Abstract: The present invention relates to a cytomegalovirus (CMV) which has been recombinantly altered to express a heterologous polypeptide and to allow for external control of viral replication. The heterologous polypeptide may be a polypeptide of interest such as an antigen, antibody or immune modulator. The CMV vectors of the invention are replication defective, or chemically controllable replication capable, or replication competent. The present invention also relates to uses of the CMV vectors such as inducing an immune response to an antigen or expressing an antibody or immune modulator in vivo. Compositions comprising the CMV expressing the heterologous polypeptide are also encompassed by the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention features PD-1 binding proteins, a subset of which inhibits binding of PD-L1 to the PD-1 receptor. These binding proteins can be employed to modulate the immune system through the manipulation of the PD-1 signaling pathway, enhancing host immunity to treat infections and cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods to elicit or enhance cell-mediated immunity against HCMV infection by providing polynucleotides encoding variant HCMV pp65, IE1, and IE2 proteins, and fusion proteins thereof. The present invention also provides recombinant vectors including, but not limited to, adenovirus and plasmid vectors comprising said polynucleotides and host cells comprising said recombinant vectors. Also provided herein are purified forms of the variant HCMV pp65, IE1, and IE2 proteins described herein, and fusion proteins. The variant HCMV proteins, and fusion proteins thereof, are useful as vaccines for the protection from and/or treatment of HCMV infection. Said vaccines are useful as a monotherapy or a part of a therapeutic regime, said regime comprising administration of a second vaccine such as a polynucleotide, cell-based, protein or peptide-based vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention features PD-1 binding proteins, a subset of which inhibits binding of PD-L1 to the PD-1 receptor. These binding proteins can be employed to modulate the immune system through the manipulation of the PD-1 signaling pathway, enhancing host immunity to treat infections and cancer.

Abstract: Synthetic DNA molecules encoding HIV gag and modifications of HIV gag are provided. The codons of the synthetic molecules are codons preferred by the projected host cell. The synthetic molecules may be used as a polynucleotide vaccine which provides effective immunoprophylaxis against HIV infection through stimulation of neutralizing antibody and cell-mediated immunity.

Abstract: Synthetic DNA molecules encoding HIV gag and modifications of HIV gag are provided. The codons of the synthetic molecules are codons preferred by the projected host cell. The synthetic molecules may be used as a polynucleotide vaccine which provides effective immunoprophylaxis against HIV infection through stimulation of neutralizing antibody and cell-mediated immunity.

Abstract: Synthetic polynucleotides comprising a DNA sequence encoding a peptide or protein are provided. The DNA sequence of the synthetic polynucleotides comprise codons optimized for expression in a nonhomologous host. The invention is exemplified by synthetic DNA molecules encoding HIV env as well as modifications of HIV env. The codons of the synthetic molecules include the projected host cell's preferred codons. The synthetic molecules provide preferred forms of foreign genetic material. The synthetic molecules may be used as a polynucleotide vaccine which provides immunoprophylaxis against HIV infection through neutralizing antibody and cell-mediated immunity. This invention provides polynucleotides which, when directly introduced into a vertebrate in vivo, including mammals such as primates and humans, induces the expression of encoded proteins within the animal.

Abstract: Synthetic DNA molecules encoding HIV genes and modifications of HIV genes are provided. The codons of the synthetic molecules use codons preferred by the projected host cell. The synthetic molecules may be used as a polynucleotide vaccine which provides effective immunoprophylaxis against HIV infection through neutralizing antibody and cell-mediated immunity.

Abstract: Synthetic polynucleotides comprising a DNA sequence encoding a peptide or protein are provided. The DNA sequence of the synthetic polynucleotides comprise codons optimized for expression in a nonhomologous host. The invention is exemplified by synthetic DNA molecules encoding HIV env as well as modifications of HIV env. The codons of the synthetic molecules include the projected host cell's preferred codons. The synthetic molecules provide preferred forms of foreign genetic material. The synthetic molecules may be used as a polynucleotide vaccine which provides immunoprophylaxis against HIV infection through neutralizing antibody and cell-mediated immunity. This invention provides polynucleotides which, when directly introduced into a vertebrate in vivo, including mammals such as primates and humans, induces the expression of encoded proteins within the animal.

Abstract: Synthetic DNA molecules encoding HIV gag and modifications of HIV gag are provided. The codons of the synthetic molecules are codons preferred by the projected host cell. The synthetic molecules may be used as a polynucleotide vaccine which provides effective immunoprophylaxis against HIV infection through stimulation of neutralizing antibody and cell-mediated immunity.