Abstract: An immunotherapeutic protein and methods of use and production thereof are disclosed, wherein the immunotherapeutic protein comprises, for example, a cell surface receptor polypeptide which is a cellular entry receptor for the entry of a virus into a host cell, which is linked to a polypeptide comprising an Fc region component. When the cell surface receptor polypeptide is an angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) polypeptide or a fragment thereof, the immunotherapeutic protein is capable of binding to a coronavirus spike protein (S protein) and may be useful as an antiviral agent for the prevention or treatment of a coronavirus infection. The Fc region component may comprise an amino acid substitution at the position corresponding to H429 of the amino acid sequence of the human IgG1 heavy chain polypeptide which may enable the production of soluble oligomeric forms or the assembly of oligomeric forms from soluble monomeric forms upon binding to an S protein of a coronavirus (i.e.

Abstract: A method of preparing extracellularly assembled higher order antigen from a native lower order antigen the method comprising the following steps: (i) contacting lower order antigen with a solution comprising a reducing agent for a time and under 5 conditions sufficient to reduce one or more native cysteines; and (ii) removing or diluting the reducing agent or contacting the reduced lower order antigen with an oxidising agent, to elicit assembly of lower order antigen from (i) into an assembled higher order antigen; wherein at least 10% of the lower order antigen is converted to higher order antigen in step (ii) and whereby the assembled higher order antigen 10 displays at least reduced binding to non-neutralizing antibodies compared to the lower order antigen and retains binding to at least one neutralizing antibody.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding a variable domain deleted E2 polypeptide of HCV (e.g., E2Delta123). The composition is suitable for use, for use, or when used, in the treatment or prevention of HCV infection. The nucleic acid molecule may be DNA or RNA or a modified or synthetic form, or contained within a plasmid, a viral or non-viral vector for vaccination, a polynucleotide expression cassette, or a cell for vector propagation. Methods of administration as prime and boost vaccinations are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides modified hepatitis C virus (HCV) E2 glycoproteins comprising the HCV-E2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) including the HVR1, HVR2 and igVR variable regions wherein in at least one of said variable regions at least a part of the variable region is replaced with a flexible linker sequence. The invention also provides vaccine compositions comprising the modified glycoproteins as well as methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides modified hepatitis C virus (HCV) E2 glycoproteins comprising the HCV-E2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) including the HVR1, HVR2 and igVR variable regions wherein in at least one of said variable regions at least a part of the variable region is replaced with a flexible linker sequence. The invention also provides vaccine compositions comprising the modified glycoproteins as well as methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides modified hepatitis C virus (HCV) E2 glycoproteins comprising the HCV-E2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) including the HVR1, HVR2 and igVR variable regions wherein in at least one of said variable regions at least a part of the variable region is replaced with a flexible linker sequence. The invention also provides vaccine compositions comprising the modified glycoproteins as well as methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides kits and methods for detecting or monitoring the number of cells in sample. The cell comprises a cell surface associated protein (CSAP) comprising a cytoplasmic (cytosolic) and an extracellular (ecto) domain. The kit comprises: (i) a chromatographic device; and (ii) a CSAP-binding agent. The method comprises: (i) optionally contacting the sample with an agent capable of lysing or permeabilizing CSAP bearing cells; (ii) contacting the sample with a CSAP-binding agent that binds to the cytoplasmic domain of the CSAP; and (iii) directly or indirectly evaluating the level or presence of bound CSAP in the sample.

Abstract: The invention provides kits and methods for detecting or monitoring the number of cells in sample. The cell comprises a cell surface associated protein (CSAP) comprising a cytoplasmic (cytosolic) and an extracellular (ecto) domain. The kit comprises: (i) a chromatographic device; and (ii) a CSAP-binding agent. The method comprises: (i) optionally contacting the sample with an agent capable of lysing or permeabilizing CSAP bearing cells; (ii) contacting the sample with a CSAP-binding agent that binds to the cytoplasmic domain of the CSAP; and (iii) directly or indirectly evaluating the level or presence of bound CSAP in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vaccine composition comprising a carbohydrate polymer comprising mannose and flu antigen(s) (e.g. whole inactivated influenza virus) in admixture, and a method of immunising a subject comprising the step of administering the vaccine composition to a subject.