Abstract: The application relates to antibodies and fragments capable of binding HIV-1 gp120 protein, nucleic acids encoding such proteins, to the use of such proteins to identify active compounds, and to the use of the compounds as vaccines.

Abstract: An HCV core antigen and NS3/4a antibody combination assay that can detect both HCV antigens and antibodies present in a sample using a single solid matrix, is provided, as well as immunoassay solid supports for use in the assay.

Abstract: A highly efficient method for generating human antibodies in particular which are specific to be RSV fusion protein which combines in vitro primary of human spleen cells and antigen boosting in SCID mice is taught. This method provides for very high human antibody titers which are predominantly of the IgG isotype which contain antibodies of high specificity and affinity to desired antigens. This method is well suited for generating human monoclonal antibodies for therapeutic and diagnostic applications as well as for rescue of human cells for generation of combinational human antibody gene libraries. Two human monoclonal antibodies, RF-1 and RF-2 which each possess an affinity for RSV F-protein ≦2×10−9 Molar are taught as well as their corresponding amino acid and DNA sequences. These antibodies are to be used therapeutically and prophylactically for treating or preventing RSV infection, as well as for diagnosis of RSV in analytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of novel nucleotide sequences for the spike peptide, pol region peptide and M and N region peptide of the ferret coronavirus and derivative products for the diagnosis and treatment of epizootic catarrhal enteritis (ECE) in ferrets.

Abstract: Human monoclonal antibodies binding to epitopes common to type 1 and 2 HCV are provided, as well as conformationally conserved HCV E2 2a and 2b proteins. Compositions comprising the antibodies find use in diagnosis and therapy. The antibodies recognize conformational epitopes that are conserved across multiple genotypes of HCV. Thus the antibodies have the potential to be useful in the prevention and treatment of the majority of HCV infections. A subset of the antibodies (CBH-2, CBH-5, CBH-7, CBH-8C, CBH-8E, and CBH-11) have the ability to prevent the binding of HCV E2 proteins of multiple genotypes to human CD81, a possible co-receptor for HCV infection. A subset of the antibodies (CBH-2 and CBH-5) have been shown to inhibit the binding of HCV virions (as opposed to purified E2 protein) to human CD81. A further subset of the antibodies (CBH-4D, CBH4B, CBH-8C, and CBH-9) have been shown to prevent HCV envelope mediated fusion using an HCV psuedotype system.

Abstract: A method for providing passive immmunotherapy to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in a host is disclosed. The method includes administering to a host a human monoclonal antibody Fab fragment that neutralizes both antigenic subgroup A and subgroup B of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or a monoclonal antibody comprising the fragment.

Abstract: The present invention provides truncated HCV E2 polypepides. The invention HCV E2 polypeptides lack the HVR1 region that provides immune protection against HCV. The present invention also provides immunogenic compositions of such polypeptides and the methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) specific polypeptides are disclosed. Also disclosed are the use of these polypeptides for the production of polypeptide-specific antibodies and the diagnosis and treatment of EBV-associated disease.

Abstract: Vectors containing a nucleotide sequence coding for an F protein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and a promoter for such sequence, preferably a cytomegalovirus promoter, are described. Such vectors also may contain a further nucleotide sequence located adjacent to the RSV F protein encoding sequence to enhance the immunoprotective ability of the RSV F protein when expressed in vivo. Such vectors may be used to immunize a host, including a human host, by administration thereto. Such vectors also may be used to produce antibodies for detection of RSV infection in a sample.

