Abstract: The present invention describes peptides which inhibit fusion of an arenavirus (e.g., Pichinde virus; PICV) with a host cell membrane. The arenavirus inhibiting (AVI) peptides described herein comprise a segment of the GP2 protein of an arenavirus. The AVI peptides are useful for inhibiting arenavirus-to-host cell membrane fusion and for treating arenavirus infections. In a particular embodiment, the arenavirus inhibiting peptide comprises a segment of PICV glycoprotein 2 (PICV GP2; SEQ ID NO: 1), Tamiami virus (TAMV) GP2 (SEQ ID NO: 14), or Lassa virus (LASV) GP2 (SEQ ID NO: 15). In particular, the segment is selected from a region of an arenavirus GP2 extending from the N-terminus into the first half of the FIR (i.e., from residues 1 through 105 of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 14, or SEQ ID NO: 15).

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and kits are provided for treating CCR8 mediated diseases with applicability to atopic dermatitis and potential applicability to asthma, prurigo nodularis, nummular dermatitis, neurodermatitis, and lichen simplex chronicus and some lymphomas, multiple sclerosis, acquired immunodeficiency disease, peritoneal adhesions, Kaposi's sarcoma and atherogenesis—the expression of all of which, at least in part, is mediated by cells expressing the chemokine receptor CCR8. The compositions include proteins and fusion proteins from Molluscum contagiosum Virus (MCV) or variants, analogs and derivatives thereof which exhibit inhibitory activity. Examples of such MCV proteins are MC148 fusion protein (MC148fp) identified as MC148P-TAT-6×His (“6×His” disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 11), and its variants, fragments, analogs and derivatives which possess inhibitory activity.

Abstract: The invention provides fusion protein constructs comprising a functional mitochondrial protein and methods of treating mitochondrial disorders by the fusion proteins and compositions thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of producing silk dope comprising silk proteins with a coiled-coil structure such as honeybee silk proteins. The silk proteins are obtained from cells producing them, solubilizing the proteins by contacting them with a surfactant or an ionic liquid and concentrating the proteins to produce silk dope. The proteins can be used for a variety of purposes such as in the production of personal care products, plastics, textiles and biomedical products.

Abstract: The invention relates to soluble rubella E1 antigens and variants of these antigens. The antigens contain amino acids 201 to 432 or 169 to 432 and are lacking amino acids 453 to 481 as well as at least the amino acids 143 to 164. They further contain a region spanning two disulfide-bridges. The invention also relates to a recombinant DNA molecule encoding the rubella E1 antigens, the expression of rubella E1 antigens as chaperone fusion proteins and their use in a method of detecting antibodies against rubella in a sample.

Abstract: Disclosed herein TPV1 is a method of treating ocular and systemic conditions by administering IL-10 and TPV134R polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nucleic acid molecules encoding attenuated, non-functional virion infectivity factor (vif) proteins. The nucleic acid molecules of the invention are inserted into recombinant expression vectors and administered to mammals in order to induce a cellular and humoral immune response to the encoded protein product.

Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptide carrier proteins that comprise at least five CD4+ T cell epitopes, for conjugation to capsular polysaccharides. The carrier proteins are useful as components of vaccines that can elicit a T-cell dependent immune response. These vaccines are particularly useful to confer protection against infection from encapsulated bacteria in infants between the ages of 3 months and about 2 years.

Abstract: A soluble rubella E1 antigen variant is disclosed that comprises amino acids 334-409 of the native rubella E1 peptide, but lacks the C-terminal end and at least the transmembrane region and the anchor segment as well as at least the amino acids 143 to 164. Also described is a recombinant DNA molecule encoding the rubella E1 antigen variants which are recombinantly expressed as a chaperone fusion protein, refolded into a soluble and immunoreactive conformation, and further used for the serological detection of anti-rubella antibodies. In addition, also disclosed is a method for the detection, determination and quantification of anti-rubella antibodies of IgG and/or IgM subclass in a sample wherein the rubella E1 antigen is used as a capture reagent and/or binding partner for the antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides which exhibit potent anti-viral activity. In particular, the invention relates to methods of using such peptides as inhibitory of hepatitis B virus (“HepB”) transmission to uninfected cells. The peptides used in the methods of the invention are homologs of the DP-178 and DP-107 peptides, peptides corresponding to amino acid residues 638 to 673, and to amino acid residues 558 to 595, respectively, of the HIV-1LAI transmembrane protein (TM) gp41.

