Abstract: A chimera antigen peptide containing the epitope regions in the core region, the NS3 region, and the NS4 region of the HCV polypeptide. A sensitive detection of a wide range of infection by hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be carried out.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fusion proteins, nucleotide sequences for creating them, and vectors containing the nucleotide sequences. The fusion proteins have a bovine herpesvirus protein linked to a biotherapeutic protein or reporter protein. They rapidly spread biotherapeutic or reporter protein throughout mammalian cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an antigen diluent or buffer for antigens, in particular HCV recombinant antigens, comprising a reducing agent. The antigen diluent or buffer serves as a stabilizing buffer for the antigens. The present invention is also directed to antigen diluents or buffers for use in an automated immunoassay.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing purified replication-defective recombinant AAV virions. The method comprises introducing into a suitable host cell an AAV vector, an AAV helper construct and an adenoplasmid accessory construct into the host cell. The adenoplasmid accessory plasmid is composed adenovirus plasmid DNA unable to be packaged into adenoviral particles because it lacks packaging signal sequence(s) or it contains additional sequences making it too large to package. The host cell is cultured to produce crude rAAV virions and then lysed. The resulting cell lysate is applied to a chromatographic column containing sulfonated cellulose or subjected to cesium chloride equilibrium gradient centrifugation and the purified rAAV virions are recovered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying and concentrating AAV-2 and antigen portions thereof. AAV-2 or antigen portions thereof are bonded to an activated chromatographic material on which antibodies are linked, said antibodies being directed against AAV-2. Afterwards, elution using a solution containing 0.5 to 4.5 M MgCl2 is carried out. The invention also relates to a kit for implementing said method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a treatment for animals having canine distemper by administering a composition comprising an attenuated canine distemper virus a sub-vaccine virus level effective to alleviate symptoms canine distemper. The invention also provides a treatment for animals having canine distemper by administering a composition comprising an attenuated canine measles virus a sub-vaccine virus level effective to alleviate symptoms canine distemper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting a substance having an activity to inhibit HIV infection rapidly, economically and safely. The present invention uses the characteristics that if a function of transmembrane protein gp41 of HIV is inhibited, HIV infection is also inhibited, and therefore the function of gp41 depends on the interaction between two helical structures of gp41. The method of the present invention is to detect a substance to inhibit HIV infection by an immunoassay using the interaction between the variant protein Trx-N, which is prepared by binding the N-terminal helical domain of gp41 to Trx (thioredoxin) and the variant protein GST-C, which is prepared by binding the C-terminal helical domain of gp41 with GST-C (Glutathione S-transferase). This immunoassay can be used for automatic detection of the substance to inhibit the activity of gp41 can be carried out by the method.

Abstract: A heteroconjugate is formed by linking a T cell binding ligand (TCBL) such as Peptide J of &bgr;-2 microglobulin to a modified HGP-30 antigentic peptide fragment of p17 gag peptide, such as, for example A T L  Y S V  H Q R  I D V  K D T (SEQ ID NO: 5) K E A  L E K  I E E  E Q N  K S The heteroconjugate is effective in eliciting a THI directed immune response and provides a vaccine composition for treating or preventing AIDS.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Recombinant yeast expression vectors with the features indicated in the patent claims are described. These recombinant yeast expression vectors can be used for the preparation of HBeAg in yeast host organisms. Appropriate expression systems, transformed host organisms, diagnostic aids and medicinal agents are additionally described.

Abstract: Two Hepatitis C Virus envelope proteins (E1 and E2) are expressed without sialylation. Recombinant expression of these proteins in lower eukaryotes, or in mammalian cells in which terminal glycosylation is blocked, results in recombinant proteins which are more similar to native HCV glycoproteins. When isolated by GNA lectin affinity, the E1 and E2 proteins aggregate into virus-like particles.

Abstract: Synthetic peptide antigen analogues of native peptide antigens with partial or complete retro, inverso or retro-inverso modifications are provided. When administered as an immunogen to an immunocompetent host the synthetic peptide antigen analogues induce the production of antibodies which recognize the native peptide antigen. Uses of these analogues, vaccines and methods of preparing vaccines comprising these antigen analogues, and antibodies generated using these antigen analogues are also provided.

