Viruses Patents (Class 530/826)
-
Patent number: 6692752Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2000Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: SmithKline Beecham Biologicals S.A.Inventors: Moncef Mohamed Slaoui, Pierre G. Vandepapeliere
-
Patent number: 6689368Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide of about 8 to about 100 amino acids comprising or consisting of at least 8 contiguous amino acids selected from the core, and/or the NS3 regions of the HCV polyprotein, with said contiguous amino acids containing a T-cell stimulating epitope.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1997Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Innogenetics N.V.Inventors: Geert Leroux-Roels, Robert Deleys, Geert Maertens
-
Patent number: 6670466Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: The Administrators of the Tulane Educational FundInventor: Robert F. Garry
-
Patent number: 6660514Abstract: Disclosed are methods for the isolation and purification of high-titer recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) compositions. Also disclosed are methods for reducing or eliminating the concentration of helper adenovirus in rAAV samples. Methods are disclosed that provide highly-purified rAAV stocks having titers up to about 1013 particles/ml at particle-to-infectivity ratios of less than 100 in processes that are accomplished about 24 hours or less.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2000Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: University of Florida Research FoundationInventors: Sergei Zolotukhin, Barry J. Byrne, Nicholas Muzyczka
-
Patent number: 6656471Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1999Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: K. Jagannadha Sastry, Ralph B. Arlinghaus, Pramod N. Nehete
-
Patent number: 6653443Abstract: One approach to treating individuals infected with HIV-1 is to administer to such individuals compounds that directly interfere with and intervene in the machinery by which HIV-1 replicates itself within human cells. Although the specific role of HIV-1 viral protein Vif in the viral life cycle is not known, the vif gene is essential for the pathogenic replication of lentiviruses in vivo. The present invention relates to a method for treating an individual exposed to or infected with HIV-1. Individuals identified as being exposed to or infected by HIV-1 are administered a therapeutically effective amount of one or more compounds that inhibit or prevent replication of said HIV-1 by interfering with the replicative or other essential functions of HIV-1 viral protein Vif, by interactively blocking the multimerization domain of Vif, thereby preventing multimerization of Vif protein, which is important for Vif function in the lentivirus life cycle.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2002Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Thomas Jefferson UniversityInventors: Hui Zhang, Roger J. Pomerantz, Bin Yang
-
Publication number: 20030207252Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2001Publication date: November 6, 2003Inventors: David B. Weiner, David Nathan Levy, Yosef Refaeli
-
Publication number: 20030198645Abstract: A method of treating chronic hepatitis B is disclosed that comprises administering a T cell-stimulating amount of a vaccine to a patient. The vaccine comprises an immunogenic amount of chimeric, carboxy-terminal truncated hepatitis B virus nucleocapsid (core) protein (HBc) that is engineered for both enhanced stability of self-assembled particles and the substantial absence of nucleic acid binding by those particles. The chimeric protein molecule can include one or more immunogenic epitopes peptide-bonded to one or more of the N-terminus, the immunogenic loop or the C-terminus of HBc. The enhanced stability of self-assembled particles is obtained by the presence of at least one heterologous cysteine residue near one or both of the amino-terminus and carboxy-terminus of the chimer molecule.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2003Publication date: October 23, 2003Inventors: Mark Page, Martin Friede
-
Patent number: 6635257Abstract: The present invention is based on the finding that the envelope proteins of HCV induce a beneficial immune response in chronically HCV-infected chimpanzees. The immunization can preferentially be carried out using HCV envelope proteins in the form of particles which are produced in a detergent-assisted manner. The envelope proteins when presented as such to chronic HCV carriers are highly immunogenic and stimulate both the cellular and humoral immune response.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1999Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Innogentics N.V.Inventors: Erik Depla, Geert Maertens, Alfons Bosman, Frans Van Wijnendaele
-
