Abstract: An in vitro process of preparing virus-like particles (VLPs) from recombinant papaya mosaic virus coat protein and ssRNA, which allows for large scale production of VLPs in high yields, is provided. Also provided are VLPs comprising ssRNA prepared by the in vitro process. The VLPs can be used as adjuvants and when fused to an antigen, as vaccines. The use of the VLPs for stimulation of the innate immune response is also provided.

Abstract: An immunopotentiating composition comprising a papaya mosaic virus (PapMV), or a virus-like particle (VLP) derived from PapMV coat protein, which is capable of functioning as an adjuvant and thus potentiating an immune response in an animal is provided. The immunopotentiating composition can further comprise an immunogen, which can be fused or otherwise linked to the VLP, or not linked to the VLP. The immunopotentiating composition is capable of potentiating a humoral and/or a cellular response in the animal and is suitable for use as an adjuvant or vaccine. Methods of potentiating an immune response in an animal comprising administering to the animal an immunopotentiating composition are also provided have application in both human and veterinary medicine.

Abstract: An in vitro process of preparing virus-like particles (VLPs) from recombinant papaya mosaic virus coat protein and ssRNA, which allows for large scale production of VLPs in high yields, is provided. Also provided are VLPs comprising ssRNA prepared by the in vitro process. The VLPs can be used as adjuvants and when fused to an antigen, as vaccines. The use of the VLPs for stimulation of the innate immune response is also provided.

Abstract: The use of compositions comprising a papaya mosaic virus (PapMV) moiety for stimulation of the innate immune response is provided. The PapMV moiety may be papaya mosaic virus or PapMV virus-like particles (VLPs). The PapMV compositions stimulate a sufficiently strong innate immune response to provide protection against subsequent pathogen challenge or to treat an established infection. The use of PapMV compositions to protect a subject from potential infection by a pathogen, such as a viral pathogen, a bacterial pathogen or a fungal pathogen, and the use of PapMV compositions to treat an established infection, are also provided. The PapMV compositions be administered, for example, via intranasal or pulmonary routes to elicit effects within the mucosa and/or in the respiratory system.

Abstract: An immunopotentiating composition comprising a papaya mosaic virus (PapMV), or a virus-like particle (VLP) derived from PapMV coat protein, which is capable of functioning as an adjuvant and thus potentiating an immune response in an animal is provided. The immunopotentiating composition can further comprise an immunogen, which can be fused or otherwise linked to the VLP, or not linked to the VLP. The immunopotentiating composition is capable of potentiating a humoral and/or a cellular response in the animal and is suitable for use as an adjuvant or vaccine. Methods of potentiating an immune response in an animal comprising administering to the animal an immunopotentiating composition are also provided have application in both human and veterinary medicine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunogen-carrier having immunopotentiating or adjuvant properties. More particularly, the immunogen-carrier is a virus-like particle (VLP) from the family of potexvirus, and most particularly the papaya mosaic virus. The VLP produced by recombinant techniques is in fusion with one of its own proteins a protein immunogen. The above VLP and a protein or a protein extract from a viral, bacterial or parasital pathogen may be used as a vaccine.

Abstract: An immunopotentiating composition comprising a papaya mosaic virus (PapMV), or a virus-like particle (VLP) derived from PapMV coat protein, which is capable of functioning as an adjuvant and thus potentiating an immune response in an animal is provided. The immunopotentiating composition can further comprise an immunogen, which can be fused or otherwise linked to the VLP, or not linked to the VLP. The immunopotentiating composition is capable of potentiating a humoral and/or a cellular response in the animal and is suitable for use as an adjuvant or vaccine. Methods of potentiating an immune response in an animal comprising administering to the animal an immunopotentiating composition are also provided have application in both human and veterinary medicine.

Abstract: An affinity-conjugated antigen system (ACAS) comprising one or more antigens conjugated via a plurality of affinity moieties to a papaya mosaic virus (PapMV) or virus-like particle (VLP) derived from the coat protein of PapMV is provided. The affinity moieties are molecules or compounds that are capable of specifically binding to the antigen(s) of interest and which can be attached, for example by chemical or genetic means, to the coat protein of the PapMV or PapMV VLP. The ACAS can optionally further comprise one or more additional antigens, which may be the same as, or different to, the conjugated antigen(s) comprised by the ACAS. Also provided are immunogenic compositions, including vaccines, comprising an ACAS. The immunogenic compositions are useful in the treatment, including prevention, of various diseases and disorders for which a humoral and/or cellular response in the animal is required.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunogen-carrier having immunopotentiating or adjuvant properties. More particularly, the immunogen-carrier is a virus-like particle (VLP) from the family of potexvirus, and most particularly the papaya mosaic virus. The VLP produced by recombinant techniques is in fusion with one of its own proteins a protein immunogen. The above VLP and a protein or a protein extract from a viral, bacterial or parasital pathogen may be used as a vaccine.