Abstract: Provided herein are compositions containing a vaccinia virus and a protein polymer, and articles of manufacture thereof. Also provided are diagnostic and therapeutic methods using the compositions or articles of manufacture.

Abstract: Described are diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions comprising a microorganism or cell containing a DNA sequence encoding a detectable protein or a protein capable of inducing a detectable signal, e.g. a luminescent or fluorescent protein, and, in a particular embodiment, furthermore (a) DNA sequence(s) encoding (a) protein(s) suitable for tumor therapy and/or elimination of metastatic tumors, e.g. a cytotoxic or cytostatic protein.

Abstract: Provided are diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions containing a microorganism or a cell containing a DNA molecule encoding a detectable protein or a protein that a detectable signal, such as a luminescent or fluorescent protein. Methods of tumor targeting and tumor imaging using the microorganisms and cells are provided. Also provided are therapeutic methods in which the microorganisms and cells, which can encoded a therapeutic protein, such as a cytotoxic or cytostatic protein, are administered.

Abstract: Provided are diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions containing a microorganism or a cell containing a DNA molecule encoding a detectable protein or a protein that a detectable signal, such as a luminescent or fluorescent protein. Methods of tumor targeting and tumor imaging using the microorganisms and cells are provided. Also provided are therapeutic methods in which the microorganisms and cells, which can encoded a therapeutic protein, such as a cytotoxic or cytostatic protein, are administered.

Abstract: Diagnostic methods for in vivo and ex vivo detection of oncolytic virus infection of tumors in a subject are provided. The diagnostic methods employ imaging agents that detect macrophage or inflammatory cells, such perfluorocarbon (PFC) imaging agents, to detection of inflammation associated with oncolytic virus administration, and, thereby detect tumors and cancers. Combinations and kits for use in the practicing the methods also are provided.

Abstract: Lister strain vaccinia viruses that are encode a modified A34R gene resulting in increased extracellular enveloped virus (EEV) form of the virus and/or increased resistance of the virus to neutralizing antibodies. The viruses can be used in methods of treatment of diseases, such as proliferative and inflammatory disorders, including as anti-tumor agents.

Abstract: Methods for detecting replication in or colonization of a host by a biological therapeutic, such as an oncolytic virus, cells administered for cell therapy and gene therapy vectors, are provided. In the methods, a product produced by the biological therapeutic is detected in a sample of tissue or body fluid distinct from the administered therapy or locus thereof, thereby permitting assessment of the therapy and/or monitoring its progress.

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

Abstract: Methods for amplification of nucleic acids in cells are provided. Also provided are cells that contain the nucleic acids.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for detecting a bacteria in a subject and methods for detecting, imaging or diagnosing a site, disease, disorder or condition in a subject using bacteria. The methods can be used in conjunction with methods for treating a disease, disorder or condition. Such sites, diseases and disorders include sites of cellular proliferation, such as tumors, tumor tissues, metastases, areas of inflammation, immunoprivileged sites or tissues, wounds and infections. Further described are bacteria for use in the methods and compositions, combinations and kits, including diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions, containing a bacterium. Bacteria described herein include those that bind, sequester or accumulate radiolabeled compounds by expression of an endogenous gene product that binds to the radiolabeled compound. Additional imaging and therapeutic agents and methods also are described.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for detecting a bacteria in a subject and methods for detecting, imaging or diagnosing a site, disease, disorder or condition in a subject using bacteria. The methods can be used in conjunction with methods for treating a disease, disorder or condition. Such sites, diseases and disorders include sites of cellular proliferation, such as tumors, tumor tissues, metastases, areas of inflammation, immunoprivileged sites or tissues, wounds and infections. Further described are bacteria for use in the methods and compositions, combinations and kits, including diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions, containing a bacterium. Bacteria described herein include those that bind, sequester or accumulate radiolabeled compounds by expression of an endogenous gene product that binds to the radiolabeled compound. Additional imaging and therapeutic agents and methods also are described.