Abstract: Coupled polypeptides and fusion polypeptides for intracellular transport, and their preparation and use, include (i) an aminoacid sequence with the transport function of herpesviral VP22 protein (or a homologue, e.g. from VZV, BHV or MDV) and (ii) another protein sequence selected from (a) proteins for cell cycle control; (b) suicide proteins; (c) antigenic sequences or antigenic proteins from microbial and viral antigens and tumor antigens; (d) immunomodulating proteins; and (e) therapeutic proteins. The coupled proteins can be used for intracellular delivery of protein sequences (ii), to exert the corresponding effector function in the target cell, and the fusion polypeptides can be expressed from corresponding polynucleotides, vectors and host cells.

Abstract: A method of discriminating between specific antibodies in samples of sera or other body fluids from humans or other primates containing antibodies arising from infection with HTLV-I, containing antibodies arising from infection with HTLV-II or containing antibodies arising from infection with related retroviruses, is described. In said method, the sample to be analyzed is subjected to at least four immunoassays, each using a different diagnostic antigen selected from four defined groups of peptides. Additionally, an immunoassay kit adapted for said method of discrimination, new peptides and a method of detecting antibodies with said peptides, are described.

Abstract: Feline immunodeficiency virus antigens from gp160 envelope protein, gp120 envelope protein and p24 gag protein, useful for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of FIV. The invention may also be used to purify FIV.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting specific antibodies directed against HPV proteins in body fluids, comprising the following steps: (I) incubating a native carrier material-bound HPV protein with body fluids, and (II) reacting specific antibodies (a) bound to the HPV protein with labeled antibodies (b) directed against antibodies (a) or with unlabeled antibodies (b) and the latter with labeled antibodies (c) directed against antibodies (b). Furthermore, this invention concerns a kit usable for this purpose.

Abstract: The invention relates to post-transfusional non-A non-B hepatitis viral polypeptide, DNA sequences encoding such viral polypeptide, expression vectors containing such DNA sequences, and hosts transformed by such expression vectors. The invention also relates to the use of such polypeptides in diagnostic assays and vaccine formulations.

Abstract: A non-toxic immunogenic compound, which may be administered to humans, is derived from an HIV-1, HIV-2, HTLV-1 or HTLV-2 viral regulatory protein by chemical processing using a coupling agent such as an aldehyde, or from a carrier protein activated by pre-processing using an aldehyde. This compound is capable of being recognized by antibodies to the viral regulatory protein and retains sufficient immunogenic properties to produce antibodies that neutralize or block the native protein, while losing at least 50% of the toxic biological properties of the native protein.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated mutant hepatitis B surface antigen protein which comprises an amino acid sequence of a surface antigen protein of hepatitis B virus which infects humans, in which the amino acid at position 121 is not cysteine and. at least one of the amino acids at positions 120, 122, 123, 147, or 149 is not a conserved amino acid for its position. The invention also provides a method for detecting in a sample a mutant hepatitis B surface antigen protein or a particle containing the protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of identifying agents that interfere with the interaction of the J-domain of the SV40 large T antigen with a Dnak protein. In a preferred embodiment, the Dnak protein is mammalian hsc70 or yeast Ssa1p.

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

Abstract: A non-toxic immunogenic compound, which may be administered to humans, is derived from an HIV-1, HIV-2, HTLV-1 or HTLV-2 viral regulatory protein by chemical processing using a coupling agent such as an aldehyde, or from a carrier protein activated by pre-processing using an aldehyde. This compound is capable of being recognized by antibodies to the viral regulatory protein and retains sufficient immunogenic properties to produce antibodies that neutralize or block the native protein, while losing at least 50% of the toxic biological properties of the native protein.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing an antigen-induced immune response through use of a ribonucleocapsid complex are provided. Composition containing a ribonucleocapsid complex and an antigen which are capable of enhancing the immune response to the antigen are also provided.

