Abstract: Nanostructures and nanostructure-based vaccines that display antigens capable of eliciting immune responses to infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, and pathogens are provided. Some vaccines are useful for preventing or decreasing the severity of infection with an infectious agent, including, for example and without limitation, lyme disease, pertussis, herpes virus, orthomyxovirus, paramyxovirus, pneumovirus, filovirus, flavivirus, reovirus, retrovirus, meningococcus, or malaria. The antigens may be attached to the core of the nanostructure either non-covalently or covalently, including as a fusion protein or by other means. Multimeric antigens may optionally be displayed along a symmetry axis of the nanostructure. Also provided are proteins and nucleic acid molecules encoding such proteins, vaccine compositions, and methods of administration.

Abstract: This invention provides highly attenuated influenza viruses and vaccines. The attenuated viruses and vaccines proliferate well and have high safety factors. The attenuated viruses providing protective immunity from challenge by virus of the same subtype, as well as cross protection against heterologous viruses.

Abstract: A modified protein of a herpes simplex virus (HSV) envelope glycoprotein B (gB), in which at least one non-neutralizing antibody-inducing epitope (non-neutralizing epitope) present in domain IV and domain I of wild-type HSV gB is inactivated (de-epitoped).

Abstract: Described herein are RSV polynucleotide sequences that make use of multiple codons that are containing silent nucleotide substitutions engineered in multiple locations in the genome, wherein the substitutions introduce a numerous synonymous codons into the genome. Due to the large number of defects involved, the attenuated viruses disclosed herein provide a means of producing attenuated, live vaccines against RSV.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vaccine composition for prevention or treatment of chicken pox or herpes zoster, the vaccine composition comprising a surface protein (gE) of Varicella Zoster Virus and especially an aluminum salt as an adjuvant. The vaccine composition according to the present invention employs a protein antigen, thus showing greater outstanding stability than a live vaccine and has an optimized mixture ratio of adjuvants to elicit effective antibody induction, thereby being useful as a vaccine for preventing or treating Varicella Zoster Virus-caused chicken pox or herpes zoster.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acids and peptides, and methods of using the nucleic acids and peptides to identify subjects at risk for a TDP-43 proteinopathy. The invention also provides for an array comprising the nucleic acids and peptides of the invention.

Abstract: This invention describes novel adjuvant compositions and formulations with excellent stability at refrigerated and room temperatures and up to and about 37° C. that can be produced at remarkably low costs. This invention describes novel vaccine compositions and formulations to treat and prevent urinary tract infections caused by gram-negative bacteria including Escherichia coli and multi-drug resistant E. coli. This invention also describes methods of administration of said novel vaccine compositions and formulations and methods of treatment to prevent and treat urinary tract infections caused by gram-negative bacteria including E. coli and multi-drug resistant E. coli.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method that allows the preparation of a cell concentrate in a short time without loss of cells and great damage on cells by simple operations. The present invention provides a method for producing a cell concentrate using an inside-out filtration system for processing a cell suspension, the system including: a cell suspension inlet port; a filtrate outlet port; a cell suspension outlet port; and a hollow fiber separation membrane interposed between the cell suspension inlet port and the cell suspension outlet port, wherein the hollow fiber separation membrane is provided with inner pores with an average pore size of 0.1 ?m to 10 ?m, and the quotient of the division of an initial filtrate flow rate by a linear velocity of the cell suspension flowing through the hollow fibers is 2.5 or less.

Abstract: Provided herein are, for example, immunogenic compositions and methods of using the same for the treatment or prevention of Herpesvirus infections.

