Abstract: Methods for treating proliferative disorders, by administering reovirus to a Ras-mediated proliferative disorder, are disclosed. The reovirus is administered so that it ultimately directly contacts ras-mediated proliferating cells. Proliferative disorders include but are not limited to neoplasms. Human reovirus, non-human mammalian reovirus, and/or avian reovirus can be used. If the reovirus is human reovirus, serotype 1 (e.g., strain Lang), serotype 2 (e.g., strain Jones), serotype 3 (e.g., strain Dearing or strain Abney), as well as other serotypes or strains of reovirus can be used. Combinations of more than one type and/or strain of reovirus can be used, as can reovirus from different species of animal. Either solid neoplasms or hematopoietic neoplasms can be treated.

Abstract: Provided herein are sequences of the genomes and encoded proteins of a new human parvovirus, Bocavirus-2, and variants thereof. Also provided are methods of detecting the Bocavirus-2 and diagnosing Bocavirus-2 infection, methods of treating or preventing Bocavirus-2 infection, and methods for identifying anti-Bocavirus-2 compounds.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to chimeric polypeptides including HCV NS3/4A sequences and T-cell epitopes. Embodiments include nucleic acids encoding the chimeric NS3/4A polypeptides, the encoded polypeptides, compositions containing said nucleic acids, compositions containing said chimeric polypeptides, as well as methods of making and using the aforementioned compositions including, but not limited to medicaments and vaccines.

Abstract: An isolated antiviral peptide is characterized by the amino acid sequence GDEPLENYLDTEYF and a significant in vitro binding affinity for HIV-1 gp 120 and gp 41 and human CD4 cells. The peptide exhibits anti-retroviral activity in vivo, particularly anti-HIV-1 activity.

Abstract: This invention relates to an SRSV detection kit comprising all antibodies against SRSV-related virus constituting peptides selected from the following peptide groups (a) to (k), respectively: (a) a peptide having an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, and the like, (b) a peptide having an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2, and the like, (c) a peptide having an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 3, and the like, (d) a peptide having an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 4, and the like, (e) a peptide having an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 5, and the like, (f) a peptide having an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 6, and the like, (g) a peptide having an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 7, and the like, (h) a peptide having an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 8, and the like, (i) a peptide having an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 9, and the like, (j) a peptide having an amino acid sequence repre

Abstract: Modified viruses and methods for preparing the modified viruses are provided. Vaccines that contain the viruses are provided. The viruses can be used in methods of treatment of diseases, such as proliferative and inflammatory disorders, including cancer, and as anti-tumor and/or antiangiogenic agents. The viruses also can be used in diagnostic methods.

Abstract: Isolated anti-cancer peptides are disclosed which are characterized by the amino acid sequences TLTSGGGAIALPPSMAAPPLGPVAPLTGAIHAPTXG; TLSTATGGAIPPVAAMPPGLVAPTHGPAIHP; CCATSGPCGAVMILTPHLTA; MTLTTGSGAIAPAMPPGLPPHTGAIHAPM; and NXVPVSVEGYXQITLDSITX and a significant in vitro binding affinity for gp96. The peptides exhibit anti-tumor, anti-cancer activity in vivo. Also disclosed is an isolated antiviral peptide is characterized by the amino acid sequence GDEPLENYLDTEYF and a significant in vitro binding affinity for HIV-1 gp 120 and gp 41, and human CD4 cells. The peptide exhibits anti-retroviral activity in vivo, particularly anti-HIV-1 activity.

Abstract: Methods for treating proliferative disorders, by administering reovirus to a Ras-mediated proliferative disorder, are disclosed. The reovirus is administered so that it ultimately directly contacts ras-mediated proliferating cells. Proliferative disorders include but are not limited to neoplasms. Human reovirus, non-human mammalian reovirus, and/or avian reovirus can be used. If the reovirus is human reovirus, serotype 1 (e.g., strain Lang), serotype 2 (e.g., strain Jones), serotype 3 (e.g., strain Dearing or strain Abney), as well as other serotypes or strains of reovirus can be used. Combinations of more than one type and/or strain of reovirus can be used, as can reovirus from different species of animal. Either solid neoplasms or hematopoietic neoplasms can be treated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of gene sequences and proteins involved in vaccinia virus dominant T cell epitopes. Three vaccinia virus CD8+ T cell epitopes restricted by the most common human M.C. class I allele, HLA-A0201, were identified. Each of these epitopes is highly conserved in vaccinia and variola viruses. In addition, the induction of the T cell responses following primary vaccination with two of these epitopes is demonstrated by the kinetics of epitope specific CD8+ T cells in 3 HLA-A0201 individuals. Two vaccinia virus CD8+ T cell epitopes restricted by another common human M.C. class I allele, HLA-B7, also were identified. Both epitopes are highly conserved in vaccinia and variola viruses. This information will be useful for the design and analysis of the immunogenicity of experimental vaccinia vaccines, and for basic studies of human T cell memory.

Abstract: A novel and stable attenuated poliovirus, which replicates in neuroblastoma cells, is produced by engineering an indigenous replication element (cre), into the 5? non-translated genomic region and inactivating the native cre element located in the coding region of 2C (mono-crePV). The stably attenuated poliovirus replicates in a neuroblastoma model (Neuro-2aCD155 tumors) expressing CD155, the poliovirus receptor, and is effective for oncolytic treatment and cure of solid tumors, such as neuroblastoma.

