Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of enhancing a pro-inflammatory immune response through the administration of the DEAD-box protein DDX3, as encoded by SEQ ID NO:1. The invention further extends to a method of suppressing an aberrant immune response, such at that associated with autoimmune conditions, through inhibition of DDX3. The invention also extends to a method of suppressing a pro-inflammatory immune response through the administration of the vaccinia virus protein K7. The invention further extends to the provision of an attenuated poxvirus wherein the K7R gene which encodes for the K7 protein is deleted or rendered non-functional. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising DDX3 inhibitory compounds, such as K7, are also provided.

Abstract: An orthopoxvirus vector, such as vaccinia, is described in which the A52R protein from vaccinia, or a closely related protein from any orthopoxvirus is not expressed or is expressed but is non-functional. Also described is the use of a vaccinia virus A52R protein or a closely related protein from any orthopoxvirus, or a functional peptide, peptidometic, fragment or derivative thereof, or a DNA vector expressing any of the above in the modulation and/or inhibition of IL1R/TLR superfamily signalling.

Abstract: An orthopoxvirus vector, such as vaccinia, is described in which the A46R protein from vaccinia, or a closely related protein from any orthopoxvirus is not expressed or is expressed but is non-functional. Also described is the use of a vaccinia virus A46R protein or a closely related protein from any orthopoxvirus, or a functional peptide, peptidometic, fragment or derivative thereof, or a DNA vector expressing any of the above in the modulation and/or inhibition of IL1R/TLR superfamily signalling.