Abstract: Hybrid molecules comprising CD4 minimal modules or mimetics that bind to HIV Env polypeptides in combination with one or more HIV Tat polypeptides are described. Also described are complexes of these hybrid molecules with Env as well as methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention using the polynucleotides and polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a viral vaccine, especially a retroviral vaccine, and methods of forming such a vaccine. The vaccine is formed from a whole-killed virus suspension in a cell lysate or culture medium, wherein the virus is killed by exposure to a chloramine compound at a level adequate to inactivate zinc finger proteins. The chloramine compound may be taurine chloramine, adenosine chloramine, phenylalanine chloramine, and alanine chloramine. The vaccine may be used as a prophylactic or therapeutic vaccine and may be developed from a subject's own strains of virus so as to be considered an autologous vaccine.

Abstract: This in invention relates to methods for the nucleic acid amplification of multiple variants (strains) of any pathogen present in a sample, and preferably in a sample from a pathogen infected individual. In preferred embodiments, the pathogen is a retrovirus, such as HIV. The amplified pathogen nucleic acid can be used to identify the pathogen variants present in a sample, to quantitate the pathogen present in a sample, and as a nucleic acid vaccine, or in the preparation of antigen presenting cell vaccines. Nucleic acids produced by the methods of the invention or the proteins encoded thereby can be used to transfect/load antigen presenting cells. The loaded antigen presenting cells can then be used as a vaccine for the treatment of pathogen infection. In another embodiment, nucleic acids produced by the methods of the invention can be used directly as nucleic acid vaccines without prior loading into antigen presenting cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adjuvant compositions which are suitable to be used in vaccines. In particular, the adjuvant compositions of the present invention comprises a saponin and an immunostimulatory oligonucleotide, optionally with a carrier. Also provided by the present invention are vaccines comprising the adjuvants of the present invention and an antigen. Further provided are methods of manufacture of the adjuvants and vaccines of the present invention and their use as medicaments. Methods of treating an individual susceptible to or suffering from a disease by the administration of the vaccines of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: A method for processing immuno-competent cells in view of an antiviral therapy on a human or animal subject, includes: a step for collecting immuno-competent cells on the human or animal subject, and a step for processing the collected immuno-competent cells, so as to stimulate at least a part of the immuno-competent cells, by presenting a muted viral particle to the cells, in view of a reinjection of the stimulated cells into the human or animal subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides an attenuated virus, which is derived from Modified Vaccinia Ankara virus and characterized by the loss of its capability to reproductively replicate in human cell lines. It further describes recombinant viruses derived from this virus and the use of the virus, or its recombinants, as a medicament or vaccine. A method is provided for inducing an immune response in individuals who may be immune-compromised. In addition, a method is provided for the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of the virus, or its recombinants, in a vaccinia virus prime/vaccinia virus boost inoculation regimen.

Abstract: Expression cassettes are provided comprising a promoter operably linked to a nucleic acid molecule which, when transcribed in vivo, forms double-stranded RNA that induces the production of interferon. Expression cassettes also are provided comprising a promoter operably linked to a ribozyme or antisense nucleic acid molecule which, when transcribed in vivo, forms a ribozyme or antisense RNA molecule that stimulates an immune response. In addition, expression cassettes are provided comprising a promoter operably linked to a ribozyme or antisense nucleic acid molecule which, when transcribed in vivo, stimulates apoptosis. Finally, gene delivery vectors are provided which contain such expression cassettes, host cells containing the gene delivery vectors, and methods of utilizing the expression cassettes, gene delivery vectors, and host cells.

Abstract: Cationic liposomes with entrapped polynucleotide in the intravesicular space are described. The liposomes include cationic components such as cationic lipids such as DOTAP. Preferably the method of forming liposomes uses the dehydration-rehydration method in the presence of the polynucleotide. The polynucleotide preferably operatively encodes an antigen capable of eliciting a desired immune response, that is, is a gene vaccine.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a multiclade HIV plasmid DNA or viral vector vaccine including components from different clades of Env (optionally Env chimeras) and Gag-Pol-(optionally)Nef from a single clade. The vaccine of the invention may further include V1, V2, V3, or V4 deletions or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the invention provides multiclade HIV envelope immunogens.

