Abstract:
Inhibition of HIV-1 replication by disrupting the processing of the viral Gag capsid (CA) protein (p24) from the CA-spacer peptide 1 (SP1) protein precursor (p25) is disclosed. Amino acid sequences containing a mutation in the Gag p25 protein, with the mutation resulting in a decrease in the inhibition of processing of p25 to p24 by dimethylsuccinyl betulinic acid or dimethylsuccinyl betulin, polynucleotides encoding such mutated sequences and antibodies that selectively bind such mutated sequences are also included. Methods of inhibiting, inhibitory compounds and methods of discovering inhibitory compounds that target proteolytic processing of the HIV Gag protein are included. In one embodiment, such compounds inhibit the interaction of the HIV protease enzyme with Gag by binding to the Gag proteolytic cleavage site rather than to the protease enzyme. In another embodiment, viruses or recombinant proteins that contain mutations in the region of the Gag proteolytic cleavage site can be used in screening assays to identify compounds that target proteolytic processing.
Abstract:
AbstractThe present invention relates to a multi-functional targeting complex for inducing a specific immuno-stimulatory reaction, preferably, phagocytosis, against at least one target pathogenic agent. The complex of the invention comprises at least one target recognition component comprising a molecule that specifically binds to the desired target agent, an immuno-active component comprising an immuno-stimulatory agent; and optionally, a connecting component that associates the targeting component and the immuno-active component. The complex of the invention provides an effective therapeutic prevention and treatment of various pathogenic disorders, such as mastitis in caws and furunculosis in fish. The invention further relates to compositions comprising the targeting complex, methods of treatment and uses thereof.
Abstract:
An human antibody anti-NS3 protein of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is described, as will as synthetic and recombinant fragments thereof able to inhibit the helicase activity of the NS3 protein, both in vitro and in vivo, and uses thereof.
Abstract:
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a cause of respiratory tract infection in humans and other animals. Replication of the virus relies in part upon the association of the nucleocapsid (N) protein with a phosphoprotein (P protein). The present invention describes the identification and sequencing of peptide fragments which bind to the P protein and which disrupt the interaction of the N and P proteins. Such peptides may be used to inhibit replication of RSV, and for treatment of patients infected with RSV. Further aspects of the invention relate to the use of such peptides in the diagnosis of RSV infection.
Abstract:
Fusion proteins which comprise an apoptosis inducing protein portion and a cell targeting portion are disclosed. Fusion proteins which comprise a protease portion and a cell targeting portion are disclosed. Compositions for and methods of targeting and inducing the death of cells are disclosed.
Abstract:
Disclosed are surprising discoveries concerning the role of anionic phospholipids and aminophospholipids in tumor vasculature and in viral entry and spread, and compositions and methods for utilizing these findings in the treatment of cancer and viral infections. Also disclosed are advantageous antibody, immunoconjugate and duramycin-based compositions and combinations that bind and inhibit anionic phospholipids and aminophospholipids, for use in the safe and effective treatment of cancer, viral infections and related diseases.
Abstract:
Peptides comprising an Rpt1 domain of an INI1/hSNF5 which inhibit HIV-1 production in a human cell, and vectors encoding those peptides are provided. Also provided are methods of inhibiting HIV-1 production in a cell, or spread of the HIV-1 to another cell, by treating the cells with the above peptides or vectors. Other methods of inhibiting HIV-1 production in a cell, or spread of the HIV-1 to another cell, by inhibiting production of INI1/hSNF5 are provided. Additionally, methods of determining whether a test compound inhibits HIV-1 virion production in a mammalian cell, or spread of the HIV-1 to another cell, are provided. Those methods comprise determining whether the test compound inhibits the production of INI1/hSNF5 or disrupts the interaction of HIV-1 integrase with INI1/hSNF5.
Abstract:
Compositions and methods are provided for the treatment or prevention of RSV disease by modulating RSV infection and immunity. In particular, amino acid sequences in the RSV G glycoprotein, containing the chemokine motif defined as C-X-X-X-C (or CX3C), are identified that are essential in causing RSV infection and disease. The chemokine motif is biologically active and participates in virus binding to and infection of susceptible cells. The prevention or treatment of RSV infection is achieved by interfering with the motif, such as by administering a vaccine in which the motif is altered or by administration or induction of blocking molecules that inhibit the biological activity of the motif.
Abstract:
The present invention provides methods and compositions using biological factors, such as complement components, and manipulation of cells of erythroblastic lineage and myeloid lineage to facilitate clearance of pathologic targets from the blood stream of a patient in specific phagocytic compartment.
Abstract:
This invention provides the CD4-IgG2 chimeric heterotetramer, wherein the heavy chains of the chimeric heterotetramer is encoded by the expression vector designated CD4-IgG2HC-pRcCMV (ATCC No. 75193). This invention also provides the CD4-IgG2 chimeric heterotetramer, wherein the light chains of the chimeric heterotetramer is encoded by the expression vector designated CD4-kLC-pRcCMV (ATCC No. 75194). This invention also provides the CD4-IgG2 chimeric heterotetramer, wherein the heavy chains of the chimeric heterotetramer is encoded by the expression vector designated CD4-IgG2HC-pRcCMV (ATCC No. 75193) and the light chains of the chimeric heterotetramer is encoded by the expression vector designated CD4-kLC-pRcCMV (ATCC No. 75194). Finally, this invention provides a method of inhibiting HIV infection of a CD4null cell, a method of preventing a subject from being infected with HIV, and a method of treating a subject infected with HIV so as to block the spread of HIV infection, using the above CD-4-IgG2 chimeric heterotetramers.