Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies, cell lines producing the monoclonal antibodies, assays using the antibodies for the detection of HIV-1 and HIV-2 gene products, and diagnostic kits. More particularly, the monoclonal antibodies react with the p24/p26 capsid protein. Assays using monoclonal antibodies that can simultaneously detect HIV-1 and HIV-2 are disclosed.

Abstract: Cell lines which lack human class II histocompatibility antigens are disclosed. The cell lines may be utilized within a method for propagating microorganisms, such as viruses, for determining the presence and/or amount of antibody to a microorganism in a biological fluid, and within a method for producing antibodies to a selected microorganism.

Abstract: The use of nucleic acid to diagnose disease is disclosed. The use of nucleic acid from at least one hair follicle to diagnose the presence of a human immunodeficiency virus infection is demonstrated.

Abstract: A method for assaying the ability of an antibody to neutralize primary clinical isolates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in primary human lymphocytes comprising the steps of contacting primary human lymphocytes with HIV and an antibody sample to be tested, without preincubating the antibody sample and the virus, culturing the primary human lymphocytes under conditions which allow for HIV replication without removal of the virus inoculum or antibody samples to be tested, and measuring HIV replication in the primary human lymphocytes by one or more of several conventional methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a DNA segment encoding a recombinant HIV p24 protein or HIV p24-gp41 fusion protein and a recombinant DNA (rDNA) molecule capable of expressing either protein. Cells transformed with the rDNA, methods for producing the fusion protein and diagnostic methods and systems using the fusion protein are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides chromatographic assay devices that can perform multiple assays simultaneously in the same test strip, as well as methods for their use. One of the assays can be an immunological assay to detect an antigen, such as human chorionic gonadotropin, while another assay can be a serological assay to detect an antibody, such as anti-rubella antibody. An assay device according to the present invention can comprise: (1) a first opposable component including at least one chromatographic medium having a specific binding partner to the first analyte and a specific binding partner to the second analyte immobilized thereto in separate, discrete, non-overlapping zones; and (2) a second opposable component including an absorber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides which exhibit potent anti-retroviral activity. The peptides of the invention comprise DP-178 (SEQ ID:1) ptides corresponding to amino acids 638 to 673 of the HIV-1.sub.LAI gp41 protein, and fragments, analogs and homologs of DP-178. 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: Disclosed herein are methods and a diagnostic agent for identifying HIV-infected individuals. The diagnostic agent, termed C-8.2, whose concentration is altered within about 1-3 days of HIV infection is used in assays not dependent on HIV antigens or antibodies. C-8.2 is present in the serum of all mammals and is a phospholipid or a mixture of related phospholipids.

Abstract: Immunoassay techniques for quantitating the amount of 3'-amido-3'-deoxythymidine (AMT) in body fluid samples, and antibodies useful in performing such immunoassays, are provided. The immunoassays use antibodies which are specific to AMT and have no cross-reactivity with 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT). Moreover, there is provided an improved method of conducting AZT therapy wherein the concentration of both AZT and AMT is monitored and the AZT dosage is adjusted to maintain rather low concentrations of AMT.

Abstract: The present invention provides mammalian cells modified to stably express at least the entire human immunodeficiency virus-1 envelope protein gp160. The invention provides a vaccine comprising the cells of the invention. The invention also provides methods for screening compounds for their ability to inhibit formation of syncytia between cells that express HIV-1 gp160 and cells that express CD4 comprising mixing cells of invention, cells that express CD4 on their surfaces, and a test compound for a length of time sufficient for syncytia to form; and then determining the amount of syncytia formation.

Abstract: Anti-viral material comprising a mannose-specific lectin obtained from a bulb of the plant family Amaryllidaceae, for example Narcissus pseudonarcissus, and the use of this material to produce a medicament and a vaccine. The material is effective against RNA viruses which contain glycoproteins with mannose (alpha-1>3) or (alpha-1>6) mannose linkages, for example HIV or HTLV such a Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Human T Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV) and can also be used as a diagnostic.