Patent number: 6635246Abstract: The invention relates to nasal or oral administration of a compound containing inactivated influenza virus antigen and aluminum as adjuvant for the prophylaxis of influenza virus infections. Said vaccine is especially suitable for inducing a mucosal IgA immune response and systemic IgG immune response.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Baxter Healthcare S.A.Inventors: Noel Barrett, Otfried Kistner, Marijan Gerencer, Friedrich Dorner
-
Publication number: 20030195350Abstract: The invention relates to the individualization of therapy on the basis of a phenotypic profile of an individual. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of metabolic phenotyping for the individualization of treatment with antiviral agents.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2002Publication date: October 16, 2003Applicant: Xanthus Life Sciences, IncInventor: Brian Leyland-Jones
-
Patent number: 6627197Abstract: Compositions and methods for selectively killing a cell containing a viral protease are disclosed. The composition is a variant 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLCInventors: William K. Keener, Thomas E. Ward
-
Publication number: 20030166139Abstract: The present invention relates to vaccine compositions comprising the VP6 protein from mouse (EDIM) and human (CJN) rotavirus strains. Methods of making the described immunogenic VP6 proteins and methods of using the described compositions are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2002Publication date: September 4, 2003Inventors: Anthony H. Choi, Richard L. Ward
-
Patent number: 6613333Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide of about 8 to about 100 amino acids comprising or consisting of at least 8 contiguous amino acids selected from the core, and/or the NS3 regions of the HCV polyprotein, with said contiguous amino acids containing a T-cell stimulating epitope.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1997Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Innogenetics N.V.Inventors: Geert Leroux-Roels, Robert Deleys, Geert Maertens
-
Patent number: 6610305Abstract: This invention relates to the use of specifically attenuated live BVD (bovine viral diarrhea) viruses for the preparation of a vaccine for use in the prevention and/or treatment of BVDV infections in breeding stocks of cattle, pregnant cows and for fetal protection in pregnant cows.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2000Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbHInventors: Knut Elbers, Gregor Meyers
-
Patent number: 6605280Abstract: Interleukin-18 binding proteins which are capable of binding IL-18 and/or modulating and/or blocking IL-18 activity are provided. Methods for their isolation and recombinant production, DNAs encoding them, DNA vectors expressing them, vectors useful for their expression in humans and other mammals, antibodies against them are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2000Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Yeda Research and Development Company LimitedInventors: Daniela Novick, Charles Dinarello, Menachem Rubinstein, Soo Hyun Kim
-
Publication number: 20030124650Abstract: The present invention provides methods of isolation and purification of Strepomyces griseus trypsin (SGT) from pronase in a single affinity chromatography step and uses of the purified SGT.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2001Publication date: July 3, 2003Inventors: Artur Mitterer, Christa Tauer, Manfred Reiter, Wolfgang Mundt
-
Patent number: 6586568Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: John N. Simons, Tami J. Pilot-Matias, George J. Dawson, George G. Schlauder, Suresh M. Desai, Thomas P. Leary, Anthony Scott Muerhoff, James Carl Erker, Sheri L. Buijk, Isa K. Mushahwar
-
Publication number: 20030108858Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2001Publication date: June 12, 2003Inventors: Dinesh O. Shah, George A. Dawson, A. Scott Muerhoff, Lily Jiang, Robin A. Gutierrez, Thomas P. Leary, Suresh Desai, James L. Stewart
-
Patent number: 6576417Abstract: Peptide sequences are provided which are capable of mimicking proteins encoded by HCV for use as reagents for screening of blood and blood products for prior exposure to HCV. The peptides are at least 5 amino acids long and can be used in various specific assays for the detection of antibodies to HCV, for the detection of HCV antigens, or as immunogens.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Innogenetics, N.V.Inventors: Robert J. Deleys, Dirk Pollet, Geert Maertens, Hugo Van Heuverswijn
-
Patent number: 6572864Abstract: The nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of 51 cDNAs are disclosed where each cDNA encodes the envelope 1 gene of an isolate of hepatitis C virus (HCV). The invention relates to the oligonucleotides, peptides and recombinant envelope 1 proteins derived from these sequences and their use in diagnostic methods and vaccines.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human ServicesInventors: Jens Bukh, Roger H. Miller, Robert H. Purcell
