Abstract: A class of broad spectrum bioactive polypeptides termed "Magainin" have been described. These peptides have a molecular weight of about 2500 or less, are highly water soluble, amphiphilic and non-hemolytic.

Abstract: Receptor-induced binding sites (RIBS) expressed in a ligand when that ligand is bound in a complex with a receptor are disclosed, as are polypeptides that correspond in amino acid residue sequence with a RIBS expressed by a receptor-ligand complex. Particularly-preferred polypeptides correspond to a RIBS amino acid sequence of the gamma chain of human fibrinogen. Monoclonal antibodies that immunoreact with a RIBS but do not substantially immunoreact with either the ligand or the receptor when free in solution are also disclosed, as are hybridomas secreting those antibodies, and methods of making and using such antibodies.

Abstract: New bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic, thermostable peptides which are isolated from hemolymph of immune honeybees and which are distinct from lysozymes, attacins, cecropins, diptericins and magainins. The peptides feature at least the 10 C-terminal amino acids of the following peptide:H.sub.2 N-Gly-Asn-Asn-Arg-Pro-X-Tyr-Ile-Pro-Gln-Pro-Arg-Pro-Pro-His-Pro-Arg-Z-OHin whichX is a valyl or isoleucyl residue andZ is a leucyl or isoleucyl residue.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an HIV-2 (LAV-II) infection and a kit containing reagents for the same is disclosed. These reagents include cDNA probes which are capable of hybridizing to at least a portion of the genome of HIV-2. In one embodiment, the DNA probes are capable of hybridizing to the entire genome of HIV-2. These reagents also include polypeptides encoded by some of these DNA sequences.