Abstract: The inventions is based on an expression enhancer sequence derived from the RNA-2 genome segment of a bipartite RNA virus, in which a target initiation site in the RNA-2 genome segment has been mutated. Deletion of appropriate start codons upstream of the main RNA2 translation initiation can greatly increase in foreign protein accumulation without the need for viral replication. Also provided are methods, vectors and systems, including the ‘hyper-translatable’ Cowpea Mosaic Virus (‘CPMV-HT’) based protein expression system.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polynucleotide molecules that comprise a DNA sequence encoding an infectious RNA sequence encoding a genetically-modified North American PRRS virus, methods to make it and related polypeptides, polynucleotides, and various components. Vaccines comprising the genetically modified virus and polynucleotides and a diagnostic kit to distinguish between naturally infected and vaccinated animals are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules useful for conferring broad and durable resistance to grapevine fanleaf virus in plants. The invention also relates to methods of enhancing resistance to plant pathogens and plants or plant components (such as grape plants) expressing such nucleic acid molecules. In addition, the invention relates to products (e.g., foodstuffs including beverages such as wine or juice) derived from grape plants transformed with such nucleic acids.

Abstract: A recombinant vector comprises simian adenovirus sequences and a heterologous gene under the control of regulatory sequences. A cell line which expresses simian adenovirus gene(s) is also disclosed. Methods of using the vectors and cell lines are provided.

Abstract: Provided is a new polyomavirus, provisionally named MX polyomavirus, (MXPyV). Further provided are cDNA nucleic acid sequences, recombinant proteins, expression vectors and host cells, recombinant anti-MXPyV antibodies, vaccines, compositions, methods of detecting MXPyV, methods for assaying for anti-MXPyV compounds, and methods for treating or preventing a MXPyV infection.

Abstract: A nucleic acid construct comprising a chimeric promoter sequence and a cloning site for insertion of a coding sequence in operable linkage with the chimeric promoter, wherein the chimeric promoter sequence comprises: (a) a hCMV immediate early promoter sequence; (b) exon 1 and at least a part of exon 2 of the hCMV major immediate early gene; and (c) a heterologous intron provided in place of the intron A region of the hCMV major immediate early gene.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed compositions related to Eilat virus and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant viral vectors and methods of using the recombinant viral vectors to induce an immune response to influenza A viruses. The invention provides recombinant viral vectors based, for example, on the non-replicating modified vaccinia virus Ankara. When administered according to methods of the invention, the recombinant viral vectors are designed to be cross-protective and induce heterosubtypic immunity to influenza A viruses.

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: Disclosed are capsid-modified rAAV expression vectors, as well as infectious virions, compositions, and pharmaceutical formulations that include them. Also disclosed are methods of preparing and using novel capsid-protein-mutated rAAV vector constructs in a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic applications including, inter alia, as delivery agents for diagnosis, treatment, or amelioration of one or more symptoms of disease or abnormal conditions via in situ and/or ex vivo mammalian gene therapy methods. Also disclosed are large-scale production methods for capsid-modified rAAV expression vectors, viral particles, and infectious virions having improved transduction efficiencies over those of the corresponding, un-modified, rAAV vectors, as well as use of the disclosed compositions in the manufacture of medicaments for a variety of in vitro and/or in vivo applications.

Abstract: A recombinant vector comprises simian adenovirus 28, simian adenovirus 27, simian adenovirus 32, simian adenovirus 33, and/or simian adenovirus 35 sequences and a heterologous gene under the control of regulatory sequences. A cell line which expresses one or more simian adenovirus-28, -27, -32, -33, or -35 genes is also disclosed. Methods of using the vectors and cell lines are provided.

Abstract: The application relates to a pestivirus, designated PMC virus, that is associated with porcine myocarditis syndrome, and the gene and protein sequences derived therefrom. The application further relates to detection methods, vaccine therapeutics, and diagnostic methods using the PMC virus or gene/protein sequences derived therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated or substantially purified polypeptides, nucleic acids, and virus-like particles (VLPs) derived from a Merkel cell carcinoma virus (MCV), which is a newly-discovered virus. The invention further provides monoclonal antibody molecules that bind to MCV polypeptides. The invention further provides diagnostic, prophylactic, and therapeutic methods relating to the identification, prevention, and treatment of MCV-related diseases.

