Abstract: Since FIV-vaccinated cats produce antibodies against FIV, distinguishing them from FIV-infected cats is difficult by serological diagnostic methods using FIV and FIV-derived substances. The present invention enables tests for determining the presence or absence of a FIV vaccination history in a cat by detecting antibodies that are produced as a result of vaccination of a cat with an FIV vaccine, but not as a result of FIV infection. Using the methods of the present invention, whether an anti-FIV antibody-positive cat is infected with FIV or has been vaccinated can be conveniently distinguished.

Abstract: Native Tat, when administered to patients with HIV infection, or who are otherwise immunocompromised, is capable of restoring immune functions so as to recognise recall antigens, and to inhibit replication and key signs of HIV disease and other persistent infections and/or their progression.

Abstract: The invention relates to fusion proteins comprising the amino acid sequence of at least three HIV proteins selected from Vif, Vpr, Vpu, Rev, and Tat or derivatives of the amino acid sequence of one or more of said proteins, wherein the fusion protein is not processed to individual HIV proteins having the natural N and C termini. The invention further concerns nucleic acids encoding said proteins, vectors comprising said nucleic acids, and methods for producing said proteins. The fusion protein, nucleic acids and vectors are usable as vaccines for the at least partial prophylaxis against HIV infections.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vaccine that includes a dendritic cell loaded with a yeast vehicle and antigen. Also disclosed are methods of making the vaccine and using the vaccine to elicit cellular and humoral immune responses in a mammal. Additionally, a method to elicit an immune response by administration of a yeast vehicle and an antigen that is not complexed to the yeast vehicle is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of co-delivery of combination DNA and protein immunogenic compositions to enhance protective or therapeutic effects.

Abstract: Improved vaccines which include a nucleotide sequence that encodes immunomodulating protein operably linked to regulatory elements are disclosed. The improved vaccines include DNA vaccines, recombinant vaccines for delivering foreign antigen and live attenuated vaccines. Methods of immunizing individuals are disclosed. Compositions for and methods of treating individuals with autoimmune diseases are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds and related compositions for the treatment of viral infection, including RNA viral infection, and compounds that can modulate the RIG-I pathway in vertebrate cells, including compounds that can activate the RIG-I pathway.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds and related compositions for the treatment of viral infection, including RNA viral infection, and compounds that can modulate the RIG-I pathway in vertebrate cells, including compounds that can activate the RIG-I pathway.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds and related compositions for the treatment of viral infection, including RNA viral infection, and compounds that can modulate the RIG-I pathway in vertebrate cells, including compounds that can activate the RIG-I pathway.

Abstract: Azido-diarylpyrimidine (azido-DAPY) compounds, and compositions containing such compounds, are provided. In addition, methods of using azido-diarylpyrimidines to inactivate reverse transcriptases, prepare inactivated viruses, and treat or prevent viral infections are also provided.

Abstract: A method to induce an immune response in a host in need thereof, comprises administering to the host, recombinant lentiviral vector particles comprising: a) a GAG polypeptide or a functional GAG-polypeptide derivative; b) a POL polypeptide or a functional POL-polypeptide derivative ; c) an ENV polypeptide or a functional ENV-polypeptide derivative; and d) a recombinant polynucleotide. The recombinant polynucleotide comprises a transgene placed under the control of regulatory signals for transcription and expression, regulatory signals, of lentiviral origin, for reverse transcription, expression and packaging, and a polynucleotide comprising a cis-acting central initiation region (cPPT) and a cis-acting termination region (CTS). The regions are of lentiviral origin and are inserted in a functional orientation with the regulatory signals of lentiviral origin. The polynucleotide forms a DNA triplex during reverse transcription.

Abstract: Novel anti-idiotype monoclonal antibodies are described which are capable of specifically reacting with the idiotype of human anti-gp120 antibodies, of inhibiting the binding between the gp120 antigen and human anti-gp120 antibodies, and of evoking a neutralising anti-gp120 immune response in an animal host to which they are administered. The anti-idiotype antibodies of the invention can be identified based on the amino acid sequences of the variable portions of their light and heavy chains. In addition, a method for obtaining a panel of anti-idiotype monoclonal antibodies, expression vectors and transformed host cells usable in a recombinant DNA procedure in order to generate the aforesaid anti-idiotype monoclonal antibodies, as well as the therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic use of such antibodies are disclosed.

