Abstract: The invention provides, in part, the genomic sequence of a putative coronavirus, the SARS virus, and provides novel nucleic acid and amino acid sequences that may be used, for example, for the diagnosis, prophylaxis, or therapy of a variety of SARS virus related disorders.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibody reagents that recognize the SARS-coronavirus (SARS-HCoV) are needed urgently. In this report we describe the development and immunochemical characterization of mAbs against the SARS-HCoV based upon their specificity, binding requirements, and biological activity. Initial screening by ELISA, using highly purified virus as the coating antigen, resulted in the selection of seventeen mAbs. Five mAbs exhibited Western immunoblot reactivity with the denatured spike protein, of which two demonstrated the ability to neutralize SARS-HCoV in vitro. Another four Western immunoblot-negative mAbs also neutralize the virus. These antibodies will be useful for the development of diagnostic tests, pathogenicity and vaccine studies.

Abstract: The present invention describes ways to identify HLA allele-specific epitopes that result from HLA restriction of antigen-specific cellular immune responses. The invention employs a combination of bioinformatics and functional assays to systematically identify and classify CTL mutations to determine correlates of virus-host interactions Peptides representing HLA allele-specific epitopes are provided as well as methods for validating HLA-restricted epitopes and methods for measuring T cell responses.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibody reagents that recognize the SARS-coronavirus (SARS-HCoV) are needed urgently. In this report we describe the development and immunochemical characterisation of mAbs against the SARS-HCoV based upon their specificity, binding requirements, and biological activity. Initial screening by ELISA, using highly purified virus as the coating antigen, resulted in the selection of seventeen mAbs. Five mAbs exhibited Western immunoblot reactivity with the denatured spike protein, of which two demonstrated the ability to neutralize SARS-HCoV in vitro. Another four Western immunoblot-negative mAbs also neutralize the virus. These antibodies will be useful for the development of diagnostic tests, pathogenicity and vaccine studies.

Abstract: The invention provides, in part, the genomic sequence of a putative coronavirus, the SARS virus, and provides novel nucleic acid and amino acid sequences that may be used, for example, for the diagnosis, prophylaxis, or therapy of a variety of SARS virus related disorders.