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: The present invention provides novel canine pol I regulatory nucleic acid sequences useful for the expression of nucleic acid sequences in canine cells such as MDCK cells. The invention further provides expression vectors and cells comprising such nucleic acids as well as methods of using such nucleic acids to make influenza viruses, including infectious influenza viruses.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel canine pol I regulatory nucleic acid sequences useful for the expression of nucleic acid sequences in canine cells such as MDCK cells. The invention further provides expression vectors and cells comprising such nucleic acids as well as methods of using such nucleic acids to make influenza viruses, including infectious influenza viruses.

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 influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel MDCK-derived adherent non-tumorigenic cell lines that can be grown in the presence or absence of serum. The cell lines of the present invention are useful for the production of vaccine material (e.g., viruses). More specifically, the cell lines of the present invention are useful for the production of influenza viruses in general and ca/ts influenza viruses in particular. The invention further provides methods and media formulations for the adaptation and cultivation of MDCK cells such that they remain non-tumorigenic. Additionally, the present invention provides methods for the production of vaccine material (e.g., influenza virus) in the novel cell lines of the invention.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the optimization and production of influenza viruses, e.g., ca influenza B strains, in eggs and host cells suitable as influenza vaccines are provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the optimization and production of refrigerator-temperature stable virus, e.g., influenza, compositions are provided. Formulations and immunogenic compositions comprising refrigerator-temperature stable virus compositions are provided.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods providing, e.g., stable powder particles containing bioactive materials. The methods include, e.g., high pressure spraying of the bioactive materials in solution or suspension, with viscosity enhancing agents, organic solvents, and/or surfactants. Formulations are provided for spraying therapeutic bioactive materials into powder particles containing amino acids and sugars. Compositions of the invention provide, e.g., high initial purity, high stability in storage, and reconstitution at high concentrations.

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: The present invention provides recombinant respiratory syncytial viruses that have an attenuated phenotype and that comprise one or more mutations in the viral P, M2-1 and/or M2-2 proteins, as well as live attenuated vaccines comprising such viruses and nucleic acids encoding such viruses. Recombinant RSV P, M2-1 and M2-2 proteins are described. Methods of producing attenuated recombinant RSV, and methods of quantitating neutralizing antibodies that utilize recombinant viruses of family Paramyxoviridae, are also provided.

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: Polypeptides, polynucleotides, methods, compositions, and vaccines comprising influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants are provided.

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.

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: The complete polynucleotide sequence of the human respiratory syncytial virus subgroup B strain 9320 genome is provided. Proteins encoded by this polynucleotide sequence are also provided. Isolated or recombinant RSV (e.g., attenuated recombinant RSV), nucleic acids, and polypeptides, e.g., comprising mutations in the attachment protein G, are also provided, as are immunogenic compositions comprising such isolated or recombinant RSV, nucleic acids, and polypeptides. Related methods are also described.

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: 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: 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: The invention provides for a novel VZV gene, mutant VZV and immunogenic compositions based on such novel genes and mutant VZV. Also provided are proteins, diagnostic assays and methods of producing reconstructed VZV.