Abstract: Using the nontoxic heavy chain fragment from botulinum neurotoxins A-G, compositions and methods of use in inducing an immune response which is protective against intoxication with botulinum in subjects is described.

Abstract: Using the Ebola GP, NP, VP24, VP30, VP35 and VP40 virion proteins, a method and composition for use in inducing an immune response which is protective against infection with Ebola virus is described.

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 nontoxic heavy chain fragment from botulinum neurotoxins A-G, compositions and methods of use in inducing an immune response which is protective against intoxication with botulinum in subjects is described.

Abstract: A live attenuated Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEE) is described which comprises a viral gene rearrangement. This rearranged attenuated virus is useful as vaccine for protection against infection with VEE. Methods of preparing the virus and methods of using the virus are 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 one alphavirus structural protein not encoded by the first helper RNA. Preferably, the helper cell is co-transfected with a replicon RNA encoding an alphavirus packaging segment and an inserted heterogeneous RNA, such that all of the alphavirus structural proteins assemble together into alphavirus particles in the cell, with said replicon RNA packaged therein.

Abstract: cDNAs coding for an infectious Western Equine Encephalitis virus (WEE) and infectious Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus variant IE (VEE IE) are disclosed in addition to cDNA coding for the structural proteins of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus variant IIIA (VEE IIIA). Novel attenuating mutations of WEE and VEE IE and their uses are described. Also disclosed are attenuated chimearic alphaviruses and their uses.

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: 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: A method of protecting a subject against a disease comprises administering a recombinant Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (VEE) virus to the subject in an effective immunogenic amount, with the VEE virus containing a heterologous DNA segment, and with the heterologous DNA segment comprising a promoter operable in the subject operatively associated with a DNA encoding an immunogenic protein or peptide effective for protecting the subject from the disease. Preferred promoters are VEE 26S subgenomic promoters, and preferred immunogens are viral immunogens. Novel attenuating mutations useful in carrying out the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel attenuating mutations of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (VEE) are disclosed. Further aspects of the invention include an infectious VEE virus transcript encoded by cDNA clones, infectious VEE virus particles, and pharmaceutical formulations containing such infectious particles. Also disclosed are recombinant VEE virus containing a heterologous RNA segment.

Abstract: A DNA comprises a cDNA clone coding for an infectious Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus RNA transcript and a heterologous promoter sequence positioned upstream from the cDNA clone and operatively associated therewith. A method of making a live attenuated Togavirus useful as a vaccine, and cDNA clones which code for attenuated Togaviruses, is also disclosed.