Abstract: Clonal strains of vaccinia viruses are provided. Also provided are methods of identifying and isolating attenuated and oncolytic clonal strains from virus preparations. Modified recombinant forms of the clonal strains also are provided. The clonal strains and virus preparations can be used for diagnostic and therapeutic methods, in particular for therapy and diagnosis or monitoring treatment of proliferative disorders, including neoplastic diseases, such as, but are not limited to, solid tumors and blood cancers.

Abstract: Therapeutic methods and microorganisms therefor are provided. The microorganisms are designed to accumulate in immunoprivileged tissues and cells, such as in tumors and other proliferating tissue and in inflamed tissues, compared to other tissues, cells and organs, so that they exhibit relatively low toxicity to host organisms. The microorganisms also are designed or modified to result in leaky cell membranes of cells in which they accumulate, resulting in production of antibodies reactive against proteins and other cellular products and also permitting exploitation of proferating proliferating tissues, particularly tumors, to produce selected proteins and other products. Vaccines containing the microorganisms are provided. Combinations of the microorganisms and anti-cancer agents and uses thereof for treating cancer also are provided.

Abstract: Therapeutic methods and vaccinia virus therefor are provided. The viruses are designed so that they accumulate in immunoprivileged tissues and cells, such as in tumors and other proliferating tissue and in inflamed tissues, compared to other tissues, cells and organs, so that they exhibit relatively low toxicity to host organisms. Combinations of the viruses and anti-cancer agents and uses thereof for treating cancer also are provided.

Abstract: Methods for amplification of nucleic acids in cells are provided. Also provided are cells that contain the nucleic acids.

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

Abstract: Therapeutic methods and microorganisms therefor are provided. The microorganisms are designed to accumulate in immunoprivileged tissues and cells, such as in tumors and other proliferating tissue and in inflamed tissues, compared to other tissues, cells and organs, so that they exhibit relatively low toxicity to host organisms. The microorganisms also are designed or modified to result in leaky cell membranes of cells in which they accumulate, resulting in production of antibodies reactive against proteins and other cellular products and also permitting exploitation of proferating proliferating tissues, particularly tumors, to produce selected proteins and other products. Vaccines containing the microorganisms are provided. Combinations of the microorganisms and anti-cancer agents and uses thereof for treating cancer also are provided.

Abstract: Described is the use of a microorganism or cell containing a DNA sequence encoding a detectable protein or a protein capable of inducing a detectable signal, e.g., a luminescent or fluorescent protein for the preparation of a diagnostic composition for diagnosis and/or visualization of wounded or inflamed tissue or a disease associated therewith. Moreover, therapeutic uses are described, wherein the microorganism or cell additionally contain an expressible DNA sequence encoding a protein suitable for therapy, e.g. an enzyme causing cell death or digestion of debris.

Abstract: Provided are methods for using cellular compositions in combination with oncolytic viruses. The methods include administering oncolytic viruses for the inhibition and treatment of tumors caused by administration of cellular therapies, such as stem cell therapies. The methods also include contacting cellular compositions with oncolytic viruses for the removal of neoplastic cells prior to administration of the cellular composition for therapy. Diagnostic methods for monitoring treatment also are provided.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for detecting a bacteria in a subject and methods for detecting, imaging or diagnosing a site, disease, disorder or condition in a subject using bacteria. The methods can be used in conjunction with methods for treating a disease, disorder or condition. Such sites, diseases and disorders include sites of cellular proliferation, such as tumors, tumor tissues, metastases, areas of inflammation, immunoprivileged sites or tissues, wounds and infections. Further described are bacteria for use in the methods and compositions, combinations and kits, including diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions, containing a bacterium. Bacteria described herein include those that bind, sequester or accumulate radiolabeled compounds by expression of an endogenous gene product that binds to the radiolabeled compound. Additional imaging and therapeutic agents and methods also are described.