Abstract: The present invention provides a substance which inhibits the binding between E2/NS1 protein of hepatitis C virus and a cell infectious with hepatitis C virus, a cell expressing CD81, or CD81. The present invention can provide a novel medicament which has an anti-viral effects such as an inhibitory action against HCV infection.

Abstract: A new group of picornaviruses is disclosed. The picornaviruses of the invention comprise in the non-coding region of their viral genome a nucleotide sequence which corresponds to cDNA sequence (I) or homologous sequences having at least 75% homology to the SEQ ID NO:1, and they cause mammalian disease. Further aspects of the invention comprise a protein corresponding to a protein of the picornaviruses, antiserum or antibody directed against a protein of the picornaviruses, antigen comprising a protein of the picornaviruses, diagnostic kits, vaccines, use of the picornaviruses in medicaments, particularly for the treatment or prevention of Myocarditis, Cardiomyopathia, Guillain Barré Syndrome, and Diabetes Mellitus, Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Fatique Syndrome, Myasthenia Gravis, Amyothrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Dermatomyositis, Polymyositis, Spontaneous Abortion, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and methods of treatment of diseases caused by the picornaviruses.

Abstract: Conformational epitopes of the envelope protein E2 of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) have been identified and characterized using a panel of monoclonal antibodies derived from patients infected with HCV. These conformational epitopes have been determined to be important in the immune response of humans to HCV and may be particularly important in neutralizing the virus. Based on the identification of these conformational epitopes, vaccines containing peptides and mimotopes with these conformational epitopes intact may be prepared and administered to patients to prevent and/or treat HCV infection. The identification of four distinct groups of monoclonal antibodies with each directed to a particular epitope of E2 may be used to stratify patients based on their response to HCV and may be used to determine a proper treatment regimen.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anti HIV 1 vaccine comprising the entire or part of the Tat HIV 1 protein, in addition to the identification of said protein in individuals affected by HIV. The Tat protein is a protein of the HIV 1 Oyi variant.

Abstract: Target cell specificity of delivery vectors is provided by incorporation of a target cell specific binding domain by the use of any binding domain, which binds specifically to a binding site on the target cell. The binding site may be endogenous to the target cell, provided by engineering the target cell, or a suitable binding site may be associated with the target cell. Target cell may also be associated with a CVR polypeptide to provide specificity for the delivery vector. The association of the CVR polypeptide confers target cell specificity for a second virus host cell range, which specificity differs from the viral host cell range of the endogeneous target cell or animal host cell viral receptors. The CVR polypeptide may thus comprise a chimeric virus binding site which binds a second virus env binding domain specific for a second virus host cell range, selected from at least one of the group consisting of amphotropic, polytropic, xenotropic, ecotropic and tissue specific.

Abstract: This invention relates to an SRSV detection kit comprising all antibodies against SRSV-related which makes it possible to detect most SRSV-related viruses and further to distinguish their serotypes and genogroups.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for the identification and clonal isolation of antibodies that bind to unique epitopes. The method is based on the use of antibodies as solid phase capture reagents to bind a known capture antibody epitope, thereby precluding the capture antibody epitope from being presented to a population of antibodies to be screened. The method is particularly suited for screening libraries of cloned antibodies, such as phage display combinatorial antibodies. An antibody specific for herpes simplex virus (HSV), was employed as a model for the assay.

Abstract: Novel hepatitis C virus (HCV) polypetides are provided which are not encoded by the standard HCV open reading frame. These alternate reading frame polypeptides are useful, inter alia, in vaccine compositions, in diagnosing HCV infection, and as therapeutic targets.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to HCV core antigen. Also provided are hybridoma cell lines which secrete these antibodies, methods for making and using these antibodies, including kits that include these antibodies.

Abstract: The invention provides antibodies specific for HIV env, including monoclonal antibodies and related hybridomas. The antibodies block CD4/g120 binding and reduce reverse transcriptase activity in vitro.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purifying recombinant HCV single or specific oligomeric envelope proteins selected from the group consisting of E1 and/or E1/E2 characterized in that upon lysing the transformed host cells to isolate the recombinantly expressed protein a disulphide bond cleavage or reduction step is carried out with a disulphide bond cleavage agent. The present invention also relates to a composition isolated by such a method. The present invention also relates to the diagnostic and therapeutic application of these compositions. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of HCV E1 protein and peptides for prognosing and monitoring the clinical effectiveness and/or clinical outcome of HCV treatment.