Abstract: This invention provides an attenuated virus which comprises a modified viral genome containing nucleotide substitutions engineered in multiple locations in the genome, wherein the substitutions introduce synonymous deoptimized codons into the genome. The instant attenuated virus may be used in a vaccine composition for inducing a protective immune response in a subject. The invention also provides a method of synthesizing the instant attenuated virus. Further, this invention further provides a method for preventing a subject from becoming afflicted with a virus-associated disease comprising administering to the subject a prophylactically effective dose of a vaccine composition comprising the instant attenuated virus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for conveniently producing a protein formulation in which viruses are inactivated, without impairing the quality of the obtained protein formulation, characterized by including the step of exposing the protein formulation contaminated with the viruses to a 0.1-2M aqueous solution of arginine, an arginine derivative, or a mixture thereof, the aqueous solution being adjusted to pH 3.5 to 5. The present invention also provides a virus inactivation method characterized by including the step of contacting a virus-containing object with a 0.1-2M aqueous solution of arginine, an arginine derivative, or a mixture thereof, the aqueous solution being adjusted to pH 3.5 to 5.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a chimeric gammaretrovirus comprising an gammaretroviral virion which contains a lentiviral Vpx protein and methods of use thereof. In a particular aspect, the chimeric gammaretrovirus is a chimeric murine leukemia virus (MLV) comprising an MLV virion which contains a lentiviral Vpx protein. The invention is also directed to use of the chimeric gammaretrovirus to produce a MLV that can transduce a non-dividing cell (G1/S/G2), transduce a non-dividing cell; enhance the ability of a MLV to transduce a non-dividing cell; transduce a quiescent (G0) cell; and enhance the ability of a human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) to transduce a quiescent (G0) cell.

Abstract: Isolated, latently infected T cell lines are provided that can be utilized in high throughput screening to discover compounds capable of activating HIV-I. The T cell lines harbor a latent HIV-I derived vector pro virus, which upon activation expresses a marker for late viral gene expression due to the insertion of the marker gene in the position of HIV-I envelope.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods of using arginine to inactivate or reduce the infectious titer of enveloped viruses potentially present in biological compositions produced by eukaryotic cells (such as a antibodies or other therapeutic proteins). In some embodiments, inactivation or reduction of viral titers by exposure to arginine is achieved in a neutral (pH ˜7) or near neutral (˜pH 6 to ˜pH 8) environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides vectors that contain and express in vivo or in vitro FeLV antigens that elicit an immune response in animal or human against FeLV, compositions comprising said vectors and/or FeLV polypeptides, methods of vaccination against FeLV, and kits for use with such methods and compositions.

Abstract: Insertion of HIV-1 V3 loop peptides from the viral glycoprotein gp120 into selected, immunogenic scaffold proteins results in a recombinant polypeptide that is a potent V3 immunogen. V3 immunogens include natural and consensus V3 sequences and cyclic and reverse peptides. Preferred scaffold proteins are Cholera Toxin subunit B and homologues thereof including closely related E. coli enterotoxins. Such immunogenic polypeptides induce broadly reactive anti-gp120 antibodies specific for V3 epitopes that can neutralize heterologous HIV-1 subtypes and strains. These polypeptide, methods for preparing them, and methods for inducing anti-gp120 (V3-specific) antibody) responses using them are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of the ubiquitous vertebrate glucose transporter GLUT1, or of fragments or sequences derived thereof, for the in vitro diagnosis of cancers, when used as a tumor marker, or for the screening of compounds useful for the preparation of drugs for the prevention or the treatment of pathologies linked to an infection of an individual with a PTLV, or pathologies linked to an overexpression of GLUT1 on cell surfaces, or the in vitro detection of GLUT1 on cell surfaces. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing GLUT1, or fragments or sequences derived thereof, and to their uses such as in the frame of the prevention or the treatment of pathologies linked to an infection of an individual with a PTLV.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant baculovirus comprising: (a) a nucleotide sequence encoding a foreign virus envelope protein; (b) a first promoter operatively linked to the envelope-encoding nucleotide sequence; (c) a nucleotide sequence encoding an antigen protein; and (d) a second promoter operatively linked to the antigen-encoding nucleotide sequence; and a vaccine composition using the same. The recombinant baculovirus of the present invention has an excellent efficacy on both humoral and cellular immune responses against a specific antigen (e.g., HPV L1), enabling to function as a more efficient DNA vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chimeric RSV-F polypeptide and lentivirus or alpha-retrovirus GAG-based virus-like particles (VLPs). The present invention also includes methods of making and using such chimeric VLPs. In certain embodiments, the GAG polypeptide of the chimeric VLPs comprises an HIV or ALV GAG polypeptide.

Abstract: A method and composition for preventing and treating avian influenza utilizes an effective quantity of polyphenolic(s) and its derivatives in combination with a carrier. The anti-avian influenza ingredient having a composition selected from the group consisting of theaflavin, theaflavin-3,3?-digallate, theaflavin-3-monogallate, theaflavin-3 gallate, theaflavin-3?-gallate, thearubigin, gallic acid, tannic acid, (?)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), (?)epigallocatechin (EGC), (+)-epicatechin (EC), (?)-gallocatechin gallate (GCG), and catechin.