Abstract: An antigen capture method, and an antigen capture assay diagnostic kit, for detecting the presence or concentration of HIV in a biological sample without interference from antigen-antibody immune complexes is provided. The lysate of a biological sample obtained from an animal is contacted with a detectable amount of an antibody specifically reactive with the nucleocapsid p7 antigen or an immunoreactive fragment of the p7 antigen for a time and under conditions sufficient for p7 antigen contained in the lysate to form a p7-antibody complex. The presence or concentration of this p7-antibody complex is determined to detect or quantitate the presence of HIV in the biological sample. Uses of this assay and method include detecting the presence of HIV infection in an infant born to an HIV-infected mother, monitoring the progression of HIV infection, and evaluating the effectiveness of an anti-HIV treatment administered to an animal, such as a human.

Abstract: Antigenic compositions are disclosed for use in diagnostic kits and the like for detecting the presence of antibodies specific for Campylobacter pylori, bacteria often associated with the occurrence of Type B gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. Samples of bodily fluids, for instance, may be contacted with immobilized antigen which is then washed and tested for the occurrence of significant levels of antigen/antibody complex. Levels exceeding a predetermined positive threshold are indicative of antibodies to Campylobacter pylori in the sample tested. Kits employing the antigenic compositions of the invention preferably include means for detecting the antigen/antibody complex such as materials and reagents for conducting an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot technique, liposome-based assay or other known detection tests.

Abstract: Process for the identification or determination of proteins by producing antibodies with the aid of peptides that are made immunogenic if necessary, and then using the resulting antibodies to determine the proteins of interest, starting with a sample that contains these and which is treated to liberate the said peptides, in which process the said peptide is so chosen that it matches a known amino acid sequence of the said protein and is used as a protein fragment that the protein can be made to release on enzymatic treatment, after which it is synthesized, the invention also relating to the applications of this process for the identification or the determination of proteins.

Abstract: This invention relates to antiviral peptide compounds and to methods of inhibiting infection of human cells by viruses. This invention pertains more specifically to peptides that are chemically blocked at the amino- and carboxy-termini. In particular the invention relates to peptides comprised of prolylalanine or prolylphenylalanine compounds that have antiviral activity. The invention is specifically directed to methods for preventing infection of human cells in vivo and in vitro with the human immunodeficiency virus HIV-1 and methods for treating human infected with this and other viruses. The invention also relates to the diagnostic and therapeutic use of these antiviral peptide compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a test strip for detecting, in a sample from a human subject, the presence of an antigenic substance which comprises a solid support, an antibody directed against the antigenic substance bound to a first discrete area on the solid support, an anti-human antibody bound to a second discrete area on the solid support as a positive control, and an antibody directed against an antigen which does not naturally occur in human subjects bound to a third discrete area on the solid support as a negative control. The present invention also provides a test strip for detecting, in a sample from a human subject, the presence of an antibody which comprises a solid support, an antigenic substance bound to a first discrete area on the solid support, an anti-human antibody bound to a second discrete area on the solid support as a positive control, and a negative control bound to a third discrete area on the solid support.

Abstract: Peptides immunoreactive with antibodies to native proteins, and which have at least two cysteine residues that contribute to mimicking an epitope of the protein, are prepared with the cysteine thiol groups protected. When deprotected, the peptides have enhanced immunoreactivity. The peptides are particularly useful for detecting antibodies or antigens associated with retroviruses, including the clinically important lymphotropic retroviruses HIV-1, HIV-2, HTLV-I, and HTLV-II.

Abstract: An immunogenic HIV retrovirus-like particle which is non-infectious and non-replicating and which is useful as a candidate vaccine component against HIV infection, is produced by genetic engineering. A DNA molecule comprising the HIV genome devoid of long terminal repeats is incorporated into an expression vector, which is introduced into mammalian cells for expression of the HIV retrovirus-like particle.

Abstract: Optical assay device having an active receptive surface supported on a pedestal and held within a first container; the first container comprising first absorbent material located at the base of the pedestal, configured and arranged to absorb liquid draining from the surface, and having a second container, hingedly connected to one side of the first container, the second container comprising a second absorbent material, wherein the second container can be closed to the first container by rotation about the hinge, and wherein such closing causes the second absorbent material to contact the surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a methodology for assessing the sensitivity of an HIV-1 sample to zidovudine and to diagnostic assays for use in such assessment.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an isolated antibody specific for gp110 glycoprotein of a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), and a hybridoma which produces such an antibody. HIV-1 is the causative agent of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Abstract: A polypeptide linked to a solid matrix useful as a solid support of a diagnostic kit is disclosed. The polypeptide has the formula: X-Glu-Thr-Gly-Gln-Glu-Thr-Ala-Tyr-Phe-B-Leu-Lys-Leu-Ala-Gly-Arg-Trp-Pro-Va l-Lys-Z, wherein B is Ile or Leu, X is a chain of from 1 to 20 amino acid residues or an amino-terminal group and Z is a chain of from 1 to 20 amino acid residues or a carboxy-terminal group. The polypeptide immunologically mimics HIV endonuclease.

