Abbott Laboratories Corporation

Other

James M Casey

Suresh M Desai

Sushil G Devare

George J Dawson

Julie Yamaguchi

Robin A Gutierrez

James L Stewart

Richard R Lesniewski

Stephen H Dailey

Kevin R Rupprecht

Billy J Zeck

Suzanne L Bode

Donald E Frail

Jeffrey C Hunt

Virender K Sarin

Wlodzimierz Mandecki

Timothy J Bolling

Ilse I Tribby

Unique recombinant antigens representing distinct antigenic regions of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) genome which can be used as reagents for the detection of antibodies and antigen in body fluids from individuals exposed to HCV. The present invention also provides an assay for detecting the presence of an antibody to an HCV antigen in a sample by contacting the sample with the recombinant antigens. Preferred assay formats include a screening assay, a confirmatory assay, a competition or neutralization assay and an immunodot assay.

Hepatitis C assay utilizing recombinant antigens

The present invention provides a method of synthesizing genes encoding unique HIV-1 and HIV-2 envelope proteins and their fragments, thereby allowing overexpression of these proteins in . The HIV envelope proteins and their fragments have been expressed at high levels as individual proteins or in fusion with other proteins. The HIV envelope proteins thus expressed in can be effectively used for the detection of exposure to HIV as well as the discrimination of HIV-1 and HIV-2.

Synthetic HIV-2 envelope genes containing modifications that lead to optimized expression in bacteria

Apparatus are provided which utilize the tailgate of a vehicle, such as a pick-up truck, to create an aerodynamic windspoiler for the vehicle. In one form, the apparatus includes a housing is pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a rod having a first end supported within the housing and a second end attached to the tailgate, wherein the rod is capable of being slidably extended and retracted from the housing. Ideally, the positioning of the rod relative to the housing is controlled relative to the speed of the vehicle to adjust the inclination of the tailgate. This may be accomplished utilizing either an electrically driven motor or an hydraulic cylinder. In another form, the apparatus includes a rotatable shaft attached to a sheet of stretch resistant material. Upon extending and attaching the sheet of material to the tailgate, a windspoil is created.

Tailgate windspoiler

The present invention provides unique recombinant antigens representing distinct antigenic regions of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) genome which can be used as reagents for the detection of antibodies and antigen in body fluids from individuals exposed to HCV. The present invention also provides an assay for detecting the presence of an antibody to an HCV antigen in a sample by contacting the sample with the recombinant antigens. Preferred assay formats include a screening assay, a confirmatory assay, a competition or neutralization assay and an immunodot assay.

The present invention provides a method of synthesizing genes encoding unique HIV-1 and HIV-2 envelope proteins and their fragments, thereby allowing overexpression of these proteins in E. coli. The HIV envelope proteins and their fragments have been expressed at high levels as individual proteins or in fusion with other proteins. The HIV envelope proteins thus expressed in E. coli can be effectively used for the detection of exposure to HIV as well as the discrimination of HIV-1 and HIV-2.

Synthetic DNA derived recombinant HIV antigens

Mammalian expression systems for the production of HCV fusion proteins. Such expression systems provide high yields of HCV fusion proteins, and enable the development of diagnostic and therapeutic reagents which contain glycosylated structural antigens and also allow for the isolation of the HCV etiological agent.

Hepatitis C virus fusion proteins

Mammalian expression systems for the production of HCV proteins. Such expression systems provide high yields of HCV proteins, and enable the development of diagnostic and therapeutic reagents which contain glycosylated structural antigens and also allow for the isolation of the HCV etiological agent.

Mammalian expression systems for HCV proteins

A mouse monoclonal antibody is provided which detects HIV-2 seropositive individuals and differentiates them from HIV-1 seropositive individuals. The monoclonal antibody is specific for an epitope of HIV-2 gp41 which lies outside the characterized immunodominant region. The epitope recognized by the monoclonal antibody has the amino acid sequence HTTVPW.

Monoclonal antibody for differentiating HIV-2 from HIM-1 seropositive

Improved methods for detecting antibodies in test samples. The improvement comprises uses CKS-fusion proteins specific for the antibodies in assays such as screening assays, competitive assays, confirmatory assays and immunodot assays. Test kits which contain these CKS-fusion proteins useful in such assays also are provided.

Growing community of inventors

Zion, IL, United States of America

James M Casey