Abstract: The present invention deals with a modified polypeptide comprising three contiguous segments N, L and C represented by the formula N?L?C and comprising: a N-helix region of gp41 (N), a C-helix region of gp41 (C), and a connecting loop comprising a synthetic linker (L) between the N and C-helices, the linker replacing amino acids 593-617 of gp41, the numbering scheme being based upon the prototypic isolate HIV-1 HxB2 Clade B strain, said polypeptide comprising the calveolin-1 neutral izing and 98.6 D epitopes, but not 2F5 and 4E10 epitopes, not the fusion peptide, the polypeptide having a minimal immunogenic cross-reactivity with human interleukin 2 (IL2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods to activate peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The present invention further provides methods for the identification of blocking agents of Tat protein activation of PBMCs and for identifying an active portion of a Tat polypeptide for incorporation as an immunogen in a vaccine. The present invention also provides an immunogen comprising an isolated variant of wild-type HIV Tat protein that exhibits reduced HIV priming of competent cells in comparison to the wild-type HIV Tat protein. The present invention further provides a diagnostic kit for identifying blocking agents for HIV Tat protein.

Abstract: Immunogenic HIV-1 envelope polypeptides are provided, wherein specific amino acid residues are mutated to repress immunosuppression in GP41, thereby boosting the immune response against HIV-1. Specifically, mutation of those specific residues does not affect the fusogenic properties of the viral particle and/or the overall protein structure of the viral envelope protein. The invention further provides peptides and antigens based on the immunogenic HIV-1 envelopes as well as nucleic acid sequences and vectors encoding those. Moreover, biological entities such as viral particles are provided, as well as use of the provided components for preparation of a vaccine against HIV-1/AIDS.

Abstract: This invention provides a method whereby a vaccine, particularly a vaccine based on a prophylactic or therapeutic AIDS/HIV vaccine, or other immune-reactive substance is administered to produce an immunologic response that decreases intraocular pressure or has a neuro-protective effect beneficial in the treatment of glaucoma patients. The invention may also be used as a provocative test to diagnose glaucoma as well as identify those patients at risk for developing glaucoma. The invention may also be used to prevent the development of glaucoma in patients deemed to be at high risk of developing glaucoma, such as glaucoma suspects or ocular hypertensive patients.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses vaccine and/or immunogenic compositions against HIV and their methods of use for the prevention and/or treatment of HIV infection and/or AIDS. The vaccine and/or immunogenic compositions may contain an isolated HIV protein or fragment thereof, an adjuvant comprising a Toll like receptor (TLR) 4 ligand, in combination with a saponin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that Tat polypeptides may be used as immunoregulators to enhance the immune response to infectious diseases. More particularly, Tat polypeptides may be used as immunoregulators to enhance immune responses to microbial infections, for example, viral and bacterial infections. In accordance with the present invention, Tat polypeptides interact with CCR3 to stimulate platelet activation. The novel finding of the present inventors, therefore, presents new applications for which Tat nucleic and amino acid sequences, and compositions thereof may be used to advantage. Applications for which the Tat nucleic and amino acid sequences and compositions thereof of the invention may be used include, but are not limited to, various research and therapeutic applications as described herein. Also provided is a kit comprising Tat nucleic and/or amino acid sequences, Tat activity compatible buffers, and instruction materials.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for increasing the effectiveness of antigen presentation using a DCIR-specific antibody or fragment thereof to which an antigen is attached that forms an antibody-antigen complex, wherein the antigen is processed and presented by a dendritic cell that has been contacted with the antibody-antigen complex.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel compositions that cause effective redirection of class I-immunity to Tc1 effectors, that take advantage of the unexpected loading of MHC I by peptide within IgG backbone combined with appropriate instruction of antigen presenting cells. Such compositions are able to transform a seemingly ineffective therapeutics into a highly effective one, associated with generation of class I-restricted cytolytic cells and IFN-?, IL-2 producing T cells, further associated with protection against a highly virulent microbe or recovery from malignant tumoral process.

