Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for ameliorating or preventing diseases that are caused, in part, by an increased level of, and/or an abnormal responsivity to, interferon. Specifically, the invention provides compositions and methods for preventing and treating subjects suffering from, or at risk for, such diseases. Such methods include the administration of a pharmacological preparation of interferon binding proteins that antagonize interferon's action. This invention comprises compositions of interferon binding proteins that can inhibit the activity of Type I and II.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoparamunity inducers based on paramunizing viruses or viral components of a myxomavirus strain from rabbits with typically generalizing disease, to a method for the production thereof and to the use thereof as medicaments for the regulatory optimization of the paramunizing activities for the prophylaxis and therapy of various dysfunctions in humans and animals.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient with a disease wherein the patient contains diseased cells which cells contain antigens for identification and which cells are capable of presenting at least part of said antigen on their surface by an HLA class I (or equivalent) molecule, the method comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of either antigen presenting cells which have been gene delivered with the interleukin 12 (IL-12) gene plus a relevant antigen. In a related set of claims said method refers to the administration to a patient of therapeutic levels of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) which recognize at least part of said antigen when presented by an HLA class I (or equivalent) molecule on the surface of a cell and which these CTL were stimulated by the antigen presenting cells, mentioned in the first section, which have been gene delivered with the interleukin 12 (IL-12) gene plus a relevant antigen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunogenic or vaccine composition to induce an immune response or protective immune response against Orbiviruses, more specifically bluetongue virus (BTV) in an animal susceptible to BTV infection. The composition may include a pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable vehicle or excipient, and a vector. The vector may contain heterologous nucleic acid molecule(s), expresses in vivo in the animal BTV antigen, immunogen or epitope thereof, e.g., BTV VP2; BTV VP2 and VP5; BTV VP2 and VP5 and VP3 and/or VP7. The composition can contain an adjuvant, such as carbomer. Methods for making and using such a composition, including prime-boost regimes and including as to differential diagnosis, are also contemplated.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a molecular adjuvant to generate an immune response in a host. In particular, the molecular adjuvant may be a TLR signalling pathway component, a co-stimulatory molecule, an NKG2D ligand, IL- or IL-15.

Abstract: A method for generating a T cell immune response in a host involving administering a vectored vaccine comprising a non-replicating or replication impaired viral vector expressing the translation product of a mycobacterial antigen 85A gene. Vectored vaccines and uses thereof are also provided. Also provided is a method of inducing a CD8 and a CD4 memory T cell response against an antigen using an adenovirus vector expressing an antigen or an immunogenic fragment thereof.

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: A vaccine composition for combating Pox viridae viral infections in living organisms such as mammals (including humans) comprises TAP-1 and/or TAP-2 to augment the antigen processing capability of infected cells and hence their immunogenicity. The composition may be used alone or, preferably, as an immunogenicity-enhancing adjuvant with a pox antigen-based vaccine, especially in the treatment or prophylaxis of viral infections such as smallpox.