Abstract: Immunological reagents obtained from multimeric forms of the HIV-2 and SIV envelope glycoproteins and their use in the detection of HIV-2, particularly, the HIV-2 proteins gp300, p200, p90, and p80, and gp300 of SIV.

Abstract: Antibodies directed to SPICE and VCP which may be used for detection, prevention, and treatment of variola virus or vaccinia virus are provided. Recombinant SPICE and VCP proteins are also provided which are used for enhancing the immune response to variola or vaccinia virus and modulating of complement activation. Methods and kits for detecting nucleic acid sequences encoding SPICE and VCP are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for in vitro diagnosis of an infection by human cytomegaloviruses. The process consists of contacting cells, possibly carrying the infection, with a monoclonal antibody reacting with a polypeptide of molecular weight 68,000, induced by human cytomegalovirus and which possesses a protein-kinase activity. The detection of the reaction is preferably carried out by immunofluorescence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the prevention and treatment of cancer, inflammatory diseases and disorders or deficiencies of the immune system. The methods of the invention comprise administering a CD40 binding protein that potentiates the binding of CD40 to CD40 ligand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting a causative agent of the so-called spontaneous early abortion by investigating patients' samples for the presence of adeno-associated virias DNA (AAV DNA), or AAV antigen or antibodies, preferably of the IgM type, directed to AAV. Furthermore, the present invention relates to antibodies suitable for said method.

Abstract: The present invention describes the identification and characterization of five human HC E1-specific monoclonal antibodies isolated from a phage display library and their use in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of HCV in mammals, preferably humans.

Abstract: The present invention features an isolated, intact virus associated with human lymphoma, and originally isolated from a mantle cell lymphoma, referred to herein as a mantle histiocyte retrovirus (MHRV). The invention also features compositions and methods for detecting MHRV, as well as methods and compositions for propagating MHRV in vitro, screening for anti-MHRV agents, and generation of attenuated MHRV strains.

Abstract: Human monoclonal rabies virus neutralizing antibodies represent a safe and efficacious post-exposure prophylactic therapy for individuals exposed to a rabies virus. The nucleic acid and encoded amino acid sequences of the heavy and light chain immunoglobulins of human monoclonal rabies virus neutralizing antibodies, and their use, is described.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for early detection of a flavivirus-induced infection, comprising the detection of the flavivirus non-structural glycoprotein NS1 in a biological sample during the clinical phase of the infection, by an immunological method using at least two identical or different antibodies, the first antibody consisting of polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies pre-selected for their high affinity for said NS1 protein hexameric in shape.

Abstract: Single vector constructs for expression of a functional antibody molecule are described. The vectors have a self-processing cleavage site between two heterologous DNA coding sequences allowing for expression of two coding sequences using a single promoter. Exemplary vector constructs comprise a foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) 2A sequence. The vector constructs can be used in methods relating to antibody delivery and therapy and in the production of a biologically active antibody or fragment thereof.

Abstract: Expression vectors encoding bacteriophage signal peptides are described. The vectors may be used for the heterologous expression and secretion of polypeptides such as antibodies in bacterial host cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of CD81 protein and polynucleic acid in the therapy and diagnosis of hepatitis C and pharmaceutical compositions, animal models and diagnostic kits for such purposes.

Abstract: The present invention features antibodies and antibody fragments that specifically bind a CD4-inducible HIV gp120 epitope that is enhanced by binding a co-receptor for HIV, such as CCR5 or CXCR4, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies or antibody fragments. The invention also features nucleic acids encoding the antibodies or antibody fragments, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the nucleic acids encoding the antibodies or antibody fragments, vectors comprising the nucleic acids, and cells comprising the vectors. The invention further features methods of identifying antibodies or antibody fragments with broadly neutralizing activity against HIV. The invention also features methods of inhibiting HIV entry into cells and methods of inhibiting replication of HIV in mammals, using the antibodies and nucleic acids of the invention.

