Abstract: Disclosed are plasmids that contain and express in vivo in a feline host cell nucleic acid molecules. The plasmid can include nucleic molecule(s) having sequence(s) encoding infectious peritonitis virus M; feline immunodeficiency virus env, or gag, or pro, or gag and pro, or env and gag and pro; rabies G; or feline leukemia virus env and/or gag. Compositions containing such plasmids, methods of use employing such plasmids, and kits involving such plasmids, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant raccoonpox virus comprising a raccoonpox virus viral genome which contains a foreign DNA sequence inserted into a non-essential region within the HindIII “U” genomic region, the HindIII “M” genomic region, or HindIII “N” genomic region of the raccoonpox virus genome. The present invention provides a recombinant raccoonpox virus comprising a raccoonpox virus viral genome which contains a deletion in a raccoonpox virus host range gene of the viral genome. The present invention provides a homology vector for producing a recombinant raccoonpox virus by inserting a foreign DNA sequence into the raccoonpox virus genome. The present invention provides a recombinant raccoonpox virus which is useful as a vaccine in mammalian and avian species.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotide molecules encoding portions of the S protein from feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV). The present invention further provides polynucleotide molecules encoding the entire S protein or portions thereof from feline enteric coronavirus (FECV). The polynucleotide molecules of the present invention are useful as diagnostic reagents.

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 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 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 present invention is directed to compositions and methods for the induction of immune responses in mammals against enveloped animal viruses. More particularly, the invention provides vaccine compositions containing multiple MHC allotypes. By generating an immune response against these MHC molecules, virus or virus-infected cells expressing foreign MHC molecules can be attacked prior to infection of cells in the immunized host. In some embodiments, the vaccine compositions contain viral antigens and adjuvants as well. The vaccine compositions may comprise intact cells, cell-derived membrane preparations or recombinantly or chemically produced MHC molecules or fragments thereof.