Abstract: The present invention provides multi-antigenic constructs comprising one or more carbohydrate antigens having the formula: wherein R1, R2A, R2B, R3, R4, W1, W2 and W3 are as defined herein; and additionally provides compositions thereof, and methods for their use in the treatment and/or prevention of HIV infection, and methods for inducing HIV-specific antibodies in a subject, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof, an effective amount of any of the inventive compounds as disclosed herein, either in conjugated form or unconjugated and in combination with a suitable immunogenic carrier. In another aspect, the invention provides an antibody or antibody fragment which binds specifically to a gp120 glycan or glycopeptide of the invention.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel nucleic sequence and deduced protein sequence family with whole or partial human endogenous retroviral motifs. The invention also concerns the detection and/or the use of said nucleic sequences and said corresponding protein sequences or fragments of said sequences, for diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic uses, in particular for neuropathological conditions with autoimmune constituent such as multiple sclerosis. Said purified nucleic acid sequences comprise all or part of a sequence coding for a human endogenous retroviral sequence having at least eny-type retroviral motifs, corresponding to the sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 or to a sequence having a homology level with said sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 not less than 80% of more than 190 nucleotides or not less than 70% on more than 600 nucleotides for env-type domains. The invention further concerns the use of the flanking or adjacent sequence of said sequences and controlled by the latter, as diagnostic reagents.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method to determine the immune status of an animal that includes the steps of (a) contacting a biological specimen of the animal with a recombinant infectious agent antigen that is specific for detecting an antibody selective for that infectious agent, under conditions suitable for formation of a complex between the recombinant antigen and the antibody and (b) detecting the presence or absence of the complex, wherein presence or absence of a complex is indicative of the immune status of the animal. Preferably such a method indicates whether the animal should be vaccinated. The present invention also includes an assay comprising (a) a recombinant infectious agent antigen that is specific for detecting an antibody selective for that infectious agent; and (b) a means to detect an antibody that selectively binds to the recombinant antigen.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification and the selection of CTL epitopes able to induce a protection against an HIV infection. More particularly, the invention is concerned with peptides and nucleic acid sequence coding for these peptides derived from HIV-1 proteins such as GAG, POL, ENV, VIF, TAT, VPU, REV and their applications. Preferably the immunogenic peptides are selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1 to 18 and functional derivatives thereof. The invention also relates to antibodies directed against said peptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of obtaining recombinant lambdoid bacteriophage with high density display of functional peptides and proteins on surface of said phage comprising of: constructing a donor plasmid having a nucleotide sequence that defines the elements for replication of the vector in bacteria, a selectable marker, a nucleotide sequence flanked by two non-compatible recombination sequences, and an inducible cistron for expression of a capsid protein and a fusion protein; constructing a recipient phage having a nucleotide sequence that defines the lambdoid elements for replication and packaging of the vector into an assembled bacteriophage and encodes an inducible cistron for expression of a selectable marker flanked by two non-compatible recombination sequences; transferring the said donor plasmid to said recipient plasmid to obtain cointegrates; growing said cointegrates in selective liquid medium; harvesting phages displaying protein encoded by the foreign DNA encapsulated in said ha

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated HERV polypeptides; and compositions, including immunogenic compositions, comprising a HERV polypeptide. The present invention provides immunogenic compositions comprising a nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a HERV polypeptide. The immunogenic compositions are useful for stimulating a T cell immune response to a lentiviral peptide. The present invention further provides methods of stimulating an immune response in an individual to a retrovirus- or lentivirus-infected cell. The present invention further provides methods of treating cancers in which HERV polypeptides are expressed. Also provided are methods of treating disorders, involving decreasing an immune response to a HERV polypeptide.

Abstract: A method and device for determining a feline immunodeficiency virus infection or vaccination in an animal. The method includes contacting a biological sample from a felid with various FIV polypeptides and determining the binding of antibodies in the sample to the polypeptides. The determination of whether an animal is infected with FIV or has been vaccinated against FIV can be determined by measuring the animal's immune response to an FIV env polypeptide. A device for detecting FIV antibodies is provided.

Abstract: A method and device for determining a feline immunodeficiency virus infection or vaccination in an animal. The method includes contacting a biological sample from a felid with various FIV polypeptides and determining the binding of antibodies in the sample to the polypeptides. The determination of whether an animal is infected with FIV or has been vaccinated against FIV can be determined by measuring the animal's immune response to an FIV env polypeptide. A device for detecting FIV antibodies is provided.

