Abstract: Methods to derive novel hybrid type 1 interferons that are broadly active against highly pathogenic viruses of biodefense significance are described. Libraries of hybrid interferon genes were produced using gene shuffling, the proteins were expressed, and screened for activity against viruses of interest. Sequences of several broadly active hybrid interferons are described.

Abstract: Methods to derive novel hybrid type 1 interferons that are broadly active against highly pathogenic viruses of biodefense significance are described. Libraries of hybrid interferon genes were produced using gene shuffling, the proteins were expressed, and screened for activity against viruses of interest. Sequences of several broadly active hybrid interferons are described.

Abstract: Herein is described a modified viral vector comprising: a coat protein modified, for example by the addition of a cysteine residue, such that the modified viral vector yields less soluble virus relative to that from an unmodified viral vector upon extraction of plant material infected with the modified viral vector, thereby facilitating purification of a recombinant protein expressed from the modified viral vector. Also described is a method of reducing viral coat protein impurities during purification of a recombinant protein, a method of biocontainment for a recombinant viral vector, and a method of generating virus inoculum for the modified viral vector.

Abstract: Herein is described a system to combat poxvirus infection wherein antagonists are developed that bind the soluble cytokine receptor but have no significant biological activity in the host, effectively blocking the virus-mediated suppressor of interferon function, thereby permitting the host's own cytokines to stimulate an antiviral response. Alternatively, interferon molecules can be developed that retain biological activity on their native receptors but fail to bind the viral cytokine binding protein, thereby circumventing this virus immune modulation mechanism.

Abstract: Herein is described a system to combat poxvirus infection wherein antagonists are developed that bind the soluble cytokine receptor but have no significant biological activity in the host, effectively blocking the virus-mediated suppressor of interferon function, thereby permitting the host's own cytokines to stimulate an antiviral response. Alternatively, interferon molecules can be developed that retain biological activity on their native receptors but fail to bind the viral cytokine binding protein, thereby circumventing this virus immune modulation mechanism.

Abstract: Herein is described a modified viral vector comprising: a coat protein modified, for example by the addition of a cysteine residue, such that the modified viral vector yields less soluble virus relative to that from an unmodified viral vector upon extraction of plant material infected with the modified viral vector, thereby facilitating purification of a recombinant protein expressed from the modified viral vector. Also described is a method of reducing viral coat protein impurities during purification of a recombinant protein, a method of biocontainment for a recombinant viral vector, and a method of generating virus inoculum for the modified viral vector.

Abstract: We describe here restriction endonucleases and their uses. Restriction endonucleases are useful in finding single nucleotide polymorphisms. They are also useful in an in vitro method of redistributing sequence variations between non-identical polynucleotide sequences.

Abstract: We describe here an in vitro method of redistributing sequence variations between non-identical polynucleotide sequences, by making a heteroduplex polynucleotide from two non-identical polynucleotides; introducing a nick in one strand at or near a base pair mismatch site; removing mismatched base(s) from the mismatch site where the nick occurred; and using the opposite strand as template to replace the removed base(s) with bases that complement base(s) in the first strand. By this method, information is transferred from one strand to the other at sites of mismatch.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for expressing a foreign peptide in a plant cell, wherein the foreign protein is sensitive to a protease activity in the plant cell, by introducing into a plant cell a polynucleotide, which encodes the foreign protein and an another polynucleotide, which encodes a genetic element capable of reducing the protease activity in the plant cell. The invention also provides for plant cells, which incorporate this system, and for methods of reducing the proteolysis of the foreign protein expressed in a plant cell by using this system.

Abstract: We describe here restriction endonucleases and their uses. Restriction endonucleases are useful in finding single nucleotide polymorphisms. They are also useful in an in vitro method of redistributing sequence variations between non-identical polynucleotide sequences.

Abstract: We describe here an in vitro method of increasing complementarity in a heteroduplex polynucleotide sequence. The method uses annealing of opposite strands to form a polynucleotide duplex with mismatches. The heteroduplex polynucleotide is combined with an effective amount of enzymes having strand cleavage activity, 3′ to 5′ exonuclease activity, and polymerase activity, and allowing sufficient time for the percentage of complementarity to be increased within the heteroduplex. Not all heteroduplex polynucleotides will necessarily have all mismatches resolved to complementarity. The resulting polynucleotide is optionally ligated. Several variant polynucleotides result. At sites where either of the opposite strands has templated recoding in the other strand, the resulting percent complementarity of the heteroduplex polynucleotide sequence is increased. The parent polynucleotides need not be cleaved into fragments prior to annealing heterologous strands. Therefore, no reassembly is required.