Abstract: Improved anti-HIV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed. Immunogens disclosed include those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype A Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype B Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype C Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype D Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype B consensus Nef-Rev protein, and those having consensus sequences form HIV Gag protein subtypes A, B, C and D. Improved anti-HPV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; improved anti-HCV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; improved hTERT immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; and improved anti-Influenza immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed as well methods of inducing an immune response in an individual against HIV, HPV, HCV, hTERT and Influenza are disclosed.

Abstract: This document relates to compositions and methods for modulating an immune response. For example, compositions of immunostimulatory CpG oligonucleotides derived from retroviral genomes are 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: The present invention relates to a compound represented by formula (I): wherein all symbols are as defined here, a salt thereof, a solvate thereof, or a prodrug thereof. The compound of the present invention has an antagonistic activity against CXCR4 and is therefore useful as a preventive and/or therapeutic agent for CXCR4-mediated diseases, for example, inflammatory and immune diseases (for example, rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis, retinopathy, pulmonary fibrosis, rejection of transplanted organ, etc.), allergic diseases, infections (for example, human immunodeficiency virus infection, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, etc.), psychoneurotic diseases, cerebral diseases, cardiovascular disease, metabolic diseases, and cancerous diseases (for example, cancer, cancer metastasis, etc.), or an agent for regeneration therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates, e.g., to a method for inhibiting infectivity of a lentivirus (e.g., a lentivirus which expresses a Viral infectivity factor (Vif) protein), such as, e.g., SIV, SHIV and/or HIV, comprising contacting a cell which is producing the virus with an antiviral-effective amount of a membrane-permeable Zinc (Zn) chelator, wherein the antiviral-effective amount of the Zn chelator does not substantially inhibit proteins in the cell which contain Zn-binding motifs other than lentivirus Vif. Kits and pharmaceutical compositions are also disclosed, as is a method for identifying inhibitors of lentiviruses that target a specific zinc-binding motif of the lentivirus Vif protein.

Abstract: The present invention refers to new epitopes recognized by CD4+ T-lymphocytes. In addition, the present invention refers to the uses of such epitopes and their combinations, particularly in the treatment or prevention of disorders caused by the HIV-1 virus. The present invention also refers to a composition comprising said epitopes and the uses of said composition, particularly in the treatment or prevention of disorders caused by the HIV-1 virus. The present invention also refers to anti-HIV-1 prophylactic vaccines and therapeutic vaccines. Furthermore, the present invention refers to a method for the identification of epitopes and methods for treating or preventing an infection caused by the HIV-1 virus.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to an immunogen for HIV vaccination and, in particular, to a method of inducing the production of protective anti-HIV antibodies by targeting B cell germline and clone intermediates using a combination of HIV envelope and non-HIV immunogens. The invention also relates to compositions suitable for use in such a method.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of modulating an immune response to a second antigen which entail administration of a first antigen and an immunostimulatory polynucleotide. Modulation of the immune response is generally manifested as stimulation of a Th1 response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the design of gene transfer vectors and especially provides lentiviral gene transfer vectors suitable for either a unique administration or for iterative administration in a host, and to their medicinal application (such as vaccination against Immunodeficiency Virus, especially suitable in human hosts). Gene transfer vectors can be either integrative or non-integrative vectors. The invention encompasses prophylactic, therapeutic, symptomatic, and curative treatments of animals, including humans, as well as gene therapy and vaccination in vivo.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to immunological compositions for vaccinating human beings against infection by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Abstract: The invention discloses pharmaceutical compositions in liquid form comprising a peptide with the amino acid sequence KLKL5KLK and an oligodeoxynucleotide with the nucleic acid sequence (dIdC)13 and wherein the peptide and the oligodeoxynucleotide are present as sterile-filterable nanoparticles in the composition, thereby forming a suspension, characterized in that the mean particle size of the solid particles is less than 1 ?m.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel insertion sites useful for the integration of HIV DNA sequences into the MVA genome, and to the resulting recombinant MVA derivatives.

