Abstract: The present invention is based upon correlation of two attenuating lesions of the cp45 strain to specific genetic defects in the viral genome of cp45. Specifically, it is now understood that a significant level of attenuation of cp45 giving rise to its temperature-sensitive and cold-adapted phenotypes is directly associated with mutation of the large, or L, gene of cp45 relative to the corresponding gene in the wild-type JS strain. Moreover, it is further understood that a second attenuating lesion exits independent of the temperature-sensitive lesion, and is directly associated with mutation of the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase gene, or HN gene, of cp45 relative to the corresponding gene in the wild-type HPIV-3 (JS) strain. The correlation of these two attenuating lesions of cp45 to specific genes enables several practical applications.

Abstract: Production of human procollagen or collagen in cells which ordinarily do not produce these molecules is effected by constructing expression systems compatible with mammary glands of non-human mammals. For example, expression systems can be microinjected into fertilized oocytes and reimplanted in foster mothers and carried to term in order to obtain transgenic non-human mammals capable of producing milk containing recombinant human procollagen or collagen. Human procollagen or collagen produced in this manner can be made of a single collagen type uncontaminated by other human or non-human collagens.

Abstract: This invention provides recombinant entomopoxvirus as a novel vector and method of using such vector for delivery and expression of genes of biological significance to vertebrate cells, including human cells. This invention includes the use of an early entomopoxvirus or like gene promoter to drive the expression of an heterologous gene product in a vertebrate cell infected with the recombinant entomopoxvirus vector. We have discovered that, while the entomopoxvirus vector of this invention does not replicate in the vertebrate cell, it enters vertebrate cell cytoplasm and achieves expression of an heterologous gene inserted into the rEPV without causing cytopathic or cytotoxic effects. We further provide a method for expression of the heterologous gene under control of late, strong entomopoxvirus gene promoters, vertebrate gene or viral promoters, and for stable integration of the heterologous gene delivered by the rEPV into the vertebrate cell.

Abstract: Degenerative diseases of the retina are a leading cause of vision loss in the United States, affecting approximately two million people each year. The replacement of a defective gene by gene therapy provides one approach for treating individuals having ocular neuronal degeneration where the defective gene has been identified. Several factors, however, suggest that the replacement of a specific gene in a patient might not be effective. For example, many of the conditions are autosomal dominant, and placing a normal copy of the gene into the cells would not correct the defect. As an alternative, replication competent, avirulent, ribonuclease reductase deficient Herpes simplex virus can provide the means to deliver therapeutic polypeptides in a continuous manner to affected cells. Such therapeutic polypeptides include growth factors, neurotrophins and cytokines.

Abstract: The non-coding regulatory sequences of the prostate specific antigen (PSA) are described. Non-human transgenic animals are also provided which express human PSA, which is non-naturally occurring in non-human animals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a DNA plasmid vaccine for immunization of animals against BVDV which comprises at least a mammalian expression vector having a DNA sequence encoding at least one BVDV immunogenic protein or fragment thereof which is selected from the group consisting of BVDV major glycoprotein gp53/E2, p20 (Npro), p14/C, gp48/E0, gp25/E1 and p80/NS3 proteins, the immunogenic protein is operably linked downstream from a suitable promoter for its expression, whereby inducing a BVDV-specific antibody responses.