Abstract: Peptide fragments of the p17 gag protein of HIV-1 from Clade C of from about 30 to about 50 amino acids, including the region extending from position 75 to position 129, raise antibodies recognizing other subtypes, including Clade A, Clade B, Clade E as well as peptides of non-coextensive but overlapping portions of the p17 gag protein. DNA sequences can be used to encode for the peptides of interest.

Abstract: A heteroconjugate is formed by linking a T cell binding ligand (TCBL) such as Peptide J of .beta.-2 microglobulin to a modified HGP-30 antigentic peptide fragment of p17 gag peptide, such as. for exampleATL YSV HQR IDV KDTKEA LEK IEE EQN KS (SEQ ID NO: 5)The heteroconjugate is effective in eliciting a THI directed immune response and provides a vaccine composition for treating or preventing AIDS.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, recombinant chimeric nucleic acids encoding a Gag-fs-fusion partner fusion protein; a pseudovirion comprising a retroviral Gag protein and a fusion partner, wherein the fusion partner is present in a Gag-fs-fusion partner fusion protein; an immunogenic composition comprising a pseudovirion; a Gag-fs-fusion partner fusion protein; and a method of making the pseudovirions of the present invention.

Abstract: A herpes virus proteinase has been found to be encoded by a member of a family of four nested genes in simian cytomegalovirus. Another member of the nested genes encodes the assembly protein precursor, which is a substrate for the proteinase. Homologous genes are found in other herpes viruses. Cleavage sites recognized by the proteinase are identified in cytomegalovirus and are found to be highly conserved in other herpes viruses. Substrates, inhibitors, assay kits, and methods of assaying are provided which rely on the proteinase and its activity.

Abstract: Two Hepatitis C Virus envelope proteins (E1 and E2) are expressed without sialylation. Recombinant expression of these proteins in lower eukaryotes, or in mammalian cells in which terminal glycosylation is blocked, results in recombinant proteins which are more similar to native HCV glycoproteins. When isolated by GNA lectin affinity, the E1 and E2 proteins aggregate into virus-like particles.

Abstract: The present invention describes the generation of site-directed RNA cleaving agents. These agents consist of RNA-binding proteins, or polypeptides derived thereof, which are modified to contain a moiety capable of cleaving RNA backbones. Alternatively, the agents are oligonucleotides having nuclease resistant backbones to which a moiety capable of cleaving RNA backbones has been attached. The present invention also describes a method of cleaving target RNA substrates using the cleaving agents described herein. Further, the invention describes a method for inhibiting RNA virus expression in infected cells.

Abstract: Borna disease virus (BDV) causes a rare neurological disease in horses and sheep. A subtractive cDNA expression library was constructed with poly A-selected RNA from a BDV infected MDCK cell line. A clone (B8) was isolated that specifically hybridizes to RNA isolated from BDV-infected brain tissue and BDV-infected cell lines. This clone hybridizes to four BDV-specific positive strand RNAs and one negative strand RNA in BDV-infected rat brain. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the clone suggests that it represents a full length mRNA which contains several open reading frames. The Borna Disease Virus DNA sequences as well as proteins encoded by the BDV DNA sequences are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel peptides derived from the non-structural proteins of the Foot-and-mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) and their use for the detection in animal body fluids of antibodies to FMDV. The peptides of the invention are useful for the diagnosis of FMDV infection, detection of potential carrier status, and for the differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals. The amino acid sequence of each of the peptides of the present invention correspond to an immunodominant region of the non-structural proteins 3A, 3B and 3C of FMDV. More particularly, the present invention is directed to the use of a peptide selected from a group consisting SEQ ID NOS:4-16 or their analogs for the detection of antibodies to FMDV in animal body fluids. The detection method includes an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and other well-known immunoassay formats.

