Diagnostic method and composition for early detection of HIV infection

摘要

Polypeptides encoded by the nef gene of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which is the major etiological agent of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), are identified. The polypeptides, a diagnostic method for detecting antibodies to HIV in biological fluids, a diagnostic kit for carrying out the method, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the polypeptides are described. The polypeptides are useful in viral vaccines and for the early detection of HIV infection in humans.