Abstract: The present invention relates to neutralizing anti-HIV-1 antibodies, particularly to mAb 4E1O-IgG1, which has an HIV-1 neutralizing potency comparable to the one of mAb 2F5 and 2G12.4E1O-IgG1 binds to a novel conserved epitope (NWFDIT) C-terminal of the ELDKWA epitope recognized by 2F5.1 appears that both epitopes are cryptic epitopes within a region that may be accessible in a virus-cell fusion intermediate state only. 4E1O-IgG1 potently neutralizes tissue culture adapted strains but also primary isolates of different clades, including A, B, C, D, and E, inclusing viruses that were found to be resistant to 2F5. None of the tested isolates was resistant to both anti-gp41-antibodies.

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: The invention features a protein which includes a gp120 V1/V2 domain of an HIV-1 strain and not a gp120 V3 domain of an HIV-1 strain, which protein does not substantially bind CD4. The gp120 V1/V2 domain of the protein displays an epitope which is recognized by an antibody which neutralizes at least one HIV-1 primary isolate with a ND90 of less than 100 &mgr;g/ml.

Abstract: The invention concerns a monoclonal antibody capable of binding with a wild type HBsAg antigen and with at least one, preferably at least two and advantageously more than two, mutated forms of the HBsAg antigen, the monoclonal antibody binding with the peptide sequence consisting of at least 6 adjacent amino acids in the 199-208 region of the HBsAg antigen, and advantageously binding with the peptide sequence formed by the 199-208 region of the HbsAg antigen.

Abstract: This invention is directed to deimmunized antibodies that are useful as immunotherapeutic drugs against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and CD4-mediated autoimmune disorders. More specifically, antibodies expressed by clones, Clone 7 containing the recombinant genes B4DIVHv1/VK1CHO#7, Clone 16 containing the recombinant genes B4DIVHv1/VK1#16, and clone 21 containing the recombinant genes B4DIVHv1/VK1#21, are derived from mouse monoclonal B4 antibody (mAb B4). The antibodies were produced by removing particular murine determinants recognized as foreign by the human immune system. These recombinant antibodies were generated by the chimerization and deimmunization of the Fv region of mouse monoclonal antibody (mAb) B4. For improved safety, the coding sequence may further be mutated to express an aglycosylated IgG1 antibody that is unable to bind complement.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to an immunogen and, in particular, to an immunogen for inducing antibodies that neutralize a wide spectrum of HIV primary isolates. The invention also relates to a method of inducing anti-HIV antibodies using same.

Abstract: The present invention comprises novel and modified peptides capable of inducing a HIV-1 specific immune response without antagonizing the cytotoxic T-cell activity in order to achieve an effective prophylactic and therapeutic vaccine against HIV. The peptides are based on conserved regions of HIV gag p17 and p24 proteins. Antigens in free- or carrier-bound form comprising at least one of the said peptides, vaccine compositions containing at least one of the antigens, immunoassay kits and a method of detecting antibodies induced by HIV or HIV specific peptides using such antigens, are described.

Abstract: This invention provides an immunoconjugate which comprises 1) a non-peptidyl toxin and 2) a CD4-gamma2 chimeric heavy chain homodimer linked thereto. This invention also provides an immunoconjugate which comprises 1) a gamma radiation-emitting radionuclide of low to moderate cytotoxicity and 2) a CD4-gamma2 chimeric heavy chain homodimer linked thereto. This invention further provides an immunoconjugate which comprises 1) a non-peptidyl toxin and 2) a heterotetramer comprising two heavy chains and two light chains, both heavy chains being either a) IgG2 heavy chains or b) chimeric CD4-IgG2 heavy chains, and both light chains being either a) kappa light chains or b) chimeric CD4-kappa light chains.

Abstract: Peptides comprising an Rpt1 domain of an INI1/hSNF5 which inhibit HIV-1 production in a human cell, and vectors encoding those peptides are provided. Also provided are methods of inhibiting HIV-1 production in a cell, or spread of the HIV-1 to another cell, by treating the cells with the above peptides or vectors. Other methods of inhibiting HIV-1 production in a cell, or spread of the HIV-1 to another cell, by inhibiting production of INI1/hSNF5 are provided. Additionally, methods of determining whether a test compound inhibits HIV-1 virion production in a mammalian cell, or spread of the HIV-1 to another cell, are provided. Those methods comprise determining whether the test compound inhibits the production of INI1/hSNF5 or disrupts the interaction of HIV-1 integrase with INI1/hSNF5.

