Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions and methods that can be used for determining the susceptibility of virus to an attachment inhibitor. The present invention also provides methods for predicting whether an infected individual will respond to treatment with an attachment inhibitor, thereby allowing an effective treatment regimen to be designed without subjecting the patient to unnecessary side effects.

Abstract: Recombinant negative-strand viral RNA templates are described which may be used with purified RNA-directed RNA polymerase complex to express heterologous gene products in appropriate host cells and/or to rescue the heterologous gene in virus particles. The RNA templates are prepared by transcription of appropriate DNA sequences with a DNA-directed RNA polymerase. The resulting RNA templates are of the negative-polarity and contain appropriate terminal sequences which enable the viral RNA-synthesizing apparatus to recognize the template. Bicistronic mRNAs can be constructed to permit internal initiation of translation of viral sequences and allow for the expression of foreign protein coding sequences from the regular terminal initiation site, or vice versa.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a series cyclic bicyclic pyrimidinone compounds of Formula I which inhibit HIV integrase and prevent viral integration into human DNA. This action makes the compounds useful for treating HIV infection and AIDS. The invention also encompasses pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating those infected with HIV.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a series cyclic bicyclic pyrimidinone compounds of Formula I which inhibit HIV integrase and prevent viral integration into human DNA. This action makes the compounds useful for treating HIV infection and AIDS. The invention also encompasses pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating those infected with HIV.

Abstract: The invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions and methods for using Compound 1 or Compound 2 in combination with other agents for treating patients with AIDS or HIV infection.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a series cyclic bicyclic pyrimidinone compounds of Formula I which inhibit HIV integrase and prevent viral integration into human DNA. This action makes the compounds useful for treating HIV infection and AIDS. The invention also encompasses pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating those infected with HIV.

Abstract: The present invention concerns antiviral compounds, their compositions, and use in the treatment of viral infections. More particularly, the invention provides benzimidazole derivatives for the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus infection.

Abstract: Novel capped oligonucleotides useful in treatment of influenza infection. A synthetically derived 67-nucleotide RNA substrate, containing a ?.sup.32 P! labeled cap-1 structure was used to analyze parameters of influenza virus endonuclease activity. This substrate was specifically cleaved by the influenza virus polymerase to yield a single capped 11-nucleotide fragment capable of directly priming transcription. An analysis of systematic truncations of this RNA substrate in cleavage, elongation, and binding reactions demonstrated that the minimum chain length required for cleavage was one nucleotide past the cleavage site. In contrast, the minimum chain length required for priming activity was found to be 9 nucleotides, while a chain length of at least 4 nucleotides was required for efficient binding.

Abstract: A modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell, wherein the cell expresses the Influenza virus ion channel protein M.sub.2. Also disclosed is a process for detecting modulators of M.sub.2, which comprises (a) treating such modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells with a test substance, and (b) assessing growth in the presence of a test substance, wherein a change in growth signals that the test substance is an M.sub.2 modulator. M.sub.2 inhibitors are useful anti-viral agents.

Abstract: Recombinant negative strand virus RNA templates which may be used to express heterologous gene products and/or to construct chimeric viruses are described. Influenza viral polymerase, which was prepared depleted of viral RNA, was used to copy small RNA templates prepared from plasmid-encoded sequences. Template constructions containing only the 3' end of genomic RNA were shown to be efficiently copied, indicative that the promoter lay solely within the 15 nucleotide 3' terminus. Sequences not specific for the influenza vital termini were not copied, and, surprisingly, RNAs containing termini identical to those from plus sense cRNA were copied at low levels. The specificity for recognition of the virus-sense promoter was further defined by site-specific mutagenesis. It was also found that increased levels of vital protein were required in order to catalyze both the cap-endonuclease primed and primer-free RNA synthesis from these model templates as well as from genomic length RNAs.

Abstract: Recombinant negative strand virus RNA templates which may be used to express heterologous gene products and/or to construct chimeric viruses are described. Influenza viral polymerase, which was prepared depleted of viral RNA, was used to copy small RNA templates prepared from plasmid-encoded sequences. Template constructions containing only the 3' end of genomic RNA were shown to be efficiently copied, indicative that the promoter lay solely within the 15 nucleotide 3' terminus. Sequences not specific for the influenza viral termini were not copied, and, surprisingly, RNAs containing termini identical to those from plus sense cRNA were copied at low levels. The specificity for recognition of the virus-sense promoter was further defined by site-specific mutagenesis. It was also found that increased levels of viral protein were required in order to catalyze both the cap-endonuclease primed and primer-free RNA synthesis from these model templates as well as from genomic lengths RNAs.