Abstract: The invention provides polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded therefrom that are capable of inducing immune responses to a human immunodeficiency virus. Compositions and methods for utilizing polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Stabilized forms of gp120 polypeptide, nucleic acids encoding these stabilized forms, vectors comprising these nucleic acids, and methods of using these polypeptides, nucleic acids, vectors and host cells are disclosed. Crystal structures and computer systems including atomic coordinates for stabilized forms of gp120, and gp120 with an extended V3 loop, and methods of using these structures and computer systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a modified gp140 envelope polypeptide of an HIV-1 isolate comprising a gp120 polypeptide portion comprising consecutive amino acids and a gp41 ectodomain polypeptide portion comprising consecutive amino acids, said gp41 ectodomain polypeptide portion being modified to comprise isoleucine (I) at an amino acid position equivalent to amino acid position 535; glutamine (Q) at an amino acid position equivalent to amino acid position 543; serine (S) at an amino acid position equivalent to amino acid position 553; lysine (K) at an amino acid position equivalent to amino acid position 567; and arginine (R) at an amino acid position equivalent to amino acid position 588, the amino acid positions being numbered by reference to the HIV-1 isolate KNH1144. This invention also provides nucleic acids encoding such a polypeptide, vectors, host cells, trimeric complexes and compositions thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated methylated Tat peptides; and compositions comprising the peptides. The present invention further provides isolated antibodies specific for a Lys-51-methylated Tat polypeptide. Also provided are methods of identifying agents that inhibit Lys-51 methylation of a Tat polypeptide. The present invention further provides methods of treating an immunodeficiency virus infection in a mammalian subject.

Abstract: An anti-HIV vaccine composition is disclosed. The vaccine comprises an combination of immunogenic peptide mixtures, which mixtures may be prepared in a single synthesis. The composition collectively represents the in vivo variability seen in immunogenic epitopes from highly variable regions of HIV. Immunization with the vaccine elicits broadly reactive immunity (CTL and T helper cell responses) against the divergent strains of HIV upon which it is based. The vaccine may be formulated to target regionally distinct variability based on an HIV clade predominant in a geographical region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to set overlapping immunogenic peptides of a variable antigen, and uses thereof, in particular for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The present invention relates also to a sub-population of CD8 T cells associated with the non-progressive status in HIV-infected subjects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified HIV-1 envelope proteins which express epitopes that produce a broadly cross reactive neutralizing response, their methods of use and antibodies which bind to these epitopes.

Abstract: The present application relates to a novel HIV-1 envelope fragments containing the B12 epitope which may be utilized as an HIV-1 vaccine immunogen, in particular for eliciting broad neutralizing antibodies following a prime-boost immunization. The present invention encompasses the preparation and purification of immunogenic compositions which are formulated into the vaccines of the present invention.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and kits for making a targeted therapeutic for prevent and treating HIV infection. In one of these methods, the method includes preparing a library of soluble peptides, and screening the library for proteins that bind to the region of CD4 that binds gp120. In this particular method, these proteins are used as the antigen to make the HIV vaccine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preventing or treating acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in a patient, wherein the patient is administered with a Tat protein comprising amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2, or a variant thereof capable of stimulating an immune response against Tat proteins.

Abstract: Disclosed is an immunogen in sterile form suitable for administration to a human subject, the immunogen comprising: at least a portion of the gag protein of HIV, said gag protein being from an HIV clade or having a consensus sequence for one or more HIV clades, and comprising at least parts of p17 and p24; and a synthetic polypeptide comprising a plurality of amino acid sequences, each sequence comprising a human CTL epitope of an HIV protein, and wherein a plurality of HIV proteins are represented in the synthetic polypeptide, said CTL epitopes being selected to stimulate an immune response to one or more HIV clades of interest.

Abstract: A self-adjuvanting immunogenic composition comprising multiple immunogens, each immunogen comprising a lipopeptide cap, a universal T helper sequence and an immunodominant HIV-1 Tat B cell epitope. The immunogen also comprises one or more linker sequences and/or polar charged amino acid sequences. The HIV-1 Tat B cell epitope of each immunogen has an amino acid sequence of V-D-P-Xaa7-L-Xaa9-P-W-Xaa12-Xaa13-Xaa14-Xaa15-Xaa16-amide SEQ ID NO: 1, in which the amino acid positions at Xaa7, Xaa9 and Xaa12 are selected from specific amino acid residues choices and in which the amino acid positions at Xaa13-Xaa16 may be absent or specific amino acid residue choices. The lipopeptide is a dipalmitoyl-S-glyceryl-cysteine or a tripalmitoyl-S-glyceryl cysteine or N-acetyl (dipalmitoyl-S-glyceryl cysteine), each with an optional neutral amino acid linker.