Abstract: A highly efficient method for generating human antibodies in particular which are specific to be RSV fusion protein which combines in vitro primary of human spleen cells and antigen boosting in SCID mice is taught. This method provides for very high human antibody titers which are predominantly of the IgG isotype which contain antibodies of high specificity and affinity to desired antigens. This method is well suited for generating human monoclonal antibodies for therapeutic and diagnostic applications as well as for rescue of human cells for generation of combinational human antibody gene libraries. Two human monoclonal antibodies, RF-1 and RF-2 which each possess an affinity for RSV F-protein ≦2×10−9 Molar are taught as well as their corresponding amino acid and DNA sequences. These antibodies are to be used therapeutically and prophylactically for treating or preventing RSV infection, as well as for diagnosis of RSV in analytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification and cloning of a novel neutralizing human monoclonal antibody to the Respiratory Syncytial Virus. The invention provides such antibodies, fragments of such antibodies retaining RSV-binding ability, chimeric antibodies retaining RSV-binding ability, and pharmaceutical compositions including such antibodies. The invention further provides for isolated nucleic acids encoding the antibodies of the invention and host cells transformed therewith. Finally, the invention provides for diagnostic and therapeutic methods employing the antibodies and nucleic acids of the invention.

Abstract: An adsorbent for removing hepatitis C virus which has the ability to adsorb HCV particles, particularly immune-complex HCV particles, from a patient's body blood safely and with high efficiency and high selectivity for enhancing the efficacy of interferon therapy, an HCV adsorption apparatus including said adsorbent, and a adsorbing method for removing HCV are provided.

Abstract: This invention particularly discloses an improved immunoassay method for the specific detection of anti-rubella IgM antibodies. This method employs rubella antigens comprising rubella E1 and E2 envelope glycoproteins substantially free of capsid protein. Use of this antigen composition reduces or eliminates nonspecific protein-protein interactions leading to false positive results. A sample diluent comprising urea can also be used in the process to further reduce the occurrence of nonspecific protein-protein interactions. A diagnostic kit to aid in the detection of anti-rubella IgM antibodies is also disclosed.

Abstract: A protein is described. The protein comprises a lipid globule targeting sequence linked to a protein of interest (POI) wherein the targeting sequence comprises a hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein or fragment or homologue thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated mammalian negative strand RNA virus, metapneumovirus (MPV), within the sub-family Pneumoviridae, of the family Paramyxoviridae. The invention also provides isolated mammalian negative strand RNA viruses identifiable as phylogenetically corresponding or relating to the genus Metapneumovirus and components thereof. In particular the invention provides a mammalian MPV, subgroups and variants thereof. The invention relates to genomic nucleotide sequences of different isolates of mammalian metapneumoviruses, in particular human metapneumoviruses. The invention relates to the use of the sequence information of different isolates of mammalian metapneumoviruses for diagnostic and therapeutic methods. The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences encoding the genome of a metapneumovirus or a portion thereof, including both mammalian and avian metapneumovirus. The invention further encompasses chimeric or recombinant viruses encoded by said nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: Described herein are genes whose expression are up-regulated or down-regulated during the course of Hepatitis C infection, or distinction between treatment response. Related methods and compositions that can be used for diagnosis and treatment of Hepatitis C infection and/or its secondary consequences are disclosed. Also described herein are methods that can be used to identify modulators of Hepatitis C infection and/or its secondary consequences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody expression library derived from a patient which has been immunochallenged with one or more foreign antigens associated with a particular disease or foreign agent, wherein said patients have been immunochallenged with the foreign antigens at a time point such that they still contain a repertoire of antibody producing cells which are enriched with cells producing antibodies directed to said foreign antigens associated with said disease or foreign agent, or at a time point such that they are still in an active phase of immune response to said foreign antigens associated with said disease or foreign agent. Methods of producing such expression libraries are also disclosed.

Abstract: A variant of a LAV virus, designated LAVMAL and capable of causing AIDS. The cDNA and antigens of the LAVMAL virus can be used for the diagnosis of AIDS and pre-AIDS.

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: The present invention provides immunogenic Hepatitis E Virus polypeptides and methods of use. The polypeptides include at least one neutralizing antigenic epitope and preferably contain at least about fifty amino acids residues between amino acid residues 452 and 617 from the C-terminal of the HEV pORF2 protein. The polypeptides are useful, alone or in combination with other polypeptides of the present invention, as a reagent for studying the pathogenesis of HEV and monitoring treatment efficacy in subjects undergoing treatment for HEV. Further, the polypeptides can be used as a vaccine to treat or prevent HEV.

