Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of structural proteins and virus-like particles (VLPs) of flaviviruses and hepatitis C. Production is through use of a single expression cassette comprising a viral structural gene, a furin encoding gene and a bicistronic expression element such as an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) between the viral and furin genes. Both the viral gene and furin gene can include a partial capsid encoding sequence acting as a signal peptide to co-locate the viral protein and furin and to act as a membrane anchor for the viral protein and furin. A separate expression cassette comprising a non-structural viral gene can be combined with the initial cassette. The structural proteins and VLPs can be used in vaccines and in the treatment of viral infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of structural proteins and virus-like particles (VLPs) of flaviviruses and hepatitis C. Production is through use of a single expression cassette comprising a viral structural gene, a furin encoding gene and a bicistronic expression element such as an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) between the viral and furin genes. Both the viral gene and furin gene can include a partial capsid encoding sequence acting as a signal peptide to co-locate the viral protein and furin and to act as a membrane anchor for the viral protein and furin. A separate expression cassette comprising a non-structural viral gene can be combined with the initial cassette. The structural proteins and VLPs can be used in vaccines and in the treatment of viral infections.

Abstract: Fusion of the membrane of enveloped viruses with the plasma membrane of a receptive host cell is a prerequisite for viral entry and infection and an essential step in the life cycle of all enveloped viruses, such as paramyxoviruses. The instant invention is directed to providing polypeptides which are a heptad portion of a Henipavirus F protein effective against fusion between a membrane of a paramyxovirus and a plasma membrane of a cell. The instant invention also provides nucleic acids, compositions, and methods effective against paramyxovirus infection. Accordingly, the instant invention provides therapeutic agents and vaccines effective against paramyxoviruses viruses, especially HeV or NiV.