Abstract: Briefly described, virosomes, methods of preparing virosomes, immunogenic compositions that include virosomes, and methods of eliciting an immune response using immunogenic compositions that include virosomes are described herein. A virosome can include at least one viral surface envelope glycoprotein expressed on the surface of the virosome. The virosome can also optionally include at least one adjuvant molecule expressed on the surface of the virosome.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods related to the treatment of viral infection. In some embodiments, the invention relates to the treatment of hepatitis C viral infection. In further embodiments, the invention relates to methods of administering oligonucleotide compositions for treating viral infections. In still further embodiments, the invention relates to the administration of antiviral agents, corticosteroids and immunomodulatory agents. In additional embodiments, the invention relates to the manipulation of immunostimulatory motifs within the oligonucleotides.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of treating a dog for canine diseases comprising administering to the dog therapeutically effective amounts of a vaccine, wherein the vaccine comprises viral antigens, a bacterin, or both, and wherein the vaccine is administered subcutaneously or orally according to the schedules provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stabiliser composition comprising an amino acid, and a sugar wherein all compounds are chemically defined; to a vaccine composition comprising such a stabiliser composition and a biological molecule and/or a micro-organism; to a method for preparing a pharmaceutical composition comprising admixing such a stabiliser composition with a biological molecule and/or a micro-organism; to the use of such a stabiliser composition, and of vaccines prepared therewith.

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 invention provides an improved Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterin vaccine composition, which advantageously provides immunity from infection after a single administration. The composition comprises an inactivated Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterin and an adjuvant mixture, which, in combination, provide immunity from Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infection after a single administration, and elicit an immune response specific to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterin and including cell-mediated immunity and local (secretory IgA) immunity. In a preferred embodiment, the adjuvant mixture comprises an acrylic acid polymer, most preferably CARBOPOL®, and a mixture of a metabolizable oil such as one or more unsaturated terpene hydrocarbons, preferably squalene or squalane, and a polyoxyethylene-polypropylene block copolymer such as PLURONIC®. The vaccine composition may optionally include a preservative, preferably thimerosol and/or EDTA.

Abstract: Use of a polyamino acid as an adjuvant; an application of a polyamino acid as an adjuvant in the production of a vaccine; a vaccine comprising a polyamino acid as an adjuvant; a biodegradable nanoparticle having a virus antigen immobilized thereon; and a vaccine comprising the biodegradable nanoparticle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a super-antigen fusion protein, comprising: a peptide fragment whose sequence corresponds to a partial SARS E2 spike protein; and a translocating peptide fragment for transporting a protein into a cell and translocating the protein in cytosol; wherein, the amino acid sequence of the peptide fragment corresponding to the partial SARS E2 spike protein includes SEQ ID NO. 1, SEQ ID NO. 2, SEQ ID NO. 3 or SEQ ID NO. 4. The present invention further relates to DNA sequences corresponding to the partial SARS E2 spike protein includes SEQ ID NO. 5, SEQ ID NO. 6, SEQ ID NO. 7, or SEQ ID NO. 8; wherein the DNA sequences are able to express specific proteins in an E. Coli expression system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cDNA of a severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus, recombinant SARS coronavirus vectors, and SARS coronavirus replicon particles. Also provided are methods of making the compositions of this invention and methods of using the compositions as immunogens and/or vaccines and/or to express heterologous nucleic acids.

Abstract: An isolated ferritin fusion protein is provided in which ferritin is fused with a protein or peptide capable of being fused to ferritin without interfering with the polymeric self-assembly of the resulting fusion protein, and the protein may be of the endocapsid form when fused at the C terminus or an exocapsid form when fused at the N terminus. These fusion proteins may self-assemble into a variety of useful higher polymeric forms, e.g., capsid or other polymeric aggregate, and they are advantageous in that they are useful in a variety of applications, including human and veterinary vaccines and therapeutics, blood substitutes, image contrast agents, metal chelating agents, gelling agents, protein purification platforms, and therapeutic receptor-binding proteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of coronaviruses and diagnosis, therapeutic use, and vaccines derived therefrom. The invention provides replicative coronaviruses and virus-like particles (VLPs) from which large parts of their genome are (at least functionally) deleted without abolishing their replicative capacities. The deletion preferably results in at least a functional deletion in that the corresponding gene is not or is only partly expressed wherein the resulting gene product is dysfunctional or at least functionally distinct from a corresponding wild-type gene product.

