Abstract: The invention provides a method for manufacturing a HEK293 cell line, which is capable of producing Epstein-Barr virus-like particles (EB-VLPs), as well as the HEK293 cell line obtainable by said method. The invention is further directed to a method for manufacturing EB-VLPs and a composition comprising EB-VLPs obtainable by said method for manufacturing EB-VLPs. Additionally, the invention provides a kit comprising EB-VLPs generated according to the method for manufacturing EB-VLPs. Further, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a vaccine as well as the vaccine containing EB-VLPs obtainable by said method for manufacturing EB-VLPs.

Abstract: The present invention provides herpesviruses, such as EBV, which lack at least one viral miRNA. Such herpesviruses lacking at least one viral miRNA are advantageously not capable of packaging their genome into the capsid, thereby producing HVLPs, which are substantially free of their herpesvirus genome or the nucleic acid molecule encoding the proteinaceous part of the HVLP and viral miRNA. Such HVLPs may be used as vaccine.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for determining whether or not virus-neutralizing antibodies are present in a sample obtained from a subject and a respective kit therefore. The present invention further relates to an in vitro method for screening compounds for their ability to neutralize a virus.

Abstract: The present invention provides herpesviruses, such as EBV, which lack at least one viral miRNA. Such herpesviruses lacking at least one viral miRNA are advantageously not capable of packaging their genome into the capsid, thereby producing HVLPs, which are substantially free of their herpesvirus genome or the nucleic acid molecule encoding the proteinaceous part of the HVLP and viral miRNA. Such HVLPs may be used as vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention provides herpesviruses, such as EBV, which lack at least one viral miRNA. Such herpesviruses lacking at least one viral miRNA are advantageously not capable of packaging their genome into the capsid, thereby producing HVLPs, which are substantially free of their herpesvirus genome or the nucleic acid molecule encoding the proteinaceous part of the HVLP and viral miRNA. Such HVLPs may be used as vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a conditional gene vector system and to a host cell, which has been transfected with such a vector system. The present invention is further directed to a combined preparation comprising the vector system of the invention and an interfering agent. Furthermore, a pharmaceutical composition and its use in the treatment of hemophilia, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, genetic immunodeficiency, and graft versus host disease is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a conditional gene vector system and to a host cell, which has been transfected with such a vector system. The present invention is further directed to a combined preparation comprising the vector system of the invention and an interfering agent. Furthermore, a pharmaceutical composition and its use in the treatment of hemophilia, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, genetic immunodeficiency, and graft versus host disease is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for helper virus-free packaging of gene vector DNA into the virus particles of a DNA virus as well as to eukaryotic helper cells for helper virus-free packaging of gene vector DNA into the virus particles of a DNA helper virus wherein a DNA virus having a genome ≧100 kbp is employed (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of DNA virus vectors capable of replication in eukaryotic as well as in prokaryotic cells as well as to DNA virus vectors prepared by this method. Preferably, the method is used to prepare Epstein-Barr virus vectors.