Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated RNA molecule comprising: a) an alphavirus 5? replication recognition sequence, wherein at least one initiation codon has been removed from the 5? replication recognition sequence; b) a nucleotide sequence encoding an alphavirus structural protein; and c) an alphavirus 3? replication recognition sequence, with the proviso that the RNA molecule does not contain a promoter that directs transcription of the nucleotide sequence of (b), and wherein the alphavirus 5? and 3? replication recognition sequences of (a) and (c) direct replication of the RNA molecule in the presence of alphavirus non-structural proteins.

Abstract: The immune response to an antigen of interest, either in purified form or expressed via an alphavirus replicon particle, can be enhanced by the simultaneous administration of an alphavirus replicon particle which expresses interleukin-12. This allows for the use of significantly smaller quantities of the antigen and this immunization strategy can also eliminate the need for boosting administration of the antigen or it can reduce the number of boosts required for an effective immune response to the antigen.

Abstract: The immune response to an antigen of interest, either in purified form or expressed via an alphavirus replicon particle, can be enhanced by the simultaneous administration of an alphavirus replicon particle which expresses interleukin-12. This allows for the use of significantly smaller quantities of the antigen and this immunization strategy can also eliminate the need for boosting administration of the antigen or it can reduce the number of boosts required for an effective immune response to the antigen.

Abstract: Provided herein are helper nucleic acids comprising at least one microRNA target sequence of an endogenous, cellular microRNA and a nucleic acid encoding a viral protein, wherein the microRNA target sequence is located in the untranslated or translated region of the nucleic acid encoding the viral protein. Also provided are vector systems, compositions and cells comprising the provided helper nucleic acids and a vector or replicon. Methods of making virus-like replicon particles and populations of virus-like replicon particles (VRP) are also provided.

Abstract: The immune response to an antigen of interest, especially one in purified form, can be significantly enhanced by the simultaneous administration of an alphavirus replicon particle which expresses the same antigen. This allows for the use of significantly smaller quantities of the protein antigen than in conventional immunization strategies, and this new immunization strategy can also eliminate the need for boosting administration of the antigen or it can reduce the number of boosts required for an effective immune response to the antigen.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides TC-83 VEE-derived replicons, alphaviral replicon particles and immunogenic compositions containing TC-83 alphaviral replicon particles which direct the expression of at least one antigen when introduced into a suitable host cell. The TC-83 VEE-derived ARPs described herein are improved in that they are subject to a lower vector-specific immune response than prior art ARPs.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated RNA molecule comprising: a) an alphavirus 5? replication recognition sequence, wherein at least one initiation codon has been removed from the 5? replication recognition sequence; b) a nucleotide sequence encoding an alphavirus structural protein; and c) an alphavirus 3? replication recognition sequence, with the proviso that the RNA molecule does not contain a promoter that directs transcription of the nucleotide sequence of (b), and wherein the alphavirus 5? and 3? replication recognition sequences of (a) and (c) direct replication of the RNA molecule in the presence of alphavirus nonstructural proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated RNA molecule comprising: a) an alphavirus 5? replication recognition sequence, wherein at least one initiation codon has been removed from the 5? replication recognition sequence; b) a nucleotide sequence encoding an alphavirus structural protein; and c) an alphavirus 3? replication recognition sequence, with the proviso that the RNA molecule does not contain a promoter that directs transcription of the nucleotide sequence of (b), and wherein the alphavirus 5? and 3? replication recognition sequences of (a) and (c) direct replication of the RNA molecule in the presence of alphavirus non-structural proteins.

Abstract: Using the nontoxic PA protein from B. anthracis, a method and composition for use in inducing an immune response which is protective against anthrax in subjects is described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated RNA molecule comprising: a) an alphavirus 5? replication recognition sequence, wherein at least one initiation codon has been removed from the 5? replication recognition sequence; b) a nucleotide sequence encoding an alphavirus structural protein; and c) an alphavirus 3? replication recognition sequence, with the proviso that the RNA molecule does not contain a promoter that directs transcription of the nucleotide sequence of (b), and wherein the alphavirus 5? and 3? replication recognition sequences of (a) and (c) direct replication of the RNA molecule in the presence of alphavirus nonstructural proteins.