Abstract: First generation adenoviral vectors and associated recombinant adenovirus-based HIV vaccines which show enhanced stability and growth properties and greater cellular-mediated immunity are described within this specification. These adenoviral vectors are utilized to generate and produce through cell culture various adenoviral-based HIV-1 vaccines which contain HIV-1 gag, HIV-1 pol and/or HIV-1 nef polynucleotide pharmaceutical products, and biologically relevant modifications thereof. These adenovirus vaccines, when directly introduced into living vertebrate tissue, preferably a mammalian host such as a human or a non-human mammal of commercial or domestic veterinary importance, express the HIV1-Gag, Pol and/or Nef protein or biologically modification thereof, inducing a cellular immune response which specifically recognizes HIV-1.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to vaccine compositions that can be used to protect cats against feline immunodeficiency virus. More particularly, the present invention relates to polynucleotide molecules that can be used as vaccine components against feline immunodeficiency virus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vaccine and method of neutralizing antibodies against HIV infection. The vaccine comprises a complex of gp120 covalently bonded to a fragment of CD4 or a CD4 equivalent molecule.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hybridoma cell line which produces human antibodies capable of binding to the hepatitis C virus (HCV) E2 glycoprotein and capable of neutralizing HCV infection in vivo in an animal model, as well as antibodies produced by the cell line. Also disclosed are various uses of said antibodies in the prevention and treatment of HCV infection. Peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained from human donors having a high titer of anti HCV E2 antibodies are transformed in vitro by Epstein-Barr virus and then fused with heteromyeloma cells to generate hybridomas secreting human antibodies having a high affinity and specificity to HCV E2 glycoprotein.

Abstract: A method for detecting broad spectrum of murine leukemia viruses belonging to any or all of the ecotropic, xenotropic, polytropic and amphotropic groups, has been described. The method utilizes a monoclonal antibody designated 83A25 which identifies almost all classes or groups of the murine leukemia virus with only a few exceptions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a monoclonal antibody specific for an epitope which is unique to the surface protein component of an inactivated feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) envelope glycoprotein. Said antibody is useful for the quantification of inactivated FIV or the determination of the potency of an inactivated FIV vaccine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nucleotide fragment of a LTR-RU5 region comprising a nucleotide sequence which encodes the expression of a protein, wherein said protein comprises a peptide sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3 and SEQ ID NO:4, and a complementary nucleotide fragment; a probe and a primer hybridizing with said fragment; a protein encoded by said fragment; an antibody directed against said protein; and a process for detecting the presence of MSRV-1 retrovirus using a probe or an antibody of the invention.

Abstract: We disclose a polypeptide capable of binding to a nucleic acid comprising a viral nucleotide sequence. Preferably, the viral nucleotide sequence comprises a viral promoter sequence, for example, an HIV promoter or a herpesvirus promoter sequence.

Abstract: This invention provides a therapeutic agent capable of specifically forming a complex with human immunodeficiency virus envelope glycoprotein which comprises a polypeptide. In one embodiment of the invention, the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 6 from about +1 to about +185 fused to the amino acid sequence from about +353 to about +371. In another embodiment of the invention, the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 6 from about +1 to about +106 fused to the amino acid sequence from about +353 to about +371. In yet a further embodiment of the invention, the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 6 from about +1 to about +185.

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: 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: Chimeral viral-neutralizing, particularly HIV-neutralizing, immunoglobulins made up of a non-human antigen binding region and a human constant region are described.

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: Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the HIV protein vpr or nucleic acid molecule encoding vpr are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of treating patients suffering from diseases characterized by hyperproliferating undifferentiated cells such as cancer by administering such compositions. Methods of identifying compounds which have anti-HIV activity are disclosed, in particular, methods of identifying compounds which modulate the activity of vpr and of identifying compounds which inhibit vpr binding to the HIV protein gag.

Abstract: A composition which elicits antibodies to greater than 95%, and even greater than 99%, of the known variants of HIV-1 Tat protein contains at least one peptide or polypeptide of the formula of Epitope I (based on amino acids 2-10 of HIV-1 Tat consensus sequence) and optionally one or more of a peptide or polypeptide of Epitope II (based on amino acids 41 to 51 of that sequence), of Epitope III (based on amino acids 52-62 of that sequence), or of Epitope IV (based on amino acids 62 through 72 of that sequence with a C-terminal Pro). Vaccinal and pharmaceutical compositions can contain the antibodies induced by the peptide compositions for use in passive therapy. Diagnostic compositions and uses are described for assessing the immune status of vaccinated patients.

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: Disclosed herein are hydridoma cell lines producing monoclonal human natural IgM antibodies and methods of use thereof. The antibodies are the monoclonal equivalents of circulating human natural antibodies. Also disclosed herein are pharmaceutical formulations and methods for treating HIV-1 infected individuals using the monoclonal human natural antibodies.

Abstract: Characterization of the envelope transmembrane protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) was carried out using murine polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies or patient sera specific for HIV-2 proteins. A 80-Mr glycoprotein (gp80) was produced in HIV-2 infected cells along with three other glycoproteins that were recently reported: the extracellular glycoprotein (gp125), the envelope glycoprotein precursor (gp140), and the transient dimeric form of gp140 (gp300). The gp125 and gp80 were detectable after the synthesis of gp140 and the formation of gp300. Among these four glycoproteins, only gp80 and gp125 were associated with HIV-2 virions. As the other glycoproteins, gp80 was recognized by all HIV-2 positive sera. A murine polyclonal antibody raised against the purified gp300 recognized all four glycoproteins.