-
Publication number: 20030099663Abstract: The inventions discloses a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antigen, an immunostimulating substance selected from neuroactive compounds, hormones, compounds having a growth hormone activity, and mixtures thereof, and a polycationic polymer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2002Publication date: May 29, 2003Applicant: Cistem Biotechnologies GMBHInventors: Julia-Kristina Fleitmann, Frank Mattner, Michael Buschle, Jack Melling
-
Patent number: 6566513Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunodeficiency virus of drill monkeys, its RNA, the corresponding cDNA, proteins derived therefrom and fragments of the nucleic acids or proteins. The invention likewise relates to the diagnostic use of the nucleic acids and proteins mentioned and their fragments and to a diagnostic.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2000Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: Dade Behring Marburg GmbHInventors: Lutz Gerhard Guertler, Hans Peter Hauser, Yvette Beatrice Dongmo Deloko, Leopold Zekeng, Lazare Kaptue
-
Publication number: 20030082790Abstract: A novel bacteriophage RM 378 of Rhodothermus marinus, the nucleic acids of its genome, nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences of open reading frames (ORFs) of its genome, and polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acids, are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2002Publication date: May 1, 2003Applicant: Prokaria ltd.Inventors: Sigridur Hjorleifsdottir, Gudmundur O. Hreggvidsson, Olafur H. Fridjonsson, Arnthor Aevarsson, Jakob K. Kristjansson
-
Patent number: 6551598Abstract: Use of a CHV antigen for the preparation of a vaccine against canine herpesvirosis, which is intended to be administered to gestating bitches as close as possible to whelping, preferably during the final third of gestation, and which produces a high level of anti-CHV antibodies in gestating bitches at the time of whelping, inducing protection in the puppies by transfer of antibodies during suckling. Inactivated anti-CHV vaccine or subunit vaccines, which can be used for vaccinating gestating bitches to protect the puppies by transfer of antibodies.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: MerialInventor: Hervé Poulet
-
Patent number: 6541609Abstract: A substantially pure polypeptide having at least one antigenic determinant that is substantially identical to an antigenic determinant of a protein from a cell line infected with simian T-lymphotrophic virus-III or human T-lymphotrophic virus-IV (HTLV-IV), also known as HIV-2, the protein being selected from: a) a glycoprotein having a molecular weight (m.w.) of about, 160,000 daltons; a glycoprotein having a m.w. of about 120,000 daltons; a gag protein having a m.w. of about 55,000 daltons; a gag protein having a m.w. of about 24,000 daltons; and a glycoprotein having a m.w. of about 32,000 daltons. Also disclosed are various methods of immunoassay using that peptide or antibodies raised to it. Finally, immunoassays for simian specimens are disclosed using peptides that are immunologically cross-reactive with the above-described peptide, or antibodies thereto.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard CollegeInventors: Myron E Essex, Phyllis J Kanki
-
Patent number: 6538126Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1994Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Lucky LimitedInventors: Joong Myung Cho, Yong Beom Lee, Young Woo Park, Kook Jin Lim, Deog Young Choi, Hong Seob So, Chun Hyung Kim, Sung Taek Kim, Jae Young Yang
-
Patent number: 6531574Abstract: A substantially pure polypeptide having at least one antigenic determinant that is substantially identical to an antigenic determinant of a protein from a cell line infected with a specified virus that has been deposited with the ATCC, the protein being selected from: a) a glycoprotein having a molecular weight (m.w.) of about 160,000 daltons; a glycoprotein having a m.w. of about 120,000 daltons; a gag protein having a m.w. of about 55,000 daltons; a gag protein having a m.w. of about 24,000 daltons; and a glycoprotein having a m.w. of about 32,000 daltons. Also disclosed are various methods of immunoassay using that peptide or antibodies raised to it. Finally, immunoassays for simian specimens are disclosed using peptides that are immunologically cross-reactive with the above-described peptide, or antibodies thereto.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1995Date of Patent: March 11, 2003Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard CollegeInventors: Myron E. Essex, Phyllis J. Kanki
-
