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

Abstract: Nucleic acid fragments derived from the HHV6 virus genome, vectors containing said fragments, and their use in the diagnosis of infections involving this virus.

Abstract: Novel mycoplasmas are described which are prominent in patients who are thought to be suffering from AIDS. Devices are also provided for the in vitro detection of mycoplasmas in biological fluid by means of a reagent which is specific for the mycoplasma group without being specific for particular species within said group. Devices for testing mycoplasma sensitivity to antibiotics are also described.

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 oligo-nucleotidic initiators of implementation of an $i (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: Novel mycoplasmas are described which are prominent in patients who are thought to be suffering from AIDS. Devices are also provided for the in vitro detection of mycoplasmas in a biological fluid by means of a reagent which is specific for the mycoplasma group without being specific for particular species within said group. Devices for testing mycoplasma sensitivity to antibiotics are also described.

Abstract: A viral vector comprising at least a portion of the genome of the HIV virus, a gene encoding gp160 glycoprotein of the envelope of the HIV virus, as well as the elements providing for the expression of the glycoprotein in cells, wherein the gp160 is expressed as a non-cleavable protein.

Abstract: A novel human retrovirus which is the aetiological agent of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), designated lymphadenopathy-associated virus (LAV), was isolated from the lymph nodes of a patient suffering from generalized persistant lymphadenopathy. LAV displays a tropism for CD4.sup.+ lymphocytes, a Mg.sup.2+ -dependent reverse transcriptase (RT) activity, a density of 1.16-1.17 as determined by sucrose gradient centrifugation, a particle diameter of 139 nm, and a p25 antigen that is immunologically distinct from the HTLV-I/II p24 protein. Radioimmunoprecipitation analysis (RIPA) of .sup.35 S-cysteine-labeled viral or cellular lysates employing patient antisera resulted in the identification of a viral antigen having a molecular weight of 110 kDa. Endoglycosidase treatment of this antigen produces a protein with a molecular weight of 90 kDa. Methods are disclosed for the preparation of hybridomas producing LAV gp110-specific monoclonal antibodies (Mabs).

Abstract: The invention relates to a new variety of retroviruses designated Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 2 (HIV-2), samples of which have been deposited at CNCM and having Accession Numbers I-502 and I-532. The invention also concerns purified forms of the antigens which can be obtained from this virus, in particular from the gp36 and gp130-140 envelope glycoproteins. These various antigens are useful in medical diagnosis and kits, in particular by being placed in contact with serum of the patient to be diagnosed. The invention further relates to polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies specific for the antigens of HIV-2, particularly antibodies specific for gp130-140 envelope glycoprotein. Lastly, the invention relates to immunizing compositions, in particular containing at least one of glycoproteins gp36 or gp130-140.

Abstract: A novel lentivirus, designated the human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2.sub.ROD), was isolated from West African patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). 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: 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: The invention relates to new purified antigens of the LAV virus. They have molecular weights of about 135,000 and 150,000 daltons. They are useful for the detection of LAV antibodies in human sera. They are produced by hybrid cell-lines resulting from the fusion of T4 lymphocytes and cells of the MOLT-4 cell line.

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: Nucleic acid fragments derived from the HHV6 virus genome and their use in the diagnosis of infections involving this virus.

Abstract: Cell lines which lack human class II histocompatibility antigens are disclosed. The cell lines may be utilized within a method for propagating microorganisms, such as viruses, for determining the presence and/or amount of antibody to a microorganism in a biological fluid, and within a method for producing antibodies to a selected microorganism.

Abstract: Character 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, gp80 was recognized by all HIV-2 positive sera. A murine polyclonal antibody raised against the purified gp300 recognized all four glycoproteins.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an isolated antibody specific for gp110 glycoprotein of a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), and a hybridoma which produces such an antibody. HIV-1 is the causative agent of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Abstract: Protein compositions containing the p18 and p25 proteins of the lymphadenopathy virus are used for detecting antibodies in blood serum as indicative of infection by such virus. The proteins can be used in various conventional ways to perform immunoassays for the detection of the antibodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new variety of retroviruses designated Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type II, HIV-II, samples of which have been deposited at CNCM as I-502 and I-532. It also concerns purified forms of the antigens which can be obtained from this virus, in particular from the gp 36 and gp 130-140 proteins. These various antigens are useful in medical diagnosis and kits, in particular by being placed in contact with serum of the patient to be diagnosed. Lastly, the invention relates to immunizing compositions, in particular containing at least one of glycoproteins gp 36 and gp 130-140.

Abstract: The glycosylphospholipid nucleoside derivatives of the invention are based on the formula: ##STR1## wherein: R.sub.1 is a nucleoside derivative selected from the group consisting of 3'-azidothymidine (AZT); 2', 3'-dideoxythymidine (ddT); and 2'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (dFU);R.sub.2 is a hexose or pentose sugar, with the exception of glucose when x is 1;A is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl or alkoxy chain containing from 5 to 20 carbon atoms, said alkyl or alkoxy chain having at its extremity a group selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom and an NR'R" group, wherein R' and R" represent hydrogen or an alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms;x is a number from 1 to 12;y is a number from 1 to 4; andz is 0 or 1; and further wherein:attachment of said hexose sugar is at position 1 or position 6 of said hexose sugar, and attachment of said pentose sugar is at position 1 or position 5 of said pentose sugar.

Abstract: Four glycoproteins of apparent molecular weights 300,000, 140,000, 125,000, and 36,000 (gp300, gp140, gp125, and gp36) are detectable in human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) infected cells. The gp125 and gp36 are the external and transmembrane components, respectively, of the envelope glycoproteins of HIV-2 mature virions. The gp300, which is a dimeric form of gp140, the precursor of HIV-2 envelope glycoprotein, is probably formed by a pH dependent fusion in the endoplasmic reticulum. Such a doublet is also observed in cells infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), a virus closely related to HIV-2. On the other hand, the envelope glycoprotein precursor of HIV-1 does not form a dimer during its processing. Experiments carried out with various inhibitors of oligosaccharide trimming enzymes suggest that transient dimerization of the glycoprotein precursor is required for its efficient transport to the Golgi apparatus and for its processing.