Abstract: Compositions comprising one or more isolated nucleic acid molecules that encode an immunogen in combination with one or more of CTACK protein, TECK protein, MEC protein and functional fragments thereof and/or an isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes an protein selected from the group consisting of: CTACK, TECK, MEC and functional fragments thereof are disclosed. Methods of inducing an immune response, including methods of inducing mucosal immune responses, in an individual against an immunogen, using such compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: Polynucleotide sequences are provided for the diagnosis of the presence of retroviral infection in a human host associated with lymphadenopathy syndrome and/or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, for expression of polypeptides and use of the polypeptides to prepare antibodies, where both the polypeptides and antibodies may be employed as diagnostic reagents or in therapy, e.g., vaccines and passive immunization. The sequences provide detection of the viral infectious agents associated with the indicated syndromes and can be used for expression of antigenic polypeptides.

Abstract: Described are a composition and method for reducing the occurrence and severity of infectious diseases, especially infectious diseases in which lipid-containing infectious viral organisms are found in biological fluids, such as blood. Solvents useful for extracting lipids from lipid-containing infectious viral organisms are employed thereby creating immunogenic modified, partially delipidated viral particles with reduced infectivity. Provided are delipidated viral vaccine compositions, such as therapeutic vaccine compositions, comprising these modified, partially delipidated viral particles with reduced infectivity, optionally combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or an immunostimulant. The vaccine composition is administered to a patient to provide protection against a lipid-containing infectious viral organism or, as a therapeutic vaccine, to treat or alleviate infection by the lipid-containing infectious viral organism.

Abstract: Provided are recombinant mycobacteria expressing an HIV-1 antigen and a malarial antigen. Also provided are Mycobacterium smegmatis expressing an HIV-1 antigen. Further provided are vaccines capable of inducing an immune response in a mammal against HIV-1 and the malarial pathogen. Additionally provided are methods of inducing an immune response in a mammal against HIV-1 and a malarial pathogen. Also provided are methods of inducing an immune response in a mammal against HIV-1. The methods comprise infecting the mammal with any of the above-described mycobacteria.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the stimulation of immune responses. Specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions for the use of nanoemulsion compounds as mucosal adjuvants to induce immunity against environmental pathogens. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the present invention provides nanoemulsion vaccines comprising a nanoemulsion and an inactivated pathogen or protein derived from the pathogen. The present invention thus provides improved vaccines against a variety of environmental and human-released pathogens.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides an HIV envelope heterotrimer comprising at least two different Env glycoprotein monomers. In some heterotrimers, at least two Env glycoprotein monomers are from different HIV isolates, for example, different HIV-1 isolates. Heterotrimers may contain Env glycoprotein monomers from HIV isolates belonging to the same clade or to different clades or both. At least one of the Env glycoprotein monomers in a heterotrimer of the invention may be modified in a way that alters its amino acid composition. In another aspect, the invention provides methods for inducing an immune response in a vertebrate host against HIV or an HIV-infected cell, comprising administering to a vertebrate host a prophylactically or therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising an HIV envelope heterotrimer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing nonlamellar bioresorbable microparticles to which protein substances are bonded, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: (i) preparing said microparticles from at least one bioresorbable polymer without stabilizer and without surfactant, and (ii) bonding said protein substances to the microparticles obtained in step (i) without surfactant. It further relates to the bioresorbable microparticles thus obtained and use thereof in diagnosis and therapy.

Abstract: The present application is directed to stabilized HIV envelope glycoprotein trimers. The trimers are stabilized by introducing trimeric motifs, preferably the GCN4 coiled coil or the fibritin trimeric domain, at certain sites, for example in the gp41 ectodomain. These stabilized trimers or DNA molecules encoding such trimers can be used to generate an immunogenic reaction. The trimers can also be used in assays to screen for molecules that interact with them—and to identify molecules that interact with specific sites.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of using antibodies that bind a TSG101 protein to inhibit or reduce viral production. The invention also provides methods of using the TSG101 antibodies for the treatment of viral infections, including HIV infection. The invention further provides methods of detecting viral infected cells using TSG101 antibodies.