Abstract: It is intended to exert a higher control effect on plant-pathogenic fungi. The mycovirus of the present invention has 5 types of double-stranded RNAs, wherein 4 types of double-stranded RNAs out of the 5 types of double-stranded RNAs have 81%, 75%, 72%, and 73% or higher homologies to the nucleotide sequences represented by SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 4, respectively. As an example, a novel mycovirus MoCV3 is used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for rapid immunogen selection (RIS) based on the binding a library of recombinant viruses containing randomized HIV gp120 variants of a surface polypeptide displayed to said neutralizing antibodies. The invention relates as well to the use of the HIV gp120 immunogens isolated according to the RIS method of the invention in medicine for the treatment of diseases caused by a virus and in diagnosis for the identification of neutralizing antibodies in a patient.

Abstract: This disclosure provides platforms for delivery of herpes virus proteins to cells, particularly proteins that form complexes in vivo. In some embodiments these proteins and the complexes they form elicit potent neutralizing antibodies. Thus, presentation of herpes virus proteins using the disclosed platforms permits the generation of broad and potent immune responses useful for vaccine development.

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: We have developed a versatile plant viral vector system based on Alternanthera mosaic virus (AltMV), suitable for infection by agroinfiltration or in vivo T7 transcripts from the same clone; agroinfection is enhanced by coinfiltration of a T7 RNA polymerase construct. Variants adapted for efficient protein expression, or for virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS), are based on a specific amino acid substitution (L88P) in the triple gene block 1 (TGB1) protein affecting RNA silencing suppression. A bipartite delivery system developed for AltMV delivers replicase (RdRp) functions separately from movement and encapsidation (TGB and coat protein, CP) functions by agroinfiltration, resulting in precise recombination of RdRp and TGB-CP constructs in planta. The bipartite delivery system has potential for high throughput protein expression or VIGS with the appropriate TGB1 variant, for hosts including Nicotiana benthamiana and Arabidopsis thaliana.

Abstract: Processes vectors and engineered cell lines for large-scale transfection and protein production in mammalian cells, especially Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells are described in which transfection efficiencies are realized through the use of a single vector system, the use of functional oriP sequences in all plasmids, the use of codon-optimized Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA1) constructs the use of a fusion protein between a truncated Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigenen-1c (EBNA1c) protein and a herpes simplex virus protein VP16, the use of a 40 kDa fully deacetylated poly(ethylenimine) as a transfection reagent, the use of co-expression of a fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and/or the use of protein kinase B to potentiate heterologous gene expression enhancement by valproic acid (VPA).

Abstract: Provided herein are nucleic acid sequences that encode novel consensus amino acid sequence of HBV core protein, as well as genetic constructs/vectors and vaccines that express said protein sequences. Also provided herein are methods for generating an immune response against HBV using the nucleic acid sequences that are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding an infectious RNA molecule encoding a live viral strain of a dengue 3 virus (DV3), wherein said nucleotide sequence is the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or a nucleotide sequence having at least 99% identity with the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.1.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated Boone cardiovirus, Boone cardiovirus polypeptides, polynucleotides and antibodies specific for Boone cardiovirus polypeptides. Also provided are methods for detection of Boone cardiovirus.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for making and using measles viruses having a reduced susceptibility to antibody neutralization (e.g., antibody neutralization by monoclonal anti-measles virus antibodies and/or serum from measles virus vaccinees). For example, H polypeptides having a reduced ability of being recognized by anti-measles virus antibodies that were generated against a wild-type measles virus or a pre-existing measles virus vaccine such as MV-Edm as compared to a wild-type measles virus H polypeptide or the H polypeptide of MV-Edm are provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are nucleic acid sequences that encode novel consensus amino acid sequences of herpes virus antigens, as well as genetic constructs/vectors and vaccines expressing the sequences. Also provided herein are methods for generating an immune response against herpes virus using the vaccines that are provided.

