Abstract: Methods are disclosed which are useful in increasing maturation of dendritic cells from CD14+ mononuclear cells, by contact with a composition comprising a fucose-containing glycoprotein fraction from Ganoderma lucidum. The extract can also be used for increasing production of a cytokine or a chemokine in a dendritic cell or CD19+ B cell. In addition, a fucose-containing glycoprotein fraction from Ganoderma lucidum can be administered to a subject identified as needing increased immunoglobulin, cytokine, or chemokine production.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are bifunctional molecules which inactivate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) even before the virus attacks the target cell and inhibits HIV entry into the target cell. Also disclosed are novel anti-HIV therapeutics for treatment of patients infected by HIV. Further disclosed are methods for prophylaxis against HIV and treatment of HIV infection.

Abstract: We describe methods of treatment of HIV using proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) peptides and their products, as well as uses of such peptides in the preparation and medicaments.

Abstract: We describe methods of treatment of HIV using proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) peptides and their products, as well as uses of such peptides in the preparation of medicaments.

Abstract: The invention provides immunosuppressive polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides. In one aspect, the invention provides mutant CTLA-4 polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding mutant CTLA-4 polypeptides. Compositions and methods for utilizing such polypeptides and nucleic acids are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides immunosuppressive polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides. In one aspect, the invention provides mutant CTLA-4 polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding mutant CTLA-4 polypeptides. Compositions and methods for utilizing such polypeptides and nucleic acids are also provided.

Abstract: A compound of formula (I) is described, wherein Y represents a macrocycle, the ring of which has 9 to 36 atoms, and is functionalized by three amine or COOH functions; Rc represents a group of formula H—Xa—Xb—Xc—Xd—Xe—(Xf)i—, i represents 0 or 1, Xa is in particular lysine, arginine, or ornithine residues, Xb is in particular glycine, asparagine, L-proline or D-proline residues, Xc and Xd are in particular tyrosine, phenylalanine or 3-nitrotyrosine residues, Xe and Xf are in particular amino acid residues: NH2—(CH2)n—COOH, n ranging from 1 to 10, or NH2—(CH2—CH2—O)m—CH2CH2COOH, m ranging from 3 to 6, provided that at least one of the amino acid residues Xa, Xb, Xc and Xd is different from the corresponding amino acid in the sequence of the natural CD40 143Lys-Gly-Tyr-Tyr146 fragment(SEQ ID NO: 1).

Abstract: GB virus C (GBV-C or hepatitis G virus) is a flavivirus that frequently leads to chronic viremia in humans. The invention provides compositions and methods involving a -GBV-C NS5A peptide or polypeptide for inhibiting and treating HIV infections.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting a viral infection of a host comprising administering to the host an anti-viral griffithsin polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO: 3 or a fragment thereof comprising at least eight contiguous amino acids, a nucleic acid encoding the anti-viral polypeptide, or an antibody to the anti-viral polypeptide. A method of inhibiting a virus in a sample comprising contacting the sample with an anti-viral griffithsin polypeptide or antibody thereto also is provided.