Abstract: Utilization of albumin as a stable plasma transporter with a therapeutic function that is derived from a membrane receptor. The present invention is exemplified by the description of new therapeutic agents that can be used in the treatment of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome: hybrid macromolecules composed of albumin derivatives coupled to derivatives of the CD4 receptor having a normal or a higher affinity for the HIV-1 virus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gene therapy for the treatment of tumors. The invention more particularly relates to introduction of a gene encoding an anti-angiogenic factor into cells of a tumor, for example with a defective adenovirus vector, to inhibit growth or metastasis, or both, of the tumor. In a specific embodiment, delivery of a defective adenovirus that expresses the amino terminal fragment of urokinase (ATF) inhibited growth and metastasis of tumors. These effects were correlated with a remarkable inhibition of neovascularization within, and at the immediate vicinity of, the injection site. Delivery of a defective adenovirus vector that expresses kringles 1 to 3 of angiostatin inhibited tumor growth and tumorigenicity, and induced apoptosis of tumor cells. The invention further provides viral vectors for use in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Biologically active polypeptides comprising a therapeutically active polypeptide fused to human serum albumin or a variant thereof, methods for the preparation thereof, nucleotide sequences encoding such fusion polypeptides, expression cassettes comprising such nucleotide sequences, self-replicating plasmids containing such expression cassettes, and pharmaceutical compositions containing said fusion polypeptides.

Abstract: Biologically active polypeptides comprising a therapeutically active polypeptide fused to human serum albumin or a variant thereof, methods for the preparation thereof, nucleotide sequences encoding such fusion polypeptides, expression cassettes comprising such nucleotide sequences, self-replicating plasmids containing such expression cassettes, and pharmaceutical compositions containing said fusion polypeptides.

Abstract: Biologically active polypeptides comprising a therapeutically active polypeptide fused to human serum albumin or a variant thereof, methods for the preparation thereof, nucleotide sequences encoding such fusion polypeptides, expression cassettes comprising such nucleotide sequences, self-replicating plasmids containing such expression cassettes, and pharmaceutical compositions containing said fusion polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gene therapy for the treatment of tumors. The invention more particularly relates to introduction of a gene encoding an anti-angiogenic factor into cells of a tumor, for example with a defective adenovirus vector, to inhibit growth or metastasis, or both, of the tumor. In a specific embodiment, delivery of a defective adenovirus that expresses the amino terminal fragment of urokinase (ATF) inhibited growth and metastasis of tumors. These effects were correlated with a remarkable inhibition of neovascularization within, and at the immediate vicinity of, the injection site. Delivery of a defective adenovirus vector that expresses kringles 1 to 3 of angiostatin inhibited tumor growth and tumorigenicity, and induced apoptosis of tumor cells. The invention further provides viral vectors for use in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention discloses circular and replicating DNA molecules, useful in gene therapy, as well as a particularly efficient method for generating them in situ from a viral vector.

Abstract: Modification of internal sites of the adenovirus fiber protein and hexon protein permit effective targeting of adenovirus vectors. Accessible sites to redirect adenovirus targeting were identified. The HVR5 loop of the hexon protein and the HI loop of the fiber protein (knob) were highly permissive for the insertion of foreign protein sequences, which apparently did not impact on the viability and productivity of corresponding viruses. Accessibility and functionality of the epitope strongly depend on the size of the neighboring spacers. Other results suggest that short targeting peptides can be effectively fused to the C-terminus of the fiber protein. In a specific embodiment, a series of adenovirus vectors modified at the HVR5 site, the fiber protein HI loop, or the fiber protein C-terminus to target urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor bearing cells were prepared. Such vectors are particularly useful for targeting the vasculature, e.g. for gene therapy of cancers or cardiovascular conditions.

Abstract: Novel adenovirus-derived viral vectors, the preparation thereof, and the use thereof in gene therapy, are disclosed.

Abstract: Biologically active polypeptides comprising a therapeutically active polypeptide fused to human serum albumin or a variant thereof, methods for the preparation thereof, nucleotide sequences encoding such fusion polypeptides, expression cassettes comprising such nucleotide sequences, self-replicating plasmids containing such expression cassettes, and pharmaceutical compositions containing said fusion polypeptides.

Abstract: Utilization of albumin as a stable plasma transporter with a therapeutic function that is derived from a membrane receptor. The present invention is exemplified by the description of new therapeutic agents that can be used in the treatment of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome: hybrid macromolecules composed of albumin derivatives coupled to derivatives of the CD4 receptor having a normal or a higher affinity for the HIV-1 virus.

Abstract: A recombinant adenovirus in which the expression of a nucleic acid sequence coding for at least one homologous or heterologous gene of viral origin is placed under the control of an inducible promoter, is disclosed. The use of such recombinant adenoviruses for preparing AAVs, and a complementary cell line and preparation method therefor, are also disclosed. Furthermore, pharmaceutical compositions containing such an adenovirus are disclosed.

Abstract: Biologically active polypeptides comprising a therapeutically active polypeptide fused to human serum albumin or a variant thereof, methods for the preparation thereof, nucleotide sequences encoding such fusion polypeptides, expression cassettes comprising such nucleotide sequences, self-replicating plasmids containing such expression cassettes, and pharmaceutical compositions containing said fusion polypeptides.

Abstract: Biologically active polypeptides comprising a therapeutically active polypeptide fused to human serum albumin or a variant thereof, methods for the preparation thereof, nucleotide sequences encoding such fusion polypeptides, expression cassettes comprising such nucleotide sequences, self-replicating plasmids containing such expression cassettes, and pharmaceutical compositions containing said fusion polypeptides.

Abstract: Biologically active polypeptides comprising a therapeutically active polypeptide fused to human serum albumin or a variant thereof, methods for the preparation thereof, nucleotide sequences encoding such fusion polypeptides, expression cassettes comprising such nucleotide sequences, self-replicating plasmids containing such expression cassettes, and pharmaceutical compositions containing said fusion polypeptides.

Abstract: Biologically active polypeptides comprising a therapeutically active polypeptide fused to human serum albumin or a variant thereof, methods for the preparation thereof, nucleotide sequences encoding such fusion polypeptides, expression cassettes comprising such nucleotide sequences, self-replicating plasmids containing such expression cassettes, and pharmaceutical compositions containing said fusion polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing recombinant virus. This method is based on the use of baculovirus for providing the complementary functions. It also concerns constructs used for implementing this method, the producing cells, and the resulting virus.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods and constructs for producing retroviral particles, in vitro, ex vivo or in vivo. It also concerns the use of said methods and constructs for transferring nucleic acids into cells. More particularly, the invention concerns a composition comprising the whole set of genetic elements required for constituting a retroviral particle, incorporated in one or several recombinant adenoviruses defective for all or part of the regions E1 and E4 at least (adenoviral/retroviral chimeric vectors).

Abstract: Novel adenovirus-derived viral vectors, the preparation thereof, and their use in gene therapy, are disclosed. In particular, recombinant adenoviruses including an adenovirus genome wherein (i) the E1 region is inactivated, (ii) the genomic organization is modified, and (iii) optional recombination with the producing line genome generates non-viable viral particles, are disclosed.

Abstract: Biologically active polypeptides comprising a therapeutically active polypeptide fused to human serum albumin or a variant thereof, methods for the preparation thereof, nucleotide sequences encoding such fusion polypeptides, expression cassettes comprising such nucleotide sequences, self-replicating plasmids containing such expression cassettes, and pharmaceutical compositions containing said fusion polypeptides.