Abstract:
Transdominant repressors of viral gene phenotypic expression derived from the rev gene product of HIV-1 or the rex gene product of HTLV-1 and corresponding mutated genes, having the capability of repressing the Rev function in HIV-1 and/or the Rex function in HTLV-I and HTLV-II. And in some cases both the Rev and the Rex function and are, active in more than one viral species. Such transdominant viral mutants are useful as anti-viral agents to, for example of these transdominant inhibitors may be used in such therapeutic approaches as intracellular immunization in order to protect cells against the deleterious effects of viral, e.g. HIV-1, infection.
Abstract:
A method of producing active immunity against a viral disease in an animal subject comprises administering to the subject a vaccine conjugate consisting essentially of a live virus and a neutralizing factor bound to the live virus. The neutralizing factor is selected from the group consisting of antibodies and antibody fragments. The live virus is one capable of producing disease in the subject, and the antibody or antibody fragment is one capable of neutralizing the live virus. Preferred subjects are birds, a preferred virus is Infectious Bursal Disease Virus, and a preferred route of administration to birds is by in ovo administration.
Abstract:
Novel HTLV-I and HTLV-II peptide antigens are disclosed for use in diagnostics assays for screening and confirming HTLV-I and HTLV-II antisera. The peptides are derived from analogous regions of HTLV-I and HTLV-II gp46 envelope proteins, and are differentiated by their immunoreactivity with an HTLV-II specific monoclonal antibody and by HTLV-I and HTLV-II antisera. The peptides are also useful in vaccine compositions.
Abstract:
A method of producing active immunity against a viral disease in an animal subject comprises administering to the subject a vaccine conjugate consisting essentially of a live virus and a neutralizing factor bound to the live virus. The neutralizing factor is selected from the group consisting of antibodies and antibody fragments. The live virus is one capable of producing disease in the subject, and the antibody or antibody fragment is one capable of neutralizing the live virus. Preferred subjects are birds, a preferred virus is Infectious Bursal Disease Virus, and a preferred route of administration to birds is by in ovo administration.
Abstract:
A method for the detection of the presence or absence of antibodies which bind to antigens of an NMA virus indicative of Chronic Fatigue Immune Deficiency Syndrome is disclosed. This method comprises contacting a solution containing antigens of an NMA virus with a biological sample of a patient and detecting the antibody-antigen complexes. Methods for detection of the presence or absence of antigens or nucleic acid sequences specific to an NMA virus are also disclosed. A substantially purified preparation of an NMA virus and a human cell line chronically infected with an NMA virus are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Novel HTLV-I and HTLV-II peptide antigens are disclosed for use in diagnostics assays for screening and confirming HTLV-I and HTLV-II antisera. The peptides are derived from analogous regions of HTLV-I and HTLV-II gp46 envelope proteins, and are differentiated by their immunoreactivity with an HTLV-II specific monoclonal antibody and by HTLV-I and HTLV-II antisera. The peptides are also useful in vaccine compositions.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a human T-cell line (PNG-1) persistently infected with a Papua New Guinea (PNG) HTLV-I variant and to the infecting virus (PNG-1 variant). Cells of the present invention express viral antigens, type C particles and have a low level of reverse transcriptase activity. The establishment of this cell line, the first of its kind from an individual from Papua New Guinea, makes possible the screening of Melanesian populations using a local virus strain. The present invention also relates to vaccines for use in humans against infection with and diseases caused by HTLV-I and related viruses. The invention further relates to a variety of bioassays and kits for the detection and diagnosis of infection with and diseases caused by HTLV-I and related viruses.
Abstract:
Monoclonal antibodies, Ta60b(Ferm BP-2170) and Ts145(Ferm BP-2171), are used for detecting human leukocyte antigens such as T cell differentiation antigens and T cell subset antigens.
Abstract:
The present invention provides antigenic polypeptides derived from the melanoma-associated endogenous retrovirus (MERV). These antigens are useful compounds for the detection of cancerous cells and melanoma-diagnosis as well as melanoma-prognosis. Furthermore these antigenic polypeptides of the present invention form the basis for anti-cancer vaccines.