Abstract: Human, humanized and chimeric monoclonal antibodies that bind to influenza M2 protein. The antibodies are useful for, among other things, treatment, diagnostics, purifying and isolating M2 or influenza virus, and identifying the presence of M2 or influenza virus in a sample or a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for detecting the presence in a sample of a US-type or a US-subtype hepatitis E virus, including naturally occurring variants thereof. In particular, the invention provides nucleic acid sequences corresponding to the genome of the US-type or US-subtype hepatitis E virus, amino acid sequences, including epitope sequences, encoded by the genomes of such viruses, and antibodies that bind specifically to such amino acid sequences. The invention further provides methods and compositions for immunizing individuals against infection by, or for treating individuals already infected with such a virus.

Abstract: New styles of hepatitis C virus (HCV), referred to as HCV-3 and HCV-4, have been identified and sequenced. Antigenic regions of HCV-2, HCV-3 and HCV-4 polypeptides have been identified. Immunoassays for HCV and antibodies thereto are described, which allow more complete screening of blood samples for HCV, and allow HCV genotyping.

Abstract: Conformational epitopes of the envelope proteins E1 and 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 conserved conformational and linear epitopes of the HCV protein E1 or E2 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 E1 or E2 may be used to stratify patients based on their response to HCV and may be used to determine a proper treatment regimen.

Abstract: In this application are described vaccinia 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 vaccinia virus infections in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: This invention concerned with a peptide tag having sequence SSTSSDFRDR or GVSSISSDFRDR derived from transactivator protein E2 of Bovine Papillomavirus type 1, and the fusion polypeptide containing said peptide tag, and the expression vector comprising the oligonucleotide sequence encoding said peptide tag. The invention relates also to the antibodies specific for the peptide tag and the methods for detecting and purifying tagged proteins.

Abstract: We isolated and characterized a new surface mutant of the hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg).

Abstract: Recombinant antibodies are disclosed. 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, are described.

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: A protein conjugate comprising conjugate comprising a first region comprising a factor that permits translocation of a protein across a cell membrane; and a second region comprising a single-chain antibody fragment which has affinity for a viral protein, in particular a viral protein which is necessary for replication of a virus such as a flavivirus.

Abstract: The invention relates to seroreactive regions on proteins E1 and E2 of human papillomavirus (HPV) 16. The application also relates to a vaccine which contains such peptides which contain the seroreactive regions. The invention likewise embraces compositions for diagnostic purposes which contain peptides with the seroreactive regions.

Abstract: The invention relates to diagnostic methods, probes, detection systems and kits for the identification of foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) infection in a biological sample obtained from a farm animal. It was discovered that a highly conserved region of sequence existed with the 3D coding region of the FMDV genome. This region was found to be strikingly similar, and often identical or with only one or two nucleotide substitution, between the various serotypes of FMDV. Thus, by performing PCR analysis with probes comprising sequences form this region or ELISA with antibodies directed to polypeptide products expressed from this region, a plurality of serotypes of FMDV could be detected from a single test. Further, by including dried PCR reagents plus trehelose, kits could be stored at room temperatures for long periods of time without any significant loss in sensitivity or specificity.

Abstract: A method for the screening of antiviral compounds targeted to the HIV gp41 core structure comprising capturing polyclonal antibodies from an animal other than a mouse directed against a trimer of a heterodimer containing an N-peptide and a C-peptide onto a solid-phase, mixing a compound to be tested with an N-peptide and then adding a C-peptide, adding the resultant mixture to the resultant polyclonal antibody coated solid-phase and then removing unbound peptides and unbound compound, adding a monoclonal antibody directed against the trimer of a heterodimer containing an N-peptide and a C-peptide and measuring the antibody binding of the monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: Antibodies to two new epitopes on the HCV envelope proteins were identified which allow routine detection of native HCV envelope antigens, in tissue or cells derived from the host. The new epitopes are: the E1 region aa 307-326 and the N-terminal hyper variable region of E2 aa 395-415. Surprisingly, we characterised an antibody that reacts with various sequences of the hypervariable domain of E2. Specific monoclonal antibodies directed against these epitopes and allowing routine detection of viral antigen are described.