Abstract: A recombinant vector for delivering A3G genes into human cells comprising (i) a gene expression block including an A3G gene selected from a wild type A3G gene represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 and a mutant A3G gene and (ii) a group of elements from a modified lentiviral vector including lentiviral regions of packaging signal (?, psi), LTRs, RRE, and PBS; wherein said A3G gene is operably linked to the packaging signal (?, psi), LTRs, RRE, and PBS.

Abstract: The invention provides novel compositions comprising imidazoquinoline compounds. Also provided are methods of administering the compositions in an effective amount to enhance the immune response of a subject. Further provided are novel compositions and methods of administering the compositions in combination with (an)other agent(s).

Abstract: Viral replicon selected nucleic acid expression libraries are useful for analyzing multiple antigens associated with a parasite, pathogen or neoplasia or for preparing immunogenic compositions for generating immune responses specific for the parasite, pathogen or neoplasia. Alphavirus replicon particles representative of the nucleic acid expression library are preferred. The nucleic acid library can be a random library, or it can be prepared after a selection step, for example, by differential hybridization prior to cloning into the replicon vector.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide for use of the ?-herpesvirus Cytomegalovirus (CMV: e.g., RhCMV and HCMV) as a uniquely evolved “vector” for safely initiating and indefinitely maintaining high level cellular and humoral immune responses (against, e.g., HIV, SIV, TB, etc.). Particular aspects provide a method for treatment or prevention of, e.g., HIV, SIV or TB, comprising infection of a subject in need thereof with at least one recombinant CMV-based vector (e.g., HCMV or RhCMV) comprising an expressible HIV/SIV/TB antigen or a variant or fusion protein thereof. In particular embodiments of the method, infection is of an immunocompetent, HCMV or RhCMV seropositive subject. Additional aspects provide for RhCMV- and HCMV-based vaccine vectors, and versions thereof with suicide or safety means. Further aspects provide pharmaceutical compositions comprising the inventive CMV-based vaccine vectors.

Abstract: A vaccine formulation for the prevention or amelioration of HIV infection in humans is provided. The vaccine comprises an HIV antigen, especially a protein which comprises Nef and/or Tat of HIV, and an immunostimulatory CpG oligonucleotide. Methods for making the vaccine formulation of the invention are described. Patients may also be treated by pre-administration of the CpG oligonucleotide prior to administration of the HIV antigen.

Abstract: Provided herein are small molecule CD4 mimetics effective to bind to HIV Env proteins. A CD4 mimetic of the invention, when bound to an Env protein, is effective to induce a conformational change in the Env protein such that cyptic epitopes on the Env protein are exposed. Also provided herein are related methods of identifying and using such small molecule CD4 mimetics, for example, to elicit an immune response in a subject upon administration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing the occurrence and severity of infectious diseases, especially infectious diseases in which lipid-containing infectious organisms are found in biological fluids, such as blood. The present invention employs solvents useful for extracting lipids from the lipid-containing infectious organism, thereby reducing the infectivity of the infectious organism. The present invention uses optimal solvent systems such that the lipid envelope around the viral particle is dissolved while the viral particle remains intact, resulting in a modified viral particle. The present invention also provides an autologous vaccine composition, comprising a lipid-containing infectious organism, treated with solvents to reduce the lipid content of the infectious organism, combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The vaccine composition is administered to an animal or a human to provide protection against the lipid-containing infectious organism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing the occurrence and severity of infectious diseases, especially infectious diseases in which lipid-containing infectious viral organisms are found in biological fluids, such as blood. The present invention employs solvents useful for extracting lipids from the lipid-containing infectious viral organism thereby creating modified viral particles with reduced infectivity and enhanced antigenicity. The present invention provides vaccine compositions, comprising these modified viral particles with reduced infectivity and enhanced antigenicity, optionally combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or an immunostimulant. The vaccine composition is administered to a patient to provide protection against the lipid-containing infectious viral organism. The vaccine compositions of the present invention include combination vaccines of modified viral particles obtained from one or more strains of a virus and/or one or more types of virus.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods useful for inducing an immunogenic response in a subject or host. In particular, the compositions and methods may be directed to carbohydrate HIV vaccines and to methods of producing a carbohydrate HIV vaccine by introducing antigenic sugars into mimics of the glycans of the HIV envelope glycoproteins gp120 and gp41.