Abstract: Synthetic peptides have an amino acids sequence corresponding to at least one antigenic determinant of at least one protein, usually a structural protein, particularly the E1, E2 or C proteins, of rubella virus (RV), are used as is, in hybrid or chimeric tandem T-B form, in lipidated form, linked to a carrier molecule and/or polymerized to form molecular aggregates, in vaccines against rubella. Analogs of peptides which are human T-cell determinants are used to treat rubella-associated autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunogenic complexes of heat shock proteins (hsp) noncovalently bound to exogenous antigenic molecules which when administered to an individual elicit specific immunological responses in the host. Methods of prevention and treatment of cancer and infectious disease are provided.

Abstract: A mosaic protein comprising a variety of immunoreactive antigenic epitopes from several genotypes of hepatitis C virus. The mosaic protein provides a sensitive and specific immunological hepatitis detection assay. A restriction enzyme assisted ligation method of making an artificial gene permits controlled construction of mosaic proteins, and allows confirmatory expression of the intermediate gene products.

Abstract: Immunoenzymatic conjugate consisting of glycosylated labelling enzymes in copolymer form and substances having immunological activity.Method for the production of the conjugates according to the invention and use of the said conjugates in diagnostic kits.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and products for establishing nutrient recognition and improving nutrient utilization and growth in a human or an animal by immunologically stimulating digestion or a gastric cascade within the gastrointestinal tract, by orally or parenterally immunizing the human or animal with an immunizing effective amount of an ingestible antigen or a mixture of ingestible antigens and orally reintroducing the antigen(s). Another aspect of the invention provides a method and products for preventing and treating gastrointestinal disease by immunologically stimulating a gastric cascade, namely, blood flow, production of mucus and release of digestion regulatory factors within the gastrointestinal tract of a human or an animal, by orally or parenterally immunizing the human or the animal with an immunizing effective amount of an ingestible antigen or a mixture of ingestible antigens and orally reintroducing the antigen(s).

Abstract: HBV surface antigen particles, prepared by recombinant DNA technology are described, said particles being composed of epitopes from the group of surface peptides and/or core peptide of non-A, non-B hepatitis virus, hepatitis virus A and/or hepatitis virus B. Respective particles are especially characterized by a composition of different epitopes selected from pre-S and S peptides. There are also described DNA-sequences, plasmids and cell lines coding for respective HBV surface antigen particles as well as a new vaccine containing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunological adjuvants comprised of the N-formyl methionyl peptide fMLP. FMLP, when used as an adjuvant in accordance with the present invention, provides for an immune response to suboptimal doses of recombinant antigens.

Abstract: Disclosed are recombinant baculovirus expressing the gag, gp70, and gp85 genes of feline leukemia virus. Also disclosed are vaccines based on protein expressed from these recombinants. Also disclosed is a combined mucosal/parenteral inoculation method.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A general method for vaccinating against any pathogen is presented. The method utilizes expression library immunization, where an animal is inoculated with an expression library constructed from fragmented genomic DNA of the pathogen. All potential epitopes of the pathogen's proteins are encoded in its DNA, and genetic immunization is used to directly introduce one or more expression library clones to the immune system, producing an immune response to the encoded protein. Inoculation of expression libraries representing portions of the Mycoplasma pulmonis genome was shown to protect mice from subsequent challenge by this natural pathogen. Protection against Listeria.

Abstract: This invention features methods for characterizing antigenic reactivity of biological samples by contacting a biological sample with two or a plurality of monoclonal receptor molecules raised to an immunogen containing a polypeptide of about 7 to about 40 amino acid residues and comparing the ensuing reaction pattern with a pattern generated with a known biological sample.

Abstract: A multiply-displayed peptide structure is provided for the serodiagnosis of HSV-2 antibodies, preferably by ELISA. The structure has the formula (1)): [(X.sup.1).sub.p --16aa sequence--(X.sup.2).sub.q --Sp].sub.n --core, wherein "16aa sequence" represents a sequence (SEQ ID NO: 68) Glu Glu Phe Glu Gly Ala Gly Asp Gly Glu Pro Pro 1 5 10 Glu Asp Asp Asp 15X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 which may be the same or different represent from 1 to 6 non-interfering amino acid residues, which may be the same or different;Sp represents a spacer group extending outwardly from the core;n is at least 4;p is 0 or 1;q is 0 or 1;and the linkage between the core and the spacer group may be chemical or physical.Preferably p is 1, q is 1, X.sup.1 is Pro, n is 4, and the core is a branched lysine core, whereby the whole structure is a peptide. The monomeric peptides (X.sup.1).sub.p --16aa sequence--(X.sup.2).sub.q --(Sp).sub.r, where r is 0 or 1 and their functional derivatives are useful intermediates in preparing the above structures.