Abstract: The invention concerns an isolated mHBV having the following characteristics: (i) a genome with partly double-strand circular DNA, (ii) the genome including the Pre-S, S, C, P and X genes, (iii) the Pre-S genes coding for surface antigens, the S gene coding for a HBsAg envelope protein, the C gene coding for a HBeAg protein and aHBcAg protein, the P gene coding for a DNA reverse polymerase/transcriptase enzyme and the X gene coding for a HBxAg protein. The invention is characterised in that the gene S comprises a DNA nucleotide sequence referenced SEQ ID NO 1 and the Pre-S gene comprises a nucleotide sequence referenced SED ID NO 3. The invention also concerns DNA molecule, RNA molecule, modified surface proteins and their uses in particular for diagnostic, therapeutic and vaccine purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a peptide reagent comprising peptides immunochemically reactive with antibodies to the human cytomegalovirus (CMV). New antibodies directed to said peptides or fragments thereof are also part of the invention. Also cell lines capable of producing monoclonal antibodies are part of the invention. The invention also relates to a method for the detection of CMV or antibodies directed against CMV in a test fluid and a test kit to be used when applying the said detection methods. Detection of CMV in a test fluid or tissue specimen using antibodies, monoclonal and polyclonal, directed to said peptide, which have the characteristics of detecting both native and denatured DMV proteins are also part of said invention.

Abstract: The invention concerns a structural peptide, identified by antibodies directed against a polypeptide, comprising the 2-45 amino acid sequence of the N-terminal end of the Core or nucleocapsid (p21) protein of the hepatitis C virus (HCV), excluding any protein or peptide compound comprising or consisting of the N-terminal end. The invention is characterized in that it comprises a tertiary structure consisting of at least a first peptide fragment having a secondary structure in &agr; helix, a second peptide fragment having secondary structure in &agr; helix and a third peptide bond fragment linking the two &agr; helices, these two &agr; helices being substantially perpendicular to each other in space. This peptide can be used for detecting antibodies directed against the p21 protein of HCV, for detecting all of part of the RNA of HCV and for preparing a diagnostic, prophylactic or therapeutic composition for detecting, preventing or treating an HCV infection.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to methods for the simultaneous detection of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) antigens as well as antibodies produced in response to HCV antigens. Furthermore, the subject invention allows one to detect antigens in the early, acute stage of infection, even prior to the development of antibodies, thereby allowing for early detection of infected blood and blood products, thus improving the safety of the blood supply.

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: 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: Monoclonal antibodies which can bind to the ClfA protein and which are generated from binding subdomains or active fragments of the ClfA protein from Staphylococcus aureus, including the active fragments proteins from its fibrinogen binding domain such as Clf40 protein, the Clf33 protein, or ClfA N3, are provided which can be useful in the treatment and protection against infection from staphylococcal bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, medical instruments can be treated using the monoclonal antibodies of the invention in order to reduce or eliminate the possibility of their becoming infected or further spreading the infection. In particular, the antibodies of the present invention are advantageous because they can prevent adherence of the bacteria to host cells by impairing or inhibiting the ability of S. aureus ClfA to bind to fibrinogen or fibrin, and thus can be utilized in methods or treating or preventing staphylococcal inventions.