Abstract: Novel nucleic acids include non-integrative chimeric retroviral genomes including the 5? and 3? long terminal repeat sequences (LTRs) of the caprine lentivirus: the Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus (CAEV) or of another retrovirus not integrating human cells and at least one viral gene of another retrovirus. A vector including such a nucleic acid, an immunogenic or vaccinal composition including the vector or the nucleic acid, as well as their use for treating and/or preventing an infection by a retrovirus or a disease induced by a pathogenic agent are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides vectors that contain and express in vivo or in vitro FeLV antigens that elicit an immune response in animal or human against FeLV, compositions comprising said vectors and/or FeLV polypeptides, methods of vaccination against FeLV, and kits for use with such methods and compositions.

Abstract: Compounds, particularly, glucopyranosyl lipid adjuvant (GLA) compounds, having the following structure (I) are provided: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, L9, L10, Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, are as defined herein. Pharmaceutical compositions, vaccine compositions, and related methods for inducing or enhancing immune responses, are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of producing a pathogen with reduced replicative fitness are disclosed, as are attenuated pathogens produced using the methods. In particular examples, the method includes deoptimizing one or more codons in a coding sequence, thereby reducing the replicative fitness of the pathogen. Methods of using the attenuated pathogens as immunogenic compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions are provided comprising heat shock protein, immunoglobulins and retroviral antigens to induce systemic and mucosal immunity to infection from retroviruses such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Methods of treatment provided comprise administration of the compositions, which boost the immune systems response to the retroviral antigens or immunogens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for producing an immune response or reaction, as well as to vaccines, kits, processes, cells and uses thereof. This invention more particularly relates to compositions and methods of using a synthetic viral particle to produce, modify or regulate an immune response in a subject. In a more preferred embodiment, the invention is based, generally, on compositions using synthetic viral particles as an adjuvant and/or vehicle to raise an immune response against selected antigen(s) or epitopes, in particular a cellular and/or a humoral immune response.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for delivering a polynucleotide encoding a gene of interest to a target cell using a virus. The virus envelope comprises a cell-specific binding determinant that recognizes and binds to a component on the target cell surface, leading to endocytosis of the virus. A separate fusogenic molecule is also present on the envelope and facilitates delivery of the polynucleotide across the membrane and into the cytosol of the target cell. The methods and related compositions can be used for treating patients having suffering from a wide range of conditions, including infection, such as HIV; cancers, such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and breast cancer; and hematological disorders, such as severe combined immunodeficiency.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure encompasses virus-like particles, methods of making virus-like particles, including expression vectors, wherein the virus-like particles may comprise enhanced levels of capsid-bound a chimeric HN-Env polypeptide compared to VLPs derived from unmodified HIV-env polypeptides. Embodiments of the virus-like particle may have Env-specific epitopes exposed on the outer surface thereof. In one embodiment, the Env-specific epitopes exposed on the outer surface of the virus-like particle may specifically bind with an anti-HIV-Env specific antibody. Embodiments of the disclosure further includes methods of generating an antibody specific to an epitope of an HIV-Env polypeptide, comprising delivering to an animal or a human an effective amount of a suspension of virus-like particles comprising a chimeric HIV-Eny polypeptide, thereby inducing the formation of an antibody specific to an epitope of an HIV-1 eny polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a DNA vaccine for immunization against HIV. The invention comprises a DNA molecule that has a sequence encoding a plurality of viral proteins capable of stimulating an immune response against HIV. The DNA molecule is rendered safe for use as a vaccine by the disruption of genes encoding reverse transcriptase, integrase, and Vif. The DNA molecule is further rendered safe by at least a partial deletion of the 3? LTR.