Abstract: An approximately 37 kilodalton (kd) protein associated with grapevine leafroll disease infected plants is disclosed. The 37 kd protein is the coat protein for a grapevine leafroll-associated virus designated GLRaV-8. The grapevine virus-encoded 37 kd polypeptide is immunologically distinct from the approximately 36 kd proteins associated with GLRaV-4 or GLRaV-5 or the approximately 38 kd protein associated with GLRaV-1. The invention further provides a substantially pure antibody directed against the 37 kd virus-associated protein, a stable cell line capable of producing such a monoclonal antibody, and a method for assaying for a virus infection in Vitis species. The method involves detecting the presence of a 37 kd polypeptide encoded by an RNA-containing plant virus using an antibody that does not react with a viral encoded polypeptide of ca. 38 kd.

Abstract: Two Hepatitis C Virus envelope proteins (E1 and E2) are expressed without sialylation. Recombinant expression of these proteins in lower eukaryotes, or in mammalian cells in which terminal glycosylation is blocked, results in recombinant proteins which are more similar to native HCV glycoproteins. When isolated by GNA lectin affinity, the E1 and E2 proteins aggregate into virus-like particles.

Abstract: The entire genome of the hepatitis D virus has been shown to be a circular single-stranded RNA of 1679 bases. Several open reading frames in both the genomic and complementary strands indicate possible protein products. The products encoded in one open reading frame, ORF5, are identified as viral polypeptides p24.sup..delta. and p27.sup..delta., of which the nuclear .delta. antigens in HDV infected liver is comprised. These products, as well as others encoded in ORFs 1, 2, 6, and 7 are produced in recombinant expression systems. The ORF5 products, in particular, are useful for HDV diagnosis and vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-infectious immunotherapeutic containing retroviral particles devoid of outer envelope proteins or containing selected antigens isolated from a retrovirus. There is also provided a vaccine effective against HIV. In one aspect, the immunogen is useful for immunizing an individual previously infected by a retrovirus including HIV, so as to induce immunoprotective factors protective against progression of the infection. In another aspect, the vaccine is useful for vaccinating an individual not previously infected with HIV in order to prevent subsequently acquired infection. In another aspect, there is provided a method of rendering a viral immunogen non-infectious. The immunogen may also be used to produce antibodies for passive immunotherapy, alone or in conjunction with active immunotherapy, in individuals infected with a retrovirus, including HIV, preferably those individuals exhibiting low levels of antibodies to retroviral gene products other than the outer envelope.

Abstract: A method of performing a rapid assay for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of the analytes HIV-1 group M. HIV-1 group O and HIV-2 utilizing a sequence specific polypeptide of each analyte as capture reagents. An analytical. device also is provided for performing the method which includes these capture reagents. Also provided is a test kit which includes the analytical device which further can include a positive and negative control.

Abstract: This invention related to constructs comprising mutant HIV genomes having an alteration in a nucleotide sequence which is critical for genomic RNA packaging and non-infectious, immunogenic HIV particles produced by expression of these constructs in mammalian cells. Cell lines which stably produce non-infectious, immunogenic HIV particles are also included. Prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines, diagnostic reagents, and related methods are further described.

Abstract: New purified and isolated bovine coronavirus (BCV) types (II and III) are described which can be used to create new modified live vaccines for administration to cattle in order to confer immunity against virulent wild-type bovine coronavirus infection. Preferably, a multivalent modified live vaccine is provided for oral-nasal administration which includes the known Type I virus and the new Types II and III virus. Hygromycin B has also demonstrated to be effective for suppressing BCV replication and thus can be administered to cattle as a treatment for the chronic disease and to suppress shedding of BCV in cattle feces.