Patent number: 6511801Abstract: The claimed invention relates to an HIV-1 group O envelope antigen comprising SEQ ID NO: 100, and the use of said antigen as a reagent in the diagnosis of HIV-1 group O infection, and a kit therefore.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2000Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Innogenetics, N.V.Inventors: Eric DeLaporte, Martine Peeters, Eric Saman, Marleen Vanden Haesevelde
-
Publication number: 20030017174Abstract: Vaccines containing herpes simplex virus (HSV) VP22 polypeptides capable of eliciting a cellular immune response and methods for treating and preventing HSV infections using the vaccines are disclosed. The vaccines can include additional HSV polypeptides, such as HSV glycoproteins. Also disclosed are methods of DNA immunization.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 1998Publication date: January 23, 2003Inventors: RAE LYNN BURKE, MICHAEL A. TIGGES
-
Publication number: 20020173622Abstract: Isolated protein complexes are provided comprising Tsg101 and HIV GAGp6. The protein complexes are useful in screening assays for selecting compounds effective in modulating the Tsg101-HIV GAGp6 interaction within the protein complexes.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2001Publication date: November 21, 2002Inventors: Daniel Albert Wettstein, Scott Morham, Kenton Zavitz
-
Publication number: 20020164349Abstract: This invention provides methods of inducing cell death with Flavivirus or Pestivirus capsid protein, such as West Nile virus (WNV) capsid protein, and functional fragments thereof. The invention also provides methods of treating patients suffering from diseases characterized by hyperproliferating cells by administering pharmaceutical compositions comprising WNV or other virus including Flavivirus or Pestivirus capsid or other protein or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the same. Methods of identifying compounds which have anti-viral and/or anti-WNV and/or anti-Flavivirus and/or anti-Pestivirus capsid or other protein activity are disclosed. The invention also provides vaccine compositions comprising capsid or other proteins, or fragments thereof, or nucleic acids encoding same, from WNV or other virus including Flavivirus or Pestivirus and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2001Publication date: November 7, 2002Inventors: David B. Weiner, Joo-Sung Yang
-
Publication number: 20020150883Abstract: Immunoassay methods utilizing HCV envelope antigens that contain conformational epitopes reactive with antibodies in serum from infected individuals are useful for screening and diagnosis. These antigens detect antibodies that are not detected by denatured HCV envelope antigens. In addition, these HCV envelope antigens comprised of conformational epitopes are more immunologically reactive than a number of other HCV antigens. This is the first evidence that conformational epitopes may be involved in the immunologic response to HCV antigens.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2001Publication date: October 17, 2002Inventor: David Y. Chien
-
Publication number: 20020146432Abstract: The invention relates to new porcine circovirus strains isolated from pulmonary or ganglionic samples obtained from farms affected by the post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). It relates to purified preparations of these strains, conventional attenuated or inactivated vaccines, recombinant live vaccines, plasmid vaccines and subunit vaccines, as well as reagents and diagnostic methods. It also relates to the DNA fragments which can be used for the production of subunits in an in vitro expression vector or as sequences to be integrated into a virus or plasmid type in vivo expression vector.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2001Publication date: October 10, 2002Inventors: Gordon Allan, Brian Meehan, Edward Clark, John Ellis, Deborah Haines, Lori Hassard, John Harding, Catherine Elisabeth Charreyre, Gilles Emile Chappuis, Francis McNeilly
-
Publication number: 20020146433Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2001Publication date: October 10, 2002Inventors: Christine D. Krempl, Peter L. Collins, Brian R. Murphy, Ursula Buchholz, Stephen S. Whitehead
-
Publication number: 20020141975Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions comprising a population of alphavirus replicon particles comprising two or more isolated nucleic acids selected from 1) an isolated nucleic acid encoding an env gene product or an immunogenic fragment thereof of a human immunodeficiency virus, 2) an isolated nucleic acid encoding a gag gene product or an immunogenic fragment thereof of a human immunodeficiency virus, wherein the gag gene product or immunogenic fragment thereof is modified to inhibit formation of virus-like particles containing the gag gene product or the immunogenic fragment thereof and their release from a cell, and 3) an isolated nucleic acid encoding a pol gene product or an immunogenic fragment thereof of a human immunodeficiency virus, wherein the pol gene product or immunogenic fragment thereof is modified to inhibit protease, integrase, RNase H and/or reverse transcriptase activity, and wherein the nucleic acids are each contained within a separate alphavirus replicon particle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Applicant: AlphaVax, Inc.Inventors: Robert Olmsted, Paula Keith, Sergey Dryga, Ian Caley, Maureen Maughan, Robert Johnston, Nancy Davis, Ronald Swanstrom