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: FIV gag polypeptides and a method and device for determining a feline immunodeficiency virus infection in an animal. The method includes contacting a biological sample from a felid with the FIV polypeptides and determining the binding of antibodies in the sample to the polypeptides. A device for detecting FIV antibodies is provided.

Abstract: A method and device for determining a feline immunodeficiency virus infection or vaccination in an animal. The method includes contacting a biological sample from a felid with various FIV polypeptides and determining the binding of antibodies in the sample to the polypeptides. The determination of whether an animal is infected with FIV or has been vaccinated against FIV can be determined by measuring the animal's immune response to an FIV env polypeptide. A device for detecting FIV antibodies is provided.

Abstract: A method and device for determining a feline immunodeficiency virus infection or vaccination in an animal. The method includes contacting a biological sample from a felid with various FIV polypeptides and determining the binding of antibodies in the sample to the polypeptides. The determination of whether an animal is infected with FIV or has been vaccinated against FIV can be determined by measuring the animal's immune response to an FIV env polypeptide. A device for detecting FIV antibodies is provided.

Abstract: A method and device for determining a feline immunodeficiency virus infection or vaccination in an animal. The method includes contacting a biological sample from a felid with various FIV polypeptides and determining the binding of antibodies in the sample to the polypeptides. The determination of whether an animal is infected with FIV or has been vaccinated against FIV can be determined by measuring the animal's immune response to an FIV env polypeptide. A device for detecting FIV antibodies is provided.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparation of a immunogenic peptide mixture in a single synthesis. The peptide mixture collectively represents the in vivo variability seen in immunogenic epitopes from a pathogen. The mixture is termed a hypervariable epitope construct (HEC). Immunization with a HEC evokes broadly reactive immunity against divergent strains of a pathogen upon which the HEC is based.

Abstract: An effective prophylactic mucosal gene expression vaccine (GXV), made up of a cocktail of at least 4 different plasmid DNAs encoding corresponding RSV antigens, coacervated with chitosan to formulate nanospheres. In a murine model of RSV infection, intranasal administration with GXV results in significant induction of RSV-specific antibodies, nasal IgA antibodies, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and IFN-? production in the lung and splenocytes. A single dose of GXV induces a drastic reduction of viral titers.

Abstract: A method for treating or preventing cardiovascular pathologies by administering a compound of the formula (I): wherein Z is C?O or a covalent bond; Y is H or O(C1–C4)alkyl, R1 and R2 are individually (C1–C4)alkyl or together with N are a saturated heterocyclic group, R3 is ethyl or chloroethyl, R4 is H or together with R3 is —CH2—CH2— or —S—, R5 is I, O(C1–C4)alkyl or H, and R6 is I, O(C1–C4)alkyl or H with the proviso that when R4, R5, and R6 are H, R3 is not ethyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, effective to activate or stimulate production of TGF-beta to treat and/or prevent conditions such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, myocardial infarction, and stroke is provided. Useful compounds include idoxifene and salts thereof. Further provided is a method for identifying a compound that is a TGF-beta activator or production stimulator is provided. Another embodiment of the invention is an assay or kit to determine TGF-beta in vitro.

Abstract: A retroviral vector comprising a first retroviral envelope protein and at least one modified retroviral envelope protein, wherein the first retroviral envelope protein includes a surface protein comprising (i) a receptor binding region; (ii) a hypervariable polyproline region; and (iii) a body portion, and the modified retroviral envelope protein, prior to modification, includes a surface protein which includes (i) a receptor binding region; (ii) a hypervariable polyproline region; and (iii) a body portion, characterized in that the modified retroviral envelope protein has been modified such that at least 90% of the amino acid residues of the receptor binding region of the surface protein of the modified retroviral envelope protein have been removed and replaced with a non-retroviral protein or peptide.

Abstract: Antigenic fragments of human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV), their fusion proteins with glutathione S-tranferase (GST) or thioredoxin (Thio), and a process for producing the fusion proteins thereof. The antigenic fragment of HTLV comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID Nos: 3 or 4.