Abstract: Improved DNA vaccine plasmids are disclosed that contain novel immunostimulatory RNA compositions. The improved plasmids eliminate all extraneous sequences, incorporate a novel antibiotic free short RNA based selectable marker, increase eukaryotic expression using a novel chimeric promoter, improve yield and stability during bacterial production, and improve immunostimulation. These vectors are utilized in immunization to elicit improved immune responses or therapy to induce type 1 interferon production.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of vaccination as well as pharmaceutical combinations and kits for enhancing vaccine effectiveness, including for immunodeficient or immunecompromised patients, including non-responders and low-responders to vaccination. As disclosed herein, the invention relates to administering a vaccine and a regimen of thymosin alpha peptide so as to provide higher antibody titers, speed the development of such antibody titers, and/or to provide for a longer duration of such antibody titers, thereby providing a greater protective effect. In another aspect, the invention allows for reducing a vaccine dose, such as an influenza vaccine dose, by administration of a thymosin peptide regimen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of vaccination via hair follicles that makes it possible to target vaccine components to the antigen-presenting cells in order to induce a protective and effective immune response against pathogens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide and the use of the nucleic acid or polypeptide in preventing and/or treating cancer. The invention relates to improved vectors for the insertion and expression of foreign genes encoding tumor antigens for use in immunotherapeutic treatment of cancer. One such foreign DNA sequence is modified CEA nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides vectors that contain and express in vivo Leishmania KMP11 or an epitope thereof that elicits an immune response in a dog against Leishmania, compositions comprising said vectors, methods of vaccination against Leishmania, and kits for use with such methods and compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of Parapoxviruses in combination with other agents for the treatment of viral diseases, and in particular HIV infections and AIDS. The invention also relates to methods for producing medicaments based on combinations of Parapoxviruses and other antiviral agents, and to such medicaments. In particular, the invention relates to the use of Parapoxviruses in combination with agents of the kind used for antiretroviral therapy and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment and prevention of pox virus infections are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for inducing immune responses against poxviruses are disclosed. The compositions include nucleic acids that encode modified vaccinia and variola antigens. Compositions that include recombinant vaccinia and variola polypeptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: Adjuvant combinations comprising at least one NKT activator, such as alpha-galactosylceramide (?-Gal-Cer) or iGb3, a CD40 agonist and optionally an antigen are disclosed. The use of these immune adjuvants for treatment of various chronic diseases such as cancers is also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides pharmaceutical compositions, such as vaccines, and methods of making and using such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention features immunogenic compositions comprising codon modified genes that encode viral proteins and/or glycoproteins or fragments. The immunogenic compositions of the invention are useful in various methods of treatment, such as preventing or treating viral infection. Also provided in the present invention are kits and instructions for use.

Abstract: Methods for treating cell proliferative disorders by administering virus to proliferating cells having an activated Ras-pathway are disclosed. The virus is administered so that it ultimately directly contacts proliferating cells having an activated Ras-pathway. Proliferative disorders include but are not limited to neoplasms. The virus is selected from modified adenovirus, modified HSV, modified vaccinia virus and modified parapoxvirus orf virus. Also disclosed are methods for treating cell proliferative disorders by further administering an immunosuppressive agent.

Abstract: The invention described here entails a protein vaccine against poxviruses which contains at least two purified recombinant monkeypox virus proteins or peptides. The proteins or peptides are encoded by the open reading frames of the monkeypox ortholog genes M1R, A35R, A29L B6R, and orthologs of these proteins or peptides having 90% identity. The invention also entails a vaccine protocol against poxvirus whereby a vaccine is vaccinated with a first vaccine made up of a nucleic acid vaccine of three or more poxvirus virus genes, and subsequently vaccinated with at least one other booster vaccine made up of two or more poxvirus virus proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for augmenting an immunogenicity of an antigen in a mammal, comprising administering said antigen together with an adjuvant composition that includes a synthetic glycolipid compound of Formula I, as described herein. According to the present invention, the use of a compound of Formula I as an adjuvant is attributed at least in part to the enhancement and/or extension of antigen-specific Th1-type responses, in particular, CD8+ T cell responses. The methods and compositions of the present invention can be useful for prophylaxis and treatment of various infectious and neoplastic diseases.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods of inducing an immune response for the prevention or treatment of HIV-1 infection by using a nucleic acid vaccine in conjunction with a recombinant viral vaccine, e.g., a poxvirus vaccine, to potentiate and broaden the immune response. The present invention further provides a particularly effective vaccine regimen comprising a DNA vaccine used in combination with a poxvirus virus, especially NYVAC or ALVAC.

Abstract: The invention described here entails a protein vaccine against poxviruses which contains at least two purified recombinant monkeypox virus proteins or peptides. The proteins or peptides are encoded by the open reading frames of the monkeypox ortholog genes M1R, A35R, A29L B6R, and orthologs of these proteins or peptides having 90% identity. The invention also entails a vaccine protocol against poxvirus whereby a vaccine is vaccinated with a first vaccine made up of a nucleic acid vaccine of three or more poxvirus virus genes, and subsequently vaccinated with at least one other booster vaccine made up of two or more poxvirus virus proteins.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a MVA mutant and its use in the immunotherapy and vaccination against numerous diseases, in particular in the prevention and therapy of cancer and infectious diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating and/or preventing HIV infection in a subject in need thereof. It features the use of poxviruses, such as vaccinia virus, for therapy, prophylaxis, and diagnosis of HIV, as well as for any other medical or veterinary use associated with HIV or homologous viruses. The invention also provides for the use of poxviruses in the discovery of new agents to prevent and/or treat HIV infection.

