Abstract: The subject application discloses methods and compositions for the targeted detection and/or inhibition of an intracellular protein in a cell by contacting the cell with a cationized antibody which reacts specifically with the intracellular protein. An example of an intracellular protein which can be inhibited in this manner is the Tat protein which is encoded by the HIV-1 virus.

Abstract: Synthetic DNA molecules encoding HIV gag and modifications of HIV gag are provided. The codons of the synthetic molecules are codons preferred by the projected host cell. The synthetic molecules may be used as a polynucleotide vaccine which provides effective immunoprophylaxis against HIV infection through stimulation of neutralizing antibody and cell-mediated immunity.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of a virus comprise administering to a patient antibodies which react with regions of viral proteins and result in neutralization of infectivity and inactivation of functionally essential events in the life cycle of the virus. The antibodies recognize viral epitopes which fail to elicit an immune response in man when encountered through infection or naturally through the environment. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides compositions and methods useful in the treatment and diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections.

Abstract: The present invention is related to mammary tumor virus (MTV). MTV represents a group of retroviruses which possess very high homology to mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV), a virus known to cause neoplastic mammary disease in mice. As described herein, MTV's have been identified in human, cat, and Rhesus macaque. The present invention specifically provides for recombinant nucleic acids and polypeptides derived from these MTV's as well as methods for using these biological molecules.

Abstract: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) comprising reverse transcriptase inactivated by photoinactivation used to evoke an immune response. The immune response may protect an individual from challenges with live virus. Alternatively, the inactivated HIV particles may be used to augment the immune response to HIV in an infected individual.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a nucleotide sequence construct with optimized codons for an HIV genetic vaccine based on a primary, early HIV isolate. Specific such nucleotide sequence construct are the synthetic envelope BX08 constructs. The invention further relates to the medical use of such constructs for the treatment and prophylaxis of HIV through DNA vaccine and for diagnostics.

Abstract: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) comprising reverse transcriptase inactivated by photoinactivation. The inactivated virus may be more safely handled, stored, and analyzed, used in diagnostic procedures and kits, and may be used as an immunogen to evoke an immune response. The immune response may protect an individual from challenges with live virus. Alternatively, the inactivated HIV particles may be used to augment the immune response to HIV in an infected individual.

Abstract: Compositions are provided that comprise antibody against membrane proteins such as chemokine receptors. In particular, monoclonal human antibodies against human CXCR4 are provided that are capable of inhibiting HIV infection and chemotaxis in human breast cancer cells. The antibodies can be used as prophylactics or therapeutics to prevent and treat HIV infection and cancer, for screening drugs, and for diagnosing diseases or conditions associated with interactions with chemokine receptors.

Abstract: The present invention describes human monoclonal antibodies which immunoreact with and neutralize human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Also disclosed are immunotherapeutic and diagnostic methods of using the monoclonal antibodies, as well as cell line for producing the monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a methods for identifying compounds that inhibit or prevent infection of cells by enveloped viruses such as HIV-1 by preventing or disrupting conformational changes in the viral transmembrane protein that are required for virus fusion with those cells, and the compounds discovered by such methods. The invention also includes using these assays as diagnostic assays to detect antibodies in virus infected individuals that inhibit the viral entry processes.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of identifying an anti-HIV compound by contacting human Vpr Interacting Protein (hVIP), or a fragment thereof known to interact with Vpr, with Vpr, or a fragment thereof known to interact with hVIP in the presence of a test compound, and comparing the affinity of the hVIP or fragment thereof to the Vpr or fragment thereof in the presence of the test compound with the affinity of the hVIP or fragment thereof to the Vpr or fragment thereof in the absence of the test compound. The present invention also provides transgenic non-human mammals comprising a recombinant expression vector that comprises a nucleic acid sequence that encodes hVIP.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-idiotypic antibody having specific reactivity with an idiotope common to more than one type of anti-HIV-1 antibody, and having no specific reactivity with non-HIV-1 antibodies. The present invention provides methods of diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of HIV-related diseases through the use of this antibody or related compounds.

Abstract: A novel immunodeficiency virus is disclosed which has the designation MVP-5180/91 and which has been deposited with the European Collection of Animal Cell Cultures (ECACC) under No. V 920 52 318. The characteristic antigens which can be obtained from it and which can be employed for detecting antibodies against retroviruses which are associated with immunodeficiency diseases are also disclosed, as are the DNA and amino acid sequences of the virus.

