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 Glade 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 present invention provides a vaccine containing a Sendai virus vector encoding a virus protein of an immunodeficiency virus. By intranasally administering a Sendai virus encoding a virus protein of an immunodeficiency virus to a macaque monkey, the present inventors have succeeded in efficiently inducing protective immunity against an immunodeficiency virus. As a result of intranasal inoculation of vaccine, expression of an antigen protein mediated by Sendai virus vector was detected in intranasal mucous membrane and local lymph nodes and antigen-specific cellular immune response was induced at a significant level. No pathological symptom by vaccination was observed. After vaccination, exposure of simian immunodeficiency virus was performed and the effect was examined. As a result, the amount of virus in plasma significantly decreased, compared with that of the control animal. The present invention provides a promising vaccine as an AIDS vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjuvant derived from human lymphocytes. The adjuvant can be used in combination with traditional vaccines or cancer immunotherapy, to enhance the response of the patient's immune system to the vaccine or other immunotherapeutic agent. The adjuvant is derived from the supernatant collected from cultured activated lymphocytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for potentiating a specific immune response to an antigen in a mammal in need thereof. The method comprises administering to the mammal an effective amount of Ov-ASP, or at least one subunit of Ov-ASP, and an antigenic moiety.

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: 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.

Abstract: Methods of covalently-stabilizing alpha-helical, chimeric peptides constrained within a homotrimeric or heterotrimeric coiled-coil structure are disclosed. The coiled-coil structures made by the methods disclosed within this specification mimic all or a portion of the internal, trimeric coiled-coil motif contained within the fusogenic conformation of an enveloped virus membrane-fusion protein, particularly the internal coiled-coil domain of the HIV gp41 ectodomain. The HIV-derived, chimeric peptides disclosed comprise a non-HIV, soluble, trimeric form of a coiled-coil fused in helical phase to all or a portion of the N-helix of HIV gp41 and are covalently-stabilized in a homotrimeric or heterotrimeric coiled-coil structure through the formation of disulfide or chemoselective bonds between said peptides.

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

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions comprising partially glycosylated viral glycoproteins for use as vaccines against viruses are provided. Vaccines formulated using mono-, di-, or tri-glycosylated viral surface glycoproteins and polypeptides provide potent and broad protection against viruses, even across strains. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising monoglycosylated hemagglutinin polypeptides and vaccines generated therefrom and methods of their use for prophylaxis or treatment of viral infections are disclosed. Methods and compositions are disclosed for influenza virus HA, NA and M2, RSV proteins F, G and SH, Dengue virus glycoproteins M or E, hepatitis C virus glycoprotein E1 or E2 and HIV glycoproteins gp120 and gp41.

Abstract: Glycoproteins containing high mannose oligosaccharides are obtained and used to generate antibody to the mannose portion of the molecule. Such antibodies can be used in a diagnostic assay. The glycoproteins can be used to generate neutralizing antibody.

Abstract: Adjuvant combinations comprising at least one NKT activator, such as alpha-galactosylceramide (?-Gal-Cer) or iGb3, a CD40 agonist and optionally an antigen are disclosed. The use of these immune adjuvants for treatment of various chronic diseases such as cancers is also provided.

Abstract: The application relates to methods of treating chronic viral infection by modulating Tim-3 activity. In addition, the present application relates to methods of diagnosing or monitoring immune system activity or function, chronic viral infection and inflammatory disease using Tim-3 expression.