Abstract: Retroviral strains of the non-M, non-O HIV-1 group, in particular a strain designated YBF30, its fragments and also its uses as a diagnostic reagent and as an immunogenic agent. The HIV-1 viruses which differ both from the M group and the O group exhibit the following characteristics: little or no serological reactivity with regard to the proteins of the M and O groups and strong serological reactivity with regard to the proteins which are derived from the strain YBF30 according to the invention or the strain CPZGAB SIV; absence of genomic amplification when using primers from the env and gag regions of the M and O HIV-1 groups; genomic amplification in the presence of primers which are derived from the YBF30 strain according to the invention; and homology of the products of the envelope gene which is greater than 70% with regard to the YBF30 strain.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification and the selection of CTL epitopes able to induce a protection against an HIV infection. More particularly, the invention is concerned with peptides and nucleic acid sequence coding for these peptides derived from HIV-1 proteins such as GAG, POL, ENV, VIF, TAT, VPU, REV and their applications. Preferably the immunogenic peptides are selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1 to 18 and functional derivatives thereof. The invention also relates to antibodies directed against said peptides.

Abstract: Disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions and methods for preventing or treating a number of amyloid diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, prion diseases, familial amyloid neuropathies and the like. The pharmaceutical compositions include immunologically reactive amounts of amyloid fibril components, particularly fibril-forming peptides or proteins. Also disclosed are therapeutic compositions and methods which use immune reagents that react with such fibril components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound having anti-KS and anti-HIV pharmaceutical activity which comprises an HCG-like inhibitory protein and fragments or derivatives thereof, said protein and fragments thereof are isolated from a biologically active fraction of APL-HCG, wherein said protein has a molecular weight of about 3,500 or of about 13,000 Dalton, and wherein said protein and fragments thereof are adsorbed polypropylene plastic supports. A pharmaceutical composition for the prevention and/or treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) and HIV which comprises an therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of the present invention in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A method for the prevention, treatment and/or reduction of Kaposi's sarcoma and HIV expression in AIDS patients, which consists in administering the composition to the patient.

Abstract: Dendritic cells and macrophages can process extracellular antigens for presentation by MHC-I molecules. HIV-1 epitopes derived from incoming virions are presented through the exogenous MHC-I pathway in primary human dendritic cells, and to a lower extent in macrophages, leading to cytotoxic T lymphocyte activation in the absence of viral protein neosynthesis. Exogenous antigen presentation required adequate virus-receptor interactions and fusion of viral and cellular membranes. These results provide new insights about how anti-HIV cytotoxic T lymphocytes can be activated and are useful for anti-HIV vaccine design.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for preferentially binding hK2 over PSA.

Abstract: A method for the rational design and preparation of vaccines based on HIV envelope polypeptides is described. In one embodiment, the method for making an HIV gp120 subunit vaccine for a geographic region comprises determining neutralizing epitopes in the V2 and/or C4 domains of gp120 of HIV isolates from the geographic region and selecting an HIV strain having gp120 a neutralizing epitope in the V2 or C4 domain which is common among isolates in the geographic region. In a preferred embodiment of the method, neutralizing epitopes for the V2, V3, and C4 domains of gp120 are determined. At least two HIV isolates having different neutralizing epitopes in the V2, V3, or C4 domain are selected and used.to make the vaccine. The invention also provides a multivalent HIV gp120 subunit vaccine.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to novel methods and compositions for protecting cats from infection by a broad range of FIV strains using a multi-subtype FIV vaccine. Multi-subtype FIV vaccines comprising either cell free whole virus or cell lines infected with viruses are described. Methods for vaccinating cats with the subject vaccine compositions are also described. Cats vaccinated according to the methods and compositions of the subject invention exhibit protective humoral and cellular immune responses to FIV when challenged with homologous or heterologous strains of FIV. The subject invention also pertains to novel feline cell lines that are susceptible to infection by FIV and their methods of use.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to vaccine compositions that can be used to protect cats against feline immunodeficiency virus. More particularly, the present invention relates to polynucleotide molecules that can be used as vaccine components against feline immunodeficiency virus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides which exhibit potent anti-retroviral activity. The peptides of the invention comprise DP178 (SEQ ID:1) peptide corresponding to amino acids 638 to 673 of the HIV-1LAI gp41 protein, and fragments, analogs and homologs of DP178. The invention further relates to the uses of such peptides as inhibitory of human and non-human retroviral, especially HIV, transmission to uninfected cells.

