Human foamy virus (HFV) proteins were identified in human cells cultured in vitro by immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting with specific antisera. Among several viral poypeptides, four glycoproteins of approximately 160, 130, 70, and 48 kDa were identified in HFV-infected ceUs. gpl30 was shown to represent the intracelular env precursor, and gp7O and gp48 were shown to represent the external and transmembrane env proteins, respectively. The nature of gp160, which shares sequences with the env, bell, and bel2 proteins, is not yet resolved. In addition, a p62 identified with belland bel2-specific antisera likely corresponds to the bet gene product.

No abstract

Monoclonal antibodies raised against a strain of Leishmania infantum isolated in Greece were produced and tested for their protective effect in an in vivo system (in BALB/C mice). A single monoclonal antibody, IgG2b isotype, can prevent the development of two Leishmania strains in vivo: one of L. major and one of L. mexicana amazonensis. This antibody-mediated protection may be dependent on complement.