Abstract: Human IGSF9 and LIV-1 polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptides are disclosed. The disclosed polypeptides and/or polynucleotide are particularly useful generating antibodies, both modified and native, which bind IGSF9 or LIV-1. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines comprising the antibodies, polypeptides and polynucleotides of the invention. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptides for identifying ligands, antagonists and agonists to said polypeptides. Finally, methods comprising the above-mentioned compositions are disclosed for the treatment, diagnosis, and/or prognosis of neoplastic disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to at least one novel RSV proteins, antibodies, including isolated nucleic acids that encode at least one RSV protein or antibody, RSV vectors, host cells, transgenic animals or plants, and methods of making and using thereof, including therapeutic compositions, methods and devices.

Abstract: The invention provides an TSV polypeptide, methods and compositions for making such peptide, and methods of using the polypeptide and agonists and antagonists thereof for treating phosphate wasting disorders.

Abstract: A chimeric transmembrane protein which promotes viral entry into cells comprises: (i) an extracellular domain capable of binding a virus; and (ii) an intracellular internalisation signal.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a fusion protein containing at least one binding domain that specifically recognizes an eptitope of a plant pathogen and at least one additional domain made from a protein or peptide sequence which is toxic to the pathogen or detrimental the replication, transmission or life cycle of the pathogen. The present invention is further drawn to a pathogenocide made from the binding domain, a cellular targeting sequence and/or membrane localization sequence that leads to membrane anchoring. The present invention is further drawn to nucleotide sequences encoding fusion proteins and pathogenocides and to vectors containing the nucleotide sequences; as well as methods of making the fusion proteins and pathogencides and methods of making pathogen resistant plants, plant cells, or plant tissues with the fusion proteins and pathogenocides.

Abstract: In this application are described monoclonal antibodies which recognize E3 glycoprotein of alphavirus and epitopes recognized by these monoclonal antibodies. 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 alphavirus infections in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: Human monoclonal antibodies and fragments thereof which bind and neutralize respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antigenic subgroups A and B are disclosed. Also disclosed are diagnostic and immunotherapeutic methods of using the monoclonal antibodies as well as cell lines producing the monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: Synthetic peptides immunoreactive with hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibodies are provided. The peptides are useful as laboratory reagents to detect or quantify HAV antibodies in biological samples in clinical or research-based assays and for inducing an immune response to HAV when administered to a human or animal. The peptides contain antigenic epitopes, modified antigenic epitopes or combinations of epitopes of the major structural capsid polypeptides or non-structural polypeptides of HAV and contain one or more molecules of the amino acid glutamine (Q) at the carboxyl end of the peptide, which enhances immunoreactivity and immunogenicity, particularly IgM antibody reactivity.

Abstract: Construction and characterization of mouse monoclonal antibodies against western equine encephalitis virus (WEE) for potential use in detection, diagnosis, and immunotherapy are disclosed. Antibodies were prepared from hybridoma cells and further characterized by ELISAs, Western blotting, isotyping, and immunoprecipitation. The antibodies were also tested for cross-reactivity to other alphaviruses, such as Sindbis virus (SIN), Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEE), and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). All antibodies bound to WEE antigen in ELISAs, whereas only a subgroup of antibodies was found to be active in Western blotting and immunoprecipitations. A subset of antibodies was found to cross-react with other alphaviruses, such as SIN, VEE, and EEE.

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: Construction and characterization of mouse monoclonal antibodies against western equine encephalitis virus (WEE) for potential use in detection, diagnosis, and immunotherapy are disclosed. Antibodies were prepared from hybridoma cells and further characterized by ELISAs, Western blotting, isotyping, and immunoprecipitation. The antibodies were also tested for cross-reactivity to other alphaviruses, such as Sindbis virus (SIN), Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEE), and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). All antibodies bound to WEE antigen in ELISAs, whereas only a subgroup of antibodies was found to be active in Western blotting and immunoprecipitations. A subset of antibodies was found to cross-react with other alphaviruses, such as SIN, VEE, and EEE.