-
Patent number: 6458527Abstract: Polynucleotide sequences are provided for the diagnosis of the presence of retroviral infection in a human host associated with lymphadenopathy syndrome and/or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, for expression of polypeptides and use of the polypeptides to prepare antibodies, where both the polypeptides and antibodies may be employed as diagnostic reagents or in therapy, e.g., vaccines and passive immunization. The sequences provide detection of the viral infectious agents associated with the indicated syndromes and can be used for expression of antigenic polypeptides.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1993Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: Chiron CorporationInventors: Paul A. Luciw, Dino Dina, Kathelyn Steimer, Ray Sanchez Pescador, Carlos George-Nascimento, Deborah Parkes, Rob Hallewell, Philip J. Barr, Martha Truett
-
Patent number: 6458528Abstract: Methods for determining whether a feline is infected with feline immunodeficiency virus (“FIV”). The methods involve the use of an antibody-binding composition that includes two enhanced polypeptides, one containing an immunogenic fragment of the FIV gag precursor p55 and the other containing an immunogenic fragment of the FIV env precursor gp130. Also featured are devices for practicing these methods.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1998Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: Idexx Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Randall G. Groat, Thomas P. O'Connor, Brion Mermer
-
Publication number: 20020136739Abstract: The fusion (F) protein, attachment (G) protein and matrix (M) protein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are isolated and purified from respiratory syncytial virus by mild detergent extraction of the proteins from concentrated virus, loading the protein onto a hydroxyapatite or other ion-exchange matrix column and eluting the protein using mild salt treatment. The F, G and M proteins, formulated as immunogenic compositions, are safe and highly immunogenic and protect relevant animal models against decreased caused by respiratory syncytial virus infection.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2001Publication date: September 26, 2002Inventors: George A. Cates, Sonia E. Sanhueza, Raymond P. Oomen, Michel H. Klein
-
Publication number: 20020119446Abstract: The present invention demonstrates that the M2-1 protein of respiratory syncytial virus has a conserved Cys3—His1 motif known to bind zinc ions in other proteins and that mutations of the predicted zinc coordinating residues in the Cys3—His1 motif affect the transcriptional antitermination activity of M2-1, its ability to interact with nucleocapsid protein, and the phosphorylation state of M2-1. This invention clearly demonstrates the requirement for conservation of the Cys3—His1 motif in order to maintain the functional integrity of the M2-1 protein. Therefore, the present invention provides for methods of designing and screening compounds for antiviral activity towards respiratory syncytial virus based upon the loss of function of the M2-1 protein.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2002Publication date: August 29, 2002Applicant: UAB Research FoundationInventors: Gail W. Wertz, Richard W. Hardy
-
Publication number: 20020094523Abstract: The subject invention provides novel and advantageous methods for identifying amino acid sequences in random peptide libraries that can bind to Gag polypeptides. The subject invention also establishes a novel in vitro system that can be used to test competitive inhibitors of retrovrial capsid assembly. Also provided are peptides, and compositions containing these peptides, which are inhibitors of the retrovirus Gag protein(s) function. Chimeric Gag polypeptides are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2001Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventors: Michael Sakalian, Eric Hunter
-
Publication number: 20020094334Abstract: Compositions and methods for selectively killing a cell containing a viral protease are disclosed. The composition is a variant 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2001Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventors: William K. Keener, Thomas E. Ward
-
