Abstract: The present invention provides a construct which, when expressed in a host cell, is capable of producing empty virus capsids, the construct comprising: (i) a nucleotide sequence encoding a capsid precursor protein; (ii) a nucleotide sequence encoding a protease capable of cleaving the capsid precursor protein; and (iii) a control element which controls the expression of the protease such that, when the construct is present in the host cell, the control element causes the protease to be expressed at a level sufficient to cleave the capsid precursor protein, but not sufficient to induce significant toxicity in the host cell. The invention also provides a vector and a host cell comprising such a construct and their use to generate empty virus capsids.

Abstract: Influenza viruses for use in preparing human vaccines have traditionally been grown on embryonated hen eggs, although more modern techniques grow the virus in mammalian cell culture e.g. on Vero, MDCK or PER.C6 cell lines. The inventor has realised that the conditions used for influenza virus culture can increase the risk that pathogens other than influenza virus may grow in the cell lines and have identified specific contamination risks. Suitable tests can thus be performed during manufacture in order to ensure safety and avoid iatrogenic infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant phages carrying fusion peptides that bind to avian influenza virus (AIV). Such phages are useful as diagnostic reagents to replace anti-AIV antibodies because the phages are capable of competing with the latter antibodies for binding sites on the virus. Synthetic peptides with the sequence CNDFRSKTC, either in linear or cyclic conformations, or fusion phages bearing the above said peptides inhibited AIV propagation in embryonated egg as well as in MDCK cell lines. Therefore they may be used as'therapeutic agents to control, to treat and to eradicate bird flu caused by avian influenza virus.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel human anti-influenza antibodies and related compositions and methods. These antibodies are used in the diagnosis and treatment of influenza infection.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a new synthetic, codon-optimized Puumala virus (PUUV) full-length M gene open reading frame (ORF) that encodes a unique consensus amino acid sequence. The PUUV ORF was cloned into a plasmid to form the first stable PUUV full-length M gene that elicits neutralizing antibodies. The gene can be engineered into a molecular vaccine system, and is useful to protect mammals against infection with Puumala virus.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for sensitive and specific detection of anti-HSV-2 antibodies by depletion of cross-reactive (non-specific) antibodies in a biological sample that can lead to a false positive result. The invention also features compositions, including nucleic acids, polypeptides, and kits, for use in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention is related to nucleic acid constructs capable of expressing a polypeptide that elicits an immune response in a mammal against more than one subtype of dengue virus, and methods of use thereof. Additionally, there are DNA plasmid vaccines capable of generating in a mammal an immune response against a plurality of dengue virus subtypes, comprising a DNA plasmid and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, and methods of use thereof. The DNA plasmid is capable of expressing a consensus dengue antigen in a cell of the mammal in a quantity effective to elicit an immune response in the mammal.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is the production of recombinant virus through the cloning and expression of sequences of coding nucleotides of the whole or part of heterolog proteins, through the following method: (a) modification of the heterolog nucleotides sequences in such way they when cloned and expressed in the vector virus, they present in the 5? region, nucleotides present in the 5? edge of the gene NS1 of this vector virus or of other virus or equivalent functional sequences, and in its 3? region, the correspondent genome region in the whole or part of the spheres of the steam and anchor of the protein E of this vector virus or equivalent functional sequences, and not compromising the structure and the replication of the mention vector virus; (b) insertion of the modified heterolog sequences in (a) in the intergene region at the structural protein E level and of on structural NS1 vector virus; (c) obtention of the non pathogenic recombinant virus and owner of the immunologic properties, having

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: This invention provides replication-defective flavivirus vaccines and vaccine vectors, and corresponding compositions and methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to NS1 proteins or parts thereof of Flaviviruses, in particular of Dengue viruses useful for vaccination against said Flavivirus and against one or more other Flaviviruses. The invention further concerns the NS1 protein or parts thereof of one Dengue virus serotype, in particular serotype 2, useful for vaccination against Dengue viruses from all serotypes. The invention further concerns DNA comprising an expression cassette coding for a Flavivirus NS1 or parts thereof, vectors comprising said DNA and vaccines containing or expressing a Flavivirus NS1.

Abstract: The invention relates to live attenuated VDV2 (VERO-Derived Vaccine Dengue serotype 2) strains which have been derived from the wild-type dengue-2 strain 16681 by passaging on PDK and Vero cells and nucleic acids thereof. The invention further relates to a vaccine composition which comprises a VDV2 strain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dengue vaccine, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same, a nucleotide sequence, and an antibody composition. The dengue vaccine of the present invention includes chimeric nonstructural protein 1, which comprises N-terminus of DV NS1 from amino-acid residues 1 to 270 and C-terminus of JEV NS1 from amino-acid residues 271 to 352 (designated DJ NS1). Therefore, the dengue vaccine without autoimmunity according to the present invention is able to avoid cross-reactions with endothelial cells and platelets, and is able to shorten the bleeding time.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for use in treating HSV-related conditions and diseases.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treating a vaccine containing infectious particles which may be viral, bacterial, and/or cellular in nature. Preferred methods include the steps of adding an effective, non-toxic amount of an endogenous photosensitizer to the fluid and exposing the fluid to photoradiation sufficient to inactivate the infectious particles but not enough to damage the antigenic characteristics of the infectious particles.

Abstract: This invention relates to peptides having antiviral properties. The antiviral peptides comprise membrane transiting peptides, and active fragments and derivatives of such peptides. The antiviral peptides exhibit activity against a broad spectrum of viruses, including enveloped and nonenveloped viruses, and are used in pharmaceutical compositions to prevent and/or treat viral infections.

Abstract: This invention relates to peptides having antiviral properties. The antiviral peptides comprise membrane transiting peptides, and active fragments and derivatives of such peptides. The antiviral peptides exhibit activity against a broad spectrum of viruses, including enveloped and nonenveloped viruses, and are used in pharmaceutical compositions to prevent and/or treat viral infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel canine pol I regulatory nucleic acid sequences useful for the expression of nucleic acid sequences in canine cells such as MDCK cells. The invention further provides expression vectors and cells comprising such nucleic acids as well as methods of using such nucleic acids to make influenza viruses, including infectious influenza viruses.

Abstract: The invention provides a an inactive, non-replicating vaccine comprising whole virion, chemically inactivated Yellow Fever virus which is inactivated using a method that ensures preservation of critical, neutralizing epitopes. The Yellow Fever virus has been adapted to propagate in cells to higher yields than the unadapted virus. The invention also provides methods for preventing Yellow Fever viral infection.

Abstract: The invention features methods and compositions that exploit the ability of amphipathic alpha-helical (AH) peptides to cause disruption of lipid-containing vesicles, such as enveloped viruses, in a size-dependent manner.