to antigens capable to be obtained from this virus, particularly proteins p12, p16, p26 and gp140. These various antigens can be used for the diagnosis of the disease, especially by contacting these antigens with a serum of a patient submitted to the diagnosis.It relates to immunogenic compositions containing more particularly the glycoprotein gp140. Finally it concerns nucleotidic sequences, which can be used especially as hybridization probes, derived from the RNA of HIV-2.

Abstract: An HIV isolate, LAV.sub.MAL, has been purified, sequenced, and characterized at the genetic level. The entire nucleic acid sequence of the viral genome, the encoded amino acid sequences, and the open reading frames found in the genome are disclosed. Specific peptides relating to the envelope glycoprotein of the viral genome are discussed. These peptides can be used in diagnostic methods and kits for detecting the presence of an HIV virus.

Abstract: Characterization of the envelope transmembrane protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) was carried out using murine polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies or patient sera specific for HIV-2 proteins. A 80-Mr glycoprotein (gp80) was produced in HIV-2 infected cells along with three other glycoproteins that were recently reported: the extracellular glycoprotein (gp125), the envelope glycoprotein precursor (gp140), and the transient dimeric form of gp140 (gp300). The gp125 and gp80 were detectable after the synthesis of gp140 and the formation of gp300. Among these four glycoproteins, only gp80 and gp125 were associated with HIV-2 virions. As the other glycoproteins, gp8O was recognized by all HIV-2 positive sera. A murine polyclonal antibody raised against the purified gp300 recognized all four glycoproteins.

Abstract: This invention relates to an immunogenic composition comprising a viral vector. The genome of the viral vector comprises a functional origin of replication of a poxvirus, a DNA fragment encoding a non-cleavable gp160, a DNA fragment encoding a signal peptide, and a promoter for expressing DNA fragments in mammalian cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleotidic sequences derived from genomes of the HIV-1 type virus, or from genomes of the HIV-2 type virus, or of the SIV type virus, and their applications, especially as oligonucleotidic initiators of implementation of an (in vitro) method for the diagnosis of the infection of an individual by a virus of the HIV-1 and/or HIV-2 type.

Abstract: A novel human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) isolate, designated lymphadenopathy-associated virus strain MAL, or LAV.sub.MAL, was molecularly cloned and characterized. Nucleotide sequence analysis demonstrated that the viral genome of LAV.sub.MAL is 9229 nucleotides long. This retrovirus contains the canonical gag, pol, and env genes, as well as ancillary genes encoding Vif (or Q), Vpr (or R), Tat (or S), and Nef (or F). This virus differs significantly, at both the nucleotide and amino acid sequence levels, from prototypical HIV isolates (e.g., HTLV-III, LAV.sub.BRU, and ARV). DNA fragments corresponding to the various gene products and regulatory regions are disclosed. These fragments are useful, inter alia, as probes in diagnostic assays and for the generation of recombinant proteins.

Abstract: The inventors disclose nucleic acids of HIV-2 encoding the entire envelope glycoprotein and peptide regions thereof. Also described are purified and cloned nucleic acids having the entire HIV-2 genome. The nucleic acids can be used to produce polypeptides corresponding to the HIV-2 envelope gene or peptides from specific regions of the HIV-2 envelope gene. Uses in hybridization assays are also disclosed.