Abstract: Compositions are provided that comprise antibody against coreceptors for human immunodeficiency virus such as CCR5 and CXCR4. In particular, monoclonal human antibodies against human CCR5 are provided that bind to CCR5 with high affinity and are capable of inhibiting HIV infection at low concentrations. The antibodies can be used as prophylactics or therapeutics to prevent and treat HIV infection, for screening drugs, and for diagnosing diseases or conditions associated with interactions with HIV coreceptors.

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: Disclosed herein are hydridoma cell lines producing monoclonal human natural IgM antibodies and methods of use thereof. The antibodies are the monoclonal equivalents of circulating human natural antibodies. Also disclosed herein are pharmaceutical formulations and methods for treating HIV-1 infected individuals using the monoclonal human natural antibodies.

Abstract: Antibodies which bind with antigens of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), such as Lymphadenopathy Associated Virus (LAV), are disclosed. Retroviruses associated with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are isolated from the sera of patients afflicted with Lymphadenopathy Syndrome (LAS) or AIDS. Viral extracts, structural proteins and other fractions of the retrovirus immunologically recognize the sera of such patients.

Abstract: This invention relates to a highly cytopathic and infectious clone constructed from the genomic DNA of a cat FIV. The nucleotide sequences of the infectious clone is disclosed. The nucleotide sequence, and peptides derived therefrom can be used in the detection of, and protection against FIV in both domestic and nondomestic cats. Further, chimeric viruses having the desired immunologic and pathogenic properties can be constructed.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward mutated DNA, proteins, or protein fragments and particles from the L-2 cell line. The invention is also directed to diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic methods of making and using the DNA, proteins and particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting whether a target animal is Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) positive or negative by determining whether a gp48 protein-specific reagent binds to a gp48 Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus protein or protein fragment, which retains antigenic specificity, from a target animal's hair sample.

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 composition which elicits antibodies to greater than 95%, and even greater than 99%, of the known variants of HIV-1 Tat protein contains at least one peptide or polypeptide of the formula of Epitope I (based on amino acids 2-10 of HIV-1 Tat consensus sequence) and optionally one or more of a peptide or polypeptide of Epitope II (based on amino acids 41 to 51 of that sequence), of Epitope III (based on amino acids 52-62 of that sequence), or of Epitope IV (based on amino acids 62 through 72 of that sequence with a C-termninal Pro). Vaccinal and pharmaceutical compositions can contain one or more such peptides associated with carrier proteins, in multiple antigenic peptides or as part of recombinant proteins. Various combinations of the Epitope I through IV peptides can provide other compositions useful in eliciting anti-Tat antibodies which cross-react with multiple strains and variants of HIV-1 Tat protein.

Abstract: The invention provides peptides which are expressed by the env gene of a non-M, non-O HIV-1 virus, in particular a strain designated YBF30. The invention also provides fragments of the peptides that including the V3 loop region and their corresponding nucleotide sequences. The invention further provides kits including diagnostic reagents containing these molecules or immunogenic compositions containing these peptides, as well as methods for screening and typing non-M, non-O HIV-1 viruses and HIV-1 viruses expressing these peptide and/or nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides that can inhibit the infection of HIV, and more particularly, to peptides consisting of less than 30 amino acids which can introduce a helix capping motif into a peptide derived from C-terminal helical region (its 628-646th amino acid region) of gp41, an envelope glycoprotein of HIV, as well as consisting of the symmetrical bivalent peptide through the introduction of a branched amino acid, Fmoc-Lys(Fmoc)-OH at C-terminus of its peptide, and induce a more stable helical structure thus inhibiting the infection of HIV.

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: 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: Antigen and antibody vaccine composition effective in preventing hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection are disclosed. The antigen composition includes peptides corresponding to carboxyl terminal end regions of the second and third open reasing frames of the HEV genome. The composition is effective in preventing HEV infection after vaccination. The antibody composition contains an antibody effective to block HEV infection of human primary hepatocytes in culture.

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

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 in accordance with the present invention involve novel measurements of the disease status of hosts infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. In particular, the present invention relates to a measurements of the numbers in a sample volume of (a) productively HIV-infected cells and (b) cells capable of being infected by HIV, e.g., cells expressing CD4, CCR5, and/or CXCR4. These two values can be represented as a single ratio, e.g., number of productively infected cells/number of cells capable of being infected by HIV, and can be utilized as an indicator of disease status, such as disease progression, viral replication, etc.

Abstract: A purified polypeptide having an epitope of an antigenic polypeptide of FIV.

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 relates, in general, to an immunogen and, in particular, to an immunogen for inducing antibodies that neutralize a wide spectrum of HIV primary isolates. The invention also relates to a method of inducing anti-HIV antibodies using same.

Abstract: Binding of two members of a binding couple reveal epitopes which art revealed only after binding and antibodies 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. The novel epitope and the antibodies of the invention have various therapeutic and diagnostic applications such as treatment and immunization against viral diseases.