Abstract: A vaccine and a method of raising neutralizing antibodies against HIV infection. The vaccine comprises a complex of gp120 covalently bonded to CD4 or to succinyl concanavalin A. Also disclosed are immunological tests using the complex or antibody thereto for detection of HIV infection.

Abstract: A novel immunodeficiency virus is disclosed which has the designation MVP-5180/91 and which has been deposited with the European Collection of Animal Cell Cultures (ECACC) under No. V 920 52 318. The characteristic antigens which can be obtained from it and which can be employed for detecting antibodies against retroviruses which are associated with immunodeficiency diseases are also disclosed, as are the DNA and amino acid sequences of the virus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating infection with a pathogen. The method involves administration of: (1) a substance which induces active pathogen replication in a cell latently infected with HIV and (2) an anti-pathogen drug. Also disclosed are methods for expanding CD4+ T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from human subjects in the presence of an antiretroviral drug and for treating HIV infection by infusing the expanded CD4+ cells into HIV-infected patients.

Abstract: A novel immunodeficiency virus is disclosed which has the designation MVP-5180/91 and which has been deposited with the European Collection of Animal Cell Cultures (ECACC) under No. V 920 52 318. The characteristic antigens which can be obtained from it and which can be employed for detecting antibodies against retroviruses which are associated with immunodeficiency diseases are also disclosed, as are the DNA and amino acid sequences of the virus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stress proteins and methods of modulating an individual's immune response. In particular, it relates to the use of such stress proteins in immune therapy and prophylaxis, which results in an induction or enhancement of an individual's immune response and as an immunotherapeutic agent which results in a decrease of an individual's immune response to his or her own cells. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising a stress protein joined to another component, such as a fusion protein in which a stress protein is fused to an antigen. Further, the present invention relates to a method of generating antibodies to a substance using a conjugate comprised of a stress protein joined to the substance.

Abstract: A humanized antibody framework motif is described. Preferably, the motif is encoded by the VH gene of K5B8 and the VL gene of TR1.6. This humanized antibody preferably contains the variable region of a tat antibody.

Abstract: Ultra high affinity antibodies with binding affinities in the range of 1010 M−1, and even 1011 M−1 are disclosed. Such antibodies include antibodies having novel high affinity complementarity determining regions (CDRs), especially those with framework and constant regions derived from either humans or mice. Methods of preparing and screening such antibodies, as well as methods of using them to prevent and/or treat disease, especially virus-induced diseases, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided which may be used to advantage for the treatment of HIV infection.

Abstract: A novel immunodeficiency virus is disclosed which has the designation MVP-5180/91 and which has been deposited with the European Collection of Animal Cell Cultures (ECACC) under No. V 920 52 318. The characteristics antigens which can be obtained from it and which can be employed for detecting antibodies against retroviruses which are associated with immunodeficiency diseases are also disclosed, as are the DNA and amino acid sequences of the virus.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-idiotypic antibody having specific reactivity with an idiotope common to more than one type of anti-HIV-1 antibody, and having no specific reactivity with non-HIV-1 antibodies. The present invention provides methods of diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of HIV-related diseases through the use of this antibody or related compounds.

Abstract: a method is provided for detecting a presence of HIV virus in a sample comprising: taking a culture of recombinant cells which (a) are capable of cell division, (b) express CD4 receptor and one or more additional cell surface receptors necessary to allow the HIV virus to infect, (c) enable the HIV virus to replicate and infect the noninfected cells in the cell culture, and (d) comprise a reporter sequence introduced into the recombinant cells comprising a reporter gene whose expression is regulated by a protein specific to HIV viruses which is expressed from a genome of an HIV virus upon infection of the recombinant cell by the HIV virus; contacting the cell culture with a sample to be analyzed for the presence of HIV virus in the sample; and detecting a change in a level of expression of the reporter gene in cells in the recombinant cell culture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to substantially pure Human Vpr Interacting Protein (hVIP), and fragments thereof.

Abstract: A peptide has an amino acid sequence having more than 80% homology with the amino acid sequence listed as SEQ ID NO:4. A nucleic acid molecule has more than 80% homology with one of the nucleic acid sequences listed as SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2 and SEQ ID NO:3. Ligands, anti-ligands, cells vectors relating to the peptide and/or nucleic acid molecule are also used.