Abstract: Immunologically active peptides which are derived from a novel immunodeficiency virus which has the designation MVP5180/91 are described. A diagnostic composition containing such a peptide and methods of detecting an antibody against a retrovirus that causes immune deficiency using such diagnostic composition are also described. A kit containing the immunologically active peptides is also described. An immunogen and method of immunizing a mammal against HIV infection using the immunologically active peptides is described. DNA encoding the peptides and methods of detecting nucleic acids encoding HIV viruses are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, immunogenic compositions comprising a first antigen, at least two adjuvants, wherein a first adjuvant comprises a polymer derived from poly(lactides) and/or poly(lactide-co-glycolides), and wherein a second adjuvant comprises an imidazoquinoline, wherein said first antigen is encapsulated within, adsorbed or conjugated to, co-lyophilized or mixed with said first adjuvant, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, wherein said composition elicits a cellular immune response when administered to a vertebrate subject. The invention also provides methods of producing immunogenic compositions, methods for producing a cytotoxic-T lymphocyte (CTL) response in a vertebrate subject, and methods of immunization.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel synthetic C-glycolipids that selectively induce a ThI-type immune response characterized by enhanced IL-12 secretion and increased activation of dendritic cells. The compounds of the invention are thereby useful in treating infections, cancers, cell proliferative disorders, and autoimmune diseases, both directly and as adjuvants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides which exhibit potent anti-retroviral activity. The peptides of the invention comprise DP178 (SEQ ID NO: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 invention provides compositions of inactivated viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites and tumor cells that can be used as vaccines. Methods for making such inactivated viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites and tumor cells are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to a novel class of drugs directed against HIV, comprising a peptide or analog comprising a decapeptide, said decapeptide containing (from N-terminus to the C-terminus) a basic amino acid in position 1, an acidic amino acid in positions 2 and 5, and a tryptophan in positions 4, 7, and 8, and to a method of treatment of HIV infections, in particular multidrug-resistant HIV infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a HIV vaccine, preventing infection with HIV and/or preventing the development of HIV infection in an individual. In particular, the present invention provides formation of HIV specific antibodies capable to recognize and bind to substantially all HIV-isoforms as an immune response in an individual, which bind to existing in a current epidemiologic cohort HIV-subtypes and mutants selected after antiretroviral therapy. The present invention also relates to HIV-1 peptides/polypeptides/proteins selection with reverse panning technique, LC mass spectrometry identification of HIV-1 env peptides/polypeptides/proteins, gp120 and its fragment in particular, production of recombinant HIV-1 env peptides in suitable host with necessary glycosylation—L. tarentolae and using sterically stabilized liposomes (SSL) as an adjuvant-carrier for HIV-specific immune boost composition.

Abstract: This invention encompasses an env nucleic acid product produced by a process comprising providing a sample containing HIV-1 nucleic acid and amplifying the nucleic acid using primer pairs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for augmenting an immunogenicity of an antigen in a mammal, comprising administering said antigen together with an adjuvant composition that includes a synthetic glycolipid compound of Formula I, as described herein. According to the present invention, the use of a compound of Formula I as an adjuvant is attributed at least in part to the enhancement and/or extension of antigen-specific Th1-type responses, in particular, CD8+ T cell responses. The methods and compositions of the present invention can be useful for prophylaxis and treatment of various infectious and neoplastic diseases.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods of inducing an immune response for the prevention or treatment of HIV-1 infection by using a nucleic acid vaccine in conjunction with a recombinant viral vaccine, e.g., a poxvirus vaccine, to potentiate and broaden the immune response. The present invention further provides a particularly effective vaccine regimen comprising a DNA vaccine used in combination with a poxvirus virus, especially NYVAC or ALVAC.

Abstract: A variant of a LAV virus, designated LAVMAL and capable of causing AIDS. The cDNA and antigens of the LAVMAL virus can be used for the diagnosis of AIDS and pre-AIDS.

Abstract: Enveloped virus vectors are described which comprise a cellular virus receptor protein and which are capable of fusing with a cell which comprises a viral envelope protein to which the cellular virus receptor protein is cognate. Enveloped virus vectors comprising a plurality of cellular virus receptor proteins are also described. Methods for making the enveloped virus vectors are described, as are methods of using the enveloped virus vectors. The invention further relates to a lipoparticle comprising a membrane spanning protein, and the lipoparticle can be attached to a sensor surface. The invention relates to methods of producing and using the lipoparticle to, inter alia, assess protein binding interactions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protein-protein interactions involved in AIDS. More specifically, the present invention relates to complexes of polypeptides or polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, fragments of the polypeptides, antibodies to the complexes, Selected Interacting Domains (SID®) which are identified due to the protein-protein interactions, methods for screening drugs for agents which modulate the interaction of proteins and pharmaceutical compositions that are capable of modulating the protein-protein interactions.