Abstract: Use of a recombinant lentiviral vector comprising a polynucleotide fragment encoding at least one protein of a virus of the family Flaviviridae or an immunogenic peptide of at least 8 amino acids of said protein, for preparing a pharmaceutical composition intended for the prevention and/or the treatment of a Flaviviridae infection in a sensitive species.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the design of gene transfer vectors and especially provides lentiviral gene transfer vectors suitable for either a unique administration or for iterative administration in a host, and to their medicinal application (such as vaccination against Immunodeficiency Virus, especially suitable in human hosts). Gene transfer vectors can be either integrative or non-integrative vectors. The invention encompasses prophylactic, therapeutic, symptomatic, and curative treatments of animals, including humans, as well as gene therapy and vaccination in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for producing an immune response or reaction, as well as to vaccines, kits, processes, cells and uses thereof. This invention more particularly relates to compositions and methods of using a synthetic viral particle to produce, modify or regulate an immune response in a subject. In a more preferred embodiment, the invention is based, generally, on compositions using synthetic viral particles as an adjuvant and/or vehicle to raise an immune response against selected antigen(s) or epitopes, in particular a cellular and/or a humoral immune response.

Abstract: This invention relates to adjuvant formulations comprising various combinations of triterpenoids, sterols, immunomodulators, polymers, and Th2 stimulators; methods for making the adjuvant compositions; and the use of the adjuvant formulations in immunogenic and vaccine compositions with different antigens. This invention further relates to the use of the formulations in the treatment of animals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a peptide derived from HIV-1 gp120 which forms insoluble aggregates when introduced into an aqueous solution and its use for enhancing viral infection of cells. In addition, the invention comprises methods for enhancing viral infection of cells, for concentrating a virus and for separating a virus from a fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunogenic compositions for modulating the immune system, comprising a therapeutically effective quantity of two or more immuno-active antigenic agents with pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and/or danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and one or more physiologically acceptable carriers, excipients, diluents or solvents. The immunogenic compositions according to the present invention are used for producing medicaments for preventing and/or treating, and for preventing and/or treating infectious diseases, auto-immune diseases, allergic diseases, inflammation, arthritis, inflammatory diseases, transplant rejection, affections caused by vascular disorders, diseases caused by haemorrhagic or ischaemic cardiovascular accidents, ischaemia, heart attack and haemorrhagia leading to tissue destruction, heart, kidney, respiratory or liver insufficiency, cancer, malign and benign tumours and neoplasia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method of screening for candidate compounds capable of being used for the preventative and/or curative treatment of a disease caused by a retrovirus in which the candidate compound which modulates the expression and/or the activity of the SAMHD1 protein is identified as a candidate compound capable of being used for the preventative and/or curative treatment of a disease caused by a retrovirus. The invention also relates to a vaccine composition and an immunogenic composition, comprising i) an inhibitor of the expression and/or of the activity of the SAMHD1 protein and ii) at least one antigen of a retrovirus.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated HERV polypeptides; and compositions, including immunogenic compositions, comprising a HERV polypeptide. The present invention provides immunogenic compositions comprising a nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a HERV polypeptide. The immunogenic compositions are useful for stimulating a T cell immune response to a lentiviral peptide. The present invention further provides methods of stimulating an immune response in an individual to a retrovirus- or lentivirus-infected cell. The present invention further provides methods of treating cancers in which HERV polypeptides are expressed. Also provided are methods of treating disorders, involving decreasing an immune response to a HERV polypeptide.

Abstract: Mutated viral ENV proteins having mutations in the immunosuppressive domain (ISU) of the transmembrane subunit (TM) have decreased immunosuppressive activity with respect to the wild-type ENV protein. Pharmaceutical compositions that include the protein and nucleic acids coding for the protein are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides antibodies, or fragments thereof, for isolating and/or identifying epitopes of an endogenous retrovirus, preferably of a melanoma associated endogenous retrovirus, and hybridoma cells producing said antibodies. The antibodies are useful especially for the treatment and diagnosis of cancer. Further, the present application covers diagnostic kits for the detection of cancer cells, especially of melanoma cells and methods for cancer diagnosis using said antibodies.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a method of obtaining purified BLV gp51 antigen as well as a novel ELISA assay using said antigen. The present invention is useful in the diagnosis of enzootic leukaemia in cattle.