Abstract: The technology relates in part to production (i.e., expression) of recombinant viral fusion glycoproteins and nucleic acids that encode such viral fusion glycoproteins. In some embodiments, human respiratory syncytial virus fusion protein (RSV-F) and human parainfluenza virus 3 fusion protein (hPIV3-F) are expressed.

Abstract: The invention relates to vaccine compositions including CEV serogroup immunogens, attenuated and inactivated viruses of the CEV serogroup and chimeric Bunyaviridae. Also disclosed are methods of treating or preventing CEV serogroup infection in a mammalian host, methods of producing a subunit vaccine composition or an immunogenic composition, isolated polynucleotides comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a CEV serogroup immunogen, methods for detecting La Crosse virus (LACV) infection in a biological sample and infectious chimeric Bunyaviridae.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for identifying HCV genomes and more specifically, methods for identifying nucleotide sequence of viral structural proteins at the time of HCV viral transmission. The method of the invention utilizes single genome amplification and sequencing of circulating virus as well as phylogenetic analysis of the resulting nucleotide sequence for identifying transmitted HCV genomes. Also provided are HCV genomes and corresponding nucleotide sequence for transmitted and circulating HCV virus. The invention further provides methods of administering a vaccine comprising one or more identified transmitted HCV sequences.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of a novel human polyomavirus species (designated IPPyV) and applications derived from the identified features and properties of this virus. The IPPy virus species of the invention qualifies as a human virus, in view of the fact that it is capable of infecting a human host. Having identified a novel human polyomavirus species, IPPyV, the inventors have been able to propose means for the detection of exposure or infection by such a virus, especially detection in a biological sample previously obtained from a human host. The invention also concerns means suitable for obtaining an immune response in a host with a view to prevent the onset or the development of an infection with an IPPyV.

Abstract: The present invention provides new adeno-associated virus (AAV) viruses and vectors, and particles derived therefrom. In addition, the present invention provides methods of delivering a nucleic acid to a cell using the AAV vectors and particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of achieving directed evolution of viruses by in vivo screening or “panning” to identify viruses comprising scrambled AAV capsids having characteristics of interest, e.g., tropism profile and/or neutralization profile (e.g., ability to evade neutralizing antibodies). The invention also provides scrambled AAV capsids and virus particles comprising the same.

Abstract: Novel adeno-associated virus (AAV) isolates in nucleotide and amino acid forms and uses thereof are provided. The isolates show tropism for certain target tissues, such as blood stem cells, liver, heart and joint tissue, and may be used to transduce stem cells for introduction of genes of interest into the target tissues. Discrete modified portions of the cap gene, VP1, VP2, and VP3, may be used alone or in combination in the present methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides the complete genomic sequence of the epidemic mumps virus (MuV) strain MuVIowa/us/06. Further, a reverse genetics system was constructed and used to rescue recombinant viral constructs that are attenuated compared to MuVIowa/us/06 and JL vaccine viruses. Such constructs include viral constructs lacking the open reading frame (ORF) of the SH gene (rMuV?SH) and/or incapable of expressing the V protein (rMuV?V).

