Abstract: Attenuated, neuraminidase deficient influenza virus, and compositions and methods to prepare that virus, are provided.

Abstract: Recombinant influenza virus proteins, including influenza capsomers, subviral particles, virus-like particles (VLP), VLP complexes, and/or any portions of thereof, are provided as a vaccine for influenza viruses. The invention is based on the combination of two vaccine technologies: (1) intrinsically safe recombinant vaccine technology, and (2) highly immunogenic, self-assembled protein macromolecules embedded in plasma membranes and comprised of multiple copies of influenza virus structural proteins exhibiting neutralizing epitopes in native conformations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel hemagglutinin H5 proteins, nucleic acids and vectors encoding for those as well as vaccines comprising any of such H5 proteins, nucleic acids or vectors encoding for those H5 proteins. Moreover, the present invention also relates to the medicinal use of any of such compositions in humans and animals.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for increasing the effectiveness of antigen presentation using a DCIR-specific antibody or fragment thereof to which an antigen is attached that forms an antibody-antigen complex, wherein the antigen is processed and presented by a dendritic cell that has been contacted with the antibody-antigen complex.

Abstract: Polypeptides, polynucleotides, methods, compositions, and vaccines comprising (avian pandemic) influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants are provided.

Abstract: The immunogenicity of the influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) molecule may be increased by substitutions of amino acids in the HA sequence. The substitution of specific HA residues, such as asparagine at position 223 of H5 HA, increase the sensitivity of the hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) assay by altering receptor specificity and/or antibody-antigen binding. HA molecules containing such substitutions will be useful in the development of diagnostic reference viruses and improved influenza vaccines.

Abstract: Vectors and methods for the production of influenza viruses suitable as recombinant influenza vaccines in cell culture are provided. Bi-directional expression vectors for use in a multi-plasmid influenza virus expression system are provided. Additionally, the invention provides methods of producing influenza viruses with enhanced ability to replicate in embryonated chicken eggs and/or cells (e.g., Vero and/or MDCK) and further provides influenza viruses with enhanced replication characteristics. A method of producing a cold adapted (ca) influenza virus that replicates efficiently at, e.g., 25° C. (and immunogenic compositions comprising the same) is also provided.

Abstract: Polypeptides, polynucleotides, methods, compositions, and vaccines comprising influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants are provided.

Abstract: Polypeptides, polynucleotides, methods, compositions, and vaccines comprising influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants are provided.

Abstract: Compositions comprising influenza virosomes comprising reconstituted envelopes of one or more influenza strains are used in vaccine formulations, including intranasal or inhalation formulations, to induce an immune response against one or more influenza strains. The virosomes of the composition are derived entirely from influenza viral particles and comprise the influenza antigen haemagglutinin. No lipid from an external source is added to the virosomes. In addition, no separate adjuvant or immune stimulator is added to the composition.

Abstract: A vaccine composition for vaccinating dogs comprising any one or more of (a) an agent capable of raising an immune response against Streptococcus equi sub species zooepidemicus in a dog, (b) an agent capable of raising an immune response against Mycoplasma cynos in a dog, and (c) an agent capable of raising an immune response against a Chlamydophila in a dog.

Abstract: Methods for generating immune responses using adenovirus vectors that allow multiple vaccinations with the same adenovirus vector and vaccinations in individuals with preexisting immunity to adenovirus are provided.

Abstract: Methods for producing reassortant viruses are provided wherein the transcription and/or translation of the hemagglutinin and/or neuraminidase genes are suppressed.

Abstract: An isolated protein comprising a VP1 amino acid sequence wherein one or more exposed loops within said VP1 has an insertion of an amino acid sequence from a virus protein other than VP1, and encoding nucleic acid, are provided. Typically, the virus protein other than VP1 is derived from an influenza virus and in particular, avian influenza virus. The isolated protein may have an insertion of amino acid sequence from a single protein or a plurality of proteins. Also provided are expression constructs, VLPs, pharmaceutical compositions, vaccines and methods of treatment that may be useful in the prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of any disease of viral origin, and in particular, influenza virus.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated H3 equine influenza A virus, as well as methods of preparing and using the virus, and genes or proteins thereof.

Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims virus like particles (VLPs) that express and/or contains seasonal influenza virus proteins, avian influenza virus proteins and/or influenza virus proteins from viruses with pandemic potential. The invention includes vector constructs comprising said proteins, cells comprising said constructs, formulations and vaccines comprising VLPs of the inventions. The invention also includes methods of making and administrating VLPs to vertebrates, including methods of inducing substantial immunity to either seasonal and avian influenza, or at least one symptom thereof.

Abstract: Recombinant, chimeric porcine influenza viruses are disclosed that include hemagglutinin segments from more than one influenza virus subtype. Also described are methods of producing the recombinant influenza viruses, immunogenic compositions comprising the recombinant influenza viruses, methods of stimulating an immune response against influenza virus, and methods of treating and preventing influenza virus infection.

Abstract: Provided is a polypeptide having no more than 100 amino acids, which polypeptide has one or more sequences having at least 60% homology with any of SEQ ID 1-6, or has two or more epitopes having 7 amino acids or more, each epitope having at least 60% homology with a sub-sequence of any of SEQ ID 1-6 that has the same length as the epitope: SEQ ID 1 DLEALMEWLKTRPILSPLTKGILGFVFTLTVP SEQ ID 2 LLYCLMVMYLNPGNYSMQVKLGTLCALCEKQASHS SEQ ID 3 DLIFLARSALILRGSVAHKSC SEQ ID 4 PGIADIEDLTLLARSMVVVRP SEQ ID 5 LLIDGTASLSPGMMMGMFNMLSTVLGVSILNLGQ SEQ ID 6 IIGILHLILWILDRLFFKCIYRLF wherein, the polypeptide is immunogenic in a vertebrate expressing a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) allele, and wherein the polypeptide is not a complete influenza virus protein.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition useful to prepare high titer influenza viruses, e.g., in the absence of helper virus, which includes a sequence from a high titer influenza virus isolate.

Abstract: Binding molecules, such as human monoclonal antibodies, that bind to influenza virus comprising HA of the H3 subtype, such as H3N2, and have a broad neutralizing activity against such influenza virus. Provided are nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies, their sequences and compositions comprising the antibodies and methods of identifying or producing the antibodies. The antibodies can be used in the diagnosis, prophylaxis and/or treatment of an influenza virus H3N2 infection. The antibodies may provide cross-subtype protection, such that infections with H3, H7, and/or H10-based influenza subtypes can be prevented and/or treated.

Abstract: Polypeptides, polynucleotides, methods, compositions, and vaccines comprising influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants are provided.

Abstract: An isolated influenza B virus which has reduced sensitivity to one or more neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors, wherein the reduced sensitivity to one or more NA inhibitors is associated with a residue in NA other than Ile at position 222, a residue in NA other than Ser at a position 250, or a residue in NA other than Gly at position 402, as well as methods to detect such a virus or determine agents that inhibit the infection or replication of such as virus, are provided.

Abstract: A sensor chip for detecting an immune response against a virus, the sensor chip including a substrate having a surface and a plurality of virus-like particles or capsid fragments bound to discrete locations on the surface of the substrate. Detection devices containing the sensor chip and methods of detecting anti-viral immune responses are also described herein.

Abstract: Influenza viruses for use in preparing human vaccines have traditionally been grown on embryonated hen eggs, although more modern techniques grow the virus in mammalian cell culture e.g. on Vero, MDCK or PER.C6 cell lines. The inventor has realised that the conditions used for influenza virus culture can increase the risk that pathogens other than influenza virus may grow in the cell lines and have identified specific contamination risks. Suitable tests can thus be performed during manufacture in order to ensure safety and avoid iatrogenic infections.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for generating dry vaccine powder formulations. Dry vaccine powder formulations can be used for intranasal delivery. Also provided are methods for stimulating local mucosal and systemic immunity by intranasal vaccine delivery.

Abstract: Polypeptides, polynucleotides, methods, compositions, and vaccines comprising (avian pandemic) influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants are provided.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions are described herein which comprise microparticles that further comprise a biodegradable polymer. The microparticle compositions also comprise a cationic polysaccharide and an immunological species selected from an antigen, an immunological adjuvant and a combination thereof. Also described are methods of making such compositions and methods of administering such compositions. Methods of modulating the release rate of immunological species from microparticles are also described. These methods comprise varying the ratio of the cationic polysaccharide relative to the biodegradable polymer within the microparticles.