Abstract: A specific binding member such as an antigen or antibody is immobilized by covalent attachment to a solid phase such as a latex microparticle. The solid phase is reacted with a heterobifunctional or homobifunctional coupling agent to form a complex that is then reacted with a dithiol compound to form a thiolated solid phase. A specific binding member is reacted with the coupling agent to form a complex which is then reacted with the thiolated solid phase to link the specific binding member to the solid phase through thioethers. Alternatively, the dithiol compound may be reacted with the specific binding member/coupling agent complex to form a thiolated complex that is reacted with the solid phase/coupling agent complex. The coupling agent may contain a spacer. In another embodiment, the solid phase is reacted with a disulfide compound to form a complex and the complex is reacted with a reductant to form a thiolated solid phase which is reacted with a specific binding member/coupling agent complex.

Abstract: A method for determining total analyte concentration in a sample having both free and bound analyte is described. This method involves (a) disassociating immune complexes, (b) assaying for the concentration of free analyte, (c) assaying at least once for the concentration of free analyte in the sample wherein said sample contains a known quantity of analyte which has been added to the sample, and (d) determining total analyte concentration from the assayed concentrations obtained in steps (b) and (c).

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel reagent and a method of using the reagent in an immunoassay to detect antigens, particularly antigens immunocomplexed with their corresponding or cross-reacting antibodies. In particular, this reagent and method increase the detection of human immunodeficiency virus HIV-1 p24 core antigen.

Abstract: Protein compositions containing the p18 and p25 proteins of the lymphadenopathy virus are used for detecting antibodies in blood serum as indicative of infection by such virus. The proteins can be used in various conventional ways to perform immunoassays for the detection of the antibodies.

Abstract: A mouse monoclonal antibody is provided which detects HIV-2 seropositive individuals and differentiates them from HIV-1 seropositive individuals. The monoclonal antibody is specific for an epitope of HIV-2 gp41 which lies outside the characterized immunodominant region. The epitope recognized by the monoclonal antibody has the amino acid sequence HTTVPW.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new variety of retroviruses designated Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type II, HIV-II, samples of which have been deposited at CNCM as I-502 and I-532. It also concerns purified forms of the antigens which can be obtained from this virus, in particular from the gp 36 and gp 130-140 proteins. These various antigens are useful in medical diagnosis and kits, in particular by being placed in contact with serum of the patient to be diagnosed. Lastly, the invention relates to immunizing compositions, in particular containing at least one of glycoproteins gp 36 and gp 130-140.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses an improved immunoassay method which involves the simultaneous transfer of multiple antigens onto a single solid support. The antigens which may be utilized by this method may be either naturally or recombinantly produced and may be purified on a variety of electrophoresis gels. This method is particularly useful to provide an extremely sensitive multiple component assay using essentially pure antigenic polypeptides capable of detecting the presence or antibodies to HIV-1 or HIV-2 viruses in infected patients.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the presence in mammalian serum of antibodies against specific strains of HIV through the use of SP-10 peptides. The method incorporates the use of SP-10 peptides derived from the following HIV strains: IIIB, MN, RF, SC, WMJ-1, WMJ-2, WMJ-3, ARV-2, and LAV-1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cellular protein which is specific and has high affinity for nucleic acid sequences characteristic of an intact TAR RNA loop sequence of the HIV LTR TAR region. The invention also relates to a between 1,000-10,000-fold purified, about 185 kD protein preparation isolated from a mammalian cell nuclear extract preparation, most specifically a HeLa cell extract. The about 185 kD protein is shown to regulate HIV viral gene expression by binding a TAR RNA region of an HIV LTR template, in the presence of a cofactor fraction (including at least a.about.100 kD cofactor), and a tat protein. The TRP-185, having a molecular weight of about 185 kD protein may also provide a research tool in the study of viral and cellular gene expression. A route for the development of immunodiagnostics for AIDS and related disorders may also be provided given the specific and high affinity of TRP-185 for HIV RNA.

