Abstract: Synthetic DNA molecules encoding the HPV31 L1 protein are provided. Specifically, the present invention provides polynucleotides encoding HPV31 L1 protein, wherein said polynucleotides are free from internal transcription termination signals that are recognized by yeast. Also provided are synthetic polynucleotides encoding HPV31 L1 wherein the polynucleotides have been codon-optimized for high level expression in a yeast cell. The synthetic molecules may be used to produce HPV31 virus-like particles (VLPs), and to produce vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the HPV31 VLPs. The vaccines of the present invention provide effective immunoprophylaxis against papillomavirus infection through neutralizing antibody and cell-mediated immunity.

Abstract: Synthetic DNA molecules encoding the HPV31 L1 protein are provided. Specifically, the present invention provides polynucleotides encoding HPV31 L1 protein, wherein said polynucleotides are free from internal transcription termination signals that are recognized by yeast. Also provided are synthetic polynucleotides encoding HPV31 L1 wherein the polynucleotides have been codon-optimized for high level expression in a yeast cell. The synthetic molecules may be used to produce HPV31 virus-like particles (VLPs), and to produce vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the HPV31 VLPs. The vaccines of the present invention provide effective immunoprophylaxis against papillomavirus infection through neutralizing antibody and cell-mediated immunity.

Abstract: Synthetic DNA molecules encoding the HPV31 L1 protein are provided. Specifically, the present invention provides polynucleotides encoding HPV31 L1 protein, wherein said polynucleotides are free from internal transcription termination signals that are recognized by yeast. Also provided are synthetic polynucleotides encoding HPV31 L1 wherein the polynucleotides have been codon-optimized for high level expression in a yeast cell. The synthetic molecules may be used to produce HPV31 virus-like particles (VLPs), and to produce vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the HPV31 VLPs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for increasing the yield of disulfide bonded recombinant proteins produced by yeast, especially recombinant secreted proteins The enzyme protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) catalyzes the formation of disulfide bonds in secretory and cell-surface proteins. We disclose the construction of recombinant strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae which overproduce either human PDI or yeast PDI in a regulated fashion. These strains show greatly increased secretion of disulfide bonded proteins of potential therapeutic significance. These strains have the potential to increase the production of various disulfide bonded proteins.

Abstract: Recombinant expression vectors encoding the L1 and L2 proteins of papillomavirus, methods of making and using the recombinant proteins and purified virus-like particles comprised of the recombinant proteins are provided.

Abstract: The invention comprises a lyophilized live herpes virus vaccine that comprises from about 0.5% to about 8% moisture.

Abstract: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is produced in vitro in high titer and purity from tissue cultures of cells that shed HBsAg. The cells are grown on hollow fiber capillary units having a molecular weight cut-off of about 10,000.

Abstract: Hepatitis A virus is harvested from persistently infected cells, the cells are then trypsinized, replanted and a second harvest of hepatitis A virus is obtained. The cells can be trypsinized and replanted and harvested indefinitely.

Abstract: An improved stabilized liquid live viral vaccine contains a live virus, partially hydrolyzed gelatin, a monosaccharide or disaccharide, a cell culture medium, L-glutamic acid, L-arginine and sufficient physiologically acceptable acidic buffer to maintain the pH at from about 6.0 to about 6.5.

Abstract: An improved stabilized liquid live viral vaccine contains a live virus, partially hydrolyzed gelatin, a monosaccharide or disaccharide, a cell culture medium, L-glutamic acid, L-arginine and sufficient physiologically acceptable acidic buffer to maintain the pH at from about 6.0 to about 6.5.

Abstract: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HB.sub.s Ag) is produced in vitro in high titer and purity from tissue cultures of cells that shed HB.sub.s Ag by growing the cells with a first incubation at elevated temperature followed by a second incubation at a lower elevated temperature.

Abstract: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is produced in high titer from tissue cultures grown on a hollow fiber capillary unit.

Abstract: Automated tests to evaluate the antibody titer of a sample by incubating a test sample, bacteria, and complement, and detecting bacterial growth in the incubated mixture, and to identify bacteria and its titer in a sample by incubating a test sample, bacterial antiserum, and complement, and detecting inhibition of bacterial growth in the incubated mixture. The automated tests lend themselves to diagnostic use and may be provided in the form of diagnostic test kits.

Abstract: Lyophilization time of live viral compositions is reduced and output per lyophilization unit is increased by lyophilizing a reduced volume of a more concentrated viral composition.

Abstract: A stabilized lyophlized or liquid live viral vaccine contains a live virus, partially hydrolyzed gelatin, a 6-carbon polyhydric alcohol, Medium 199 and acidic buffer.