Abstract: Vectors and methods for the production of influenza viruses suitable as recombinant influenza vaccines in cell culture are provided. Bi-directional expression vectors for use in a multi-plasmid influenza virus expression system are provided. Additionally, the invention provides methods of producing influenza viruses with enhanced ability to replicate in embryonated chicken eggs and/or cells (e.g., Vero and/or MDCK) and further provides influenza viruses with enhanced replication characteristics. In addition, the present invention includes an improved method of rescue, wherein animal cells (e.g., SF Vero cells) are electroporated with plasmids and vectors of the invention.

Abstract: Polypeptides, polynucleotides, methods, compositions, and vaccines comprising influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds and related compositions for the treatment of viral infection, including RNA viral infection, and compounds that can modulate the RIG-I pathway in vertebrate cells, including compounds that can activate the RIG-I pathway.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds and related compositions for the treatment of viral infection, including RNA viral infection, and compounds that can modulate the RIG-I pathway in vertebrate cells, including compounds that can activate the RIG-I pathway.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel peptides which specifically targets and binds to dendritic cells. Also provided are fusion compositions comprising these peptides and a non-dendritic protein of fragments thereof. Further provided are DNA sequences encoding these peptides and fusion compositions. Methods of using the peptides or fusion compositions to promote an immune responses in an individual via administration also are provided.

Abstract: The immunogenicity of the influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) molecule may be increased by substitutions of amino acids in the HA sequence. The substitution of specific HA residues, such as asparagine at position 223 of H5 HA, increase the sensitivity of the hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) assay by altering receptor specificity and/or antibody-antigen binding. HA molecules containing such substitutions will be useful in the development of diagnostic reference viruses and improved influenza vaccines.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to recombinant vectors and methods for using the same. In certain embodiments, the recombinant vectors are immunogenic.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of modulating an immune response to a second antigen which entail administration of a first antigen and an immunostimulatory polynucleotide. Modulation of the immune response is generally manifested as stimulation of a Th1 response.

Abstract: Polypeptides, polynucleotides, methods, compositions, and vaccines comprising influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants are provided.

Abstract: Polypeptides, polynucleotides, methods, compositions, and vaccines comprising influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the discovery of novel soluble neutral active Hyaluronidase Glycoproteins (sHASEGPs), methods of manufacture, and their use to facilitate administration of other molecules or to alleviate glycosaminoglycan associated pathologies. Minimally active polypeptide domains of the soluble, neutral active sHASEGP domains are described that include asparagine-linked sugar moieties required for a functional neutral active hyaluronidase domain. Included are modified amino-terminal leader peptides that enhance secretion of sHASEGP. The invention further comprises sialated and pegylated form of a recombinant sHASEGP to enhance stability and serum pharmacokinetics over naturally occurring slaughterhouse enzymes. Further described are suitable formulations of a substantially purified recombinant sHASEGP glycoprotein derived from a eukaryotic cell that generate the proper glycosylation required for its optimal activity.

Abstract: Vectors and methods for the production of influenza viruses suitable as recombinant influenza vaccines in cell culture are provided. Bi-directional expression vectors for use in a multi-plasmid influenza virus expression system are provided. Additionally, the invention provides methods of producing influenza viruses with enhanced ability to replicate in embryonated chicken eggs and/or cells (e.g., Vero and/or MDCK) and further provides influenza viruses with enhanced replication characteristics. A method of producing a cold adapted (ca) influenza virus that replicates efficiently at, e.g., 25° C. (and immunogenic compositions comprising the same) is also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are nucleic acid sequences that encode novel consensus amino acid sequences of HA hemagglutinin, as well as genetic constructs/vectors and vaccines expressing the sequences. Also provided herein are methods for generating an immune response against one or more Influenza A serotypes using the vaccines that are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a packaging (incorporation) signal for influenza virus vectors, and methods of using the signal to transmit and maintain influenza viral and foreign nucleic acid in virus and cells.