Abstract: A sensitive and accurate tissue culture system and kit for detecting subtle changes in immune function is provided. The system is based on the comparison of IL-2 production by T helper cells in response to recall antigens including influenza A virus, tatanus toxoid, alloantigens, mouse xenogeneic antigens and the like or combinations thereof. Different stages of immune dysfunction can be differentiated and organ graft rejection can be predicted by the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A method is provided for rapidly determining during a saliva specimen collection procedure the presence of an amount of saliva, and for verifying that the sample obtained is in fact saliva. Color indication by dye markers and/or enzymatic activation of color indicators provides an indication that at least a predetermined amount of saliva has been applied to an absorbent and the enzymatic reaction indicates that saliva is contained in the sample collected.

Abstract: Biologically active reagents are prepared from particles of copolymers having polyoxyalkylene side chains, each of which side chains has a molecular weight of at least about 88. The reagents are prepared by covalently attaching biologically active substances, for example antibodies, to the particles, directly or indirectly through reactive groups on the particle surface. These reagents are used to advantage in analytical elements and methods for the detection of specific binding ligands (such as immunological species) and immunoassays, and in purification methods as affinity chromatography reagents. Adsorption of undesirable proteins on the particles of the reagents was considerably reduced because of the specific composition of the particles.

Abstract: A method for expressing proteins which are immunologically reactive with antibodies to lymphadenopathy-associated virus (LAV), now known as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), is disclosed. The proteins are produced by bacterial host cells transformed with a recombinant plasmid which includes appropriate procaryotic transcriptional and translational signals for expression, followed in reading phase by a DNA sequence comprising a portion of the env region of the LAV genome. This portion codes for a protein which is immunologically reactive with antibodies to LAV, or antibodies to viruses defined to be the same as or equivalent to LAV. The proteins produced by the method disclosed may be used to screen for the presence of antibodies to LAV in a biological fluid, to determine the presence of LAV antigen in a biological fluid, or within a method for producing antibodies to LAV through the immunization of an animal with the protein.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an HIV-2 (LAV-II) infection and a kit containing reagents for the same is disclosed. These reagents include cDNA probes which are capable of hybridizing to at least a portion of the genome of HIV-2. In one embodiment, the DNA probes are capable of hybridizing to the entire genome of HIV-2. These reagents also include polypeptides encoded by some of these DNA sequences.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an HIV-2 (LAV-II) infection and a kit containing reagents for the same is disclosed. These reagents include cDNA probes which are capable of hybridizing to at least a portion of the genome of HIV-2. In one embodiment, the DNA probes are capable of hybridizing to the entire genome of HIV-2. These reagents also include polypeptides encoded by some of these DNA sequences.

Abstract: Described is a new retrovirus designated HIV-3 and deposited in the European Collection of Animal Cell Cultures (ECACC) under V88060301. Further described are antigens obtained from the virus, particularly proteins p12, p16, p25 and glycoproteins gp41 and gp120 to be used in the diagnosis of ARC or AIDS caused by HIV-3. Immunogenic compositions to be used as vaccines contain an envelope glycoprotein of HIV-3 such as gp41 or gp120.

Abstract: A method for in vitro immunoassaying an antigen from biological fluids or tissues. The antigen is present in individuals infected with the AIDS virus. The antigen is of cytoplasmic origin and is recognized by an SP-2 monoclonal antibody produced by a hybridoma cell line deposited at the Collection Nationale de Cultures de Microorganisms, Accession, No. I-1083. The method comprises the steps of taking a sample of biological fluid or tissue from a person; contacting the biological fluids or tissues with the antibody; removing an amount of the antibody not binding with the antigen; and determining the amount of the antibody bound with the antigen utilizing at least one revealing system selected from the group consisting of enzyme, radioisotope, and chemiluminescent labels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the measurement of soluble T cell growth factor receptors, soluble T cell differentiation antigens, or related soluble molecules or fragments thereof, and the use of such measurements in the diagnosis, staging, and therapy of diseases and disorders. Specific embodiments involve the diagnosis and monitoring of therapy using absolute values of such soluble molecules. Further embodiments involve detecting a change in the levels of such soluble molecules, in the diagnosis and therapy of diseases and disorders. In specific embodiments, measurements of interleukin-2 receptor levels can be made to detect lung cancer, or to stage squamous cell lung carcinoma. In other embodiments, detection of increases in both soluble IL2R and creatinine in the body fluid of a transplant patient can be used to differentially diagnose renal allograft rejection from infection.

Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis and prognosis of immunosuppressive conditions are disclosed, involving the detection of a particular isoform of ferritin, placental ferritin (PLF), in patient samples such as sera or on peripheral blood lymphocytes. PLF is elevated in immunosuppressed patients at early stages of disease; by contrast, adult insoferritins are elevated at late stages of immunodeficiency. Depending upon the nature of the disease associated with the immunodeficiency, the elevated levels of PLF detected at early stages may remain elevated or diminish as disease progresses. Examples are described in which elevated levels of PLF were detected at very early stages of of HIV-infection. The elevated levels diminished as disease progressed from ARC to AIDS. By contrast, adult isoforms of ferritin became elevated at late stages of disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new variety of retroviruses designated Immunodeficiency Virus Type II, HIV-II, samples of which have been deposited at CNCM as I-502 and I-532. It also concerns purified forms of the antigens which can be obtained from this virus, in particular from the gp 36 and gp 130-140 proteins. These various antigens are useful in medical diagnosis and kits, in particular by being placed in contact with serum of the patient to be diagnosed. Lastly, the invention relates to immunizing compositions, in particular containing at least one of glycoproteins gp 36 and gp 130-140.

Abstract: Highly immunoreactive regions of gp41 of HIV-1, gp32 of HIV-2 and p24 of HIV-1 were identified using synthetic peptides. Superior immunoassay performance is obtained with these peptides linked to carrier proteins as compared to use of the free peptides. Additional natural and unnatural variants of these reactive regions to define a set of peptides that, as cysteine-linked peptide-protein conjugates, provide optimal immunoassay performance including high immunoreactivity with HIV antibody positive samples, low reactivity with negative samples, high discrimination between positives and negatives, and high specificity. These peptide conjugates further permit simultaneous detection of HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies, and make possible rapid and simple test formats that require no instrumentation for detection of these antibodies.

Abstract: This invention describes pHRT25, a plasmid containing a modified pol gene of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1), formerly HTLV-III, under control of an inducible trp promoter. Methods of expressing reverse transcriptase activity using pHRT25 in E. coli are described.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody which specifically binds to HIV-2 gp36 antigen and does not specifically bind to HIV-1 antigens. The monoclonal antibody is useful in immunoassays as a capture reagent, as part of an indicator reagent, and/or as a positive control.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved "sandwich" immunoassays for antibodies in body fluids of the type where antigen specific for the antibody to be detected is disposed on a solid support and binds antibody from the body fluid, from which the antibody bound to the solid support is detected by a labeled antigen to the antibody to be detected. The improvement comprises using antigens from heterologous cell sources.

Abstract: Novel hybridoma cell lines and monoclonal antibodies are provided which can differentiate between HIV-1, HIV-2 and SIV retrovirus isolates. A synthetic peptide which is useful as a universal diagnostic reagent for detecting retroviral infection is also described.

Abstract: A method for the rapid screening of a drug targeted to the V3 hypervariable loop of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 or type 2 envelope glycoprotein gp 120 comprising measuring the inhibitory effect of the drug on the interaction between gp 120 (or an antigen comprising the V3 hypervariable loop of HIV 1 gp 120 or HIV 2 gp 120) and antibodies specific for the V3 hypervariable loop, and anti-HIV chemotherapy with drugs binding to the V3 hypervariable loop.

Abstract: Polypeptides encoded by the nef gene of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which is the major etiological agent of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), are identified. The polypeptides, a diagnostic method for detecting antibodies to HIV in biological fluids, a diagnostic kit for carrying out the method, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the polypeptides are described. The polypeptides are useful in viral vaccines and for the early detection of HIV infection in humans.

Abstract: Protein compositions containing proteins of the lymphadenopathy virus, which compositions are used for diagnosis of antibodies of such protein in biological fluids, especially blood serum, for the detection or absence of infection. Such compositions contain typically the p18, p13 and/or p25 proteins.