Abstract: Antigenic and/or immunoregulatory material derived from Mycobacterium vaccae is useful in the prophylaxis or therapy of AIDS with or without associated tuberculosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel monoclonal antibodies which may be used in the detection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). These antibodies exhibit an unusually high degree of sensitivity, a remarkably broad range of specificity, and bind to novel shared, non-cross-reactive epitopes. In particular, the monoclonal antibodies of the present invention may be utilized to detect HIV-1 antigen and HIV-2 core antigen in a patient sample.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of a virus comprise administering to a patient antibodies which react with regions of viral proteins and result in neutralization of infectivity and inactivation of functionally essential events in the life cycle of the virus. The antibodies recognize viral epitopes which fail to elicit an immune response in man when encountered through infection or naturally through the environment. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides compositions and methods useful in the treatment and diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections.

Abstract: Binding of two members of a binding couple reveals epitopes which are revealed only after binding and the monoclonal antibody secreted from the hybridoma cell line CG-10 directed against these epitopes bind to the bound couple at a significantly higher affinity than their binding affinity to either of the two members themselves when not bound to one another.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting a presence of HIV virus in a sample comprising: taking a culture of recombinant cells which (a) are capable of cell division, (b) express CD4 receptor and one or more additional cell surface receptors necessary to allow the HIV virus to infect, (c) enable the HIV virus to replicate and infect the noninfected cells in the cell culture, and (d) comprise a reporter sequence introduced into the recombinant cells comprising a reporter gene whose expression is regulated by a protein specific to HIV viruses which is expressed from a genome of an HIV virus upon infection of the recombinant cell by the HIV virus; contacting the cell culture with a sample to be analyzed for the presence of HIV virus in the sample; and detecting a change in a level of expression of the reporter gene in cells in the recombinant cell culture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Friend murine leukemia virus (F-MuLV) specific monoclonal antibodies, or binding fragments thereof, specific for an antigenic determinant of a gp85 envelope precursor protein characteristic of a methanol-fixed F-MuLV infected cell. The invention also relates to hybridomas resulting from the fusion of myeloma cells and spleen cells, which hybridomas produce a Friend murine leukemia virus (F-MuLV) specific monoclonal antibody specific for an antigenic determinant of a gp85 envelope precursor protein characteristic of a methanol-fixed F-MuLV infected cell. The invention further relates to kits containing the above-described monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: A preparation of U binding protein (Ubp) and a gene sequence encoding Ubp and an anti-Ubp antibody are disclosed. An assay to identify modulators of Ubp/Vpu interaction and Gag/Ubp interaction is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are method for producing hydridoma cell lines producing monoclonal human natural IgM antibodies and hybridoma cells produced by the methods. The antibodies are the monoclonal equivalents of circulating human natural antibodies.

Abstract: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) comprising reverse transcriptase inactivated by photoinactivation used to evoke an immune response. The immune response may protect an individual from challenges with live virus. Alternatively, the inactivated HIV particles may be used to augment the immune response to HIV in an infected individual.

Abstract: Methods are provided for amplifying regions of the HIV pol gene amplifying double-stranded nucleic acid template derived from HIV tube RT-PCR with novel PCR primers to produce amplified target sequences. Methods are also provided for analyzing the nucleotide sequence of these amplified targets using novel sequencing primers and the data is analyzed. The determined nucleotide sequence can be compared to the sequence of known drug resistance mutations in the HIV pol gene to determine the viral genotype.

Abstract: The risk of drug resistance in HIV infection is reduced by profoundly suppressing the viral load using novel hematopoietic cells. Modified CD4 lymphocyte host cells are used to “capture” virons in a sterile micro-environment. The host's CD4 T-cell lymphocytes are replaced with lymphocytes derived from autologous or homologous stem cells which do not express the CKR-5 receptor, further inhibiting viral load.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human leukotriene B4 receptor that acts as a coreceptor for HIV viruses, polynucleotides encoding the receptor, recombinant cells expressing the receptor, and antibodies against the receptor. The invention also provides methods of identifying drugs that can block viral infection of cells and methods of facilitating infection of cells with HIV viruses.

Abstract: Binding of two members of a binding couple reveals epitopes which are revealed only after binding and the monoclonal antibody secreted from the hybridoma cell line CG-10 directed against these epitopes bind to the bound couple at a significantly higher affinity than their binding affinity to either of the two members themselves when not bound to one another.

Abstract: A particular epitope located within the CD4-binding region of gpl20 of HIV-1, and antibodies specific for the epitope which can inhibit HIV-1 infection of human cells by diverse strains and isolates of the virus, is disclosed. The antibodies are useful for a number of purposes, including diagnosis of HIV-1 infection.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody (FE8) against human complement receptor type 2 CR2, CD21) which is able to substantially remove C3-derived fragments already attached to CR2, in particular C3dg from CR2 at temperatures of 25° C. and above. Furthermore, the invention covers hybridoma cells and processes to obtain antibodies, as well as therapeutic applications.