Abstract: An end plate for closing off the end of an arch shape cross section corrugated storm water chamber, which receives water for dispersal beneath the surface of the earth, has a dished portion which projects outwardly from the end of a chamber to which it is attached, preferably by means of a flange which engages the corrugations of the chamber. Ribs inside the end plate add strength.

Abstract: The immune response to an antigen of interest, especially one in purified form, can be significantly enhanced by the simultaneous administration of an alphavirus replicon particle which expresses the same antigen. This allows for the use of significantly smaller quantities of the protein antigen than in conventional immunization strategies, and this new immunization strategy can also eliminate the need for boosting administration of the antigen or it can reduce the number of boosts required for an effective immune response to the antigen.

Abstract: Using the MBGV GP, NP, and virion proteins, a method and composition for use in inducing an immune response which is protective against infection with MBGV in nonhuman primates is described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant nucleic acid comprising: a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a 5? alphavirus replication recognition sequence; at least one second nucleic acid sequence encoding an alphavirus nonstructural protein; at least one alphavirus subgenomic promoter; at least one IRES element; at least one heterologous nucleic acid; and a third nucleic acid encoding a 3? alphavirus replication recognition sequence. Further provided are methods of making alphavirus particles comprising a recombinant nucleic acid of this invention and methods of using the compositions of this invention. Also provided is a recombinant helper nucleic acid comprising: a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a 5? alphavirus replication recognition sequence; an alphavirus subgenomic promoter; an IRES element; a second nucleic acid encoding an alphavirus structural protein; and a third nucleic acid encoding a 3? alphavirus replication recognition sequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions useful in and methods for producing populations of infectious, replication-defective alphavirus replicon particles that contain no replication competent alphavirus particles, as determined by passage on cells in culture. The compositions include helper and replicon nucleic acid molecules that can further reduce the predicted frequency for formation of replication-competent virus and can optimize manufacturing strategies and costs.

Abstract: Viral replicon selected nucleic acid expression libraries are useful for analyzing multiple antigens associated with a parasite, pathogen or neoplasia or for preparing immunogenic compositions for generating immune responses specific for the parasite, pathogen or neoplasia. Alphavirus replicon particles representative of the nucleic acid expression library are preferred. The nucleic acid library can be a random library, or it can be prepared after a selection step, for example, by differential hybridization prior to cloning into the replicon vector.

Abstract: Using nucleic acids encoding mutant SEA and SEB exotoxins from Staphylococcus aureus, compositions and methods for use in inducing an immune response which is protective against staphylococcal aureus intoxication in subjects is described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a helper cell for expressing an infectious, replication defective, alphavirus particle in an alphavirus-permissive cell. The helper cell includes (a) a first helper RNA encoding (i) at least one alphavirus structural protein, and (ii) not encoding at least one alphavirus structural protein; and (b) a second helper RNA separate from the first helper RNA, the second helper RNA (i) not encoding the alphavirus structural protein encoded by the first helper RNA, and (ii) encoding the at least alphavirus one structural protein not encoded by the first helper RNA, such that all of the alphavirus structural proteins assemble together into alphavirus particles in the cell. Preferably, the helper cell also includes a replicon RNA encoding an alphavirus packaging sequence and an inserted heterogeneous RNA.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid, namely stormwater, management system employing a chamber having an overall substantially constant curve cross-sectional geometry, with an a-semicircular constant curve cross-sectional geometry preferred. This chamber, which preferably follows both AASHTO standard specifications for Highway Bridges, Section 18, and Corrugated Polyethylene Pipe Association (CCPA) specifications, can further comprise corregations, support members and/or connecting elements to further add structural integrity.

Abstract: Using the MBGV GP, NP, and virion proteins, a method and composition for use in inducing an immune response which is protective against infection with MBGV in nonhuman primates is described.