Abstract: The invention concerns nucleic acid molecules derived from novel hepatitis D virus strains or isolates constituting genotypes different from known I, II and III genotypes, their fragments, corresponding proteins and their uses as diagnostic reagents. The invention also concerns a method for sensitive diagnosis of the hepatitis D virus (or delta hepatitis virus) and a method for epidemiologic monitoring of HDV-related infections.

Abstract: This invention discloses diagnostic, preventative, and treatment therapies of AIDS involving determining whether a subject exhibits an HLA-Cw7-restricted CTL response. Some methods are directed to the use of HLA-Cw7 as a genetic marker for long-term non-progression and amenability to treatment therapies. Diagnostic methods include a method for predicting long term non-progression in an HIV-infected subject. Preventative and treatment methods encompass determining whether a subject exhibits or can exhibit an HLA-Cw7-restricted CTL response. They also encompass ways of eliciting such a response, if necessary. Furthermore, some of the methods involve administering one or more HIV polypeptides or peptides, or polynucleotides encoding them, as a treatment therapy to prevent the development of AIDS.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fusion protein construct (gp41HA) consisting of the ectodomain of the HIV-1IIIB envelope glycoprotein gp41 fused to a fragment of the influenza virus HA2 hemagglutinin protein. Immunization in-vivo via an intraperitoneal prime followed by intranasal or intragastric boosts with gp41HA induces high concentrations of serum IgG antibodies and fecal IgA antibodies that reacted with gp41 in HIV-1IIIB viral lysate and are cross-reactive with gp41 in HIV-1MN lysate. Followup analyses by indirect immunofluorescence showed that both serum IgG and fecal IgA recognized human peripheral blood mononuclear cells infected with either syncytium-inducing (SI) or non-syncytium-inducing (NSI) North American HIV-1 field isolates, but not uninfected cells.

Abstract: Fusion proteins comprising an immunogenic polypeptide are disclosed. The immunogenic polypeptide consists of the amino acid sequence motif Xaa-Thr-Xaa-Val-Thr-Gly-Gly-Xaa-Ala-Ala-Arg-Thr-Thr-Xaa-Gly-Xaa-Xaa-Ser-Leu-Phe-Xaa-Xaa-Gly-Xaa-Ser-Gln-Xaa-Ile-Gln-Leu-Ile (SEQ ID NO:8). Also disclosed are immunogenic compositions comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and the fusion protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to a polyvalent immunogen and, more particularly, to a method of inducing neutralizing antibodies against HIV and to a polyvalent immunogen suitable for use in such a method.

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to a polyvalent immunogen and, more particularly, to a method of inducing neutralizing antibodies against HIV and to a polyvalent immunogen suitable for use in such a method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vaccine for inducing an immune response to an antigen in a vertebrate (e.g., mammal) comprising an antigen and all or a portion of a stress protein or all or a portion of a protein having an amino acid sequence sufficiently homologous to the amino acid sequence of the stress protein to induce the immune response against the antigen. In a particular embodiment, the present invention relates to vaccines and compositions which induce a CTL response in a mammal comprising an antigen and all or a portion of a stress protein. In another embodiment, the invention relates to vaccines and compositions which induce an immune response to an influenza virus in a mammal comprising an antigen of the influenza virus and all or a portion of one or more stress proteins. The invention also relates to vaccines and compositions for inducing a CTL response to a tumor-associated antigen comprising a tumor-associated antigen and all or a portion of the stress protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to a polyvalent immunogen and, more particularly, to a method of inducing neutralizing antibodies against HIV and to a polyvalent immunogen suitable for use in such a method.

