Abstract: An immune response in a subject is elicited by a regiment comprising immunization with an attenuated recombinant rabies virus encoding at least one foreign protein antigen, and booster immunization with the at least one foreign protein antigen in a vehicle that does not contain adjuvant. The foreign protein antigen may comprise a prion protein antigen, a cancer-associated antigens, a viral antigen, a bacterial antigens, or a protozoal antigen. The prime/boost regimen produces predominantly IgG 2A/C and IgG 2B antibodies against the foreign protein antigen, indicating a TH1 response. Rabies virus attenuation may be provided, for example, by one or more mutations in the rabies glycoprotein gene which confers attenuation of pathogenicity.

Abstract: An immune response in a subject is elicited by a regiment comprising immunization with an attenuated recombinant rabies virus encoding at least one foreign protein antigen, and booster immunization with the at least one foreign protein antigen in a vehicle that does not contain adjuvant. The foreign protein antigen may comprise a prion protein antigen, a cancer-associated antigens, a viral antigen, a bacterial antigens, or a protozoal antigen. The prime/boost regimen produces predominantly IgG 2A/C and IgG 2B antibodies against the foreign protein antigen, indicating a TH1 response. Rabies virus attenuation may be provided, for example, by one or more mutations in the rabies glycoprotein gene which confers attenuation of pathogenicity.

Abstract: The invention provides a recombinant rabies viruses comprising three copies of a mutated G gene wherein each G gene encodes a rabies virus glycoprotein having the amino acid 194 mutated to a serine and the amino acid 333 is mutated to a glutamic acid. The recombinant rabies virus is nonpathogenic in immunodeficient mammals and can be used in a vaccine to induce an immune response protect mammals from infection by rabies virus as well as clear a pre-existing rabies virus infection from neural tissues.

Abstract: The invention provides a recombinant rabies viruses comprising three copies of a mutated G gene wherein each G gene encodes a rabies virus glycoprotein having the amino acid 194 mutated to a serine and the amino acid 333 is mutated to a glutamic acid. The recombinant rabies virus is nonpathogenic in immunodeficient mammals and can be used in a vaccine to induce an immune response protect mammals from infection by rabies virus as well as clear a pre-existing rabies virus infection from neural tissues.

Abstract: Recombinant rabies viruses in which the arginine residue of the glycoprotein (G) at amino acid position 333 is exchanged, renders these viruses nonpathogenic for immunocompetent mammals regardless of the route of infection. Some of these recombinant rabies viruses after several serial virus passages in newborn mice can become pathogenic for adult mice. The reversion to the pathogenic phenotype is associated with a thymidine to adenosine mutation (T?A) at position 639 of the G gene, which results in an asparagine to lysine exchange at position 194 of G. The codon at position 637-639 was changed by site directed mutagenesis to replace asparagine at position 194 by an amino acid that minimized the possibility for an Asn?Lys exchange at amino acid position 194 of G and prevents reversion to a pathogenic form of the virus.

Abstract: Rabies virus (RV) nucleoprotein (N) tightly encapsidates the genomic and antigenomic RNA thereby forming the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex. Antigens presented in a rigid and repetitive organization are sufficient to activate B cells to proliferate. In addition to the repetitive organization, it has been shown that RV N protein induces potent T-helper responses resulting in long-lasting and strong humoral immune responses against RV. The possibility to directly manipulate the genome of RV allows us to examine whether the immunogenicity of foreign antigens can be enhanced via incorporation into the RNP structure. A recombinant RV expressing an RV N-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein. The chimeric N-GFP fusion protein was efficiently expressed and incorporated into RV RNP and virions. Moreover, the recombinant RNP induces a strong humoral immune response against GFP in mice.

Abstract: Recombinant rabies viruses in which the arginine residue of the glycoprotein (G) at amino acid position 333 is exchanged, renders these viruses nonpathogenic for immunocompetent mammals regardless of the route of infection. Some of these recombinant rabies viruses after several serial virus passages in newborn mice can become pathogenic for adult mice. The reversion to the pathogenic phenotype is associated with a thymidine to adenosine mutation (TôA) at position 639 of the G gene, which results in an asparagine to lysine exchange at position 194 of G. The codon at position 637-639 was changed by site directed mutagenesis to replace asparagine at position 194 by an amino acid that minimized the possibility for an AsnôLys exchange at amino acid position 194 of G and prevents reversion to a pathogenic form of the virus.