Abstract: The invention involves a synthetic peptide derived from HIV-1 virus gp41 having sequence where X615 is F or G, a method of preparing the synthetic peptide, a composition and a kit containing the synthetic peptide, and use of the synthetic peptide in immunoassays for the detection of infections caused by HIV-1 viruses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fusion peptides which exhibit potent anti-retroviral activity. The fusion peptides of the invention comprise a macromolecular carrier group fused to a gp41-derived DP178 (SEQ ID NO:1) peptide corresponding to amino acids 638 to 673 of the HIV-1LA1 gp41 protein, or fragments, analogs or homologs of DP178. The invention further relates to the uses of such fusion peptides as inhibitory of human and non-human retroviral, especially HIV, transmission to uninfected cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides artificial fusion proteins (AFPs) designed to elicit an anti-HIV immune response, as well as nucleic acid molecules and expression vectors encoding those proteins. The AFPs of the invention may comprise domains from various HIV proteins, such as Gag, Pol, Vif, and Env proteins, which are partial sequences. HIVCON is an AFP in which the HIV domains are from several HIV clade consensus sequences and which optionally contains additional domains which may be useful, for example, in monitoring expression levels or laboratory animal immune responses. Other aspects of the invention may include compositions and methods for inducing an anti-HIV immune response in a subject, preferably with a DNA prime-MVA boost strategy, and to induce a cell-mediated immune response.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stable immunogenic product for the induction of antibodies against one or more antigenic proteins in a subject. The invention is characterised in that it comprises proteinaceous immunogenic heterocomplexes which are formed by associations between (i) antigenic protein molecules and (ii) proteinaceous carrier molecules and in that less than 40% of the antigenic proteins (i) are linked to the proteinaceous carrier molecules (ii) by a covalent bond.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enhancing, modulating or stimulating the innate immune response to HIV-1 and other viral pathogens and to the modulation and application of immune modulators and peptides for HIV-1 or other pathogen vaccines. The invention provides methods and means to activate an innate response to HIV-1 utilizing or via the HIV capsid protein or peptide, including modulating the binding of cyclophilin A to HIV capsid protein and modulating the ability of HIV to activate the major innate transcription factor IRF3 and interferon. Methods and assays are provided for screening for compounds, agents, or peptides capable of enhancing or activating innate immune response, particularly to HIV-1.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to an immunogenic composition (e.g., a vaccine) and, in particular, to a polyvalent immunogenic composition, such as a polyvalent HIV vaccine, and to methods of using same. The invention further relates to methods that use a genetic algorithm to create sets of polyvalent antigens suitable for use, for example, in vaccination strategies.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are isolated immunogens including variant hepatitis B surface antigens (HBsAgs). In an example, a variant HBsAg includes a HBsAg with one or more transmembrane domains of the HBsAg replaced with a gp41 antigenic insert. The antigenic insert can include an antigenic polypeptide fragment of gp41 including the membrane proximal region of gp41 and a transmembrane membrane region of gp41. The replacement of a membrane spanning domain of HBsAg with a membrane spanning domain of gp41 anchors gp41 into HBsAg in virtually the identical orientation as on HIV virions and correctly orients the nearby MPR on the lipid layer. Thus, the disclosed variant HBsAgs display the neutralization-sensitive MPR in association with a lipid layer, while presenting it at the most immunogenic site on HBsAg. Also disclosed are uses of these variant HBsAgs, and nucleic acids encoding variant HBsAgs, such as to induce an immune response to HIV-1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mosaic clade M HIV-1 Env polypeptides and to compositions comprising same. The polypeptides of the invention are suitable for use in inducing an immune response to HIV-1 in a human.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and six plasmids, each of which encodes an HIV Env, Gag, Pol, or Nef protein. The invention also provides a method of inducing an immune response in an animal using the composition.

