Abstract: Provided is an isolated mammalian negative strand RNA virus, metapneumovirus (MPV). Described are isolated mammalian negative strand RNA viruses identifiable as phylogenetically corresponding or relating to the genus Metapneumovirus and components thereof. Also described is mammalian MPV, subgroups and variants thereof, and genomic nucleotide sequences of different isolates of mammalian metapneumoviruses, in particular human metapneumoviruses. The use of the sequence information of different isolates of mammalian metapneumoviruses for diagnostic and therapeutic methods is provided. Nucleotide sequences encoding the genome of a metapneumovirus or a portion thereof, including both mammalian and avian metapneumovirus are described. Also provided are chimeric or recombinant viruses encoded by said nucleotide sequences and chimeric and recombinant mammalian MPV that comprise one or more non-native or heterologous sequences.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions to preserve bioactive materials in a matrix of powder particles. Methods provide high-pressure gas spraying and/or near supercritical spraying of formulations followed by drying in a stream of conditioned gas to form stable powder particles containing bioactive materials.

Abstract: A single-use, blow-molded container for medical or pharmaceutical media is presented. The container comprises a flexible storage portion connected to one end a dispensing portion and a cap connected to the other end of the dispensing portion, wherein the cap is separated from the dispensing portion to create an outlet opening so that the medical media can be expelled from the flexible storage portion. One improvement comprises at least one barrier member disposed on the dispensing portion, wherein the barrier member is sized and dimensioned to limit the insertion of the dispensing member into a patient's nostril. Another improvement comprises an orifice controlling the pattern and direction of the medical media as it exits the ampoule container and wherein the orifice is spaced apart from the outlet opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel MDCK cells which can be to grow viruses, e.g., influenza viruses, in cell culture to higher titer than previously possible. The MDCK cells can be adapted to serum-free culture medium. The present invention further relates to cell culture compositions comprising the MDCK cells and cultivation methods for growing the MDCK cells. The present invention further relates to methods for producing influenza viruses in cell culture using the MDCK cells of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically engineered recombinant respiratory syncytial viruses and viral vectors which contain deletions of various viral accessory gene(s) either singly or in combination. In accordance with the present invention, the recombinant respiratory syncytial viral vectors and viruses are engineered to contain complete deletions of the M2-2, NS1, NS2, or SH viral accessory genes or various combinations thereof. In addition, the present invention relates to the attenuation of respiratory syncytial virus by mutagenisis of the M2-1 gene.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions to preserve bioactive materials in a dried foam matrix. Methods provide non-boiling foam generation and penetration of preservative agents at temperatures near the phase transition temperature of the membranes.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the present invention provides methods for increasing the replication capacity of influenza viruses in hens' eggs and/or cell culture, recombinant and/or reassortant influenza viruses with increased replication capacity, and immunogenic and vaccine compositions comprising such recombinant and/or reassortant influenza viruses. In other aspects, the invention further provides nucleic acids encoding influenza genes associated with increased replication capacity, expression vectors comprising the nucleic acids of the invention, methods for making influenza viruses with increased replication capacity, and kits useful for practice of the methods.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions to preserve bioactive materials in a matrix of powder particles. Methods provide high-pressure gas spraying and/or near supercritical spraying of formulations followed by drying in a stream of conditioned gas to form stable powder particles containing bioactive materials.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions to preserve bioactive materials in a dried foam matrix. Methods provide non-boiling foam generation and penetration of preservative agents at temperatures near the phase transition temperature of the membranes.

Abstract: Polypeptides, polynucleotides, methods, compositions, and vaccines comprising (avian pandemic) influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant bovine para influenza virus (bPIV) cDNA or RNA which may be used to express heterologous gene products in appropriate host cell systems and/or to rescue negative strand RNA recombinant viruses that express, package, and/or present the heterologous gene product. The chimeric viruses and expression products may advantageously be used in vaccine formulations including vaccines against a broad range of pathogens and antigens.

Abstract: Polypeptides, polynucleotides, methods, compositions, and vaccines comprising (avian pandemic) influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants are provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for attenuating a cytomegalovirus comprising functionally disrupting an open reading frame of a Toledo genome region or its homolog and making chimeric CMV virus genomes.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions to preserve bioactive materials in a matrix of powder particles. Methods provide high-pressure gas spraying and/or near supercritical spraying of formulations followed by drying in a stream of conditioned gas to form stable powder particles containing bioactive materials.

Abstract: Recombinant negative-strand viral RNA templates are described which may be used with purified RNA-directed RNA polymerase complex to express heterologous gene products in appropriate host cells and/or to rescue the heterologous gene in virus particles. The RNA templates are prepared by transcription of appropriate DNA sequences with a DNA-directed RNA polymerase. The resulting RNA templates are of the negative-polarity and contain appropriate terminal sequences which enable the viral RNA-synthesizing apparatus to recognize the template. Bicistronic mRNAs can be constructed to permit internal initiation of translation of viral sequences and allow for the expression of foreign protein coding sequences from the regular terminal initiation site, or vice versa.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the optimization of production of influenza viruses suitable as influenza vaccines are provided.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions to preserve bioactive materials in a matrix of powder particles. Methods provide high-pressure gas spraying and/or near supercritical spraying of formulations followed by drying in a stream of conditioned gas to form stable powder particles containing bioactive materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant bovine parainfluenza virus (bPIV) cDNA or RNA which may be used to express heterologous gene products in appropriate host cell systems and/or to rescue negative strand RNA recombinant viruses that express, package, and/or present the heterologous gene product. The chimeric viruses and expression products may advantageously be used in vaccine formulations including vaccines against a broad range of pathogens and antigens.

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: The present invention relates to genetically engineered recombinant respiratory syncytial viruses and viral vectors which contain deletions of various viral accessory gene(s) either singly or in combination. In accordance with the present invention, the recombinant respiratory syncytial viral vectors and viruses are engineered to contain complete deletions of the M2-2, NS1, NS2, or SH viral accessory genes or various combinations thereof. In addition, the present invention relates to the attenuation of respiratory syncytial virus by mutagenisis of the M2-1 gene.