Abstract: The present invention is related to mammary tumor virus (MTV). MTV represents a group of retroviruses which possess very high homology to mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV), a virus known to cause neoplastic mammary disease in mice. As described herein, MTV's have been identified in human, cat, and Rhesus macaque. The present invention specifically provides for recombinant nucleic acids and polypeptides derived from these MTV's as well as methods for using these biological molecules.

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: A retroviral vector derived from a non-primate lentivirus genome comprising a deleted gag gene wherein the deletion in gag removes one or more nucleotides downstream of nucleotide 350 of the gag coding sequence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the efficient expression of HIV polypeptides in a variety of cell types, including, but not limited to, mammalian, insect, and plant cells. Synthetic expression cassettes encoding the HIV Gag-containing polypeptides are described, as are uses of the expression cassettes in applications including DNA immunization, generation of packaging cell lines, and production of Env-, tat- or Gag-containing proteins. The invention provides methods of producing Virus-Like Particles (VLPs), as well as, uses of the VLPs including, but not limited to, vehicles for the presentation of antigens and stimulation of immune response in subjects to whom the VLPs are administered.

Abstract: The invention provides a polynucleotide comprising portions of the genomes of caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus and HIV-1, resulting in a chimeric retrovirus referred to as a “CHIV. ” The invention also provides a vaccine comprising a CHIV immunogen and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A method of stimulating an immune response in an individual-against human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a CHIV immunogen is also provided. The invention further provides a method of stimulating an immune response in vitro by contacting a lymphocyte with a therapeutically effective amount of a CHIV immunogen.

Abstract: The invention provides viral material and nucleotide fragments associated with multiple sclerosis and/or rheumatoid arthritis for use in methods of diagnosis, prophylaxis, and therapy.

Abstract: Viral material, in the isolated or purified state, in which the genome comprises a nucleotide sequence chosen from the group including sequences SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:51, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:53 and SEQ ID NO:56, their complementary sequences and their equivalent sequences, in particular nucleotide sequences displaying, for any succession of 100 contiguous monomers, at least 50% and preferably at least 70% homology with the said sequences SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:51, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:53 and SEQ ID NO:56, respectively, and their complementary sequences.

Abstract: A chimeric viral packaging signal is described for the transmission of genetic materials via retrovirus. The packaging signal contains an essential packaging nucleic acid sequence and a non-essential nucleic acid sequence. The packaging signal lacks gag gene sequences, and has approximately one order of magnitude greater infectivity than retrovirus-derived packaging signals without gag gene sequences. The packaging signal of the invention can be used to transmit genetic material for gene therapy, cell therapy, or other biotechnological applications.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to materials and methods for detecting, preventing and treating retroviral infections in humans and other animals susceptible to infection by retrovirus. It has been discovered that FIV can be transmitted from cats to humans and that the FIV can infect human cells in vivo and that antibodies generated by the infected person cross-react with HIV antigens. Thus, the methods and compositions of the subject invention can be used to detect, prevent and treat FIV infection in humans and other non-feline animals that are susceptible to FIV infection. The methods and compositions of the invention can also be used to prevent and treat infection by HIV in humans.

Abstract: Peptides derived from shark immunoglobulin preparations are used to prepare compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, for inhibiting retrovirus replication in susceptible cells. The peptide preparations are useful for inhibiting diseases associated with retroviral infection, such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The peptides also inhibit growth of tumor cells, especially sarcomas and leukemias.

Abstract: The present application is directed to stabilized envelope glycoprotein trimers. The trimers are stabilized by introducing disulfide bonds at certain sites in the gp41 ectodomain. DNA molecules encoding such trimers can be used to generate an immunogenic reaction.