Abstract: A self-adjuvanting immunogenic composition comprising multiple immunogens, each immunogen comprising a lipopeptide cap, a universal T helper sequence and an immunodominant HIV-1 Tat B cell epitope. The immunogen also comprises one or more linker sequences and/or polar charged amino acid sequences. The HIV-1 Tat B cell epitope of each immunogen has an amino acid sequence of V-D-P-Xaa7-L-Xaa9-P-W-Xaa12-Xaa13-Xaa14-Xaa15-Xaa16-amide SEQ ID NO: 1, in which the amino acid positions at Xaa7, Xaa9 and Xaa12 are selected from specific amino acid residues choices and in which the amino acid positions at Xaa13-Xaa16 may be absent or specific amino acid residue choices. The lipopeptide is a dipalmitoyl-S-glyceryl-cysteine or a tripalmitoyl-S-glyceryl cysteine or N-acetyl (dipalmitoyl-S-glyceryl cysteine), each with an optional neutral amino acid linker.

Abstract: A small peptide of 10 or 11 mers, when linked to an immunogenic moiety, can protect against naferious effects of Nef protein of HIV. The vaccine is not used to induce sterilizing immunity, but to block the ability of soluble Nef protein to induce apoptosis, and to therefore alleviate lymphocyte depletion and organ damage.

Abstract: This invention provides a modified gp140 envelope polypeptide of an HIV-1 isolate comprising a gp120 polypeptide portion comprising consecutive amino acids and a gp41 ectodomain polypeptide portion comprising consecutive amino acids, said gp41 ectodomain polypeptide portion being modified to comprise isoleucine (I) at an amino acid position equivalent to amino acid position 535; glutamine (Q) at an amino acid position equivalent to amino acid position 543; serine (S) at an amino acid position equivalent to amino acid position 553; lysine (K) at an amino acid position equivalent to amino acid position 567; and arginine (R) at an amino acid position equivalent to amino acid position 588, the amino acid positions being numbered by reference to the HIV-1 isolate KNH1144. This invention also provides nucleic acids encoding such a polypeptide, vectors, host cells, trimeric complexes and compositions thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions for the prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of HIV comprising combinations of HIV fusion/entry inhibitors that exhibit synergistic effect, including T-20 (enfuvirtide), T-1249, T-1144, C34, and sifuvirtide. Also disclosed are methods of treating HIV infection by administering such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a modified polypeptide containing at least an immunodominant region and the connecting loop between N- and C-helices of gp41 ectodomain of HIV-1, wherein the connecting loop includes at least a linker fragment having: —a size convenient for keeping the native conformation of the interaction between N- and C-helices, and —an hydrophily sufficient to provide a soluble and stable trimeric form to said modified polypeptide.

Abstract: This invention provides a protein comprising (a) a first polypeptide which comprises consecutive amino acids, the sequence of which corresponds to the sequence of a modified gp120 envelope polypeptide portion of a gp140 envelope of (i) an HIV-I KNH1144 isolate, or a quasi-species thereof, or (ii) an HIV-I 5768.4 isolate, or a quasi-species thereof; and (b) a second polypeptide which comprises consecutive amino acids, the sequence of which corresponds to the sequence of a modified gp41 ectodomain polypeptide portion of the gp140 envelope of (i) the HIV-I KNH1144 isolate or such quasi-species thereof, or (ii) the HIV-I 5768.4 isolate or such quasi-species thereof. This invention also provides nucleic acids encoding such proteins, vectors, host cells and compositions thereof. Also provided are trimeric complexes (‘trimers’) of these proteins and methods of using such trimers to combat HIV-I infection.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide processes for the selection of HIV-1 subtype (clade) C isolates, selected HIV-1 subtype C isolates, their genes and modifications and derivatives thereof for use in prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines to produce proteins and polypeptides for the purpose of eliciting protection against HIV infection or disease. A process for the selection of HIV subtype isolates comprises the steps of isolating viruses from recently infected subjects; generating a consensus sequence for at least part of at least one HIV gene by identifying the most common codon or amino acid among the isolated viruses; and selecting the isolated virus or viruses with a high sequence identity to the consensus sequence. HIV-1 subtype C isolates, designated Du422, Du 151 and Du 179 (assigned Accession Numbers 01032114, 00072724 and 00072725, respectively, by the European Collection of Cell Cultures) are also provided.