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: Immunogenic compositions comprising an immunogenic polypeptide and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle are described. The immunogenic polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence Xaa-Thr-Xaa-Val-Thr-Gly-Gly-Xaa-Ala-Ala-Arg-Thr-Thr-Xaa-Gly-Xaa-Xaa-Ser-Leu-Phe-Xaa-Xaa-Gly-Xaa-Ser-Gln-Xaa-Ile-Gln-Leu-Ile (SEQ ID NO:8). The immunogenic polypeptide can be coupled to a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, such as a diphtheria toxoid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the expression of peptides on viral particles, and more particularly to the expression of peptides on the interior or the viral capsid. Methods are described for modifying viruses so that exogenous epitopes are expressed on the interior of the viral capsid. Viruses that can be modified include (+) stranded RNA viruses, especially plant (+) stranded RNA viruses such as the cowpea mosaic virus. Internal expression is especially useful for the expression of hydrophobic epitopes. The modified viral particles also find use as vaccines and as such are capable of eliciting an immune response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new genomic nucleotide sequences and amino acid sequences corresponding to the coding region of these genomes. The invention relates to new HCV types and subtypes sequences which are different from the known HCV types and subtypes sequences. More particularly, the present invention relates to new HCV type 7 sequences, new HCV type 9 sequences, new HCV type 10 and new HCV type 11 sequences. Also, the present invention relates to new HCV type 1 sequences of subtypes 1d, 1e, 1f and 1g; new HCV type 2 sequences of subtypes 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h, 2i, 2k and 2l; new HCV type 3 sequences of subtype 3g, new HCV type 4 sequences of subtypes 4k, 4l and 4m; a process for preparing them, and their use for diagnosis, prophylaxis and therapy. More particularly, the present invention provides new type-specific sequences of the Core, the E1 and the NS5 regions of new HCV types 7, 9, 10 and 11, as well as of new variants (subtypes) of HCV types 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Abstract: An apoptosis inducing agent which comprises a protein as being Vpr protein encoded by vpr gene of HIV-1 wherein 15 amino acid residues from the C-terminal are deleted, and an apoptosis inducing gene encoding said protein. The agent induces apoptosis of cells and therefore useful as a medicament for treatment of a cancer or AIDS.

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 Tat and Rev, regulatory proteins and Nef, auxiliary 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: Immunogenic polypeptides comprising hepatitis C virus (HCV) immunogens are described. The HCV immunogen comprises the amino acid sequence Xaa-Thr-Xaa-Val-Thr-Gly-Gly-Xaa-Ala-Ala-Arg-Thr-Thr-Xaa-Gly-Xaa-Xaa-Ser-Leu-P he-Xaa-Xaa-Gly-Xaa-Ser-Gln-Xaa-Ile-Gln-Leu-Ile (SEQ ID NO:8). The immunogenic polypeptide can be coupled to a bacterial toxoid, such as a diphtheria toxoid.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods of inducing an immune response for the prevention or treatment of HIV-1 infection by using a nucleic acid vaccine in conjunction with a recombinant viral vaccine, e.g., a poxvirus vaccine, to potentiate and broaden the immune response. The present invention further provides a particularly effective vaccine regimen comprising a DNA vaccine used in combination with a poxvirus virus, especially NYVAC or ALVAC.

Abstract: The present invention relates to HIV-1 envelope proteins from a donor with non-progressive HIV-1 infection whose serum contains broadly cross-reactive, primary virus neutralizing antibody. The invention also relates to isolated or purified proteins and protein fragments that share certain amino acids at particular positions with the foregoing HIV-1 proteins.

Abstract: We isolated and characterized a new surface mutant of the hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg). The mutant was isolated from a symptomatic patient with Down's syndrome who was found to be persistently positive for both for HBsAg and anti-HBs Antibody (Ab) with an equally long-lasting anti-HB core (c) IgM Ab.

