Abstract: The invention is concerned with compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, screening methods, and therapeutic methods for preventing or reducing a human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection and/or propagation associated with dendritic cell immunoreceptor (DCIR). Described herein are compounds which bind on at least one three-dimensional cavity of the DCIR, the cavity(ies) being involved in the interaction between HIV-1 and DCIR. Also described are screening methods for identifying active inhibitors and method of using such inhibitors for the prevention or treatment of virus infections, and more particularly for reducing human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) binding, entry and/or replication in human cells.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with methods, compounds and pharmaceutical compositions for interfering dendritic cell immunoreceptor (DCIR) activity and signalling events. Described herein are compounds useful in targeting one or more of intracellular modulators and the uses thereof for the prevention or treatment of virus infections, and more particularly for reducing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) binding, entry and/or replication in human cells. Exemplary compounds include peptides and antisense molecules.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, screening methods, and therapeutic methods for preventing or reducing a human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection and/or propagation associated with dendritic cell immunoreceptor (DCIR). Described herein are compounds which bind on at least one three-dimensional cavity of the DCIR, the cavity(ies) being involved in the interaction between HIV-1 and DCIR. Also described are screening methods for identifying active inhibitors and method of using such inhibitors for the prevention or treatment of virus infections, and more particularly for reducing human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) binding, entry and/or replication in human cells.

Abstract: A cell surface molecule designated DCIR (for dendritic cells ImmunoReceptor), a member of a recently described family of DC-expressing C-type lectin receptors, has been shown to participate to the capture of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and promote infection in trans and in cis of autologous CD4(+) T cells from human immature monocyte-derived DC. The contribution of DCIR to these processes was revealed using DCIR-specific siRNAs and a polyclonal antibody specific for the carbohydrate recognition domain of DCIR. Therapeutic agents for HIV infection are therefore provided herein. These therapeutic agents are useful for impairing the interaction between DCIR and HIV and as such may be useful for treatment or prevention of HIV infection. Also provided are assays for identifying additional therapeutics agents for treatment or prevention HIV infection.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with methods, compounds and pharmaceutical compositions for interfering dendritic cell immunoreceptor (DCIR) activity and signalling events. Described herein are compounds useful in targeting one or more of intracellular modulators and the uses thereof for the prevention or treatment of virus infections, and more particularly for reducing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) binding, entry and/or replication in human cells. Exemplary compounds include peptides and antisense molecules.

Abstract: A cell surface molecule designated DCIR (for dendritic cells ImmunoReceptor), a member of a recently described family of DC-expressing C-type lectin receptors, has been shown to participate to the capture of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and promote infection in trans and in cis of autologous CD4(+) T cells from human immature monocyte-derived DC. The contribution of DCIR to these processes was revealed using DCIR-specific siRNAs and a polyclonal antibody specific for the carbohydrate recognition domain of DCIR. Therapeutic agents for HIV infection are therefore provided herein. These therapeutic agents are useful for impairing the interaction between DCIR and HIV and as such may be useful for treatment or prevention of HIV infection. Also provided are assays for identifying additional therapeutics agents for treatment or prevention HIV infection.

Abstract: A cell surface molecule designated DCIR (for dendritic cells ImmunoReceptor), a member of a recently described family of DC-expressing C-type lectin receptors, has been shown to participate to the capture of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and promote infection in trans and in cis of autologous CD4(+) T cells from human immature monocyte-derived DC. The contribution of DCIR to these processes was revealed using DCIR-specific siRNAs and a polyclonal antibody specific for the carbohydrate recognition domain of DCIR. Therapeutic agents for HIV infection are therefore provided herein. These therapeutic agents are useful for impairing the interaction between DCIR and HIV and as such may be useful for treatment or prevention of HIV infection. Also provided are assays for identifying additional therapeutics agents for treatment or prevention HIV infection.

Abstract: A formulation is disclosed for the treatment of diseases caused by an infectious agent which acquires host membranes protein during its life cycle. The formulation is a targeting pharmaceutical composition. It comprises a ligand capable of binding the host membrane proteins coupled to a lipid-comprising vesicle, which may comprise or not a drug effective in the treatment of the disease. Specific liposomes bearing anti-HLA-DR or anti-CD4 antibodies comprising or not antiviral drugs, namely anti-HIV drugs, are disclosed and claimed. A method of formulation as well as a method of using the formulation in the treatment of a disease are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a shelter foldable between an open, operative position and a closed, storage or carrying position. The shelter comprises first and second elongated planar side sections, each formed from elongated rear and front members; and cross members extending between and secured to the rear and front members of each side section to rigidify each side section. A collapsible cross brace structure pivotably and slidably secured to the rear members joins the planar side sections and permits them to be moved between closed position adjacent each other and open position spaced from each other. The shelter also comprises a bench secured to one of the cross members and pivotable therewith between a storage position parallel to its corresponding side section when the shelter is in closed position, and a seating position extending over to and supported on a corresponding cross member on the other side section when the shelter is in open position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the treatment of a viral infection in a patient by administration of a bis-peroxovanadium (bpV) compound, a potent class of phosphotyrosyl phosphatase inhibitors. The method can be utilized for the treatment of patients suffering from infections caused by viruses, such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The bpV compound may be used in combination with various immunomodulators and/or antiviral agents, in particular, 3TC of which it promotes the phosphorylation into the triphosphate form.