Abstract: Materials and methods useful for generating highly mannosylated pseudotyped lentiviral vector particles comprising a Vpx protein are provided. More specifically, methods for generating such materials include culturing in a culture medium including kifunensine a virus packaging cell with a lentiviral vector genome including a polynucleotide encoding an exogenous antigen, a polynucleotide encoding a Sindbis E2 glycoprotein that preferentially binds dendritic cells expressing DC-SIGN, and a polynucleotide encoding a Vpx protein or a Vpr protein that retains SAMHD1-inhibiting activity, followed by isolating a pseudotyped lentiviral vector particle that preferentially binds dendritic cells expressing DC-SIGN.

Abstract: The present invention provides for testing methods to determine an effective testing agent that affects the activity of the HIV Gag protein at the plasma membrane of a cell, and specifically, effecting changes in the structural conformation of at least one fatty acid of PI(4,5)P2, a member of a family of differentially phosphorylated phosphatidylinositides, wherein inhibition of the extension of such fatty acid into the MA domain of the Gag protein reduces binding of Gag to the plasma membrane, thereby inhibiting virus particle assembly and subsequent replication of the HIV virus.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel insertion sites useful for the integration of HIV DNA sequences into the MVA genome, and to the resulting recombinant MVA derivatives.

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 polynucleotides encoding immunogenic HIV polypeptides. Uses of the polypeptides in applications including immunization, generation of packaging cell lines, and production of HIV polypeptides are also described. Polynucleotides encoding antigenic HIV polypeptides are described, as are uses of these polynucleotides and polypeptide products therefrom, including formulations of immunogenic compositions and uses thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to cholesterol-sequestering agents and methods of using cholesterol-sequestering agents to treat or prevent infection. The compositions of the invention can be used in vitro or in vivo to decrease the load of a microorganism in a biological sample. Methods of generating an immune response against a microorganism are also included.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody mimetic of carbohydrate binding module (CBM) which specifically binds to an epitope on HIV glycoprotein. The present invention also relates to a method of detecting HIV glycoprotein.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of formulating an anti-inflammatory composition for treating inflammatory conditions in a specific organ or tissue. The method involves selecting at least one pathogen that is pathogenic in the specific organ or tissue; producing an antigenic composition comprising antigenic determinants that together are specific for the pathogen; and formulating the antigenic composition for administration as an anti-inflammatory composition capable of eliciting an anti-inflammatory response in the specific organ or tissue. In embodiments of the invention the pathogen may be an endogenous pathogen, such as an endogenous bacterial pathogen. The pathogen may be an exogenous pathogen, such as a bacterial pathogen, viral pathogen, a fungal pathogen, or a helminth pathogen.

Abstract: PD-1 antagonists are disclosed that can be used to reduce the expression or activity of PD-1 in a subject. An immune response specific to an infectious agent or to tumor cells can be enhanced using these PD-1 antagonists in conjunction with an antigen from the infectious agent or tumor. Thus, subjects with infections, such as persistent infections can be treated using PD-1 antagonists. In addition, subjects with tumors can be treated using the PD-1 antagonists. In several examples, subjects can be treated by transplanting a therapeutically effective amount of activated T cells that recognize an antigen of interest and by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a PD-1 antagonist.

Abstract: The invention provides immunostimulatory compositions and methods of administration thereof. Also provided are methods of administering a tryptanthrin compound in an effective amount to enhance the immune response of a subject to an antigen. Also provided are methods of administering an effective amount of a tryptanthrin to stimulate the immune response in a subject for the treatment of cancer. Further provided are methods of administering a tryptanthrin compounds as an immunotherapeutic in the treatment of infectious diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of coating a spore with one or more therapeutic agents. The present invention also relates to a coated spore obtained by the method of the present invention and the use of the coated spore as a vaccine.

