Abstract: An anti-apoptotic agent and a composition derived therefrom, and methods to prevent apoptosis in vivo and in vitro are provided. The anti-apoptotic agent comprises R1 subunit of Herpes simplex virus (HSV) ribonucleotide reductase, or its N-terminal portion of about 350 amino acids. HSV-R1 inhibited TNF-&agr; induced apoptosis, and blocked caspase 8 activation induced by TNF-&agr; and Fas-L expression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions involving an improved recombinant transfer vector for introducing a DNA sequence, encoding a recombinant protein, into an adenovirus genome in generating recombinant adenovirus. Recombinant protein production, in cells infected with the recombinant adenovirus, can approach levels as high as 15-20% of total cellular proteins. The improved transfer vector includes an expression cassette comprising sequentially a transcription promoter, a high efficiency leader, at least one splicing signal, an enhancer-like sequence, a cloning site and a plurality of polyadenylation sites.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are antiviral peptides of the formula A-R.sup.8 -R.sup.9 -R.sup.10 -R.sup.11 -R.sup.12 -R.sup.13 -R.sup.14 -R.sup.15 B wherein A is from zero up to seven amino acid residues and includes a terminal hydrogen or a terminal N-acyl, or A is a phenylpropionyl with optional substitution of the para position of the phenyl, R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10, R.sup.13, R.sup.14 and R.sup.15 are various amino acid residues with the stipulation that one or more of the three amino acid residues immediately preceeding R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 are independently Val, D-Val, Nva, D-Nva, Leu, D-Leu, Nle, D-Nle, Ile or D-Ile, and B is hydroxy, amino or lower alkylamino. The antiviral activity of the peptides can be enhanced by combining them with a protease inhibitor. The peptides and the combination are useful for the treatment of herpes viral infections in mammals.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a combination of bacitracin and acyclovir or equivalent derivatives thereof. The combination, as well as bacitracin itself, are useful for treating herpes viral infections.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are antiviral peptides of the formula A-R.sup.8 -R.sup.9 -R.sup.10 -R.sup.11 -R.sup.12 -R.sup.13 -R.sup.14 -R.sup.15 -B wherein A is from zero up to seven amino acid residues and includes a terminal hydrogen or a terminal N-acyl, or A is a phenylacetyl with optional substitution of the para position of the phenyl, R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10, R.sup.13, R.sup.14 and R.sup.15 are various amino acid residues with the stipulation that one or more of the four amino acid residues immediately preceding R.sup.11 may optionally be deleted, R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 are independently Val, D-Val, Nva, D-Nva, Leu, D-Leu, Nle, D-Nle, Ile or D-Ile, and B is hydroxy, amino or lower alkylamino. The antiviral activity of the peptides can be enhanced by combining them with a protease inhibitor. The peptides and the combination are useful for the treatment of herpes viral infections in mammals.