Abstract: This invention relates to mutated CMVpp65, a viral structural protein which activates cell mediated immunity in humans infected with CMV. The mutations remove undesirable protein kinase activity naturally present in the protein and make it suitable for the production of both DNA and protein vaccines. Therefore, the invention provides proteins and DNAS, as well as vaccines comprising the proteins and DNAs, including cellular vaccines and vectors. Other embodiments of the invention relate to methods of enhancing immune response and vaccinating against CMV, including gene therapy methods and vectors.

Abstract: A fusion protein for inhibiting cervical cancer is disclosed, which comprises a peptide sequence of human papillomavirus type 16, a peptide translocating peptide for translocation, and a peptide within a carboxyl terminal fragment. The present invention further comprising a composition of antibody, which conjugates to E7 peptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence corresponding to the amino acid sequence of the E7 peptide is shown as SEQ. ID. NO.1.

Abstract: The present invention provides immunogenic and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment and prevention of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancers and in particular, cervical cancer. In particular, this invention relates to fusion proteins, and the nucleic acids encoding these fusion proteins, used to generate immune responses against HPV. Specifically, this invention provides for fusions of HPV E6 and E7 in which the E6 and/or E7 contains one or more mutations. These mutations abrogate the transformation activity of these oncogenic proteins and, thus, confer safety to the E6/E7 fusions. In addition, these fusions maintain or increase the immunogenic efficacy of E6 and E7. Any gene or protein delivery method can be used to deliver or package the immunogenic compositions of the present invention.

Abstract: A specific binding agent is provided, wherein the specific binding agent specifically binds Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) interleukin-6 (vIL-6), and the specific binding agent neutralizes an activity of vIL-6. In one embodiment, the specific binding agent is an antibody. Methods are provided for using a specific binding agent that binds vIL-6, and neutralizes a biological activity of vIL-6. Methods of treatment for a KSHV-associated disorder are also provided. Methods for diagnosing a KSHV-associated disorder are provided, as are kits that include a specific binding agent of the invention. A method is also provided for testing an agent for effectiveness in treating a KSHV-associated disorder. The method includes incubating the agent with a cell free system comprising a vIL-6 receptor component and vIL-6, and comparing the binding of vIL-6 and the receptor component in the presence of the agent to binding of vIL-6 to the receptor component in the absence of the agent.

Abstract: This invention is related to the Molecular Pharmacology field and especially to the development of peptides useful for treating epithelial tumors and mainly those associated to oncogenic types of HPVs. The main objective of this invention is to identify peptides whose structure permits to block the Casein Kinase II (CKII) phosphorylation domain by direct interaction with such a site. In the present invention it is shown eleven cyclic peptides with different aminoacid sequences which inhibit the CKII phosphorylation in vitro, exhibit cytotoxicity on HPV-16 transformed cells (CaSki) and also increase the sensitivity of these cells to the cytostatic effect of interferon (IFN). Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of these peptides conjugated or fused to other peptides and chemical compounds which penetrates into cells as well as with the use of both peptide and chemical mimetic molecules.

Abstract: Vaccine formulations comprising viral capsomeres are disclosed along with methods for their production. Therapeutic and prophylactic methods of use for the vaccine formulations are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel combined vaccine compositions are provided, comprising a hepatitis B viral antigen and optionally in addition one or more of the following: an EBV antigen, a hepatitis A antigen or inactivated attenuated virus, a herpes simplex viral antigen, a VZV antigen, a Toxoplasma gondii antigen. The vaccine compositions are formulated with an adjuvant which is a preferential stimulator of TH1 cell response such as 3D-MPL and QS21.

Abstract: The present invention is a composition of recombinant virus which has incorporated into its genome or portion thereof a gene encoding an antigen to a disease causing agent and a recombinant virus which has incorporated into its genome or portion thereof a gene encoding an immunostimulatory molecule(s) for the purpose of stimulating an immune response against the disease causing agent. Methods of treatment of diseases such as cancer and diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms is provide using the composition.

Abstract: The present invention is related to improved modified live PRRS vaccines of European genotype and new PRRSV strains which can be used for the manufacture of such vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to at least one novel RSV proteins, antibodies, including isolated nucleic acids that encode at least one RSV protein or antibody, RSV vectors, host cells, transgenic animals or plants, and methods of making and using thereof, including therapeutic compositions, methods and devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the determination of the viral titer of a culture of host animal host cells infected with a circovirus. The FACS-based methods of the invention may include determining the viability of the host cells in a cell culture medium supernatant and of those cells that remain adherent to a solid support. Detecting and measuring the percentage of cells that expressed the viral antigens ORF1 and ORF2 may determine the viral load of the cultured host cells. The yield of the virus may be established by the detection and measurement of both antigens in supernatant cells, for example 5 to 7 days from when the host cells are transferred to a serum free medium. The methods of the invention may yield rapid quantitative data. This allows the repeated in-process monitoring of the viral production throughout the incubation period, and ready selection of the most appropriate harvesting point.