Abstract: A self-assembling nanoparticle drug delivery system for the delivery of various bioactive agents including peptides, proteins, nucleic acids or synthetic chemical drugs is provided. The self-assembling nanoparticle drug delivery system described herein includes viral capsid proteins, such as Hepatitis B Virus core protein, encapsulating the bioactive agent, a lipid layer or lipid/cholesterol layer coat and targeting or facilitating molecules anchored in the lipid layer. A method for construction of the self-assembling nanoparticle drug delivery system is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an expression and secretion system, and methods of using the same, for the expression and secretion of one fusion protein in prokaryotic cells and a second fusion protein in eukaryotic cells. Also provided herein are nucleic acid molecules, vectors and host cells comprising such vectors and nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: Compositions, recombinant vaccines and live attenuated pathogens comprising one or more isolated nucleic acid molecules that encode an immunogen in combination with an isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes IL-15Ra or a functional fragment thereof are disclosed. Methods of inducing an immune response in an individual against an immunogen, using such compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: A process of producing one or more than one protein of interest, comprising: (a) providing a plant or plant cells comprising a first heterologous nucleotide sequence comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding an RNA replicon, and a first inducible promoter operably linked to said nucleotide sequence encoding said RNA replicon; said RNA replicon not encoding a protein providing for cell-to-cell movement of said RNA replicon in said plant; said RNA replicon encoding a polymerase and said one or more than one protein of interest, said polymerase being adapted for replicating said RNA replicon; and (b) inducing, in said plant or plant cells of step (a), said inducible promoter, thereby producing said one or more than one protein of interest in said plant or plant cells.

Abstract: The present inventors developed 5a/2a intergenotypic recombinants in which the JFH1 structural genes (Core, E1 and E2), p7 and all of or part of NS2 were replaced by the corresponding genes of the genotype 5a reference strain SA13. Compared to the J6/JFH control virus, after transfection of in vitro transcripts in Huh7.5 cells, production of infectious viruses was delayed. However, in subsequent viral passages efficient spread of infection and HCV RNA titers as high as for J6/JFH were obtained. Infectivity titers were at all time points analyzed comparable to J6/JFH control virus. Sequence analysis of recovered 5a/2a recombinants from 2 serial passages and subsequent reverse genetic studies revealed adaptive mutations in p7, NS2 and/or NS3. Infectivity of the 5a/2a viruses was CD81 and SR-BI dependant, and the recombinant viruses could be neutralized by chronic phase sera from patients infected with genotype 5a.

Abstract: The present invention relates to HGyV, a human gyrovirus related to the chicken anemia virus (CAV). The present invention also relates to a new proteins encoded by HGyV, which proteins display some homology to CAV proteins. Among these new proteins, H-apoptin is of particular interest as it is herein found for the first time in a human virus and can be used for treating cancer. Also provided are methods for detecting the HGyV virus in a subject.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to the use of nucleic acid coding for viruses to reduce the number of viable cancer cells within a mammal. For example, methods for using infectious nucleic acid to treat cancer, engineered viral nucleic acid, methods for making engineered viral nucleic acid, methods for identifying infectious nucleic acid for treating cancer, methods and materials for controlling virus-mediated cell lysis, and methods and materials for assessing the control of virus-mediated cell lysis are provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are sequences of the genomes and encoded proteins of new astrovirus species, and variants thereof. Also provided are methods of detecting the new astrovirus species and diagnosing astrovirus infection, methods of treating or preventing astrovirus infection, and methods for identifying anti-astrovirus compounds. Provided are two new astrovirus species named HMOAstV-A and HMOAstV-B, and both are distantly related to known astroviruses. Also provided is a new method of classifying astroviruses, where there are three groups of human astroviruses, including HAstV, AstV-MLB, and HMOAstV.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to isolated bacteriophages having specificity and lytic activity against strains of Salmonella species, methods of using the bacteriophages, progeny and derivatives derived therefrom, to control the growth of Salmonella species in various settings (e.g., food safety, sanitation, probiotics).

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel peptides and methods for treatment, diagnosis and prognosis of virus infections including infections with HCV, HIV, CMV and Influenza. The invention further relates to methods for identifying and providing peptides useful for the treatment and diagnosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to vaccines comprising recombinant vectors, such as recombinant adenoviruses. The vectors comprise heterologous nucleic acids encoding for at least two antigens from one or more tuberculosis-causing bacilli. Also described is the use of specific protease recognition sites linking antigens through which the encoded antigens are separated upon cleavage. After cleavage, the antigens contribute to the immune response in a separate manner. The recombinant vectors may comprise a nucleic acid encoding the protease cleaving the linkers and separating the antigens. Further described is the use of genetic adjuvants encoded by the recombinant vectors, wherein such genetic adjuvants may also be cleaved through the presence of the cleavable linkers and the specific protease.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polynucleotide molecules that comprise a DNA sequence encoding an infectious RNA sequence encoding a genetically-modified North American PRRS virus, wherein the polynucleotide molecule lacks at least one detectable antigenic epitope of North American PRRS virus. The invention also provides vaccines comprising genetically modified North American PRRS virus, RNA molecules, plasmids and viral vectors comprising the isolated polynucleotide molecules. Also provided are isolated polynucleotide molecules further comprising at least one nucleotide sequence that encodes a detectable heterologous antigenic epitope, and vaccines comprising North American PRRS virus, RNA molecules, plasmids and viral vectors comprising such isolated polynucleotide molecules.