Abstract: A safer live smallpox vaccine, which contains a lowered content of revertants, is provided. A process for manufacturing a live smallpox vaccine which comprises steps of: inoculating a master seed solution of an attenuated vaccinia virus to an appropriate number of containers (1 to n wherein n is an integer) of rabbit kidney cells and incubating them; inoculating a portion of the cultured solution obtained from each container to RK-13 cells and to Vero E6 cells and incubating them to thereby select containers which contain a cultured solution that forms plaques in RK-13 cells but not in Vero E6 cells; and preparing a drug substance of vaccine using the aforementioned cultured solution (working seed solution), and a live smallpox vaccine prepared in the aforementioned process.

Abstract: Therapeutic methods and microorganisms therefor are provided. The microorganisms are designed to accumulate in immunoprivileged tissues and cells, such as in tumors and other proliferating tissue and in inflamed tissues, compared to other tissues, cells and organs, so that they exhibit relatively low toxicity to host organisms. The microorganisms also are designed or modified to result in leaky cell membranes of cells in which they accumulate, resulting in production of antibodies reactive against proteins and other cellular products and also permitting exploitation of proferating proliferating tissues, particularly tumors, to produce selected proteins and other products. Vaccines containing the microorganisms are provided. Combinations of the microorganisms and anti-cancer agents and uses thereof for treating cancer also are provided.

Abstract: Methods for reducing infectivity by providing an enveloped virus neutralizing compound (EVNC) are provided. Methods of preparing a vaccine, vaccine formulations, and methods of immunizing a subject a further provided. Methods of disinfecting a surface are still further provided. In some embodiments, compositions comprising an isolated and purified bioactive EVNC agent are provided.

Abstract: An isolated recombinant vaccinia virus complement control protein (hrVCP) polypeptide comprises a modified amino acid sequence comprising one or more amino acid substitutions to an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2. The hrVCP polypeptide exhibits a complement activation regulatory activity greater than a complement activation regulatory activity of a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2. The one or more amino acid substitutions are selected from the group consisting of H98Y, E102K, E108K, E120K, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Improved anti-HIV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed, Immunogens disclosed include those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype A Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype B Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype C Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype D Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype B consensus Nef-Rev protein, and those having consensus sequences form HIV Gag protein subtypes A, B, C and D. Improved anti-HPV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; improved anti-HCV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; improved hTERT immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; and improved anti-Influenza immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed.

Abstract: An immunogenic or vaccine composition to induce an immune response or protective immune response against West Nile virus (WNV) in an animal susceptible to WNV. The composition includes a pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable vehicle or excipient, and a vector. The vector contains heterologous nucleic acid molecule(s), expresses in vivo in the animal WNV antigen, immunogen or epitope thereof, e.g., WNV E; WNV prM and E; WNV M and E; WNV prM, WNV M and E, WNV polyprotein prM-E, WNV polyprotein M-E, or WNV polyprotein prM-M-E. The composition can contain an adjuvant, such as carbomer. Methods for making and using such a composition, including prime-boost regimes and including as to differential diagnosis, are also contemplated.

Abstract: Methods for treating cell proliferative disorders by administering virus to proliferating cells having an activated Ras-pathway are disclosed. The virus is administered so that it ultimately directly contacts proliferating cells having an activated Ras-pathway. Proliferative disorders include but are not limited to neoplasms. The virus is selected from modified adenovirus, modified HSV, modified vaccinia virus and modified parapoxvirus orf virus. Also disclosed are methods for treating cell proliferative disorders by further administering an immunosuppressive agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel insertion sites for introducing DNA into pox vectors.

Abstract: The present invention concerns new recombinant viral vaccines. In particular the present invention provides combination products that comprise recombinant viral vectors and specific compounds able to improve the immune response raised in vivo by said recombinant viral vectors.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and kits comprising poxviruses including, but not limited to modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) and uses thereof to provide immediate protection against pathogens. Poxviruses including, but not limited to MVA can be delivered to a host animal just prior to or after exposure to a pathogen and provide protection against the pathogen.

Abstract: This invention relates to an immunogenic composition comprising an Orthopoxvirus antigen and an adjuvant, the adjuvant comprises a CPG-motif-containing oligonucleotide, and the therapeutic uses thereof.