Abstract: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) specific polypeptides consisting of a series of one to 1000 peptide units selected from the group consisting of peptide units ?, ?, ? and ?, wherein ? is 25 amino acids or less and has the formula (?ETFTETWNRFITHTE?) (SEQ ID NO:1), ? is 25 amino acids or less and has the formula (?GMLEASEGLDGWIHQ?) (SEQ ID NO:2), ? is 25 amino acids or less and has the formula (?HQQGGWSTLIEDNI?) (SEQ ID NO:3), ? is 25 amino acids or less and has the formula (?KQKHPKKVKQAFNPL?) (SEQ ID NO:4), ? and ? are each independently from 0 to 5 naturally occurring amino acids, and the polypeptide is capable of binding antibody in a specimen from an individual with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated disease 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: The present invention relates, in general, to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and, in particular, to an HLA-based HIV vaccine.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immunogen comprising an HIV envelope protein bound to a ligand, which ligand upregulates at least one of the CD4 binding site and the CCR5 binding site on the protein, and bound to an HR-2 peptide. The invention also relates to a method of inducing anti-HIV antibodies using such an immunogen.

Abstract: This invention relates to retroviral regulatory proteins or fragments thereof, or interferon alpha protein or fragments thereof, which are carboxymethylated. This chemical modification leads to new proteins or fragments which are biologically inactive but preserve their immunogenicity (toxoids). These proteins or fragments thereof, or interferon alpha or fragments thereof, can be utilized in the treatment and prevention of retroviral infections. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one carboxymethylated protein or fragment of the invention, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The invention also relates to a vaccine comprising at least one of the carboxymethylated proteins or fragments of the invention, together with an immunologically acceptable carrier. The invention also relates to a process for obtaining an immunogenic yet not toxic retroviral regulatory protein or fragment, or interferon alpha or fragment.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for selectively killing a cell containing a viral protease are disclosed. The composition is a varient of a protein synthesis inactivating toxin wherein a viral protease cleavage site is interposed between the A and B chains. The variant of the type II ribosome-inactivating protein is activated by digestion of the viral protease cleavage site by the specific viral protease. The activated ribosome-inactivating protein then kills the cell by inactivating cellular ribosomes. A preferred embodiment of the invention is specific for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and uses ricin as the ribosome-inactivating protein. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the variant of the ribosome-inactivating protein is modified by attachment of one or more hydrophobic agents. The hydrophobic agent facilitates entry of the variant of the ribosome-inactivating protein into cells and can lead to incorporation of the ribosome-inactivating protein into viral particles.

Abstract: The invention features an immunogenic composition containing a frequently-recognized epitope of an HIV-1 accessory protein such as Vpr and methods of inducing an immune response using such an epitope. The epitope peptide contains the amino acid sequence ALIRILQQL of a functionally active domain or a structural domain of the accessory protein.

Abstract: A kit and method of predicting a refractory response in a subject diagnosed as having periodontal disease by measuring serum concentrations of actinomyces antibodies, streptococcal antibodies and lysine decarboxylase antibodies and using the measurement along with other subject information in a set of derived equations.

Abstract: Novel combined vaccine composition preferentially for administration to adolescents are provided, comprising a hepatitis B viral antigen and a herpes simplex viral antigen and optionally in addition one or more of the following: an EBV antigen, a hepatitis A antigen or inactivated attenuated virus, an HPV antigen, a V2V antigen, a HCMV antigen, a Toxoplasma gondii antigen. The vaccine compositions are formulated with an adjuvant which is a preferential stimulator of TH1 cell response such as 3D-MPL and QS21.

Abstract: This invention is the discovery of novel specific epitopes and antibodies associated with long term survival of HIV-1 infections. These epitopes and antibodies have use in preparing vaccines for preventing HIV-1 infection or for controlling progression to AIDS.

Abstract: The present invention relates to human immunodeficiency viruses 1 (HIV-1) that infect CD8-positive cells using CD8 as a receptor, to detection methods for the viruses and to prophylactic and therapeutic methods for infection by the viruses.

