The subject invention concerns methods and materials for inducing an immune response in an animal or person against an immunodeficiency virus, such as HIV, SIV, or FIV. In one embodiment, a method of the invention comprises administering one or more antigens and/or immunogens to the person or animal wherein the antigen and/or immunogen comprises one or more evolutionarily conserved epitopes of immunodeficiency viruses. In one embodiment, the epitope is one that is conserved between HIV and FIV.

Here, we identify Plenty of SH3 (POSH) and JNK-interacting protein 1 (JIP-1) as a multi-protein scaffold network for TCR-mediated JNK1 activation in CD8.sup.+ T-cells. Disruption of the POSH/JIP-1 complex led to profound defects in the activation of JNK1, as well as deficient activation or induction of the transcription factors c-Jun, T-bet and Eomesodermin. Furthermore, disruption of the POSH/JIP complex in CD8.sup.+ T-cells resulted in impaired proliferation, decreased cytokine expression and the inability to control tumors. Collectively, these data identify a mechanism for the specific regulation of TCR-dependent JNK1 activation and function that is key for CD8.sup.+ T-cell responses. A group of compounds are described that individually or in concert target a common set of biological pathways important in T cell function, activation of innate inflammation, ischemic reperfusion injury, HIV release and oncogenesis.

Disclosed is a peptide including (a) a cell membrane penetration (CMP) sequence; and (b) one or more TDP-43 phosphorylation-blocking (PB) sequences. Also disclosed is a method of reducing the phosphorylation of TDP-43 in a cell, the method including: delivering an effective amount of a peptide to the cell, wherein the peptide comprises: (a) a cell membrane penetration (CMP) sequence; and (b) a TDP-43 phosphorylation-blocking (PB) sequence. Also disclosed is a method of treating a disease or pathological condition, the method comprising administering an effective amount of a peptide to a subject in need thereof; wherein the peptide comprises: (a) a cell membrane penetration (CMP) sequence; and (b) one or more TDP-43 phosphorylation-blocking (PB) sequences. Related uses, peptides for use, vectors, polynucleotide, and pharmaceutical compositions are disclosed.