Abstract: We have recently developed a novel DC-targeting vaccine platform using Ebola glycoprotein (EboGP) DC-targeting domain-based fusion protein technology. Here, we will use this technology to generate universal vaccines against Influenza A by fusing a DC-targeting/activation domain (EboGPAM), derived from EboGP to I) a tetrameric conserved extracellular domain of M2 (M2e) of Influenza A strains from human, birds, and swine; 2) the conserved stalk regions (HAcs) of HA and an M2 polypeptide from H5N1 strain; and 3) the HA head regions polypeptides (HAH5-1-3) derived from H5N1, H1 N1 and H3N2 strains.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies which have high anti-RSV neutralizing titers. The invention further provides for isolated nucleic acids encoding the antibodies of the invention and host cells transformed therewith. The invention yet further provides for diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic methods employing the antibodies and nucleic acids of the invention, particularly as a passive immunotherapy agent in infants and the elderly.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to immunization and immunotherapy for the treatment or prevention of HIV. In particular, the methods include in vivo and/or ex vivo enrichment of HIV-specific CD4+ T cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, compositions, and systems for detecting whether a subject exposed to a coronavirus has developed a neutralizing antibody response. Also disclosed are methods for determining whether a patient infected by a coronavirus is likely to respond to treatment with an antibody preparation. Also disclosed are methods for detecting the level of neutralizing antibody response in a sample of serum from a subject exposed to a coronavirus or to a coronavirus vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant adenoviral vectors, immunogenic compositions thereof and their uses in medicine. In particular, the present invention provides an adenoviral vector comprising the genome of an adenovirus other than AdHu5 and AdY25, wherein the genome of the adenovirus has been modified such that the vector lacks the native E4 locus of the adenovirus and comprises heterologous E4Orf1, E4Orf2 and E4Orf3 coding regions from AdY25.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to systems and methods for determining viruses such as coronaviruses. For instance, some aspects are directed to systems and methods for determining viruses using a partitioning system. Within the partitioning system, free RNA or other nucleic acids may preferentially partition into one phase, while intact viruses may be present in the other phase or in both phases. Accordingly, in some cases, free RNA or other nucleic acids may be preferentially removed, e.g., as compared to intact RNA or other nucleic acids present within a virus. In some cases, the phase containing intact viruses can be determined to determine the infectiousness, e.g., of a sample arising from a subject. This may be useful, for example, for distinguishing subjects who are capable of spreading an infection from those who are not infectious.

Abstract: Provided are a fusion protein and use thereof. Provided is a fusion protein, comprising a trimerization block and an immunogenic block which are connected by a linker, wherein the trimerization block comprises one or more of repeat units set forth in SEQ ID NO. 1; the immunogenic block is an immunogenic protein of a pathogen, for example, being selected from a coronavirus RBD block, an HIV membrane protein or an influenza virus hemagglutinin protein, and immunogenic fragments thereof. Compared with an immunogen monomer, the trimer can generate a higher neutralizing antibody level, does not induce a strong antibody against the trimerization block in a human body, and can promote the immune response of the organism to be focused on the immunogenic block.

Abstract: Provided are production methods capable of controlling quality of a bifurcated lipid-linked oligonucleotide, and intermediates which is useful for the production method, has good stability, and is easy to manage and analyze. Specifically, it is a method for producing a bifurcated lipid-linked oligonucleotide including a step of reacting a compound of formula (II): wherein Pro1 to Pro4 are each independently a protecting group; Pro1 and Pro2 or Pro3 and Pro4 may be taken together to form a protecting group; m, n and p are each independently an integer of 0 to 5; and Y is a group of a formula: —P(OC2H4CN)(N(i-Pr)2), or the like, with an oligonucleotide.

Abstract: Provided herein are antigenic peptides comprising the SARS-COV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain (CRBD) polypeptide or portions thereof, linked to a non-catalytic, non-toxic tetanus toxin variant (i.e., a modified tetanus toxin or “MTT”) and vaccine compositions comprising the same. In addition, provided herein are methods for making and using CRBD-MTT fusion proteins as immunogenic agents.

Abstract: Provided are virus-like particle vaccines for human metapneumovirus (hMPV) in which the ectodomain of hMPV F protein is linked to, and thereby displayed on, a symmetric protein-based virus-like particle. For example, the vaccine antigen may be a N-terminal fusion of the ectodomain of hMPV F protein to a protein having a multimerization domain for a one- or two-component virus-like particle, such as a two-component icosahedral virus-like particle. Further provided are vaccine compositions, methods of manufacturing, and methods of use, e.g., immunizing a subject to generate a protective immune response to hMPV.