Abstract: Norovirus antigen peptides are described having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 1-16, or fragments thereof. Such peptides can be used in the preparation of antiviral therapies such as vaccines, methods of preparing antibodies to the antigen peptides, methods of using the peptides or the corresponding antibodies for detection of norovirus, and compositions of the peptides, DNA and/or antibodies. A kit for the detection of norovirus is also provided.

Abstract: NS4B is one of the non-structural proteins of classical swine fever virus. By using functional genetics, we have discovered, in the predicted amino acid sequence of NS4B of CSFV strain Brescia, a motif that resembles those found in the toll-like receptor (TLR) proteins, a group of host cell proteins involved in the development of anti-viral mechanisms. We have located the TLR motif in two groups of amino acid triplets at amino acid positions 2531-3 (residues IYK) and 2566-8 (residues VGI) of the CSFV NS4B glycoprotein. We have constructed a recombinant CSFV (derived from an infectious clone containing the genetic information of the highly virulent strain Brescia) containing amino acid substitutions in the three amino acid residues at positions 2566, 2567 and 2568, where the VGI triplet has been replaced by an AAA triplet inside the NS4B glycoprotein. The obtained virus, named NS4B-VGIv, was completely attenuated in swine, showing a limited ability in spreading during the infection in vivo.

Abstract: Nucleic acid oligomeric sequences and in vitro nucleic acid amplification and detection methods for detecting the presence of HAV RNA sequences in samples are disclosed. Kits comprising nucleic acid oligomers for amplifying and detecting HAV nucleic acid sequences are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a peptidic compound containing a polyprotein NS3/NS4 of a hepatitis C virus and a polypeptide NS5b of hepatitis C virus. Said invention also relates to expression vectors such as adenovirus and poxvirus in which nucleic sequences coding for the polyprotein NS3/NS4 and the polypeptide NS5b. The inventive compound can be used for a therapeutic application.

Abstract: Modified viruses and methods for preparing the modified viruses are provided. Vaccines that contain the viruses are provided. The viruses can be used in methods of treatment of diseases, such as proliferative and inflammatory disorders, including as anti-tumor agents. The viruses also can be used in diagnostic methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating and/or preventing age related macular degeneration and other conditions involving macular degeneration or choroidal neovascularization, ocular inflammation, or any combination of these. Certain of the compositions comprise a poxvirus complement control protein or a complement binding fragment or variant thereof. Other compositions comprise a poxvirus complement control protein linked to a moiety that binds to a component present on or at the surface of cell or noncellular molecular entity, e.g., a component present in the eye of a subject at risk of or suffering from age related macular degeneration or a related condition or choroidal neovascularization, ocular inflammation, or any combination of these. Certain of the methods comprise administering a poxvirus complement control protein or complement binding fragment or variant thereof to a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel RNA picornavirus that is called Seneca Valley virus (“SVV”). The invention provides isolated SVV nucleic acids and proteins encoded by these nucleic acids. Further, the invention provides antibodies that are raised against the SVV proteins. Because SVV has the ability to selectively kill some types of tumors, the invention provides methods of using SVV and SVV polypeptides to treat cancer. Because SVV specifically targets certain tumors, the invention provides methods of using SVV nucleic acids and proteins to detect cancer. Additionally, due to the information provided by the tumor-specific mechanisms of SVV, the invention provides methods of making new oncolytic virus derivatives and of altering viruses to have tumor-specific tropisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to introduce a nucleic acid molecule into a felid by administration of a nucleic acid-cationic lipid complex composition. The method includes the step of administering to the felid, by a parenteral route, a nucleic acid-cationic lipid complex to elicit and/or enhance an immune response. In one embodiment, this method enhances the immune response in a felid compared to a method in which a naked DNA vaccine is administered to a felid. Also provided is a method to deliver a nucleic acid to a felid. This method comprises parenterally administering to the felid a composition that includes a nucleic acid molecule complexed with a cationic lipid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are the nucleotide sequences, deduced amino acid sequences as well as methods and compositions necessary to elicit immune responses against chronic Hepatitis B infections in animals and humans. Immune response is enhanced by fusing relevant viral antigens with xenotypic immunoglobulin heavy chain region through a peptide linker and producing the fusion proteins in Baculovirus expression system to incorporate high mannose glycosylation. By virtue of the antibody component, the fusion proteins bind to Fc receptors on the surface of antigen presenting cells, are taken up, processed and derived peptides are presented on MHC Class I, which elicit a CTL (Th1) response. In a similar fashion, due to cross priming and presentation on MHC Class II, will elicit a humoral (Th2) response. In addition, disclosed are the methods of cloning, expression and production of the fusion proteins.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for eliciting immune responses against antigens. In particular embodiments, the compounds and methods elicit immune responses against antigens that are otherwise recognized by the host as “self” antigens. The immune response is enhanced by presenting the host immune system with a chimeric antigen comprising an immune response domain and a target binding domain, wherein the target binding domain comprises a xenotypic antibody fragment. By virtue of the target binding domain, antigen presenting cells take up, process, and present the chimeric antigen, eliciting both a humoral and cellular immune response.