Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically engineered recombinant RS viruses and viral vectors which contain heterologous genes which for the use as vaccines. In accordance with the present invention, the recombinant RS viral vectors and viruses are engineered to contain heterologous genes, including genes of other viruses, pathogens, cellular genes, tumor antigens, or to encode combinations of genes from different strains of RSV.

Abstract: Compositions comprising gp350 variant DNA and amino acid sequences are provided, as are vectors and host cells containing such sequences. Also provided is a process for producing homogeneous gp350 protein recombinantly and in the absence of production of gp220 protein, pharmaceutical compositions containing such protein and prophylactic treatments making use of such proteins.

Abstract: Recombinant PB2 tryptophan variant influenza viruses, RNA, cDNA and vectors are provided. Also provided are immunogenic compositions containing the variant viruses, methods of producing such viruses and methods for the prophylactic treatment of influenza in humans.

Abstract: Provided are novel Toledo and Towne Human cytomegalovirus DNA sequences (HCMV) and proteins encoded thereby. The sequences are useful in methods and compositions for detecting HCMV infections and in immunogenic compositions for preventing HCMV infections.

Abstract: Recombinant PB2 tryptophan variant influenza viruses, RNA, cDNA and vectors are provided. Also provided are immunogenic compositions containing the variant viruses, methods of producing such viruses and methods for the prophylactic treatment of influenza in humans.

Abstract: Provided are novel Toledo and Towne human cytomegalovirus DNA sequences (HCMV) and proteins encoded thereby. The sequences are useful in methods and compositions for detecting HCMV infections and in immunogenic compositions for preventing HCMV infections.

Abstract: Provided are novel Toledo and Towne human cytomegalovirus DNA sequences (HCMV) and proteins encoded thereby. The sequences are useful in methods and compositions for detecting HCMV infections and in immunogenic compositions for preventing HCMV infections.

Abstract: A live, attenuated HSV-2 virus and methods of making and using the virus are provided. The live, attenuated HSV-2 virus is constructed using recombinant techniques and can be used in a pharmaceutical composition for prophylactic treatment of HSV-2 infections and for treatment of recurrent HSV-2 related diseases and conditions. Additionally, a plasmid vector is disclosed for expressing a GST-UL56 fusion protein wherein the protein comprises the Glutathione S Transferase gene product fused to at least an immunogenic portion of the HSV-2 UL56 gene product. The GST-UL56 fusion protein can be used to produce polyclonal antisera to the HSV-2 UL56 gene product, to detect whether recombinant HSV-2 deletion mutants express UL56, and as a type-specific reagent capable of discerning HSV-1 from HSV-2.

Abstract: Recombinant negative strand virus RNA templates which may be used to express heterologous gene products and/or to construct chimeric viruses are described. Influenza viral polymerase, which was prepared depleted of viral RNA, was used to copy small RNA templates prepared from plasmid-encoded sequences. Template constructions containing only the 3' end of genomic RNA were shown to be efficiently copied, indicative that the promoter lay solely within the 15 nucleotide 3' terminus. Sequences not specific for the influenza viral termini were not copied, and, surprisingly, RNAs containing termini identical to those from plus sense cRNA were copied at low levels. The specificity for recognition of the virus-sense promoter was further defined by site-specific mutagenesis. It was also found that increased level of viral protein were required in order to catalyze both the cap-endonuclease primed and primer-free RNA synthesis from these model templates as well as from genomic length RNAs.

Abstract: Provided are novel Toledo and Towne human cytomegalovirus DNA sequences (HCMV) and proteins encoded thereby. The sequences are useful in methods and compositions for detecting HCMV infections and in immunogenic compositions for preventing HCMV infections.

Abstract: Recombinant PB2 variant influenza viruses, RNA, cDNA and vectors are provided. Also provided are immunogenic compositions containing the variant viruses, methods of producing such viruses and methods for the prophylactic treatment of influenza in humans.