Abstract: Phosphorylated glucomannan polysaccharide compositions are shown to effectively enhance healthy immune function. Dosage forms including pills, sprays, functional foods and cosmetics may achieve this benefit while being essentially free of storage protein from nongerminated seeds of Ricinus communis.

Abstract: The invention relates to chimeric molecules comprising a virus coat sequence and a receptor sequence that can inter-act with each other to form a complex that is capable of binding a co-receptor. Such chimeric molecules therefore exhibit functional properties characteristic of a receptor-coat protein complex and are useful as agents that inhibit virus infection of cells due to occupancy of a co-receptor present on the cell. In particular aspects, the chimeric polypeptide includes an immunodeficiency virus envelope polypeptide, such as that of HIV, SIV, FIV, FeLV, FPV and herpes virus. Receptor sequences suitable for use in a chimeric polypeptide include, for example, CD4 D1D2 and CD4M9 sequences.

Abstract: Compositions are provided which include biodegradable microparticles with entrapped or adsorbed antigens, in combination with submicron oil-in-water emulsions. Also provided are methods of immunization which comprise administering to a vertebrate subject (a) a submicron oil-in-water emulsion, and (b) a therapeutically effective amount of a selected antigen entrapped in a microparticle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the production of metal chelate-labelled peptide antigens, peptides obtainable by this process and their use in an immunological method of detection.

Abstract: Described is a method for making a pharmaceutical preparation comprising the solubilisation of a peptide mixture, characterized in that the peptide mixture is solubilized by an aqueous solution containing at least one organic acid selected from the group consisting of formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and halogenated or hydroxylated forms thereof.

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: Raising the T-cell count in an HIV positive patient having a low T-cell count by orally administering an effective amount of a composition containing a material obtained by treating whole human blood or white cells obtained from HIV positive patients with cold aqueous carbon dioxide, heating to evolve carbon dioxide gas, allowing a precipitate to form, and collecting and drying the precipitate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and method for enhancing the efficacy of a vaccine in a subject treated with the vaccine by administering to the subject an antigen in conjunction with a chemokine.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein relate to methods and compositions for bypassing the involvement of CD4+ cells when generating antibody and MHC class I-restricted immune responses, controlling the nature and magnitude of the response, and promoting effective immunologic intervention in viral pathogenesis. More specifically, embodiments relate to immunogenic compositions for vaccination particularly therapeutic vaccination, against HIV and other microbial pathogens that impact functioning of the immune system, their nature, and the order, timing, and route of administration by which they are effectively used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic gag and gagpol genes optimized for high level expression via codon optimization and the uses thereof for the efficient generation of vector particles. The invention further relates to the generation of packaging cells and vaccines based on the synthetic gag and gagpol genes.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions to preserve bioactive materials in a dried foam matrix. Methods provide non-boiling foam generation and penetration of preservative agents at temperatures near the phase transition temperature of the membranes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of using same to direct an immune response thereby enhancing the efficacy of an antigen containing vaccine by combining a chemokine in conjunction with the vaccine, wherein the choice of the chemokine directs the immune response in either the Th1 or Th2 direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel CD4-independent HIV Envelope proteins and uses therefor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, referred to as CBD-1, CBD-2, CBM-1/TH-1, CBM-1/TH-2, CBM-2/TH-1, CBM-2/TH-2 and C-20 peptides, which are antigenic and elicit a protective immune response against HIV infection. Compositions, pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines comprising these antigenic peptides are also encompassed by the present invention, as well as neutralizing antibodies which inhibit infection of primary CD4+ T lymphocytes by various HIV isolates. Methods for diagnosis of HIV are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of lymphadenopathy virus, which has been designated Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This invention relates to a diagnostic means and method to detect the presence of DNA, RNA or antibodies of the lymphadenopathy retrovirus associated with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome or of the lymphadenopathy syndrome by the use of DNA fragments or the peptides encoded by said DNA fragments. The invention further relates to the DNA fragments, vectors comprising them and the proteins expressed.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of an antifusogenic peptide by producing a fusion peptide of a length of about 14 to 70 amino acids in a prokaryotic host cell, comprising the steps, under such conditions that inclusion bodies of said fusion peptide are formed, of: (a) expressing in said host cell a nucleic acid encoding said fusion peptide consisting of a first peptide which is an antifusogenic peptide of a length of about 10 to 50 amino acids and a second peptide of a length of about 4 to 30 amino acids, said first peptide being N-terminally linked to said second peptide; (b) cultivating said host cell to produce said inclusion bodies; and (c) recovering said antifusogenic peptide from said inclusion bodies, wherein said recovered antifusogenic peptide consists of said fusion peptide or a peptide comprising the antifusogenic peptide of about 10 to 50 amino acids and which is a fragment cleaved from said fusion peptide. Inclusion bodies of the peptides are disclosed.

