Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for the prevention and treatment of viral infections. The identification of distinct classes of peptides for use in both anti-viral vaccines and therapeutic formulations is reported. Peptide formulations are disclosed which enhance the systemic distribution, activity, and longevity of anti-viral cytotoxic T cells, and/or which protect human cells from HIV infection.

Abstract: This invention discloses diagnostic, preventative, and treatment therapies of AIDS involving determining whether a subject exhibits an HLA-Cw7-restricted CTL response. Some methods are directed to the use of HLA-Cw7 as a genetic marker for long-term non-progression and amenability to treatment therapies. Diagnostic methods include a method for predicting long term non-progression in an HIV-infected subject. Preventative and treatment methods encompass determining whether a subject exhibits or can exhibit an HLA-Cw7-restricted CTL response. They also encompass ways of eliciting such a response, if necessary. Furthermore, some of the methods involve administering one or more HIV polypeptides or peptides, or polynucleotides encoding them, as a treatment therapy to prevent the development of AIDS.

Abstract: This invention discloses diagnostic, preventative, and treatment therapies of AIDS involving determining whether a subject exhibits an HLA-Cw7-restricted CTL response. Some methods are directed to the use of HLA-Cw7 as a genetic marker for long-term non-progression and amenability to treatment therapies. Diagnostic methods include a method for predicting long term non-progression in an HIV-infected subject. Preventative and treatment methods encompass determining whether a subject exhibits or can exhibit an HLA-Cw7-restricted CTL response. They also encompass ways of eliciting such a response, if necessary. Furthermore, some of the methods involve administering one or more HIV polypeptides or peptides, or polynucleotides encoding them, as a treatment therapy to prevent the development of AIDS.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for use in viral binding and inactivation and in protecting cells from viral infection, particularly, for use in protecting target human CD4.sup.+ cells from infection by HIV. Peptides including short sequences from CD4 are identified as being particularly effective at binding to gp120 and inhibiting or reducing HIV infection of human CD4.sup.+ cells by steric hinderance or catalytic inactivation of gp120. The invention thus encompasses improved CD4-based peptide compositions and therapeutic formulations with viral binding and HIV-inhibitory activity.