Publication number: 20020068354Abstract: Disclosed are gene therapy vectors based upon the feline immunodeficiency virus, as well as related packaging cell lines, methods for production, and methods of use.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2001Publication date: June 6, 2002Applicant: CHIRON CORPORATIONInventors: Julie C. Johnston, Sybille L. Sauter, David Chi-Tang Hsu, Philip Lee Sheridan, Stephen F. Hardy, Thomas W. Dubensky, Jiing-Kuan Yee
-
Patent number: 6379886Abstract: A diagnostic reagent for hepatitis C virus infection obtained by sensitizing a solid phase with HCV antigen and a conjugated antigen prepared by chemical bonding of HCV antigen and a carrier protein, and a method of diagnosing hepatitis C virus infection, which comprises adding the diagnostic reagent for hepatitis C virus infection to a sample, and measuring the degree of agglutination of carrier particles as the solid phase. The diagnostic reagent and the method of diagnosis enable many samples to be measured with higher sensitivity and rapidity.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1997Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: TOA Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoichi Takahama, Junichi Shiraishi
-
Publication number: 20020039584Abstract: Vaccine formulations comprising viral capsomeres are disclosed along with methods for their production. Therapeutic and prophylactic methods of use for the vaccine formulations are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2001Publication date: April 4, 2002Applicant: Medigene AGInventors: Michael Hallek, Alexander Burger
-
Publication number: 20020034734Abstract: The invention concerns a pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing C hepatitis (HCV), induced infections, which in a preferred embodiment, comprises a main active principle, (i) a fusion polypeptide, including the HCV capsid polypeptide (C191) and polypeptide coat (E1) and in which at least one cleavage site 173/174 and 191/192 has been made inoperative by mutation; (ii) an equimolar mixture of the C191 polypeptide of which the cleavage site 173/174 has been made inoperative and of the E1 polypeptide (mixture equivalent to the fusion polypeptide); or (iii) a DNA molecule coding for this fusion polypeptide. Products (i) to (iii) are characterized in that the C191 element is incapable of regulating the functioning of the genes, in particular of causing them to interact. Such a composition can also include any form equivalent to the products described above.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2001Publication date: March 21, 2002Applicant: Pasteur Merieux Serums & VaccinsInventor: Veronique Barban
-
Patent number: 6350854Abstract: The invention involves an isolated anti-prion-protein binding protein that has a molecular weight of about 55 kD to about 72 kD as determined by SDS-PAGE. Also described is a peptide derived from this isolated anti-prion-protein binding protein. Diagnostic uses for each of these molecules are discussed.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2000Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignees: Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Fundacao Antonio PrudenteInventors: Ricardo R. Brentani, Vilma J. Martins, Sandro J. de Souza
-
Patent number: 6333395Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides which exhibit potent anti-retroviral activity. The peptides of the invention comprise DP178 (SEQ ID NO:1) peptide corresponding to amino acids 638 to 673 of the HIV-1LAI gp41 protein, and fragments, analogs and homologs of DP178. The invention further relates to the uses of such peptides as inhibitory of human and non-human retroviral, especially HIV, transmission to uninfected cells.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: December 25, 2001Inventors: Shawn Barney, Dennis Lambert, Stephen Robert Petteway
-
Publication number: 20010053368Abstract: Improved forms of vaccines which comprise proteosomes and protein antigens are described. Vaccines which contain influenza HA as the antigen are used for illustration as to demonstrate efficacy. Improvements in the preparation of the vaccines themselves and the proteosome component are also included.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2001Publication date: December 20, 2001Inventors: Davis S. Burt, David Hugh Jones, George H. Lowell, Gregory Lee White, Kirkor Torossian, Louis F. Fries, Martin Plante
-
Patent number: 6326171Abstract: Novel Hepatitis C E1 and E2 truncated polypeptides and complexes comprising these polypeptides, are disclosed. The polypeptides are C-terminally truncated to remove all or a portion of their membrane spanning domains. Hence, the polypeptides are capable of secretion when expressed recombinantly.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1999Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Chiron CorporationInventors: Mark Selby, Michael Houghton