Abstract: An human antibody anti-NS3 protein of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is described, as will as synthetic and recombinant fragments thereof able to inhibit the helicase activity of the NS3 protein, both in vitro and in vivo, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to materials and methods for treatment of hepatitis C. More closely, the invention relates to human monoclonal antibodies against HCV E1 antigen, to a reagent comprising such antibodies, and to vaccine compositions comprising such antibodies. Futhermore, the invention relates to a method of treating or preventing HCV infection by administration of a vaccine composition comprising the monoclonal antibodies of te invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to at least one novel anti-Dengue virus antibody, including isolated nucleic acids that encode at least one anti-Dengue virus antibody, vectors, host cells, transgenic animals or plants, and methods of making and using thereof, including therapeutic compositions, methods and devices.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a novel hepatitis B surface antigen mutant and methods of detecting this mutant, and/or antibodies thereto, in patient samples. In particular, the mutant contains a substitution of amino acid threonine for the amino acid alanine at position 123 in the amino acid sequence of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) protein.

Abstract: Herein, immunoglobulin variable region polypeptides are fused at their N-terminus to a bacterial signal sequence. In one embodiment, the immunoglobulin variable region polypeptides are fused to a tag that that is placed in between a bacteriophage signal sequence and the N-terminus of the immunoglobulin variable region polypeptide. In another embodiment, the N-termini of single-domain antibodies (dAb) are fused to a bacterial signal sequence in the absence of a tag. In a further embodiment, the immunoglobulin variable region antibody fusion proteins are fused to a bacteriophage coat protein and expressed on the surface of bacteriophage providing an efficient way to select small antibody fragments that are labeled and that have high affinity to target ligand.

Abstract: Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a cause of respiratory tract infection in humans and other animals. Replication of the virus relies in part upon the association of the nucleocapsid (N) protein with a phosphoprotein (P protein). The present invention describes the identification and sequencing of peptide fragments which bind to the P protein and which disrupt the interaction of the N and P proteins. Such peptides may be used to inhibit replication of RSV, and for treatment of patients infected with RSV. Further aspects of the invention relate to the use of such peptides in the diagnosis of RSV infection.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to the use of immunoglobulins obtained from the egg yolk of hens hyperimmunized with PRRS virus. The immunoglobulins are obtained through the extraction of the aqueous phase of the yolk through the use of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phtalate at a final concentration of 0.05% and sodium azide at a final concentration of 0.001%. The invention also relates to the administration of these immunoglobulins for the prevention and treatment of pigs infected with the PRRS virus in order to lower mortality rates, obtain weight gain and diminish viral excretion in the herds.

Abstract: A functionally unglycosylated transmembrane protein having a molecular weight of about 24 kd which is ubiquitous in human cells and exhibits the same species specificity as hepatitis C virus. The protein is capable of binding to HCV surface proteins and is a putative HCV cellular receptor. As such it has many applications in the fields of diagnosis and treatment of HCV infection and in the design of HCV therapeutics.

Abstract: Fusion proteins which comprise an apoptosis inducing protein portion and a cell targeting portion are disclosed. Fusion proteins which comprise a protease portion and a cell targeting portion are disclosed. Compositions for and methods of targeting and inducing the death of cells are disclosed.

Abstract: A Method for detecting hepatitis B virus as well as a kit and a reagent therefor, comprising using a phosphate buffer that specifically binds to hepatitis B virus, for example a monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to a specific site of core-related protein of hepatitis B virus.

Abstract: Antibodies directed to SPICE which may be used for detection, prevention, and treatment of variola virus are provided. Recombinant SPICE and VCP proteins are also provided which are used for enhancing the immune response to variola virus. Furthermore, modulation of complement activation by administering recombinant SPICE and VCP is provided.

Abstract: A method of treating an ocular disorder is disclosed, comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment, an effective amount of a sub-immunoglobulin antigen-binding molecule that is immuno-interactive with a target antigen associated with the disorder. The invention is also directed to compositions comprising this sub-immunoglobulin antigen-binding molecule and to a method of diagnosing an ocular condition using such molecule.

Abstract: A recombinant antibody fragment having, a binding specificity for an IBDV antigenic determinant.

Abstract: Multimer peptides (e.g. 30- to 45-mer peptides) derived from hepatitis C virus envelope proteins reacting with the majority of anti-HCV antibodies present in patient sera are described. The usage of the latter peptides to diagnose, and to vaccinate against, an infection with hepatitis C virus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention describes the identification and characterization of five human HC E2-specific monoclonal antibodies isolated form a phage display library and their use in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of HCV in mammals, preferably humans.