Abstract: An isolated polypeptide that has an amino acid sequence that is substantially homologous to consecutive amino acids of a c-terminal portion of the membrane proximal external region (MPER) of gp41 includes an immunogenic epitope reactive with at least one anti-HIV antibody.

Abstract: Polyvalent, primary isolate nucleic acid compositions for inducing an immune response against HIV is disclosed. The composition and methods described herein are for the use of a DNA composition that encodes one or more different HIV envelope glycoproteins. The DNA composition can encode an HIV Gag protein. The DNAs encoding one or more HIV proteins are a combination of different nucleic acids, such as DNA plasmids, generated from primary isolate DNA of different HIV major group genetic clades and/or different proteins. HIV protein compositions for inducing an immune response against HIV are disclosed. Methods fro using the protein compositions as boosts following administration of the DNA compositions are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for the detection of HIV-1 antibodies employing polypeptides obtained from the Gag-p6 protein, the method comprising the steps of: (a) contacting a biological sample with a peptide having an epitope that is recognized by the anti-HIV-1 antibody where the contacting is under conditions sufficient to permit anti-HIV-1 present in the sample to bind to the epitope and form a peptide-anti-HIV-1 antibody complex; (b) contacting the formed peptide-anti-HIV-1 antibody complex with an anti-HIV-1 antibody binding molecule under conditions sufficient to permit the anti-HIV-1 antibody binding molecule to bind to anti-HIV-1 antibody of the formed peptide-anti-HIV-1 antibody complex and form an extended complex; said extended complex being immobilized on a solid support; and (c) removing unbound antibody from said extended complex; and (d) determining the presence or concentration of the anti-HIV-1 antibody in the biological sample by determining the presence or concentrat

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to reagents (antigenic and/or immunogenic reagents) and kits that are useful in a variety of in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo methods including, e.g., methods for inducing an immune response, or for generating an antibody, in a subject. The reagents described herein can be used in the treatment or prevention of HIV-1 infections. In addition, the disclosure provides methods and compositions useful for designing (or identifying) an agent that binds to an membrane proximal external region (MPER) of an HIV-1 gp160 polypeptide or an agent that inhibits the fusion of an HIV-1 particle to a cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a library of 298 peptides useful for formulating a novel therapeutic HIV vaccine. The peptide sequences were selected on the basis of calibration of molecular structure properties of HIV-1 or host cell proteins. A mixture of D- and L-amino acids or all D-amino acids are used to synthesize the stereoisomer peptides for the purpose of increasing their stability. The peptides are expected to have the ability to potently inhibit functioning of proteins important for HIV infection. A plural of the peptides are conjugated together with a biocompatible polymer, preferably HPMA to further increase stability and solubility, decrease drug toxicity, and potentially evade multidrug resistance and exert cooperative effect, since some peptides are the ligands for host proteins such as integrin, trombospondin, VEGFR and LEDGF which can bring the therapeutic peptides to the target cells and therefore help disrupt the interactions between the host proteins and the HIV proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides and proteins for use in second generation HIV vaccines and as diagnostic tools in the treatment and control of HIV infection. The antiviral protection shown by compositions of the present invention has not been previously achieved with an HLA epitope-enhanced vaccine. These findings define a critical balance between MHC affinity and receptor crossreactivity required for effective epitope enhancement and also demonstrate construction and efficacy of such a component of a new generation vaccine.