Abstract: A vaccine against disease caused by papilloma viruses is described in certain embodiments, as well as certain vectors, obtainable by the following methods: (a) one or more expression vectors that contain the DNA code for a structural protein of papilloma viruses or a fragment thereof are injected into mammals, whereby in at least some of the expression vectors randomly generated heterologous sequences are inserted into the DNA code (b) serums are obtained from the mammals and these are tested for the presence of antibodies against particles of various papilloma virus types, and (c) using the serums tested, the structural protein gene clones are identified that code for a polyvalent vaccine, and (d) the vaccine is produced from them. Procedures for producing a vaccine is also described, together with its use for vaccination against diseases caused by papilloma viruses.

Abstract: A method of disassembly/reassembly of papillomavinis VLPs is provided. The resultant VLPs have enhanced homogeneity, present conformational, neutralizing PV epitopes, and therefore are useful prophylactic and diagnostic agents. Further, these VLPs can be used to encapsulate desired moieties, e.g., therapeutic or diagnostic agents, or marker” DNAs, and the resultant VLPs used as in vivo delivery vehicles or as pseudovirions for evaluating vaccine efficacy.

Abstract: A method for inducing a mucosal immunity with production of secretory IgA antibodies that neutralize of block a native E7 protein originating from cancerous cells, from cells infected by a human Papillomavirus or from an immune system cell. The method includes administering to a patient in need thereof, a vaccine composition containing an active compound which is the native E7 protein, the properties of which have been inactivated by at least 70% by a physical and/or a chemical treatment, by genetic recombination or by adjuvant conditions; an inactive fragment of the immunosuppressive and/or angiogenic native E7 protein; a DNA molecule encoding the immunosuppressive and/or angiogenic native E7 protein inactivated by at least 70% by mutation; or a DNA molecule encoding an inactive fragment of the immunosuppressive and/or angiogenic native E7 protein; along with an adjuvant of mucosal immunity.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the preparation of herpesvirus, such as herpes simplex virus type 2 for vaccine use. Such viruses can be grown on serum free or serum containing media and can be prepared from the virus containing culture supernatant or virus containing cells. The virus is prepared for subsequent pharmaceutical formulation by methods which may include treatment with solid phase affinity reagents containing sulfate- or sulfonate-comprising binding groups. Such sulfated polysaccharide groups as heparin or dextran sulfate may be used, and eluted with salt solutions. The process can be combined with other culture, harvesting and formulation steps.

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: In this application are described Ebola GP monoclonal antibodies, epitopes recognized by these monoclonal antibodies, and the sequences of the variable regions of some of these antibodies. Also provided are mixtures of antibodies of the present invention, as well as methods of using individual antibodies or mixtures thereof for the detection, prevention, and/or therapeutical treatment of Ebola virus infections in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention relates i.a. to Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Viruses that are not capable of expressing a functional SH-protein and/or G-protein due to a mutation in the genes encoding the said proteins. Also the invention relates to diagnostic test kits for discriminating wild-type Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Viruses from Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Viruses according to the invention and to methods for the discrimination between those viruses.

Abstract: Composition of matter comprising the causative agent of Mystery Swine Disease, Lelystad Agent, in a live, attenuated, dead, or recombinant form, or a part or component of it. Vaccine compositions and diagnostic kits based thereon. Recombinant nucleic acid comprising a Lelystad Agent-specific nucleotide sequence. Peptides comprising a Lelystad Agent-specific amino acid sequence. Lelystad Agent-specific antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides means to identify functional CD8+ T-cell epitopes in any protein of interest. The present invention further provides CD8+ T-cell epitopes of various proteins. In additional embodiments, the present invention provides epitopes suitable for use in prophylactic and/or therapeutic vaccines. In particularly preferred embodiments, the present invention provides modified epitopes suitable for use in prophylactic and/or therapeutic vaccines. In some preferred embodiments, the present invention provides means for the development of HPV vaccines, in particular multivalent vaccines for the prevention of infection with high-risk HPV strains. In particular, the present invention provides means to identify CD8+ T-cell epitopes in HPV strains such as HPV 16 and HPV 18. In additional embodiments, the present invention provides means for the development of therapeutic vaccines against high-risk HPV types that prevent the development of benign and/or malignant tumors in infected individuals.