Abstract: Recombinant baculoviruses, virus-like particles, and polypeptide that contain a protein sequence of a heterologous virus, related compositions, and related preparation, screening, delivery, detection, and treatment methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to introduce a nucleic acid molecule into a fetid by administration of a nucleic acid-cationic lipid complex composition. The method includes the step of administering to the felid, by a parenteral route, a nucleic acid-cationic lipid complex to elicit and/or enhance an immune response. In one embodiment, this method enhances the immune response in a fetid compared to a method in which a naked DNA vaccine is administered to a felid. Also provided is a method to deliver a nucleic acid to a felid. This method comprises parenterally administering to the fetid a composition that includes a nucleic acid molecule complexed with a cationic lipid.

Abstract: This invention provides a dry powder composition for poultry vaccination via inhalation comprising an effective amount of a poultry vaccine agent, and a supporting amount of carriers for said poultry vaccine agent, said carriers comprising a combination of a reducing or non-reducing sugar and a biocompatible polymer, said dry powder composition being in the form of particles having an average particle size from 2 to 30 ?m and a particle size polydispersity from 1.1 to 4.0. This invention also relates to a method for producing said dry powder compositions and a system for vaccination of poultry by inhalation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of identifying lethal, virulent and rapidly replicating viruses, organisms, and malignancies comprising comparing Replikin concentrations among different viruses, organisms, or malignancies. The present invention further provides isolated Replikin Peak Genes associated with increased lethality, virulence and rapid replication, for diagnostic, therapeutic and predictive purposes.

Abstract: Described is a composition and method for reducing the occurrence and severity of infectious diseases, especially infectious diseases such as SARS, in which lipid-containing infectious viral organisms are found in biological fluids, such as blood. The present invention employs solvents useful for extracting lipids from the lipid-containing infectious viral organism thereby creating immunogenic modified, partially delipidated viral particles with reduced infectivity. The present invention provides delipidated viral vaccine compositions, such as therapeutic vaccine compositions, comprising these modified, partially delipidated viral particles with reduced infectivity, optionally combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or an immunostimulant. The vaccine composition is administered to a patient to provide protection against the lipid-containing infectious viral organism or, in case of a therapeutic vaccine, to treat or alleviate infection against the lipid-containing infections viral organism.

Abstract: The present invention is directed live, attenuated coronavirus vaccines. The vaccine comprises a viral genome encoding a p59 protein having at mutation at a specific tyrosine residue, and may include other attenuating mutations. Such viruses show reduced growth and pathogenicity in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vaccine for use in the protection of poultry against infectious bronchitis comprising an attenuated infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or diluent, characterized in that the attenuated IBV comprises a heterologous spike gene. Such a vaccine is based on IBV strain Beaudette that is able to express a spike gone derived from a different IBV strain. The vaccines provided by the present invention also allow the administration via the in ovo route.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of preparing a DNA comprising steps, wherein (a) a DNA comprising a full length copy of the genomic RNA (gRNA) or an RNA virus; or (b) a DNA comprising one or several fragments of a gRNA of an RNA virus, which fragments code for an RNA dependent RNA polymerase and at least one structural or non-structural protein; or (c) a DNA having a homology of at least 60% to the sequences of (a) or (b); is cloned into a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC). Additionally, DNAs are provided, which comprise sequences derived from the genomic RNA (gRNA) of a coronavirus which sequences have a homology of at least 60% to the natural sequence of the virus and code for an RNA dependent RNA polymerase and at least one structural or no-structural protein, wherein a fragment of said DNA is capable of being transcribed into RNA which RNA can be assembled to a virion.

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: The present invention relates to a method for reducing the occurrence and severity of infectious diseases, especially infectious diseases in which lipid-containing infectious viral organisms are found in biological fluids, such as blood. The present invention employs solvents useful for extracting lipids from the lipid-containing infectious viral organism thereby creating modified viral particles with reduced infectivity and enhanced antigenicity. The present invention provides vaccine compositions, comprising these modified viral particles with reduced infectivity and enhanced antigenicity, optionally combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or an immunostimulant. The vaccine composition is administered to a patient to provide protection against the lipid-containing infectious viral organism. The vaccine compositions of the present invention include combination vaccines of modified viral particles obtained from one or more strains of a virus and/or one or more types of virus.