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 relates to a composition comprising at least one antigen, wherein the antigen is a protein or glycoprotein of a HIV-2 virus, wherein the HIV-2 virus has infectious properties with respect to human T4 lymphocytes and the essential morphological or immunological property of at least one of the retroviruses deposited at the CNCM under No. I-502, I-532, I-642, and I-643. It also relates to a process for the production of HIV-2 retrovirus antigens by lysing cells infected with the virus or lysing purified virus and recovering the antigens.

Abstract: Isolated protein complexes are provided comprising Tsg101 and HIV GAG or GAGp6. The protein complexes are useful in screening assays for selecting compounds effective in modulating the Tsg101-HIV GAG or GAGp6 interaction within the protein complexes.

Abstract: The combination of HIV proteins Tat and Nef is chemotactic for CD4+ cells. Utilizing the capacity of Tat and Nef to modulate CD4+ cell trafficking and infiltration, the invention provides various treatment modes for individuals infected with HIV. The invention further provides treatment modes for other localized diseases by controlling CD4+ cell trafficking and infiltration. In particular, the invention provides methodology for promoting CD4+ cell chemotaxis to a localized site of infection as a means of augmenting the efficacy of extant chemotherapeutic methods. The invention further provides methodology for diverting CD4+ cell infiltration from a localized site where the presence of CD4+ cells is detrimental to the clinical outcome, by providing a composition comprising Tat and Nef at a distinct site, such as blood, within the individual where the accumulation of CD4+ cells is less detrimental.

Abstract: The present invention provides an attenuated virus, which is derived from Modified Vaccinia Ankara virus and characterized by the loss of its capability to reproductively replicate in human cell lines. It further describes recombinant viruses derived from this virus and the use of the virus, or its recombinants, as a medicament or vaccine. A method is provided for inducing an immune response in individuals who may be immune-compromised. In addition, a method is provided for the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of the virus, or its recombinants, in a vaccinia virus prime/vaccinia virus boost inoculation regimen.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is provided a method for treatment or prophylaxis of one or more symptoms of a retrovirus infection such as HIV infection, comprising the administration of poxvirus vector encoding a retrovirus antigen and a cytokine, or a functional homolog, derivative part or analog thereof, in conjunction with anti-retroviral drug therapy wherein said polypeptide and/or cytokine are expressed in a subject and are effective in maintaining a low viral load in a subject for a period of time, for example effectively preventing, reducing or delaying viral rebound during interruption of anti-retroviral drug treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the prevention and/or treatment of cardiovascular and allergic diseases and disorders, methods for inhibiting the growth of, or reducing the volume of, a solid tumor, as well as methods for preventing progression to AIDS in an HIV-infected human, by administering a peptide derived from T cell receptors, or a derivative thereof. The present invention also relates to peptides derived from T-cell receptors, and derivatives thereof, which are useful in such methods.