Abstract: Newly elucidated sequences of hepatitis C virus type 4 and type 5 are described, together with those of a newly discovered type 6. Unique type-specific sequences in the NS4, NS5 and core regions enable HCV detection and genotyping into types 1 to 6. Antigenic peptides and immunoassays are described.

Abstract: The present invention thus provides a polypeptide capable of forming a structure corresponding to or mimicking the intermediate of gp41 as well as its use in a vaccine for treating or preventing HIV infections.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyepitope carrier proteins that comprise at least five CD4+ T cell epitopes, for conjugation to capsular polysaccharides. The carrier proteins are use useful as components of vaccines that can elicit a T-cell dependent immune response. These vaccines arm particularly useful to confer protection against infection from encapsulated bacteria in infants between the ages of 3 months and about 2 years.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprises M3 protein as encoded by virus MHV 68, or a homologue of said M3 protein, for use in binding to a chemokine or a chemokine analogue in vivo, or to block binding of chemokines to corresponding cell surface receptors in vivo, to produce an immunomodulatory effect, or to bind to a chemokine analogue present in a virus or parasite to block its entry into cells.

Abstract: Recombinant respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) having the position of genes shifted within the genome or antigenome of the recombinant virus are infectious and attenuated in humans and other mammals. Gene shifted RSV are constructed by insertion, deletion or rearrangement of genes or genome segments within the recombinant genome or antigenome and are useful in vaccine formulations for eliciting an anti-RSV immune response. Also provided are isolated polynucleotide molecules and vectors incorporating a recombinant RSV genome or antigenome wherein a gene or gene segment is shifted to a more promoter-proximal or promoter-distal position within the genome or antigenome compared to a wild type position of the gene in the RSV gene map. Shifting the position of genes in this manner provides for a selected increase or decrease in expression of the gene, depending on the nature and degree of the positional shift.

Abstract: This invention relates to viral particles which are released by mammal cells after the infection with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). The invention also relates to particles whose antigenicity has been optimized by changing the HCMV using genetic engineering. The invention further relates to the use of such particles as a vaccine and a method for multiplying the HCMV in mammal cells.

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: The invention provides a process for the selection of HIV-1 subtype (clade) C isolates, selected HIV-1 subtype C isolates, their genes and modifications and derivatives thereof for use in prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines to produce proteins and polypeptides for the purpose of eliciting protection against HIV infection or disease. The process for the selection of HIV subtype isolates comprises the steps of isolating viruses from recently infected subjects; generating a consensus sequence for at least part of at least one HIV gene by identifying the most common codon or amino acid among the isolated viruses; and selecting the isolated virus or viruses with a high sequence identity to the consensus sequence. HIV-1 subtype C isolates, designated Du422, Du 151 and Du 179 (assigned Accession Numbers 01032114, 00072724 and 00072725, respectively, by the European Collection of Cell Cultures) are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for induction of an antigen-specific, mucosal cytotoxic T lymphocyte response useful in preventing and treating infections with pathogens that gain entry via a mucosal surface.

Abstract: The White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) is a virus affecting shrimps as well as other crustaceans, and the WSSV epidemic poses a serious threat to the shrimp farming industry. The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inducing tolerance and/or immunity to White Spot Syndrome Virus infections. In one embodiment, the invention provides for a tolerine composition based on inactivated viral particles. In another embodiment, the invention provides for a method for inducing tolerance/immunity in shrimps by exposing larval shrimps to the tolerine composition. In yet another embodiment, the invention provides for tolerine composition with improved purity.

Abstract: A method of administering a vaccine to females to prevent or treat infections associated with pathogens which cause sexually transmitted diseases is described. The vaccine comprises one or more antigens for the prevention or treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, for example an HSV glycoprotein D or an immunological fragment thereof, and an adjuvant, especially a TH-1 inducing adjuvant. The use of the vaccine components for the formulation of a vaccine composition for the prevention or treatment of sexually transmitted diseases in female subjects is also described.