Abstract: A novel immunogenic HIV-1 Env, particularly gp120, DNA construct is disclosed in which either the V1/V2 loop and the V4 loop, or all three variable loops, including V3, are replaced with a V3 sequence each of which is from a different viral isolate. Preferably, each replacement V3 loop is a consensus sequence of V3 of a different clade. Such constructs are useful as immunogens as each presents three independent V3 epitopes, so that the immunized subject generates a more broadly reactive neutralizing antibody response than with conventional gp120 or V3 DNA or polypeptide immunogens. Also disclosed are methods of using the DNA construct to immunize a mammal, preferably a human, particularly in a priming regiment in which the DNA immunogen is followed by administration of a V3 fusion protein boosting immunogen.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and, in particular, to methods of effecting local and systemic immunization against HIV while protecting cells (e.g., mucosal dendritic and epithelial cells) from viral challenge. The invention further relates to compounds (e.g., nucleic acids encoding polypeptides that can elicit an immune response and/or protect cells against viral challenge) and compositions suitable for use in such methods.

Abstract: Synthetic peptides of the monomer type with 13 to 33 amino acids, in linear form or in a form cyclized by means of inter-cysteine disulphide bridges, have the general formula (I): ?-Z-TrpGlyCys-?-CysTyrThrSer-???(I) wherein ? is a biotinyl radical, a biocytinyl radical, a hydrogen atom, an acetyl (CH3CO—) radical, an aliphatic chain which may contain one or two thiol, an aldehyde functional group, or an amine functional group, Z represents peptide sequence -?1-Ser-?2-, -?1-Gln-?2-, or -?1-Asn-?2-, wherein -?1 represents a peptide sequence of 0 to 9 amino acids and -?2 represents a peptide sequence of 0 to 5 amino acids, ?is -Arg Gly Arg Leu Ile-(SEQ ID NO: 15), -Arg Gly Arg Leu Val-(SEQ ID NO: 16), -Arg Gly Lys Leu Ile-(SEQ ID NO: 17), -Arg Gly Lys Leu Val-(SEQ ID NO: 18), -Lys Gly Arg Leu Ile-(SEQ ID NO: 19), or -Lys Gly Arg Leu Val-(SEQ ID NO: 20), ?, attached to the —CO— group of serine, is a hydroxyl (—OH) radical, an amino (—NH2) radical, an alkoxy radical having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a peptide sequence

Abstract: A fragment of lysozyme which contains a minimum nine amino acid sequence with antiviral, anti-tumor and bactericidal activities but lacking muramidase activity is provided. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing this fragment and methods for treating HIV infection or for inhibiting tumor growth using this fragment as an active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention provides constrained peptides and other organic molecules, that mimic the three dimensional characteristics of the HIV-1 V3 loop peptide when bound by a highly potent human neutralizing monoclonal antibody specific for a V3 conformational epitope, which structure is determined by NMR. Methods for screening for, and designing such molecules are disclosed. These molecules are useful as immunogens for inducing broadly-neutralizing antibodies against HIV-1 as well as antagonists for inhibiting the binding of HIV-1 to the relevant co-receptors, and may therefore be used in method of preventing or treating HIV-1 infection and disease.

Abstract: The determination of the nucleotide sequence of HTLV-III DNA; identification, isolation and expression of HTLV-III sequences which encode immunoreactive polypeptides by recombinant DNA methods and production of viral RNA are disclosed. Such polypeptides can be employed in immunoassays to detect HTLV-III.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for prophylactic and/or therapeutic vaccination and/or treatment and/or diagnosis of HIV/AIDS, other infectious diseases, inflammatory and angiogenic diseases and tumours which utilizes a biologically active HIV-1 Tat protein, fragments or derivates thereof, as a module with one or more of the following features: antigen, adjuvant and targeting-delivery system to specific antigen-presenting cells including dendritic cells, endothelial cells and macrophages. In particular, it is claimed that Tat can be used only in its biologically active form as an antigen combined with one or more other antigens, to prime or to boost protective immune responses against itself as well as other antigens and/or to selectively deliver these antigen(s) as well as active compounds to dendritic cells, endothelial cells and macrophages, due to its capability of targeting these A PC and of activating their maturation and functions and of increasing Th-1 type immune responses as an adjuvant.

Abstract: Described herein are chimeric peptides comprising a soluble trimeric coiled-coil and all or a portion of the N-peptide region of HIV gp41. These molecules are stable, trimeric coiled-coils that inhibit HIV entry into cells, such as human cells. Such peptides can be further assessed to demonstrate their ability to serve as potent anti-HIV therapeutic molecules and thus, as therapeutic molecules or drugs.