Abstract: Described is an immunostimulatory oligodeoxynucleic acid molecule (ODN) having the structure according to formula (I), wherein any NMP is a 2? deoxynucleoside monophosphate or monothiophosphate, selected from the group consisting of deoxyadenosine-, deoxyguanosine-, deoxyinosine-, deoxycytosine-, deoxyuridine-, deoxythymidine-, 2-methyl-deoxyinosine-, 5-methyl-deoxycytosine-, deoxypseudouridine-, deoxyribosepurine-, 2-amino-deoxyribosepurine-, -6-S-deoxyguanine-, 2-dimethyl-deoxyguanosine- or N-isopentenyl-deoxyadenosine-monophosphate or -monothiophosphate, NUC is a 2? deoxynucleoside, selected from the group consisting of deoxyadenosine-, deoxyguanosine-, deoxyinosine-, deoxycytosine-, deoxyuridine-, deoxythymidine-, 2-methyl-deoxyinosine-, 5-methyl-deoxycytosine-, deoxypseudouridine-, deoxyribosepurine-, 2-amino-deoxyribosepurine-, 6-S-deoxyguanine-, 2-dimethyl-deoxyguanosine- or N-isopentenyl-deoxyadenosine, any X is O or S, a and b are integers from 0 to 100 with the proviso that a+b is between 4 and 150,

Abstract: The invention concerns a recombinant vector characterized in that it comprises a polynucleotide comprising a central initiation cis-active region (cPPT) and a termination cis-active region (CTS), the regions being of retroviral or retroviral-like origin, and the vector further comprising a predetermined nucleotide sequence (transgene or nucleotide sequence of interest) and retrotranscription regulating, expressing, and packaging signals of retroviral or retroviral-like origin.

Abstract: The present invention provides targeted lentiviral vectors that are psuedotyped with mutated Sindbis envelopes. For example, mutations in the Sindbis E2 protein are used to alter viral titer, specificity, specificity index, tropism, and susceptibility to host immune response. Typically, one or more of the E1, E2, or E3 proteins can be mutated at one or more amino acid positions. The psuedotyped, targeted lentiviral vectors of the invention are used to transduce heterologous genes into a cell and can be used for in vivo and ex vivo therapeutic applications, as well as for diagnostic and research tool applications.

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: A method to induce an immune response in a host in need thereof, comprises administering to the host, recombinant lentiviral vector particles comprising: a) a GAG polypeptide or a functional GAG-polypeptide derivative; b) a POL polypeptide or a functional POL-polypeptide derivative ; c) an ENV polypeptide or a functional ENV-polypeptide derivative; and d) a recombinant polynucleotide. The recombinant polynucleotide comprises a transgene placed under the control of regulatory signals for transcription and expression, regulatory signals, of lentiviral origin, for reverse transcription, expression and packaging, and a polynucleotide comprising a cis-acting central initiation region (cPPT) and a cis-acting termination region (CTS). The regions are of lentiviral origin and are inserted in a functional orientation with the regulatory signals of lentiviral origin. The polynucleotide forms a DNA triplex during reverse transcription.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immunogenic composition comprising a recombinant vector characterized in that it comprises a polynucleotide comprising the cis-acting central initiation region (cPPT) and the cis-acting termination region (CTS), these regions being of retroviral or retroviral-like origin, said vector comprising in addition a defined nucleotide sequence (transgene or sequence of interest) and regulatory signals of retrotranscription, expression and encapsidation of retroviral or retroviral-like origin, wherein the composition is capable of inducing or of stimulating a cell-mediated response for instance a CTL (Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes) response or a CD4 response, against one or several epitopes encoded by the transgene sequence present in the vector.

Abstract: This document relates to compositions and methods for modulating an immune response. For example, compositions of immunostimulatory CpG oligonucleotides derived from retroviral genomes are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to cholesterol-sequestering agents and methods of using cholesterol-sequestering agents to treat or prevent infection. The compositions of the invention can be used in vitro or in vivo to decrease the load of a microorganism in a biological sample. Methods of generating an immune response against a microorganism are also included.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic gag and gagpol genes optimized for high level expression via codon optimization and the uses thereof for the efficient generation of vector particles. The invention further relates to the generation of packaging cells and vaccines based on the synthetic gag and gagpol genes.

Abstract: PD-1 antagonists are disclosed that can be used to reduce the expression or activity of PD-1 in a subject. An immune response specific to an infectious agent or to tumor cells can be enhanced using these PD-1 antagonists in conjunction with an antigen from the infectious agent or tumor. Thus, subjects with infections, such as persistent infections can be treated using PD-1 antagonists. In addition, subjects with tumors can be treated using the PD-1 antagonists. In several examples, subjects can be treated by transplanting a therapeutically effective amount of activated T cells that recognize an antigen of interest and by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a PD-1 antagonist.