Abstract: New methods and reagents for vaccination are described which generate a CD8 T cell immune response against malarial and other antigens such as viral and tumour antigens. Novel vaccination regimes are described which employ a priming composition and a boosting composition, the boosting composition comprising a non-replicating or replication-impaired pox virus vector carrying at least one CD8 T cell epitope which is also present in the priming composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for purification of Vaccinia viruses (VV) and/or Vaccinia virus (VV) particles, which can lead to highly pure and stable virus preparations of predominantly biologically active viruses. The invention encompasses purifying a virus preparation in a sterilized way with high efficiency and desirable yield in terms of purity, biological activity and stability, aspects advantageous for industrial production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for purification of Vaccinia viruses (VV) and/or Vaccinia virus (VV) particles, which can lead to highly pure and stable virus preparations of predominantly biologically active viruses. The invention encompasses purifying a virus preparation in a sterilized way with high efficiency and desirable yield in terms of purity, biological activity and stability, aspects advantageous for industrial production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the cultivation of primary cells. The primary cells are cultivated in a serum free medium comprising a factor selected from the group consisting of growth factors and attachment factors. The method for the cultivation of primary cells may be one step in a method for the amplification of viruses, such as poxviruses. According to this latter method the primary cells are cultivated in a serum free medium comprising a factor selected from the group consisting of growth factors and attachment factors. The cells are then infected with the virus and the infected cells are cultivated in serum free medium until progeny virus is produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoparamunity inducers based on paramunizing viruses or viral components of a myxomavirus strain from rabbits with typically generalizing disease, to a method for the production thereof and to the use thereof as medicaments for the regulatory optimization of the paramunizing activities for the prophylaxis and therapy of various dysfunctions in humans and animals.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of modulation of the viability of a cell. Further disclosed herein are methods of modulating an immune response. Further disclosed herein are methods of identifying agents capable of modulation of the viability of a cell or an immune response. Further disclosed herein are agents and compositions capable of modulation of the viability of a cell or an immune response.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing a papillomavirus infection or tumor, including, as the therapeutical agents, a polypeptide from an early region and a polypeptide from a late region of a papillomavirus, optionally combined with a polypeptide having immunostimulatory activity or a polypeptide from an early or late region of a papillomavirus and a polypeptide having immunostimulatory activity, or alternatively, a recombinant vector containing inserted DNA fragments coding for the above-mentioned polypeptide combinations.

Abstract: Therapeutic methods and microorganisms therefor are provided. The microorganisms are designed to accumulate in immunoprivileged tissues and cells, such as in tumors and other proliferating tissue and in inflamed tissues, compared to other tissues, cells and organs, so that they exhibit relatively low toxicity to host organisms. The microorganisms also are designed or modified to result in leaky cell membranes of cells in which they accumulate, resulting in production of antibodies reactive against proteins and other cellular products and also permitting exploitation of proliferating tissues, particularly tumors, to produce selected proteins and other products. Vaccines containing the microorganisms are provided. Combinations of the microorganisms and anti-cancer agents and uses thereof for treating cancer also are provided.

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: The present invention relates to compositions and pharmaceutical compositions comprising poxviruses and more particularly extracellular enveloped viruses. The present invention also relates to a process for producing poxviruses and poxviruses obtained thereof. Moreover, the present invention also relates to the use of said poxvirus and said composition for the preparation of a medicament.

Abstract: The invention provides attenuated vaccinia virus vaccines that can be used in methods to prevent or treat small pox in patients, as well as methods of obtaining such vaccines.

Abstract: A purpose of the present invention is to provide a vaccine for in ovo inoculation effective for prevention of any fowl viral diseases. A fowl vaccine for in ovo inoculation with high efficacy in view of safety as well wherein, by holding such live viruses on a virus-adsorbing agent through adsorption that have been difficult for practical usage as a vaccine for in ovo inoculation, viral growth in embryonated chicken eggs after in ovo inoculation is retarded to thereby reduce pathogenicity of the viruses to embryo to avoid reduction in hatching rate and to alleviate severity in clinical symptoms after hatching. A virus-adsorbing agent to be used in the vaccine includes an aluminum compound such as aluminum hydroxide gel, potassium alum and the like.

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.