Abstract: Provided herein is a method for stabilising a single stranded RNA (ssRNA) by encapsidation of the ssRNA with a tobamovirus coat protein to obtain a pseudovirion (PsV), the method comprising expressing a tobamovirus coat protein and the ssRNA comprising a tobamovirus encapsidation origin (OriA), wherein the expressed tobamovirus coat protein interacts with the OriA sequence on the ssRNA to initiate encapsidation of the ssRNA by the tobamovirus coat protein, thereby forming a pseudovirion. The PsVs produced according to the method can be used as a diagnostic control composition, where the ssRNA is a sequence detected by a molecular diagnostic assay. The pseudovirions may also be used as a vaccine to elicit an immune response in a subject, and in pharmaceutical compositions to be administered to a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fusion protein consisting of a scFv linked to a horseradish peroxidase enzyme or to an alkaline phosphatase enzyme by a peptide linker. The fusion protein also includes a histidine tag and optionally an endoplasmic reticulum retention signal. The invention also includes nucleic acids encoding the fusion protein, expression vectors containing the nucleic acids, plant cells transformed with the expression vectors and methods of producing the fusion proteins of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of producing porcine circovirus (PCV) pseudovirions in plant cells, the plant-produced PCV pseudovirions, a neutralisation assay using the plant-produced PCV pseudovirions and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the plant produced PCV pseudovirions. In particular, the method of the invention relates to introducing expression vectors, replicating vectors and nucleic acids into the plant cell and allowing for expression of capsid proteins and replication of the replicating vector. The expressed PCV capsid polypeptides assemble, together with a single-stranded copy of the replicating vector and encapsidate it as a pseudogenome to produce a PCV pseudovirion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fusion protein consisting of a scFv linked to a horseradish peroxidase enzyme or to an alkaline phosphatase enzyme by a peptide linker. The fusion protein also includes a histidine tag and optionally an endoplasmic reticulum retention signal. The invention also includes nucleic acids encoding the fusion protein, expression vectors containing the nucleic acids, plant cells transformed with the expression vectors and methods of producing the fusion proteins of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing HPV pseudovirions in plant cells, the plant produced pseudovirions per se, a neutralization assay using the plant produced pseudovirions and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the plant produced pseudovirions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a chimaeric human papillomavirus (HPV) virus like particle (VLP) having a diameter of about 30 nm. The invention further relates to methods of treatment and/or prophylaxis of HPV infection and/or cervical cancer by administration of the chimaeric HPV VLP of the invention to a subject.

Abstract: An immunogen-specific is adjuvant for a vaccine or inoculum is disclosed. The adjuvant is comprised of particulate recombinant protein body-like assemblies (RPBLAs) that contain a recombinant fusion protein that contains two portions peptide-linked together. A first portion is a protein body-inducing sequence (PBIS) and a second portion is a T-cell stimulating immunogenic polypeptide whose sequence is that of a pathogenic polypeptide sequence present in or induced by a vaccine or inoculum. The adjuvant, when used as an inoculum in a host animal without a prior priming vaccination or inoculation, does not induce production of antibodies or T cell activation to the pathogenic sequence.

Abstract: An immunogen-specific is adjuvant for a vaccine or inoculum is disclosed. The adjuvant is comprised of particulate recombinant protein body-like assemblies (RPBLAs) that contain a recombinant fusion protein that contains two portions peptide-linked together. A first portion is a protein body-inducing sequence (PBIS) and a second portion is a T-cell stimulating immunogenic polypeptide whose sequence is that of a pathogenic polypeptide sequence present in or induced by a vaccine or inoculum. The adjuvant, when used as an inoculum in a host animal without a prior priming vaccination or inoculation, does not induce production of antibodies or T cell activation to the pathogenic sequence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing HPV pseudovirions in plant cells, the plant produced pseudovirions per se, a neutralisation assay using the plant produced pseudovirions and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the plant produced pseudovirions.

Abstract: A method of producing a virus-like particle (VLP) in a plant is provided. The method comprises introducing a first nucleic acid into the plant, or portion of the plant. The first nucleic acid comprising a first regulatory region active in the plant operatively linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding one or more rotavirus structural protein for example but not limited to rotavirus protein VP2. The nucleotide sequence may further comprise one or more than one amplification element and/or a compartment targeting sequence. A second nucleic acid might be introduced into the plant, or portion of the plant. The second nucleic acid comprises a second regulatory region active in the plant and operatively linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding one or more rotavirus structural protein, for example but not limited to rotavirus protein VP6. Optionally, a third nucleic acid and/or fourth nucleic acid might be introduced into the plant, or portion of the plant.

Abstract: This invention relates to a chimaeric human papillomavirus (HPV) virus like particle (VLP) having a diameter of about 30 nm. The invention further relates to methods of treatment and/or prophylaxis of HPV infection and/or cervical cancer by administration of the chimaeric HPV VLP of the invention to a subject.

Abstract: An immunogen-specific is adjuvant for a vaccine or inoculum is disclosed. The adjuvant is comprised of particulate recombinant protein body-like assemblies (RPBLAs) that contain a recombinant fusion protein that contains two portions peptide-linked together. A first portion is a protein body-inducing sequence (PBIS) and a second portion is a T-cell stimulating immunogenic polypeptide whose sequence is that of a pathogenic polypeptide sequence present in or induced by a vaccine or inoculum. The adjuvant, when used as an inoculum in a host animal without a prior priming vaccination or inoculation, does not induce production of antibodies or T cell activation to the pathogenic sequence.