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: The present invention relates to methods of preparing a DNA comprising steps, wherein (a) a DNA comprising a full length copy of the genomic RNA (gRNA) or an RNA virus; or (b) a DNA comprising one or several fragments of a gRNA of an RNA virus, which fragments code for an RNA dependent RNA polymerase and at least one structural or non-structural protein; or (c) a DNA having a homology of at least 60% to the sequences of (a) or (b); is cloned into a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC). Additionally, DNAs are provided, which comprise sequences derived from the genomic RNA (gRNA) of a coronavirus which sequences have a homology of at least 60% to the natural sequence of the virus and code for an RNA dependent RNA polymerase and at least one structural or non-structural protein, wherein a fragment of said DNA is capable of being transcribed into RNA which RNA can he assembled to a virion.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibody reagents that recognize the SARS-coronavirus (SARS-HCoV) are needed urgently. In this report we describe the development and immunochemical characterisation of mAbs against the SARS-HCoV based upon their specificity, binding requirements, and biological activity. Initial screening by ELISA, using highly purified virus as the coating antigen, resulted in the selection of seventeen mAbs. Five mAbs exhibited Western immunoblot reactivity with the denatured spike protein, of which two demonstrated the ability to neutralize SARS-HCoV in vitro. Another four Western immunoblot-negative mAbs also neutralize the virus. These antibodies will be useful for the development of diagnostic tests, pathogenicity and vaccine studies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolation and characterization of a class of isolated novel viruses which is the precursor of the virus causing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in humans (“hSARS virus”). The precursor virus which is a SARS coronavirus-like virus (“SCoV-like virus”) is identified to be morphologically and phylogenetically similar to hSARS virus. The present invention relates to a nucleotide sequence comprising the genomic sequence of the SCoV-like virus. The invention further relates to nucleotide sequences comprising a portion of the genomic sequence of the SCoV-like virus. The invention also relates to the deduced amino acid sequences of the SCoV-like virus. The invention further relates to the nucleic acids and peptides encoded by and/or derived from these sequences and their use in diagnostic methods and therapeutic methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method utilizing mammalian expression system for generating virus-like particles (VLPs) of mammalian-hosted viruses, particularly SARS-CoV. The method of the present invention involves expression of viral structural proteins in Vero cells and thereby obtaining recombinant VLPs in the culture medium. SARS-VLPs generated by the method of the present invention are highly immunogenic and can elicit not only humoral but also cellular immune responses in a mammal.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of virology. The invention provides a new isolated essentially mammalian positive-sense single stranded RNA virus (EMCR-CoV) within the group of coronaviuses and components thereof.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of eliciting antibodies and neutralizing of binding antibodies against a hepatitis C virus (HCV) E1E2 or E2 antigen using HCV E2 or HCV E1E2 polypeptides and/or HCV E2 or E1E2 polynucleotides. Elicitation of anti-E2 antibodies and anti-E2 NOB antibodies can be used, inter alia, to provide model systems to optimize anti-E2 antibody responses and/or anti-E2 NOB antibody responses to HCV and to provide prophylactic or therapeutic treatment against HCV infection.

Abstract: Inactivated scours vaccines for immunization and protection of bovine animals from disease caused by infection with bovine rotavirus and bovine coronavirus, which comprise and effective amount of at least one inactivated viral strain are described. Polyvalent inactivated vaccines further comprising an effective amount of an antigenic component which is protective against one or more additional pathogenic organisms or viruses are also disclosed. Said vaccines are prepared from one or more strains of rota- and coronavirus, C. perfringens Type C bacteria and E. coli bacteria, and combinations thereof. Preferably, a polyvalent inactivated vaccine is provided for parenteral administration. Passive immunity is achieved in neonatal calves via immunization of pregnant cows prior to birth.

