ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A NOVEL PRIMATE T-CELL LYMPHOTROPIC VIRUS AND THE USE OF THIS VIRUS OR COMPONENTS THEREOF IN DIAGNOSTICS ASSAYS AND VACCINES

摘要

The isolation and characterization of a novel primate T-cell lymphotropic virus designated STLVpan-p is disclosed. The invention relates to the proviral DNA of this virus and to the use of the nucleic acid sequence encoded by this proviral DNA to design nucleic acid probes and synthesize proteins which may be used in diagnostic and vaccines. Antibodies to these proteins or to the viral particle itself are also disclosed where such antibodies may be useful in immunoassays for detecting STLVpan-p viral antigens in individuals and where such antibodies may be used for treatment of STLVpan-p viral infections in individuals. The reagents provided in this invention also enable isolation of related T-cell lymphotropic viruses in other species. Finally, the present invention discloses the propagation of these viruses in tissue culture systems where such systems are useful for screening for anti-viral agents for STLVpan-p viruses.