Abstract: A method for the rational design and preparation of vaccines based on HIV envelope polypeptides is described. In one embodiment, the method for making an HIV gp120 subunit vaccine for a geographic region comprises determining neutralizing epitopes in the V2 and/or C4 domains of gp120 of HIV isolates from the geographic region and selecting an HIV strain having gp120 a neutralizing epitope in the V2 or C4 domain which is common among isolates in the geographic region. In a preferred embodiment of the method, neutralizing epitopes for the V2, V3, and C4 domains of gp120 are determined. At least two HIV isolates having different neutralizing epitopes in the V2, V3, or C4 domain are selected and used to make the vaccine. The invention also provides a multivalent HIV gp120 subunit vaccine.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of PRRS viruses and infectious clones obtained from PRRS viruses. Furthermore, the invention relates to vaccines and diagnostic assays obtainable by using and modifying such infectious clones of PRRS viruses. The invention provides a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrom virus (PRRSV) replicon having at least some of its original PRRSV nucleic acid deleted, said replicon capable of in vivo RNA replication, said replicon further having been deprived of at least some of its original PRRSV nucleic acid and/or having been supplemented with nucleic acid derived from a heterologous microorganism.

Abstract: First generation adenoviral vectors and associated recombinant adenovirus-based HIV vaccines which show enhanced stability and growth properties and greater cellular-mediated immunity are described within this specification. These adenoviral vectors are utilized to generate and produce through cell culture various adenoviral-based HIV-1 vaccines which contain HIV-1 gag, HIV-1 pol and/or HIV-1 nef polynucleotide pharmaceutical products, and biologically relevant modifications thereof. These adenovirus vaccines, when directly introduced into living vertebrate tissue, preferably a mammalian host such as a human or a non-human mammal of commercial or domestic veterinary importance, express the HIV1-Gag, Pol and/or Nef protein or biologically modification thereof, inducing a cellular immune response which specifically recognizes HIV-1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for infecting equines with an equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) in order to reproduce a natural infection challenge model. More specifically, the invention provides a multiple low dose equine EIA challenge model comprising administering at least 1 median horse infective dose to an equine using an intravenous route of administration. It is preferable that the EIAV be administered on a repeated basis. The multiple low dose EIA challenge model described herein can be used for testing efficacy of vaccines, treatments and diagnostic tests.

Abstract: Described is a new variety of retrovirus designated HIV-3, also known as HIV-1 subtype O, samples of which are deposited in the European Collection of Animal Cell Cultures (ECACC) under V88060301. Further described is a process to detect the HIV-3 retrovirus in biological liquids or tissue. One such process involves contacting a biological sample suspected of containing HIV-3 nucleic acids with a DNA probe corresponding to a segment of genomic HIV-3 retrovirus RNA, such as the LTR region, and detecting the hybridization products thereof.

Abstract: The invention is directed to improved immunopotentiating systems for preparation of immunogenic materials. More particularly, the invention is directed to immunogenic compositions containing a protein, polypeptide, or peptide, a hydrophobic anchor, and a proteosome. The immunogenic compositions are suitable for use as therapeutic agents and vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating immunodeficiency virus infection in an infected animal comprising administering an effective amount of a lytic peptide.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel formulation of reverse transcriptase enzymes comprising a reverse transcriptase derived from Avian Myeloblastosis Virus and combined with a reverse transcriptase derived from Moloney Murine Leukaemia Virus, and further provides an improved method of amplifying nucleic acid sequences by reverse transcription or coupled reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: The infectivity of a population of enveloped viruses which comprise a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein in their membrane can be reduced by employing certain toxins such as aerolysin, alpha toxin of Clostridium septicum, or enterolobin. Toxins which bind to glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins inactivate such viruses. The toxins can be used to produce attenuated viral vaccines, to purge blood products, cells, or tissues of such viruses, and to detect viruses in samples.

Abstract: A method of searching for and obtaining a vaccine against the pathogenic effects related to the infection of an animal or human host by a retrovirus that penetrates into a target cell of the host, and a vaccine obtained by the method are provided. The method includes preparing candidate vaccine agents based on a polypeptide comprising at least part of an envelope protein of a pathogenic strain of the retrovirus and selecting as the vaccine a modified polypeptide chosen from polypeptides that induces an immune response directed against an immunodominant region of an envelope protein of the retrovirus and not against a protein of the host.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to novel methods and compositions for protecting cats from infection by a broad range of FIV strains using a multi-subtype FIV vaccine. Multi-subtype FIV vaccines comprising either cell free whole virus or cell lines infected with viruses are described. Methods for vaccinating cats with the subject vaccine compositions are also described. Cats vaccinated according to the methods and compositions of the subject invention exhibit protective humoral and cellular immune responses to FIV when challenged with homologous or heterologous strains of FIV. The subject invention also pertains to novel feline cell lines that are susceptible to infection by FIV and their methods of use.