Abstract: Provided herein are novel recombinant respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV) having an attenuated phenotype that contain mutations in the M2-2 open reading frame that interfere with the expression of the M2-2 protein. The M2-2 mutations may be present in combination with mutations at other loci. Using methods described herein, combinations of mutations are provided to achieve desired levels of attenuation. The recombinant RSV strains described here are suitable for use as live-attenuated RSV vaccines. Also provided are polynucleotide sequences of the described viruses, as well as methods for producing and using the viruses.

Abstract: Methods of inducing an immune response in a subject to the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) are provided. In several embodiments, the immune response is a protective immune response that inhibits or prevents MERS-CoV infection in the subject. Recombinant MERS-CoV polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules encoding same are also provided. Additionally, neutralizing antibodies that specifically bind to MERS-CoV S protein and antigen binding fragments thereof are disclosed. The antibodies and antigen binding fragments are useful, for example, in methods of detecting MERS-CoV S protein in a sample or in a subject, as well as methods of preventing and treating a MERS-CoV infection in a subject.

Abstract: Chimeric flaviviruses engineered to contain a reporter gene and chimeric nucleic acid molecules encoding the chimeric flaviviruses are described. The chimeric flaviviruses further include genomic non-coding regions, non-structural proteins, and at least a portion of a capsid (C) protein from West Nile virus (WNV), and premembrane (prM) and envelope (E) proteins from dengue virus (DENV). Diagnostic assays that utilize chimeric West Nile/dengue viruses are further described.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed herein for determining whether a subject has a Tauopathy, such as Pick disease, Alzheimer disease, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD) or argyrophilic grain disease (AGD). These methods utilize an amyloid seeding assay.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides for methods and compositions for enhancing the immune response toward cancers and pathogens. It relates to chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that specifically target human mesothelin, and immunoresponsive cells comprising such CARs. The presently disclosed mesothelin-targeted CARs have enhanced immune-activating properties, including anti-tumor activity.

Abstract: A human monoclonal antibody that specifically binds tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2), and a defucosylated form of the antibody, are described. The TNFR2-specific antibody was isolated from a human scFv phage display antibody library. The disclosed antibodies promote antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) of human TNFR2+ CD4+ T regulatory cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Methods of using the TNFR2 antibodies, such as for tumor immunotherapy, are described.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for determining whether a subject has a synucleinopathy. Methods are also disclosed for detecting misfolded alpha synuclein (?Syn) in a biological sample or fraction thereof. These methods include the use of an ?Syn seeding assay.

Abstract: A panel of human variable heavy (VH) single domain monoclonal antibodies specific for cell-surface glypican-2 (GPC2) are described. Methods for the diagnosis and treatment and GPC2-positive cancer are also described. Recombinant immunotoxins comprised of a GPC2-specific VH domain antibody and a clinically used form of Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE38) were generated and shown to inhibit GPC2-positive neuroblastoma tumor cell growth and inhibit neuroblastoma xenograft growth in nude mice, without significant toxicity. Chimeric antigen receptors comprising a GPC2-specific VH single domain antibody are also described. T cells expressing the GPC2-specific CARs potently killed GPC2-positive neuroblastoma cells in a dose-dependent manner.

Abstract: Methods for detecting antigen-specific antibodies in a biological sample are described. The disclosed methods can be used for the diagnosis of a variety of autoimmune and infectious diseases. The methods use a neodymium magnet to efficiently isolate immune complexes. The disclosed methods are rapid, highly specific and sensitive, require very small volumes of biological sample, and do not require the use of radioactivity. With these advantageous features, the disclosed methods are amendable for point-of-care testing (POCT), which is currently not available for the detection of autoantibodies associated with autoimmune disease or for the detection of many pathogen-specific antibodies.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides for methods and compositions for enhancing the immune response toward cancers and pathogens. It relates to chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that specifically target human mesothelin, and immunoresponsive cells comprising such CARs. The presently disclosed mesothelin-targeted CARs have enhanced immune-activating properties, including anti-tumor activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel methods for regulating and detecting the cytosine methylation status of DNA. The invention is based upon identification of a novel and surprising catalytic activity for the family of TET proteins, namely TET1, TET2, TET3, and CXXC4. The novel activity is related to the enzymes being capable of converting the cytosine nucleotide 5-methylcytosine into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine by hydroxylation.

Abstract: A highly sensitive and specific reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay to detect ZIKV nucleic acid in biological samples is described. The disclosed assay is capable of detecting as few as one RNA copy per ?l and can be performed in a clinical or field setting with minimal equipment and technological expertise. Oligonucleotide primers and kits for detecting ZIKV nucleic acid are also described.

Abstract: A vaccine composition and method of vaccination are provided useful for immunizing a subject against a rotavirus. The vaccines include rotavirus strains CDC-9 and CDC-66, fragments thereof, homologues thereof, or combinations thereof. Inventive vaccines may include a fragment of CDC-9, CDC-66, homologues thereof, or combinations thereof. Methods of inducing an immunological response are provided by administering an inventive vaccine.

Abstract: Chimeric antigen receptors containing mesothelin antigen binding domains are disclosed. Nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, antigen binding fragments, and pharmaceutical compositions, relating to the chimeric antigen receptors are also disclosed. Methods of treating or preventing cancer in a subject, and methods of making chimeric antigen receptor T cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods for predicting the likelihood that a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) will respond to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) using a gene signature of 14 or 15 genes. Also provided are nucleic acid probes and kits for detecting the gene signature.

Abstract: Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) containing CD22 antigen binding domains are disclosed. Nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, antigen binding fragments, and pharmaceutical compositions, relating to the CARs are also disclosed. Methods of treating or preventing cancer in a subject, and methods of making CAR T cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides for methods and compositions for enhancing the immune response toward cancers and pathogens. It relates to chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that specifically target human mesothelin, and immunoresponsive cells comprising such CARs. The presently disclosed mesothelin-targeted CARs have enhanced immune-activating properties, including anti-tumor activity.

Abstract: HIV-1 Env ectodomain trimers stabilized in a prefusion mature closed conformation and methods of their use and production are disclosed. In several embodiments, the HIV-1 Env ectodomain trimers and/or nucleic acid molecules can be used to generate an immune response to HIV-1 in a subject. In additional embodiments, the therapeutically effective amount of the HIV-1 Env ectodomain trimers can be administered to a subject in a method of treating or preventing HIV-1 infection.

Abstract: Chimeric antigen receptors containing human CD19 antigen binding domains are disclosed. Nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, antigen binding fragments, and pharmaceutical compositions, relating to the chimeric antigen receptors are also disclosed. Methods of treating or preventing cancer in a subject, and methods of making chimeric antigen receptor T cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: Recombinant viruses, such as adeno-associated virus (rAAV) or lentivirus, for the treatment of glycogen storage disease type Ib (GSD-Ib) are described. The recombinant viruses use either the human glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC) promoter/enhancer (GPE) or the minimal human G6PT promoter/enhancer (miGT) to drive expression of human glucose-6-phosphate transporter (G6PT). The disclosed vectors are capable of delivering the G6PT transgene to the liver and correcting metabolic abnormalities in a murine model of GSD-Ib. The recombinant virus-treated mice maintained glucose homeostasis, tolerated a long fast, and did not elicit anti-G6PT antibodies. Methods of treating a subject diagnosed with GSD-Ib using the recombinant viruses is further described.