Abstract: A helper cell for producing an infectious, replication defective, coronavirus (or more generally nidovirus) particle cell comprises (a) a nidovirus permissive cell; (b) a nidovirus replicon RNA comprising the nidovirus packaging signal and a heterologous RNA sequence, wherein the replicon RNA further lacks a sequence encoding at least one nidovirus structural protein; and (c) at least one separate helper RNA encoding the at least one structural protein absent from the replicon RNA, the helper RNA(s) lacking the nidovirus packaging signal. The combined expression of the replicon RNA and the helper RNA in the nidovirus permissive cell produces an assembled nidovirus particle which comprises the heterologous RNA sequence, is able to infect a cell, and is unable to complete viral replication in the absence of the helper RNA due to the absence of the structural protein coding sequence in the packaged replicon.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterin vaccine composition, which advantageously provides immunity from infection after a single administration. The composition comprises an inactivated Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterin and an adjuvant mixture, which, in combination, provide immunity from Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infection after a single administration, and elicit an immune response specific to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterin and including cell-mediated immunity and local (secretory IgA) immunity. In a preferred embodiment, the adjuvant mixture comprises an acrylic acid polymer, most preferably CARBOPOL®, and a mixture of a metabolizable oil such as one or more unsaturated terpene hydrocarbons, preferably squalene or squalane, and a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer such as PLURONIC®. The vaccine composition may optionally include a preservative, preferably thimerosol and/or EDTA.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods that are useful for preventing and treating a coronavirus infection in a subject. More specifically, the invention provides peptides and conjugates and pharmaceutical compositions containing those peptides and conjugates that block fusion of a coronavirus, such as the SARS virus, to a target cell. This blocking mechanism prevents or treats a coronavirus infection, such as a SARS infection, in a subject, such as a human subject.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions to preserve bioactive materials in a dried foam matrix. Methods provide non-boiling foam generation and penetration of preservative agents at temperatures near the phase transition temperature of the membranes.

Abstract: An isolated ferritin fusion protein is provided in which ferritin is fused with a protein or peptide capable of being fused to ferritin without interfering with the polymeric self-assembly of the resulting fusion protein, and the protein may be of the endocapsid form when fused at the C terminus or an exocapsid form when fused at the N terminus. These fusion proteins may self-assemble into a variety of useful higher polymeric forms, e.g., capsid or other polymeric aggregate, and they are advantageous in that they are useful in a variety of applications, including human and veterinary vaccines and therapeutics, blood substitutes, image contrast agents, metal chelating agents, gelling agents, protein purification platforms, and therapeutic receptor-binding proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multivalent recombinant raccoon poxviruses, containing more than one exogenous gene inserted into either the thymidine kinase gene, the hemagglutinin gene, or a combination thereof. Disclosed is the use of the multivalent recombinant raccoon poxviruses as vaccines to immunize felines against subsequent challenge by feline pathogens. Also disclosed is a method of making a multivalent recombinant raccoon poxvirus by a recombination process involving the construction of an insertion vector into which the exogenous genes are inserted, and flanking the inserted genes are sequences which can recombine into the raccoon poxvirus thymidine kinase gene, or the hemagglutinin gene, or a combination thereof; introducing both the insertion vector containing the exogenous genes, and raccoon poxvirus into susceptible host cells; and selecting the recombinant raccoon poxvirus from the resultant plaques.

Abstract: The vectors comprise a recombinant defective viral genome expressing at least one antigen suitable for the induction of systemic and secretory immune responses or an antibody conferring protection against an infectious agent. The defective viral genome comprises the genome of a parental virus having the viral replicase recognition signals located on ends 3? and 5?, further comprising internal deletions, and wherein said defective viral genome depends on a helper virus for its replication and encapsidation. These vectors are suitable for the forming of a recombinant system comprising the aforesaid expression vector, and a helper virus. The system is suitable for the manufacture of mono- and polyvalent vaccines against infectious agents of different animal species, especially pigs, dogs and cats, and as expression vehicles for antibodies protective against infectious agents.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterin vaccine composition, which advantageously provides immunity from infection after a single administration. The composition comprises an inactivated Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterin and an adjuvant mixture, which, in combination, provide immunity from Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infection after a single administration, and elicit an immune response specific to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterin and including cell-mediated immunity and local (secretory IgA) immunity. In a preferred embodiment, the adjuvant mixture comprises an acrylic acid polymer, most preferably CARBOPOL®, and a mixture of a metabolizable oil such as one or more unsaturated terpene hydrocarbons, preferably squalene or squalane, and a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer such as PLURONIC®. The vaccine composition may optionally include a preservative, preferably thimerosol and/or EDTA.