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: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of treating, inhibiting, or controlling HIV infection.

Abstract: The invention is directed to polypeptides and polypeptide fragments from HIV-1 envelope (Env) proteins following the characterization of Env structures from environments where HIV isolates expose conserved neutralization-sensitive Env structures. There is provided a polypeptide being all or a fragment of an HIV-1 envelope protein from a transmission strain of HIV-1, the polypeptide having neutralization sensitive epitopes that are accessible.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a nucleic acid molecule encoding a HIV-1 polypeptide which comprises the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, or SEQ ID NO: 4. The invention also provides a method of inducing an immune response against HIV-1 in a mammal.

Abstract: A compound represented by general formula (I): a salt thereof, a solvate thereof, or a prodrug thereof wherein all symbols are as defined in the specification has an antagonistic activity against CXCR4 and is therefore useful as a preventive and/or therapeutic agent for CXCR4-mediated diseases, for example, inflammatory and immune diseases (for example, rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis, systemic erythematosus, retinopathy, macular degeneration, pulmonary fibrosis, transplanted organ rejection, etc.), allergic diseases, infections (for example, human immunodeficiency virus infection, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, etc.), psychoneurotic diseases, cerebral diseases, cardiac/vascular disease (for example, arteriosclerosis, myocardial infarction, stenocardia, cerebral infarction, chronic arterial occlusive disease, etc.), metabolic diseases, and cancerous diseases (for example, cancer, cancer metastasis, etc.

Abstract: Provided herein are HIV vaccines comprising HIV polypeptide-encoding DNA adsorbed to PLG and/or HIV proteins. Also provided are methods of using these vaccines to generate immune responses in a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are isolated rubella viral vector constructs that include a rubella non-structural protein open reading frame (ORF) with an in-frame deletion, a rubella structural protein ORF, and a heterologous antigenic insert. In one example, the in-frame deletion within the rubella non-structural protein ORF is an in-frame deletion between two NotI restriction enzyme sites. In some examples, the heterologous antigenic insert is positioned within the rubella non-structural protein ORF. In other examples, the heterologous antigenic insert is positioned within the rubella structural protein ORF. Exemplary antigenic inserts include a Gag antigenic insert, a gp41 antigenic insert or a gp120 antigenic insert. Also disclosed are uses of the isolated rubella viral vector, such as to induce an immune response to HIV-1, testing sensitivity to neutralizing antibodies, or screening antiviral drugs (such as protease inhibitors).

Abstract: An HIV-1 type (or subtype) O retrovirus protein, or a natural or synthetic polypeptide or peptide including at least a part of said protein, which is capable of being recognized by antibodies isolated from a serum resulting from infection by an HIV-1 type O VAU strain or an HIV-1 type (or subtype) O DUR strain.

Abstract: Improved vaccines which include a nucleotide sequence that encodes immunomodulating protein operably linked to regulatory elements are disclosed. The improved vaccines include DNA vaccines, recombinant vaccines for delivering foreign antigen and live attenuated vaccines. Methods of immunizing individuals are disclosed. Compositions for and methods of treating individuals with autoimmune diseases are disclosed.

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 a 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: The present invention includes cold-adapted, acid-fast bacterium for use as a vaccine and a vaccine vector. In preferred embodiments, the cold-adapted, acid-fast bacterium is a Mycobacteria, for example, Mycobacteria shottsii.

Abstract: Env-CD4 polypeptide complexes and hybrids that expose cryptic epitopes important in virus neutralization are disclosed. Method of diagnosis, treatment and prevention using the polypeptides are also provided.

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 present invention relates, in general, to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and, in particular, to a method of inducing neutralizing antibodies to HIV and to compounds and compositions suitable for use in such a method.

Abstract: Provided are peptide vaccines including the signal peptide domain of selected target antigens of intracellular pathogens. The peptide vaccines of the invention contain multiple class II and class I-restricted epitopes and are recognized and presented by the majority of the vaccinated human population. Further provided, in particular, are anti tuberculosis vaccines. Also further provided are compositions including the vaccines as well as their use to treat or prevent infection.