Abstract: Compounds of the formula: X-Ser-Asp-Ala-Ala-Val-Asp-Thr-Ser-  (I) Ser-Glu-Ile-Thr-Thr-Lys-Asp-Leu-Z wherein X is an acetyl or pyroglutamyl group and Z is —NH2, -Lys-Glu-Lys-Lys-Glu-Val-Val-Glu-Glu-Ala-Glu-Asn-Pro-NH2, -Lys-Glu-Lys-Lys-Glu-Val-Val-Glu-Glu-Ala-Glu-Asn-Gly-NH2, or -Lys-Glu-Lys-Lys-Glu-Val-Val-Glu-Glu-Ala-Glu-Asn with the proviso that when X is a pyroglutamyl group, Z is -Lys-Glu-Lys-Lys-Glu-Val-Val-Glu-Glu-Ala-Glu-Asn, and when X is an acetyl group, Z is other than -Lys-Glu-Lys-Lys-Glu-Val-Val-Glu-Glu-Ala-Glu-Asn and methods for the production thereof. The compounds are thymosin &agr;1-related compounds having uses including treatment of endotoxicity in animals.

Abstract: A peptide of up to about 40 amino acids including the core sequence inclusive of amino acids at positions 92-109 of the p17 gag core protein of HIV-1, such as, Ile-Y.sub.1 -Y.sub.2 -Lys-Asp-Thr-Lys-Glu-Ala-Leu-Y.sub.3 -Lys-Ile-Glu-Glu-Glu-Gln-AsnwhereinY.sub.1 is Asp or Glu,Y.sub.2 is Val or Ile, andY.sub.3 is Glu or Asp,is effective in inhibiting replication of the HIV virus and provides the basis for a vaccine for treatment or prevention of AIDS.

Abstract: Vaccines effective in the inhibition of infection caused by the family of retroviruses, HTLV-III, Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus, LAV, Lymphadenopathy-associated virus, ARV-2, AIDS-Related Virus, (AIDS and AIDS-Related Complex) have been developed from an antisera prepared against thymosin .alpha..sub.1 (T.alpha..sub.1), a thymic hormone, as well as from antisera to synthetic peptide fragments of T.alpha..sub.1 and antisera to synthetic peptide fragments inclusive of amino acid positions 92-109 of the p17 gag core protein of HTLV-III, LAV and ARV-2. In this 18 amino acid primary sequence there is a 44 to 50% homology between the gag protein and T.alpha..sub.1. Immunoglobulin (IgG)-enriched preparations of the T.alpha..sub.1 antisera have enhanced activity in blocking vital replication. A diagnostic test capable of directly detecting the presence of HTLV-III, LAV, ARV-2 and related retroviruses associated with AIDS and ARC is also described.

Abstract: A compound of the formulaR.sub.1 -X-R.sub.2 -Y (I)wherein X is Ser-Asp-Ala-Ala-Val-Asp-Thr-Ser-Ser-Glu-Ile-Thr-Thr-Lys-Asp-Leu-Lys-Glu-Ly s-Lys-Glu-Val-Val-Glu-Glu-Ala-Glu, or a biologically active derivative or fragment thereof; R.sub.1 is Ac or Z, wherein Ac is an acetyl group and Z is ##STR1## wherein Ac and X and are defined above; R.sub.2 is Asn or Asp; R.sub.3 is Asn or Asp; Y is --OH or --NH.sub.2 ; with the proviso that when R.sub.1 is Ac and R.sub.2 is Asn, Y is -NH.sub.2. The invention also applies to novel intermediates and precursors of compounds of formula (I) above.

Abstract: Vaccines effective in the inhibition of infection caused by the family of retroviruses, HTLV-III, Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus, LAV, Lymphadenopathy-associated virus, ARV-2, AIDS-Related Virus, (AIDS and AIDS-Related Complex) have been developed from an antisera prepared against thymosin .alpha..sub.1 (T.alpha..sub.1), a thymic hormone, as well as from antisera to synthetic peptide fragments of T.alpha..sub.1 and antisera to synthetic peptide inclusive of amino acid positions 92-109 of the p17 gag core protein of HTLV-III, LAV and ARV-2. In this 18 amino acid primary sequence that is a 44 to 50% homology between the gag protein and T.alpha..sub.1. Immunoglobulin (IgG)- enriched preparations of the T.alpha..sub.1 antisera have enhanced activity in blocking viral replication. A diagnostic test capable of directly detecting the presence of HTLV-III, LAV, ARV-2 and related retroviruses associated with AIDS and ARC is also described.

Abstract: An improved radioimmunoassay for the polypeptidic thymic hormone thymosin.alpha..sub.1 is described. The assay employs a radiolabelled [Tyr.sup.1 ]-thymosin.alpha..sub.1 or [Tyr.sup.1 ]-desacetylthymosin.alpha..sub.1 as probe and an affinity purified thymosin.alpha..sub.1 antibody of improved selectivity.

Abstract: Thymosin .alpha..sub.1, was chemically synthesized by the fragment condensation of the protected amino terminal tetradecapeptide with the protected carboxyl terminal tetradecapeptide and by solid phase peptide synthesis. Thymosin .alpha..sub.1 is active as an agent which affects regulation, differentiation and function of thymus dependent lymphocytes (T cells).

Abstract: Thymosin .alpha..sub.1, was chemically synthesized by the fragment condensation of the protected amino terminal tetradecapeptide with the protected carboxyl terminal tetradecapeptide. Similarly prepared was the analog [Asn.sup.2 ]-thymosin .alpha..sub.1 utilizing the appropriately modified protected amino terminal tetradecapeptide. Both products are active as agents which affect regulation, differentiation and function of thymus dependent lymphocytes (T cells).

Abstract: Human .beta.-endorphin (.beta..sub.h -endorphin) is prepared by solution phase peptide synthesis. Synthesis proceeded via the protected .beta.-endorphin fragments 1-9, 10-18, 19-21 and 22-31.

Abstract: The amino acid sequence of a biologically active polypeptide hormone isolated from calf thymus termed thymosin .alpha..sub.1 has been determined. Thymosin .alpha..sub.1 is a heat stable acidic molecule composed of 28 amino acid residues. This peptide is one of several present in thymosin fraction 5 which participate in the regulation, differentiation and function of thymic dependent lymphocytes (T cells).