Abstract: Inactivated scours vaccines for immunization and protection of bovine animals from disease caused by infection with bovine rotavirus and bovine coronavirus, which comprise and effective amount of at least one inactivated viral strain are described. Polyvalent inactivated vaccines further comprising an effective amount of an antigenic component which is protective against one or more additional pathogenic organisms or viruses are also disclosed. Said vaccines are prepared from one or more strains of rota- and coronavirus, C. perfringens Type C bacteria and E. coli bacteria, and combinations thereof. Preferably, a polyvalent inactivated vaccine is provided for parenteral administration. Passive immunity is achieved in neonatal calves via immunization of pregnant cows prior to birth.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes and compositions for protecting host animals (e.g., chickens) from exposure to virulent infectious bronchitis virus. In ovo administration of live, avirulent strains of IB at appropriate dosage levels on a per egg basis provides an effective and efficient vaccination having acceptable safety and efficacy features.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions to preserve bioactive materials, such as viruses, bacteria, cells, or liposomes, in freeze dried particles suitable for pulmonary administration. Methods provide spray freeze drying of formulations to form stable freeze dried particles.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions to preserve bioactive materials, such as peptides, nucleic acids, viruses, bacteria, cells, or liposomes, in freeze dried particles suitable for intranasal administration. Methods provide spray freeze drying of formulations to form stable freeze dried particles for intranasal administration.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions to preserve bioactive materials in a dried foam matrix. Methods provide non-boiling foam generation and penetration of preservative agents at temperatures near the phase transition temperature of the membranes.

Abstract: The present invention provides the amino acid and nucleotide sequences of a CCV spike gene, and compositions containing one or more fragments of the spike gene and encoded polypeptide for prophylaxis, diagnostic purposes and treatment of CCV infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells for the anchorage-dependent and suspension-culture propagation of coronaviruses, including bovine coronavirus. In one embodiment, bovine coronavirus VR874 is cultured in CHO-K1 cells under conditions in which the virus proliferates.

Abstract: The present invention provides the amino acid and nucleotide sequences of a CCV spike gene, and compositions containing one or more fragments of the spike gene and encoded polypeptide for prophylaxis, diagnostic purposes and treatment of CCV infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides and proteins useful in the diagnosis and prevention of disease caused by feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) and feline enteric coronavirus (FECV).

Abstract: An infectious clone based on the genome of a wild-type RNA virus is produced by the process of providing a host cell not susceptible to infection by the wild-type RNA virus, providing a recombinant nucleic acid based on the genome of the wild-type RNA virus, transfecting the host cell with the recombinant nucleic acid and selecting for infectious clones. The recombinant nucleic acid comprises at least one full-length DNA copy or in vitro-transcribed RNA copy or a derivative of either. The infectious clones can be used in single or dual purpose vaccines and in viral vector vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention provides the amino acid and nucleotide sequences of a CCV spike gene, and compositions containing one or more fragments of the spike gene and encoded polypeptide for prophylaxis, diagnostic purposes and treatment of CCV infections.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are compositions containing a Borrelia burgdorferi antigen, and methods for making and using them. The antigen can be OspA. The compositions can contain at least one additional antigen from a pathogen other than Borrelia burgdorferi. The compositions are useful for eliciting an immunological response in a host mammal susceptible to Lyme Disease and to the mammalian pathogen other than Borrelia burgdorferi. Suitable host mammals include dogs, pups, horses, and, the additional antigen can be of a canine, equine or feline pathogen, such as rabies, canine distemper, adenovirus, coronavirus, parainfluenza and parvovirus. No significant efficacy interference is observed.

Abstract: The invention comprises the nucleotide sequences comprising the FIPV S gene, or a fragment of this gene, which are modified in at least one of the antigenic regions A1 and A2 which are involved in enhancement, as well as the use of these sequences for the expression of modified proteins, and for the construction of recombinant viruses or expression plasmids, and the use of the recombinant viruses as vaccines against feline infectious peritonitis, the use of the expression plasmids as immunizing composition by direct injection of the said plasmids into cats, and the use of the modified proteins as vaccine.