Abstract: Polynucleotides encoding hepatitis B virus (HBV) core antigen and polymerase antigen, and related combinations are described. Also described are vectors, such as DNA plasmids or viral vectors, expressing the HBV core and polymerase antigens, and immunogenic compositions containing the expression vectors. Methods of inducing an immune response against HBV or treating a HBV-induced disease, particularly in individuals having chronic HBV infection, using the immunogenic compositions are also described.

Abstract: Provided herein are Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vectors and adenovirus vectors encoding HBV antigens. Also provided are methods of enhancing an immune response in a human subject by utilizing the MVA and adenovirus vectors encoding HBV antigens in a prime/boost regimen to the enhance the immune response in the human subject.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the reproducible, consistent and efficacious delivery of an HBV vaccine to a subject. The disclosure comprises apparatus for the controlled administration of the HBV vaccine through an orifice to the subject, a plurality of penetrating electrodes arranged with a predetermined spatial relationship relative to the orifice, and an electrical signal generator operatively connected to the electrodes.

Abstract: Polynucleotides encoding hepatitis B virus (HBV) core antigen and polymerase antigen, and related combinations are described. Also described are vectors, such as DNA plasmids or viral vectors, expressing the HBV core and polymerase antigens, and immunogenic compositions containing the expression vectors. Methods of inducing an immune response against HBV or treating a HBV-induced disease, particularly in individuals having chronic HBV infection, using the immunogenic compositions are also described.

Abstract: A method of identifying at least one CTL-inducing epitope from HIV protein is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of (a) examining the nucleic acid sequence encoding at least one HIV protein from at least one HIV-infected patient, wherein the sequence encoding the expressed protein is examined in the first six months after infection, to identify at least one region of the HIV protein that is variable as compared to the sequence of the protein at an earlier time point in infection, wherein the variable region indicates a CTL-inducing epitope, and (b) confirming that an immune response directed against the CTL-inducing epitope is capable of selecting for viral escape variants during the acute or periacute phase of HIV infection is of high avidity.