Abstract: The present invention describes recombinant gp90 envelop protein derived from the equine infectious anemia virus, their corresponding encoding recombinant DNA molecule and the process of production of the recombinant protein produced through genetic engineering techniques, to be used in diagnosis, vaccination or in research.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel retrovirus associated with autoimmune disease. The present invention provides nucleotide and amino acid sequences relating to GAG, PRO and POL proteins of the retrovirus as well as diagnostic techniques and antibodies for use in diagnosis. The retrovirus (HRV-5) according to the present invention has been detected in inflamed joints (RA, osteoarthritis (OA), reactive arthritis and psoriatic arthritis) but not normal synovium. Further, HRV-5 proviral DNA has been detected in blood from patients with RA and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Abstract: The invention concerns epitopes of the HIV virus gp160 protein, that are immunologically homologous to epitopes of the protein family of the human major histocompatibility complex HLA, to be used for diagnosing and immunization.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a novel human T-cell lymphotropic, or leukemia, virus type II (HTLV-II) isolate designated NRA. HTLV-IINRA was originally isolated from a patient with atypical hairy cell leukemia. Preliminary restriction analysis of this isolate demonstrated that it differs genetically from the prototypical HTLV-II isolate Mo. HTLV-IINRA proviral molecular clones were obtained and the entire nucleotide sequence of the virus ascertained. The claimed invention is particularly directed toward the gp46 and p21e envelope proteins encoded by the env gene. Methods and kits for the detection of HTLV-II antibodies employing these envelope proteins are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gene comprising an open reading frame encoded on the plus strand of the pro-viral DNA, and located in the region of HIV-1 long terminal repeat. The gene encodes a protein that is related to, and has a structural motif resembling that of chemokine proteins. Depending upon the ribosomal frameshift, a plurality of proteins may be translated from the antisense RNA. The protein has similarity with chemokine SDF-1 and may play a role as a cofactor with gp120 in the binding to and entry of HIV to a target cell.

Abstract: This invention relates to a highly cytopathic and infectious clone constructed from the genomic DNA of a cat FIV. The nucleotide sequences of the infectious clone is disclosed. The nucleotide sequence, and peptides derived therefrom can be used in the detection of, and protection against FIV in both domestic and nondomestic cats. Further, chimeric viruses having the desired immunologic and pathogenic properties can be constructed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gene and peptide sequences of a diabetes-specific endogenous retrovirus which is derived from type 1 diabetes patients. In particular, the present invention relates to a whole genome of the diabetes-specific variant of endogenous retrovirus (ERV-9) purified from pancreatic tissues of type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus [IDDM]) patients and its genes and peptide and their sequences, which can be used as a diagnosing reagent for type 1 diabetes and as an immunogen. The diabetes-specific retrovirus expressed exclusively in pancreatic beta cells was purified from deceased type 1 diabetes patients. Subsequently, the retroviral gene sequences were determined, and by analyzing the amino acid sequence of the peptide deduced from the gene, 21 domains of the peptide having hydrophilicity and immuno-dominancy were identified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel human protein called Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor 3, and isolated polynucleotides encoding this protein. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing this human protein. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing and treating disorders related to this novel human protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vaccine composition comprising an antigen, an immunologically active saponin fraction and a sterol.

Abstract: This invention discloses recombinant vectors and live attenuated pathogens produced by these vectors which are useful as vaccines and therapeutic agents. Particularly disclosed are live attenuated recombinant viruses that remain at very low virus loads, and preferably do not persist in the infected hosts. These recombinant viruses are useful against retroviruses such as human immunodeficiency virus and against acquired immunodeficiency diseases. In the recombinant vectors and pathogens, one or more genes, or part of the gene(s), responsible for pathogenesis have been completely or partially rendered nonfunctional, e.g., by full or partial deletion or mutagenesis. Further, the recombinant vectors and pathogens contain one or more genes encoding cytokine(s) and/or lymphokine(s).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of synthesizing an allyl pentasaccharide having the structure: as well as related oligosaccharide ceramides and other glycoconjugates useful as vaccines for inducing antibodies to epithelial cancer cells in an adjuvant therapy therefor, and in a method for preventing recurrence of epithelial cancer.

Abstract: A method is provided for inducing a systemic immune response to an antigen selected from inactivated HIV I and HIV II antigens in a mammal. The method comprises orally administering lyophilized multilaminar liposomes containing the antigen. The liposomes have a size of from 20 nm to 20 microns. The antigen-containing liposomes are absorbed in the Peyer's patches of the gut. Sufficient antigen-containing liposomes are taken up by macrophages in the Peyer's patches to induce a systemic immune response to the antigen.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel peptides and proteins and nucleic acids encoding them, which are useful against HIV infection. The peptides comprise an amino acid sequence of a part of the HIV-1 p17 protein or of the HIV-2 p16 protein, from amino acid residues 31 to 45 or from amino acid residues 41 to 55. The proteins are recombinant p16 and p17 proteins having an alteration in helix A which is defined by amino acid residues 31 to 46, or the A-B loop which is defined by amino acid residues 47 to 52.

Abstract: A heteroconjugate is formed by linking a T cell binding ligand (TCBL) such as Peptide J of &bgr;-2 microglobulin to a modified HGP-30 antigentic peptide fragment of p17 gag peptide, such as, for example A T L  Y S V  H Q R  I D V  K D T (SEQ ID NO: 5) K E A  L E K  I E E  E Q N  K S The heteroconjugate is effective in eliciting a THI directed immune response and provides a vaccine composition for treating or preventing AIDS.

Abstract: This invention relates to newly identified polynucleotides, polypeptides encoded by such polynucleotides, the use of such polynucleotides and polypeptides, as well as the production of such polynucleotides and polypeptides. More particularly, the polypeptides of the present invention are PERV-D env polypeptides. The invention also relates to detecting the presence of a porcine retrovirus in tissue comprising such polypeptides or polynucleotides that encode the polypeptides.

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: Composition comprising two pathogenic and/or infective agents associated with multiple sclerosis, namely a first agent which consists of a human virus possessing reverse transcriptase activity and related to a family of endogenous retroviral elements, or a variant of said virus, and a second agent, or a variant of said second agent, these two pathogenic and/or infective agents originating from the same viral strain chosen from the strains designated, respectively, POL-2 deposited with the ECACC on Jul. 22, 1992 under Accession Number V92072202 and MS7PG deposited with the ECACC on Jan. 8, 1993 under Accession Number V93010816, and from their variant strains.