Abstract: A novel method for generating vaccine sequences is disclosed herein that preserves contiguous epitope length stretches of amino acids or nucleotides from an input pool of sequences. The method generates continuous, stepwise epitope consensus that together provides for a single globally optimized sequence. The end sequences are designed to maximize overlap between any potential epitope length sequence extract from a natural antigen sequence. The disclosed method, thus, allows one to maximize the number of potential natural epitopes that are mimicked in a resultant vaccine sequence. Various representative HIV vaccine sequences have been generated and are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Fusion proteins comprising CD4 minimal modules that bind to HIV Env polypeptides in a non-CD4 backbone are described. Also described are complexes of these fusion proteins with Env as well as methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention using the polynucleotides and polypeptides are also provided.

Abstract: A method for identifying a motif or a combination of motifs having a Boolean state of predetermined mutations in a set of sequences including a) aligning a set of sequences of ordered motifs represented by a single-character code, b) comparing a reference sequence with the set of sequences aligned in step (a), c) identifying motifs not having mutated simultaneously or motifs having mutated simultaneously at least once on at least one sequence of the set and not having mutated on another sequence of the set.

Abstract: Methods of producing a carbohydrate HIV vaccine or immunogenic composition are provided. One method comprises expressing a glycoprotein with a modified glycosylation, which facilitates binding of the glycoprotein to the 2G12 antibody. Another method comprises iteratively selecting cells with a high affinity for the 2G12 antibody.

Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptide fragments of HIV-1, HIV-2, and SIV, antibodies that bind to the polypeptides of the invention, methods of using the antibodies, and kits containing the antibodies. The invention also relates to polynucleotides that encode the polypeptide fragments of the invention.

Abstract: This application provides a method to establish and construct cell lines expressing pathogens without destruction of the host cells. The invention allows for the formation of cell lines for the purpose of continuous expression, release, and harvesting of the pathogen and maintaining the consistency of the final biological product. Although the invention is intended for pathogen antigen expression, the invention allows for the production of any antigen by the described methods. The establishment of a chronically infected cell line can be used for reagent, diagnostic, quantification, or vaccine purposes. We have used the procedure to select for a host cell line that naturally adapts to HIV-1 replication without affecting the host cell's ability to survive. This allowed for the establishment of a chronic HIV-1 expressing cell line that continuously expresses HIV-1 particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating a viral infection of a host using antiviral proteins (collectively referred to as cyanovirins).

Abstract: Methods for reducing infectivity by providing an enveloped virus neutralizing compound (EVNC) are provided. Methods of preparing a vaccine, vaccine formulations, and methods of immunizing a subject a further provided. Methods of disinfecting a surface are still further provided. In some embodiments, compositions comprising an isolated and purified bioactive EVNC agent are provided.

Abstract: HIV gp41 mimetibody polypeptides and encoding polynucleotides are disclosed. Methods of utilizing the polypeptides to reduce or inhibit HIV fusion with a cell membrane and entry into target cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention refers to Tat as the active principle for a prophylactic and/or therapeutic vaccine against HIV infection, the progression towards AIDS and the development of tumors and other syndromes and symptoms in subjects infected by HIV. Tat is in biologically active form either as recombinant protein or peptide or as DNA. More particularly, the invention refers to a vaccine based on HIV-1 Tat as immunogen, inoculated as DNA and/or recombinant protein or as peptides, alone or in combination with other genes or viral gene products (Nef, Rev, Gag) or parts thereof, or in combination with various immuno modulant cytokines (IL-12, IL-15) or with the gene coding for an immuno modulant cytokine or part thereof. Tat, Nef, Rev, Gag and the immuno modulant cytokines are administrated both as a mixture of recombinant proteins, peptides or fusion proteins (Tat/Nef, Tat/Rev, Tat/Gag, Tat/IL-12, Tat/IL-15) or as plasmid DNA.

