Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to attenuated negative-strand RNA viruses having an impaired ability to antagonize the cellular interferon (IFN) response, and the use of such attenuated viruses in vaccine and pharmaceutical formulations. The invention also relates to the development and use of IFN-deficient systems for selection of such attenuated viruses. In particular, the invention relates to attenuated influenza viruses having modifications to the NS1 gene that diminish or eliminate the ability of the NS1 gene product to antagonize the cellular IFN response. The mutant viruses replicate in vivo but demonstrate reduced pathogenicity, and therefore are well suited for live virus vaccines, and pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: The present invention covers a novel replication deficient influenza virus comprising a modified NS1 segment coding for a NS1 protein lacking a functional RNA binding domain and functional effector domain and a heterologous sequence inserted between the splice donor site and the splice acceptor site of the NS gene segment. Further the use of the virus as vector for expression of various proteins like chemokines, cytokines or antigenic structures is covered, methods for producing virus particles using said virus vector as well as its use for production of vaccines. Also a fusion peptide comprising part of the N-terminus of an NS1 protein and a signal sequence fused to the C-terminus of said NS1 peptide is covered.

Abstract: The present invention provides a linear expression construct free of any conventional amplification and/or selection sequences comprising an RNA polymerase I (polI) promoter and a polI termination signal, inserted between a RNA polymerase II (polII) promoter and a polyadenylation signal useful for the expression of segments of viral RNA, preferably influenza viruses. The inventive construct is useful for efficient and fast production of viral particles, especially for producing vaccine formulations for the treatment of epidemic and/or pandemic diseases.

Abstract: The use of macrolide polyene antibiotics or derivatives or analogues thereof as culture supplement for the propagation of virus is described. Further pharmaceutical compositions comprising a virus and a macrolide polyene antibiotic or a derivative or analogue thereof and methods for using of macrolide polyene antibiotics for transfection and infection of cells as well as the use of macrolide poylene antibiotics for the isolation of virus from clinical samples are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition with an adjuvant based on an apathogenic virus, together with an antigen. The adjuvant has a natural or through genetical engineering no, reduced or altered expression of an endogenous interferon antagonist or endogenous immune suppressor.