Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide and the use of the nucleic acid or polypeptide in preventing and/or treating cancer. In particular, the invention relates to improved vectors for the insertion and expression of foreign genes encoding tumor antigens for use in immunotherapeutic treatment of cancer.

Abstract: A vector for eliciting an immune response to a host comprising a gene encoding the gp140 protein of the primary isolate of HIV-1, BX08, under the control of a promotor for expression of the protein in the host, specifically plasmids pCMV.gp140.BX08, pMP83, pMP84 and pMP88. Murine and human MHC class 1-restricted binding motifs contained in BX08 are identified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide and the use of the nucleic acid or polypeptide in preventing and/or treating cancer. The invention relates to improved vectors for the insertion and expression of foreign genes encoding tumor antigens for use in immunotherapeutic treatment of cancer. One such foreign DNA sequence is modified CEA nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, polypeptides, and nucleic acids and the use of the peptide, polypeptide or nucleic acid in preventing and/or treating cancer. In particular, the invention relates to peptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding such peptides for use in diagnosing, treating, or preventing melanoma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide and the use of the nucleic acid or polypeptide in preventing and/or treating cancer. In particular, the invention relates to improved vectors for the insertion and expression of foreign genes encoding tumor antigens for use in immunotherapeutic treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for enhancing an immune response to an antigen in a host are provided. Immunogenic composition comprising an antigen and an amount of purified M protein from respiratory syncytial virus are provided in a pre-selected amount to provide an enhanced immune response to said antigen in a host having a pre-existing respiratory syncytial virus M-specific immune response. The antigen can be an antigen from Respiratory syncytial virus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide and the use of the nucleic acid or polypeptide in preventing and/or treating cancer. In particular, the invention relates to improved vectors for the insertion and expression of foreign genes encoding tumor antigens for use in immunotherapeutic treatment of cancer.

Abstract: An immunogenic composition which may be formulated for protection of a host against disease caused by infection by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is provided. The immunogenic preparation comprises at least one protein of RSV or at least one immunogenic fragment of the at least one protein and is not adjuvanted. The at least one RSV protein may be the F, G or M protein from a RSV A or RSV B strain. The compositions may be stabilized for storage. Methods of immunization using the immunogenic preparations are also provided.

Abstract: In summary of this disclosure, the present invention provides certain novel alphavirus derived DNA vectors containing genes encoding RSV F or RSV G proteins, or other paramyxovirus proteins, methods of immunization using such vectors and methods of diagnosis using such vectors. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.

Abstract: A DNA vector comprises a first DNA sequence which is complementary to at least part of an alphavirus RNA genome and having the complement of complete alphavirus DNA genome replication regions, and a second DNA sequence encoding a paramyxovirus protein, particularly a respiratory syncytial virus fusion (RSV F) protein or a RSV F protein fragment that generates antibodies that specifically react with RSV F protein, the first and second DNA sequences being under the transcriptional control of a promoter, preferably a cytomegalovirus promoter, which may include Intron A. Such vectors also contain a further nucleotide sequence located between the promoter sequence and the alphavirus sequence to enhance the immunoprotective ability of the RSV F protein when expressed in vivo.

Abstract: A vector comprising a first DNA sequence which is complementary to at least part of an alphavirus RNA genome and having the complement of complete alphavirus DNA genome replication regions, a second DNA sequence encoding a paramyxovirus protein, particularly a respiratory syncytial virus fusion (RSV F) protein or a RSV F protein fragment that generates antibodies that specifically react with RSV F protein, the first and second DNA sequences being under the transcriptional control of a promoter is described. Such vector may be used to produce an RNA transcript which may be used to immunize a host, including a human host, to protect the host against disease caused by paramyxovirus, particularly respiratory syncytial virus, by administration to the host. The RNA transcript may be formed by linearization of the vector through cleavage at a unique restriction site in a plasmid vector and then transcribing the linear molecule.

Abstract: A vector comprising a first DNA sequence which is complementary to at least part of an alphavirus RNA genome and having the complement of complete alphavirus DNA genome replication regions, a second DNA sequence encoding a paramyxovirus protein, particularly a respiratory syncytial virus fusion (RSV F) protein or a RSV F protein fragment that generates antibodies that specifically react with RSV F protein, the first and second DNA sequences being under the transcriptional control of a promoter is described. Such vector may be used to produce an RNA transcript which may be used to immunize a host, including a human host, to protect the host against disease caused by paramyxovirus, particularly respiratory syncytial virus, by administration to the host.