Abstract: The presently disclosed invention is broadly directed to therapeutic micro- and/or nanoparticles designed to target an immune cell with an active agent. More particularly, the particles have a predetermined geometry and a broadest dimension of less than about 10 ?m. The immune cell-targeted micro and/or nanoparticles may additionally comprise a biocompatible polymer.

Abstract: The present invention features methods and compositions related to chitosan antigen depots, and chitosan cytokine depots, and the use of depot compositions in treating and preventing diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to immunostimulatory oligonucleotides and methods of using immunostimulatory oligonucleotides to induce an antigen-specific immune response. The invention further relates to a vaccine that comprises an immunostimulatory oligonucleotide and an antigen, and comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The immunostimulatory oligonucleotides of the invention, in some embodiments, include one or more modified linkage(s).

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: The invention encompasses compositions and methods relating to viral polymerases having one or more substitutions of different amino acids at conserved regions of the polymerase yields enzymes with varying rates and fidelity of replication. A universally applicable, polymerase-mechanism-based strategy for production of attenuated viruses and anti-viral vaccines is disclosed. Attenuated viruses serve as vaccines and were shown to provide protection against poliovirus challenge in vivo.

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 subject invention pertains to methods and compositions for protecting feline animals from infection by FIV using immunogens derived from primate immunodeficiency viruses, including HIV and SIV. Methods for vaccinating feline animals with the subject vaccine compositions are described. Feline animals vaccinated according to the methods and compositions of the subject invention exhibit protective humoral and cellular immune responses to FIV when challenged with FIV.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vaccine composition comprising an effective amount of antigen or a nucleic acid encoding antigen, encapsulated in polymeric particles, wherein said polymeric particles comprises nanoparticles, microparticles or combinations thereof, wherein surprisingly the nanoparticle induces cellular response and the microparticle induces humoral response. The invention further provides a method of inducing cellular and/or humoral immune response.

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 Glade. 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: 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 present invention relates, in general, to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and, in particular, to a method of inducing an immune response to HIV in a patient and to immunogens suitable for use in such a method. The invention also relates to diagnostic test kits and methods of using same.

Abstract: Provided herein are immunogenic compositions comprising fusion proteins, the fusion proteins comprising lentivirus gp41 or a fragment thereof, a trimerization or oligomerization motif and an immunoenhancer that elicit potent and broad HIV neutralizing antibody responses in the immunized hosts. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the immunogenic compositions.

Abstract: The invention concerns immunogenic compositions prepared from preparations obtained by incubating first means expressing the target receptor(s) of an infectious pathogenic agent, with second means expressing at least the regions of the infectious pathogenic agent recognising said targets, in conditions enabling interaction between the first and second means so as to form a complex, the incubation being carried out according to different time intervals, and contacting the resulting complexes with a binding agent, for different time intervals, said first and second means being tolerated by mammals. The invention is useful for preparing vaccine compositions designed for mammals against an infectious pathology.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed that induce broadly HIV therapeutic and vaccine inducing antibodies against diverse HIV clades and relate to the ability to identify HIV gp120-derived short peptide sequence immunogens and various therapeutic compositions made from the identified peptides which compose CCR5 binding sites. Also disclosed are methods of selecting peptide sequences that are likely candidates for drugs which will offer effective treatment in such areas as Alzheimer's disease, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis and other diseases associated with the human inflammatory cascade as well as related retroviruses such as HTLV-1, the cause of tropical spastic paraparesis.

Abstract: A method of developing an immune response to HIV using a composition of inactivated HIV. Inactivation is through psoralen and ultraviolet radiation. The composition is rendered more effective by the removal of structural features of HIV that interfere with immune response. In particular, sialic acid is removed to enhance immune recognition of the composition and to impair Complement Factor H binding. CD55 and CD59 are also removed to prevent the binding of Complement Factor H. A method of developing an immune response to HIV using a composition of inactivated HIV. Inactivation is through psoralen and ultraviolet radiation. The composition is rendered more effective by the removal of structural features of HIV that interfere with immune response. In particular, sialic acid is removed to enhance immune recognition of the composition and to impair Complement Factor H binding. CD55 and CD59 are also removed to prevent the binding of Complement factor H.