Abstract: Live rabies virus vaccines comprising a recombinant rabies virus genome which overexpresses the rabies virus G protein increase apoptotic activity in infected cells, and enhance the generation of anti-rabies immunity in a subject.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the use of rabies virusneutralizing antibodies for postexposure prophylactic treatment of subjects exposed to rabies virus. Compositions comprising mixtures of rabies virusneutralizing antibodies, as well as nucleotide and amino acid sequences encoding these antibodies, can be used in the treatment of subjects exposed to rabies virus. The invention also provides methods of producing recombinant rabies virus-neutralizing human antibodies in mammalian cells using recombinant expression vectors.

Abstract: Live, attenuated recombinant rabies virus vaccines are generated using reverse genetics to combine the antigenic determinants that render the rabies virus non-pathogenic with the determinants that are responsible for the elicitation of an effective anti-rabies immune response. These vaccines do not affect the antigenic, and therefore the immunogenic, properties of the virus. The present invention further relates to recombinant rabies virus vaccines that express a pro-apoptotic protein, such as cytochrome c, to increase the capacity to induce apoptosis, thereby enhancing the protective immunity against rabies. This new generation of live rabies virus vaccines represents a safe and effective approach to the eradication of rabies in wildlife, and subsequently humans and livestock.

Abstract: Recombinant antibodies are disclosed. The nucleic acid and encoded amino acid sequences of the heavy and light chain immunoglobulins of human monoclonal rabies virus neutralizing antibodies, and their use, are described.

Abstract: Human monoclonal rabies virus neutralizing antibodies represent a safe and efficacious post-exposure prophylactic therapy for individuals exposed to a rabies virus. The nucleic acid and encoded amino acid sequences of the heavy and light chain immunoglobulins of human monoclonal rabies virus neutralizing antibodies, and their use, is described.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the use of rabies virus-neutralizing antibodies for postexposure prophylactic treatment of subjects exposed to rabies virus. Compositions comprising mixtures of rabies virus-neutralizing antibodies, as well as nucleotide and amino acid sequences encoding these antibodies, can be used in the treatment of subjects exposed to rabies virus. The invention also provides methods of producing recombinant rabies virus-neutralizing human antibodies in mammalian cells using recombinant expression vectors.

Abstract: Human monoclonal rabies virus neutralizing antibodies represent a safe and efficacious post-exposure prophylactic therapy for individuals exposed to a rabies virus. The nucleic acid and encoded amino acid sequences of the heavy and light chain immunoglobulins of human monoclonal rabies virus neutralizing antibodies, and their use, is described.

Abstract: Recombinant antibodies are disclosed. The nucleic acid and encoded amino acid sequences of the heavy and light chain immunoglobulins of human monoclonal rabies virus neutralizing antibodies, and their use, are described.

Abstract: The current methods of gene therapy do not allow for the efficient transduction of nerve cells, thereby limiting treatment of diseases or disorders involving the nervous system. The present invention is a method of treating a disease or disorder wherein an avian retrovirus (spleen necrosis virus, SNV) is engineered to express a rabies virus glycoprotein that allows for the specific targeting of nerve cells. Since SNV is not infectious to human cells the retrovirus of the present invention is safe. Further, incorporation of a glycoprotein gene, specifically the N2C gene, and a therapeutic gene(s) of interest into the retroviral vector allows for the specific and efficient transduction of nerve cells with the gene(s) of interest, thereby treating a disease or disorder involving nerve cells.

Abstract: Live, attenuated recombinant rabies virus vaccines are generated using reverse genetics to combine the antigenic determinants that render the rabies virus non-pathogenic with the determinants that are responsible for the elicitation of an effective anti-rabies immune response. These vaccines do not affect the antigenic, and therefore the immunogenic, properties of the virus. The present invention further relates to recombinant rabies virus vaccines that express a pro-apoptotic protein, such as cytochrome c, to increase the capacity to induce apoptosis, thereby enhancing the protective immunity against rabies. This new generation of live rabies virus vaccines represents a safe and effective approach to the eradication of rabies in wildlife, and subsequently humans and livestock.

Abstract: The current expression systems for the production of a specific antibody are time consuming, inadequate and costly. The present invention describes a novel recombinant expression vector using non-segmented, negative-stranded RNA virus vectors to express functional antibody. A high yield of pure antibody is obtained from this expression system and is used to neutralize the effect of an antigen. For example, antibody is used in prophylactic therapeutics, as well as in the treatment of an existing diseased condition.

Abstract: Oligodeoxynucleotides complementary to genomic RNA of a negative-stranded nonsegmented RNA virus are provided. Methods of inhibiting infection of cells by a negative-stranded nonsegmented RNA virus and treating animals infected with a negative-stranded nonsegmented RNA virus using these oligodeoxynucleotides are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing an antigen-induced immune response through use of a ribonucleocapsid complex are provided. Composition containing a ribonucleocapsid complex and an antigen which are capable of enhancing the immune response to the antigen are also provided.