Abstract: Disclosed are virus-inspired compositions and preparation methods thereof, where the compositions comprise mutant papillomavirus L1 proteins that spontaneously form capsid backbones and that are conjugated to a peptide comprising an epitope to form immune redirector capsids (IRCs). The epitopes on the peptides are designed to be recognized by a subject's immune system based on the subject's preexisting immune memory developed from the subject's past exposure to the epitope through infection or vaccination. The mutant papillomavirus L1 proteins possess three mutations including an amino-terminal truncation, a carboxy-terminal truncation, and a truncation at helix four. These mutations in the L1 protein yield capsomeres that are form non-canonical T=1 geometry capsid backbones. Disclosed are uses and methods of using the compositions in treating and/or preventing cancers in subjects in need thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for the preparation, manufacture, and therapeutic use of ribonucleic acid vaccines comprising polynucleotide molecules encoding one or more antigens.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for obtaining a broadly neutralizing antibody (bNab), including screening memory B cell cultures from a donor PBMC sample for neutralization activity against a plurality of HIV-1 species, cloning a memory B cell that exhibits broad neutralization activity; and rescuing a monoclonal antibody from that memory B cell culture. The resultant monoclonal antibodies are characterized by their ability to selectively bind epitopes from the Env proteins in native or monomeric form, as well as to inhibit infection of HIV-1 species from a plurality of clades. Compositions containing human monoclonal anti-HIV antibodies used for prophylaxis, diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection are provided. Methods for generating such antibodies by immunization using epitopes from conserved regions within the variable loops of gp120 are provided. Immunogens for generating anti-HIV1 bNAbs are also provided. Furthermore, methods for vaccination using suitable epitopes are provided.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a carrier for reducing a likelihood of a pathogen binding to cell structures of a host comprises a core, surface features extending from an exterior surface of the core, wherein the surface features are configured to bind to target areas of cell structures of the host to at least partially block the pathogen from binding to said target areas as a result of competitive inhibition, and a plurality of binding sites along the exterior surface, wherein the binding sites are configured to attract at least one portion of the pathogen, wherein the binding sites are recognizable by the pathogen and are able to be bound by the pathogen, thereby at least partially immobilizing the pathogen and reducing the likelihood of the pathogen binding to target areas of cell structures of the host.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an immunogenic composition comprising: a) a hepatitis C virus (HCV) heterodimeric polypeptide that includes HCV E1 and E2 polypeptides; b) a T-cell epitope polypeptide comprising a T-cell epitope present in an HCV protein other than E1 and E2; and c) a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. The present disclosure provides a method of inducing an immune response, in an individual, to an HCV polypeptide. The present disclosure provides an immunogenic composition comprising: a) a polypeptide that comprises one or more T-cell epitopes present in an HCV protein other than E1 and E2; and b) a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a novel rotavirus, especially an isolated virus, which is a member of the sub-species of porcine group B rotavirus (porcine RVB), causing diarrheal disease in pigs, to DNA fragments and corresponding proteins of the said virus, to vaccines on the basis of said virus, DNA and/or protein and to antibodies reactive with said virus and/or protein and diagnostic test kits for the detection of said virus.

Abstract: Provided herein are non-naturally occurring variants of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) Core protein, the HBV polymerase N-terminal domain, and the HBV polymerase C-terminal domain, as well as immunogenic fragments thereof. Fusion proteins comprising the HBV variants fused to a herpes simplex virus (HSV) glycoprotein (gD) sequence, as well as methods of using the fusion proteins, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oligomer conjugate for use in the treatment of a viral disorder. The oligomer conjugate comprises: a) an oligomer capable of modulating a target sequence in HBx and/or HBsAg of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) to treat said viral disorder; and b) a carrier component capable of delivering the oligomer to the liver which is linked, preferably conjugated, to the oligomer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates in some aspects to immunogenic compositions including recombinant peptides and proteins comprising coronavirus viral antigens and immunogens, e.g., coronavirus S protein peptides. In some aspects, the immunogenic composition comprises a secreted fusion protein comprising a soluble coronavirus viral antigen joined by in-frame fusion to a C-terminal portion of a collagen which is capable of self-trimerization to form a disulfide bond-linked trimeric fusion protein. In some aspects, the immunogenic compositions provided herein are useful for generating an immune response, e.g., for treating or preventing a coronavirus infection. In some aspects, the immunogenic compositions provided herein may be used in a vaccine composition, e.g., as part of a prophylactic and/or therapeutic vaccine. Also provided herein are methods for producing the recombinant peptides and proteins, prophylactic, therapeutic, and/or diagnostic methods, and related kits.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are virus-like particle (VLP)-based bivalent vaccine compositions. The compositions may comprise a spherical retroviral Group-specific Antigen (“Gag”) protein core and at least two Ebola glycoproteins. The at least two Ebola glycoproteins may be located at the exterior surface of the spherical Gag protein core, such that the VLP-based vaccine presents at least two Ebola glycoprotein antigens. In one aspect, the at least two Ebola glycoproteins are a Zaire (EBOV) glycoprotein, and a Sudan (SUDV) glycoprotein.