Abstract: This invention includes the conception of T-independent conjugate-vaccines and its application in the induction of antigen specific IgA response. We demonstrated that 1) &agr;(1,6)dextran can elicit a markedly enhanced IgA response in T-cell free mice (20-50 fold higher than in normal mice); 2)co-injection of the molecule with other antigens can enhance the IgA response to the co-antigen; and 3)a dextran-Gag conjugate can elicit the Gag-specific IgA. Thus, the invention identified &agr;(1,6)dextran as a carrier molecule for producing the T-independent conjugates and as an adjuvant for the enhancement of IgA production. The T-independent property of these conjugates makes it especially useful in vaccinations against HIV and other infectious and non-infectious diseases associated with T-cell deficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed are modified immunoglobulin (Ig) molecules, a method of producing modified Ig molecules, and methods for treatment and prevention of infectious diseases using modified Ig molecules. In one embodiment, the modified Ig molecule comprises a CH3 domain of an IgA molecule (&agr; CH3). The combination of an &agr; CH3 with other domains selected from one or more nonIgA Ig molecules provides an Ig molecule that has the capacity to bind J chain and/or secretory component (SC) together with features of a nonIgA molecule. In another embodiment, the modified Ig molecule comprises a CH1 and/or a CH2 domain of an IgA molecule. The combination of an &agr; CH1 and/or CH2 domain with other domains selected from one or more nonIgA Ig molecules provides an Ig molecule that has the capacity to form higher polymers (trimers, tetramers, pentamers, etc.) together with features of a nonIgA molecule. In one embodiment, the modified immunoglobulin molecule lacks one or more carbohydrate addition sites.

Abstract: A novel immunodeficiency virus is disclosed which has the designation MVP-5180/91 and which has been deposited with the European Collection of Animal Cell Cultures (ECACC) under No. V 920 92 318. The characteristic antigens which can be obtained from it and which can be employed for detecting antibodies against retroviruses which are associated with immuno-deficiency diseases are also disclosed, as are the DNA and amino acid sequences of the virus.

Abstract: The risk of drug resistance in HIV infection is reduced by profoundly suppressing the viral load using novel hematopoietic cells. Modified CD4 lymphocyte host cells are used to “capture” virions in a sterile micro-environment. The host's CD4 T-cell lymphocytes are replaced with lumphocytes derived from autologous or homologous stem cells which do not express the CKR-5 receptor, further inhibiting viral load.

Abstract: Disclosed are antibodies which can be used for the manufacture of vaccines for active and/or passive immunization of persons in need of such treatment. The invention also provides for human monoclonal antibodies that are functionally equivalent to the above-mentioned antibodies produced by any one of the cell lines CL1 through CL6 (deposited at the European Collection of Animal Cell Cultures (ECACC) at the PHLS in Porton Down, Salisbury, UK). Also provided are hybridoma and/or CHO cell lines producing any one of the antibodies disclosed and claimed herein, Also provided are mixtures of antibodies of the present invention, as well as methods of using individual antibodies or mixtures thereof for the detection, prevention and/or therapeutical treatment of HIV-1 infections in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention describes synthetic human monoclonal antibodies that immunoreact with and neutralize human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The synthetic monoclonal antibodies of this invention exhibit enhanced binding affinity and neutralization ability to gp120. Also disclosed are immunotherapeutic and diagnostic methods of using the monoclonal antibodies, as well as cell lines for producing the monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of a virus comprise administering to a patient antibodies which react with regions of viral proteins and result in neutralization of infectivity and inactivation of functionally essential events in the life cycle of the virus. The antibodies recognize viral epitopes which fail to elicit an immune response in man when encountered through infection or naturally through the environment. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides compositions and methods useful in the treatment and diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-idiotypic antibody having specific reactivity with an idiotope common to more than one type of anti-HIV-1 antibody, and having no specific reactivity with non-HIV-1 antibodies. The present invention provides methods of diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of HIV-related diseases through the use of this antibody or related compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biologically-active peptide fragment of the Nef protein of human immunodeficiency virus, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these peptides or biologically-active analogues thereof, to antagonists of the peptides and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these antagonists, and to therapeutic and screening methods utilizing compounds and compositions of the invention.