Abstract: Two vIRF4 (Kaposi's-sarcoma-associated-herpesvirus vIRF4) peptides, vif1, corresponding to aa202-216 of vIRF4, and vif2, corresponding to aa220-236 of vIRF4, are potent and selective HAUSP antagonists. The vif1 and vif2 peptides robustly suppress HAUSP DUB enzymatic activity, ultimately leading to p53-mediated anti-cancer activity. The vif1 and vif2 peptides, along with their homologues, are useful in treating cancer through regulation of p53 activity in a cancer cell. Also disclosed is the crystalline structure of vIRF4-HAUSP TRAF domain complex. The structure is useful in computer aided drug design for identifying an agent that interacts with and inhibits HAUSP, resulting in p53 medicated cell cycle arrest of cancer cells.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for raising an immune response in a subject by administering an HIV antigen. The HIV antigens include HIV clade C polynucleotides and polypeptides. The invention also provides for recombinant HIV viral particles and compositions.

Abstract: This invention provides infectious chimeric HCV particles that can be used for vaccines. This invention further provides a nucleic acid comprising a chimeric gene derived from the hepatitis C virus comprising regions each encoding Core protein, E1 protein, E2 protein and p7 protein derived from a hepatitis C virus strain other than JFH-1 strain; NS2 protein derived from JFH-1 strain or a hepatitis C virus strain other than JFH-1 strain, or a chimeric NS2 protein of NS2 protein derived from JFH-1 strain and NS2 protein derived from a hepatitis C virus strain other than JFH-1 strain; and NS3 protein, NS4A protein, NS4B protein, NS5A protein, and NS5B protein derived from JFH-1 strain in that order in 5? to 3? direction, wherein the 328th proline residue from the amino acid residue at N-terminus of the Core protein is substituted with an amino acid residue other than proline. This invention further provides chimeric HCV particles comprising such nucleic acid, and use of such HCV particles for vaccines.

Abstract: A chimeric live, infectious, attenuated virus containing a yellow fever virus, in which the nucleotide sequence for a prM-E protein is either deleted, truncated, or mutated, so that functional prM-E protein is not expressed, and integrated into the genome of the yellow fever virus, a nucleotide sequence encoding a prM-E protein of a second, different flavivirus, so that the prM-E protein of the second flavivirus is expressed.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to the field of animal health and relates to a nucleic acid sequence which comprises the complete genome of an infectious Schmallenberg virus (SBV) useful for studying viremia and diseases caused by SBV in ruminants, and in the development of vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics for the prophylaxis, treatment and diagnosis of viremia and diseases caused by SBV.

Abstract: A process for replicating or for replicating and expressing a sequence of interest in a plant, comprising: (i) an RNA replicon or a precursor thereof, said RNA replicon being derived from a plus-sense single stranded RNA virus and comprising at least one sequence of interest; and (ii) a helper replicon, or a precursor thereof, wherein said helper replicon is (a) incapable of systemic movement in said plant both in the presence and in the absence of said RNA replicon (i) and (b) capable of expressing in a plant one or more proteins necessary for systemic movement of said RNA replicon (i), whereby said RNA replicon (i) is capable of replicating or replicating and expressing said sequence of interest in said plant, but unable to move systemically in said plant in the absence of said one or more proteins expressed by said helper replicon (ii).