The present disclosure relates to polypeptides (also referred to herein as CXCR4 binding molecules or polypeptides) that are directed against the G-coupled protein receptor CXCR4, also known as Fusin or CD184. The invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides; to methods for preparing such polypeptide; to compositions, and in particular to pharmaceutical compositions that comprise such polypeptides and to uses of such polypeptides for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.

A rapid diagnostic test strip, system, and methodology are disclosed. The test strips utilize a sample pad on a proximal portion of a substrate. When a sample (potentially containing various analytes) is provided to the sample pad, it is transported to a conjugate release pad located distally from the sample pad. The conjugate release pad includes two or more targeted materials, where each targeted material includes an upconverting rare-earth particle capable of conjugating to an analyte. The conjugated analytes are then transported distally along the test strip, where they may bind to one or more test lines. An absorbent pad is located distally from the test lines. The one or more test lines can the be briefly illuminated with one or more specific wavelengths of light that the rare-earth particles absorb, and the rare-earth particles then emit a response that can be detected and measured.

Test devices are provided for determining the presence of a first ligand in a sample. In some embodiments depletion conjugates are used to deplete the ligands different from but related to the first ligands from the sample.

The use of differentiation marker CD32 for the detection of cellular reservoirs of a mammalian immunodeficiency virus. Also the use of the differentiation marker CD32 for making a prognosis, diagnosing a remission, and evaluating the efficacy of treatment of the mammalian immunodeficiency. A multi-specific antibody that recognizes both at least one epitope of CD32 and at least one characteristic of the lymphocyte cells, a composition including the antibody, and the use of the antibody in treatment.

The present application relates to methods of treating HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) and/or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) using endothelin-1 (ET-1) antagonists. The application further relates to a composition for the treatment of HIVAN and/or FSGS. A kit for detecting the presence of ET-1 or ET-1-associated biomarker in a biological sample is also disclosed.

The present invention relates to the use of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a first reporter gene, bordered by at least one first pair and one second pair of sequences targeting a site-specific recombinase in order to detect cells of a mammal infected with a virus responsible for an immunodeficiency.

The invention provides compositions and methods to induce and boost antibody response, including but not limited to IgG responses binding to HIV-1 in a subject in need thereof, wherein the induced/boosted plasma level of the antibody responses, for example V3 and/or CD4 binding site antibody responses, is over a threshold level and is associated with reduced risk of maternal-to-child-transmission (MTCT) of HIV-1.

The present invention relates to antibody derivatives against HIV based on a mutated CD4-IgG scaffold with enhanced antiviral and immunomodulatory activities. These antibody derivatives are characterized for having an increased ability to (i) block the entry of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) into host cells and (ii) elicit effector functions through the activation of natural killer (NK) cells. The present invention further relates to nucleic acids, vectors and host cells expressing said antibody derivatives, as well their therapeutic and diagnostic applications in human health.

The disclosure concerns a method and kits for measurement of an analyte in a microparticle-based analyte-specific binding assay. In the assay, the microparticles are coated with the first partner of a binding pair, mixing the coated microparticles and at least two analyte-specific binding agents, each conjugated to the second partner of the binding pair, and a sample suspected of containing the analyte. The second partner of the binding pair is bound to each of the analyte-specific binding agents via a linker comprising from 12 to 30 ethylene glycol units (PEG 12 to 30), thereby binding the analyte via the conjugated analyte-specific binding agents to the coated microparticles. The method also entails separating the microparticles having the analyte bound via the binding pair and the analyte-specific binding agent from the mixture and measuring the analyte bound to the microparticles.

The application describes methods for detecting site specific proteases indicative of infection by a protease-generating pathogen. The application also describes fusion proteins for use in the methods, DNAs encoding the proteins and cells that express them. Particular applications are described including fusion proteins and methods for detecting corona viruses,.

such as SARS CoV2. Method for protease and pathogen detection described in the application include protease amplification methods and methods using inhibitors to increase sensitivity and specificity.