Abstract: The immunogenicity of the influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) molecule may be increased by substitutions of amino acids in the HA sequence. The substitution of specific HA residues, such as asparagine at position 223 of H5 HA, increase the sensitivity of the hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) assay by altering receptor specificity and/or antibody-antigen binding. HA molecules containing such substitutions will be useful in the development of diagnostic reference viruses and improved influenza vaccines.

Abstract: The use of macrolide polyene antibiotics or derivatives or analogues thereof as culture supplement for the propagation of virus is described. Further pharmaceutical compositions comprising a virus and a macrolide polyene antibiotic or a derivative or analogue thereof and methods for using of macrolide polyene antibiotics for transfection and infection of cells as well as the use of macrolide polyene antibiotics for the isolation of virus from clinical samples are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to attenuated negative-strand RNA viruses having an impaired ability to antagonize the cellular interferon (IFN) response, and the use of such attenuated viruses in vaccine and pharmaceutical formulations. The invention also relates to the development and use of IFN-deficient systems for selection of such attenuated viruses. In particular, the invention relates to attenuated influenza viruses having modifications to the NS1 gene that diminish or eliminate the ability of the NS1 gene product to antagonize the cellular IFN response. The mutant viruses replicate in vivo but demonstrate reduced pathogenicity, and therefore are well suited for live virus vaccines, and pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of formulating an anti-inflammatory composition for treating inflammatory conditions in a specific organ or tissue. The method involves selecting at least one pathogen that is pathogenic in the specific organ or tissue; producing an antigenic composition comprising antigenic determinants that together are specific for the pathogen; and formulating the antigenic composition for administration as an anti-inflammatory composition capable of eliciting an anti-inflammatory response in the specific organ or tissue. In embodiments of the invention the pathogen may be an endogenous pathogen, such as an endogenous bacterial pathogen. The pathogen may be an exogenous pathogen, such as a bacterial pathogen, viral pathogen, a fungal pathogen, or a helminth pathogen.

Abstract: The cold-adapted master strain A/Ann Arbor/6/60 7PI (H2N2) and progenitor wild type E2(3) viral strains have been deposited and their genomic sequences identified. Seven nucleotide differences were found between the sequences identified herein and the previously published sequences for cold-adapted A/Ann Arbor/6/60 genes. The cold-adapted live influenza virus of the present invention can be reasserted with a variety of epidemic wild type influenza viruses and used to produce vaccines to prophylactically and therapeutically treat influenza.

Abstract: The present invention provides an avian influenza vaccine containing a peptide-bound liposome wherein; the peptide contains: (1) an amino acid sequence shown by any one of SEQ ID NO:1 to 9, or (2) an amino acid sequence shown by any one of SEQ ID NO:1 to 9 wherein one or two amino acids are substituted, has a length of 9 to 11 amino acids, and is capable of inducing HLA-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes; wherein the liposome contains a phospholipid having an acyl group with 14 to 24 carbon atoms and one unsaturated bond or a hydrocarbon group with 14 to 24 carbon atoms and one unsaturated bond, and a liposome stabilizer; and wherein the peptide is bound to the surface of the liposome.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel canine pol I regulatory nucleic acid sequences useful for the expression of nucleic acid sequences in canine cells such as MDCK cells. The invention further provides expression vectors and cells comprising such nucleic acids as well as methods of using such nucleic acids to make influenza viruses, including infectious influenza viruses.

Abstract: A vaccine containing a H1 subtype influenza A virus hemagglutinin is either unadjuvanted or is adjuvanted but not with an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant. The vaccine is suitable for immunizing a patient against swine flu. The vaccine may be monovalent. The vaccine may include two different H1 subtype influenza A virus hemagglutinins, wherein (i) the first H1 subtype influenza A virus hemagglutinin is more closely related to SEQ ID NO: 1 than to SEQ ID NO: 3 and (ii) the second H1 subtype influenza A virus hemagglutinin is more closely related to SEQ ID NO: 3 than to SEQ ID NO: 1. A monovalent vaccine may be administered in conjunction with a trivalent A/H1N1-A/H3N2 B seasonal influenza vaccine. Other embodiments are also disclosed, such as reassortant viruses.

Abstract: A live attenuated influenza vaccine contains a H1 subtype influenza A strain. Its hemagglutinin is more closely related to SEQ ID NO: 1 than to SEQ ID NO: 3.