Abstract: Retroviral vector particles having an RNA genome carrying sequences which provide in the DNA provirus at least one selected gene located within an intron in a transcription unit of the provirus, which transcription unit further comprises a polynucleotide response element responsive to a nucleus to cytoplasm transport factor such as HIV Rev. Expression of the selected genes is thus rendered Rev-dependent and so is dependent upon the presence of HIV.

Abstract: The use of an ScFv Ab (ScFv Ab) capable of recognising a disease associated molecule (DAM) in the manufacture of a medicament for the prevention and/or treatment of a disease condition associated with a DAM is described. The ScFv Ab has therapeutic, diagnostic and prognostic applications.

Abstract: A vector capable of transducing non-dividing and/or slowly dividing cells is provided, wherein the vector is a lentiviral LTR-deleted vector. Also provided is a method for producing a protein of interest in a non-dividing or slowly dividing cell by transducing the cell with a lentiviral LTR-deleted vector and expressing the protein of interest in the cell. In addition, target cells containing the lentiviral LTR-deleted vector are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a viral vector containing a nucleic acid sequence encoding erythropoietin (Epo), in operable linkage with an HRE expression control sequence, as well as uses of the vector; for instance, in preparing a medicament. Also provided are methods for treating anemia, can involve administering the vector to a patient, wherein expression of Epo is physiologically regulated such that hematocrit levels of the patient are corrected and maintained.

Abstract: There is provided an MHC class I peptide epitope from 5T4 antigen. In particular, there is provided a peptide epitope of 5T4 which comprises one of the following: (i) the amino acid sequence shown as SEQ ID No.2; (ii) the minimal epitope from the amino acid sequence shown as SEQ ID No.3; (iii) the minimal epitope from the amino acid sequence shown as SEQ ID No.4. (iv) the minimal epitope from the amino acid sequence shown as SEQ ID No. 5. (v) the minimal epitope from the amino acid sequence shown as SEQ ID No.6. (vi) the minimal epitope from the amino acid sequence shown as SEQ ID No.7. There is also provided a vaccine comprising such a peptide (or precursor thereof) and its use to treat and/or prevent a disease, in particular a cancerous disease.

Abstract: There is provided an MHC class II peptide epitope from 5T4 antigen. In particular, there is provided a peptide epitope of 5T4 which comprises one of the following: (i) the minimal epitope from the amino acid sequence shown as SEQ ID No. 2; (ii) the minimal epitope from the amino acid sequence shown as SEQ ID No. 3; (iii) a minimal epitope from the region 281-420 of 5T4. There is also provided a vaccine comprising such a peptide (or precursor thereof) and its use to treat and/or prevent a disease, in particular a cancerous disease.

Abstract: Provided is the use of a viral vector system to transduce/infect a target adipose tissue site. Also provided is a method of treating and/or preventing a disease in a subject and use of a viral vector system in the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition to transduce/infect a target adipose tissue site wherein the disease is associated with a derangement in the metabolism of adipose tissue.

Abstract: Provided is a multicistronic retroviral vector genome having a first nucleic acid sequence upstream of at least one internal regulatory element, such that the level of genomic RNA available for packaging in the absence of rev, or a functional equivalent thereof, is increased.

Abstract: A vector comprising a nucleotide sequence of interest (“NOI”) encoding a product of interest (“POI”) is described. The NOI and/or the POI is capable of recognizing a tumor, such that in use of the vector is capable of delivering the NOI and/or the POI to the tumor.

Abstract: A retroviral vector is described. The retroviral vector comprises a functional splice donor site and a functional splice acceptor site; wherein the functional splice donor site and the functional splice acceptor site flank a first nucleotide sequence of interest (“NOI”); wherein the functional splice donor site is upstream of the functional splice acceptor site; wherein the retroviral vector is derived from a retroviral pro-vector; wherein the retroviral pro-vector comprises a first nucleotide sequence (“NS”) capable of yielding the functional splice donor site and a second NS capable of yielding the functional splice acceptor site; wherein the first NS is downstream of the second NS; such that the retroviral vector is formed as a result of reverse transcription of the retroviral pro-vector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vector system comprising a mutated post-transcriptional regulatory element. In particular, the present invention relates to a mutated WPRE sequence that can efficiently express nucleotides of interest in a retroviral vector system. The present invention also relates to methods of delivering and expressing nucleotides of interest to a target cell.

Abstract: Provided is a method for treating and/or preventing pain, in which a vector system is administered such that an EOI is delivered to a DRG of the subject. Also provided is a method for delivering an EOI to the spinal cord using such a vector system. Further provided is a method for identifying and/or validating an EOI by delivering a test EOI to target cell; analyzing the effect of the EOI on the target cell; and selecting an EOI with therapeutic potential. An EOI identified or validated by such a method, useful in the prevention and/or treatment of pain, is thereby provided as well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retroviral vector system comprising a therapeutic gene wherein said retroviral vector system is pseudotyped with at least part of a heterologous envelope protein or a mutant, variant or homologue thereof and wherein said therapeutic gene is downstream of an internal promoter.