Abstract: The invention discloses generation of a single chain variable fragment (ScFv) antibody from a well-characterized monoclonal antibody (Mab) against Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) virus, by cloning variable regions of the heavy (VH) and the light (VL) chain antibody genes, connected by a DNA linker, in phagemid expression vector pCANTAB 5 E. Mab clone 1A4A1 was successfully cloned as ScFv in Escherichia coli strain TG-1 and expressed as a ˜30 KDa ScFv protein which was functional in recognizing VEE by ELISA. Results were reproduced in Escherichia coli strain HB2151, where the same clone, designated A116, was expressed mainly as soluble periplasmic protein. The 30 KDa A116 displayed weak binding specificity to VEE. Sequence analysis revealed a frame shift in the N-terminal region of the VL domain, upstream to the complementarity-determnining region 1, as the probable cause of reduced activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to the process for generating infectious Newcastle disease virus (NDV) entirely from cloned full-length cDNA and to the use of vaccines and diagnostic assays generated with and derived from said process. The process offers the possibility to modify the NDV genome by means of genetic modification and allows the introduction of mutations, deletions and/or insertions. The process can be used to modify the antigenic make-up of NDV, thus allowing the generation of live NDV marker vaccines which can be serologically distinguished from NDV field strains.

Abstract: Hepatitis GB Virus (HGBV) nucleic acid and amino acid sequences useful for a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic applications, kits for using the HGBV nucleic acid or amino acid sequences, HGBV immunogenic particles, and antibodies which specifically bind to HGBV. Also provided are methods for producing antibodies, polyclonal or monoclonal, from the HGBV nucleic acid or amino acid sequences.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of virology. More particularly, the invention relates to the discovery that peptides, which bind to the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) core and e antigens, can be used to inhibit HBV infection. Embodiments concern “binding partners”, which include peptides, peptidomimetics, and chemicals that resemble these molecules that interact with HBV core and e antigens, biological complexes having HBV core and e antigens joined to said binding partners, methods of identifying such binding partners, pharmaceuticals having binding partners, and methods of treatments and prevention of HBV infection.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to methods of detecting and monitoring a subject at risk for opportunistic infection. More particularly, the methods comprise monitoring key monocyte functions and surrogate cell surface markers on monocytes to predict subjects at risk for opportunistic infection. Specific monocyte key functions comprise measurements of phagocytic activity and transendothelial migration. Another aspect of the present invention is a kit comprising the compositions of the present invention used to detect or monitor a subject at risk for opportunistic infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies and other binding molecules specific for hepatitis B viral antigens (HBV), peptides comprising epitopes recognized by such molecules, and cell lines capable of producing antibodies. The invention is further concerned with the use of such molecules in diagnosis of HBV. The invention further relates to a method for the diagnosis of hepatitis B, the method comprising contacting the sample suspected to contain hepatitis B particles or antigens with a specific binding molecule according to the invention. The invention further relates to an assay kit for the detection of a hepatitis B particle or antigen, the kit comprising a specific binding molecule of the invention and means for detecting whether the specific binding molecule is bound to a hepatitis B particle or antigen.

Abstract: A novel polypeptide ligand, p30, or LIGHT, for herpes virus entry mediator, HVEM, is provided. LIGHT is useful for modulating immune responses and in inhibiting infection and/or subsequent proliferation by herpesvirus. HVEM fusion proteins are also provided. Methods for treating subjects with lymphoid cell disorders, tumors, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory disorders or those having or suspected of having a herpesvirus infection, utilizing p30 and the fusion proteins of the invention, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions derived from immunoglobulin molecules specific for the hepatitis C virus (HCV). More particularly, the invention is related to molecules which are capable of specifically binding with HCV E2 antigen. The molecules are useful in specific binding assays, affinity purification schemes and pharmaceutical compositions for the prevention and treatment of HCV infection in mammalian subjects. The invention thus relates to novel human monoclonal antibodies specific for HCV E2 antigen, fragments of such monoclonal antibodies, polypeptides having structure and function substantially homologous to antigen-binding sites obtained from such monoclonal antibodies, nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides, and expression vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotides derived from cDNA of novel type of hepatitis C virus named Korean type hepatitis C virus (KHCV), polypeptides encoded therein, and antibodies directed against the polypeptides; and also provide diagnostics and vaccines employing any of the above materials as active ingredient(s).