Abstract: Broad spectrum antiviral peptides and composition including therapeutically effective amounts of the antiviral peptides along with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are provided. The antiviral compositions show a strong broad spectrum antiviral effect, without resulting in viral resistance. Preferably, the antiviral compositions contain P16 or a P16-like peptide which can both inhibit viral fusion and endosomal acidification to prevent viral entry through the endocytic pathway. The antiviral compositions can be used in methods of treating diseases caused by viral infections, particularly respiratory viruses such as enveloped coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV), the pandemic A(H1N1)pdm09 virus, avian influenza A(H7N9) virus, and the non-enveloped rhinovirus. The compositions are administered in a subject in need thereof in an effective amount to reduce or prevent viral replication in the subject, and thus reduce one or more symptoms of disease, disorder, or illness associated with virus.

Abstract: Sequences for detection of SARS-CoV-2 are provided and include example, SEQ ID NOs:4-8. The sequences are useful for amplifying the SARS-CoV-2 nsp8 gene in a sample, using Reverse Transcriptional Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP) and it is preferably used in combination with a Cas enzyme/sgRNA pair and a reporter nucleic acid. The disclosed sequences can be use in methods of detecting SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acids in a sample. Generally, the specific gene sequence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, herein nsp8, is amplified using RT-LAMP. The RT-LAMP products are scanned by the Cas12a-gRNA ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex. The RNP binds to the specific complementary to gRNA, activating the transcleavage activity of Cas12a. The active Cas12a system cleaves a short ssDNA reporter that is labeled preferably, with a fluorophore and a quencher on either end. Cleavage of the reporter separates the quencher from the fluorophore, and fluorescence that is detectable with the naked eye is generated.

Abstract: Live attenuated viruses for protection against the novel coronavirus Sars-CoV-2 are provided. The live attenuated chimeric virus strains are based on a live attenuated influenza A or B virus (LAIVA/B), used a master backbone, which includes deletion of the viral virulence element, the NS1 (non-structural protein 1) (DeLNS1), engineered to express one or more antigens of the Sars-CoV-2 (herein, CoV2Ag). The chimeric virus strain is referred to generally herein, as DelNS1-A/B-Sars-CoV-2-CoV2Ag. The DelNS1-A/B-Sars-CoV-2-CoV2Ag strain preferably shows spontaneous cold adaption with preference to grow at 30-33° C. Compositions including the chimeric virus also provided as a co-composition with a LAIVA/B. The DelNS1-A/B-Sars-CoV-2-CoV2Ag strain can be used to protect a subject in need thereof, against a challenge of Sars-CoV-2. The co-compositions can be used to protect a subject in need thereof, against a challenge of Sars-CoV-2 and influenza A and/or B.

Abstract: The present application provides chimeric proteins comprising comprising a receptor binding domain (“RBD”) of a SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (“S protein”) fused to a booster enhancer domain (“BED”) and uses thereof as vaccine or vaccine booster compositions. Also provided are method of boostering SARS-CoV-2 vaccines by administering to a vaccinated individual an effective amount of the vaccine booster composition, wherein the vaccine booster composition comprises a spike protein or a fragment thereof, and optionally wherein the vaccine booster composition is administered intranasally.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating a coronavirus infection in a subject are provided. Also provided are methods and compositions for preventing or treating a coronavirus-associated disease in a subject. The methods and compositions include administering a pharmaceutical composition containing an effective amount of a caspase-6 inhibitor to a subject. The amount of the caspase-6 inhibitor contained in the pharmaceutical composition is effective to reduce replication of the coronavirus in the subject. The disclosed methods and compositions ameliorate lung pathology associated with the coronavirus infection and increases survival in the subject.

Abstract: Broad spectrum antiviral peptides and compositions including therapeutically effective amounts of the antiviral peptides along with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are provided. The antiviral compositions show a strong broad spectrum antiviral effect, without resulting to viral resistance. The antiviral compositions are useful for treatment of diseases caused by viral infections, particularly respiratory viruses such as enveloped coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV), the pandemic A (H1N1) pdm09 virus, avian influenza A (H7N9) virus, and the non-enveloped rhinovirus.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of biomedicine. In particular, the invention relates to a live strain of Staphylococcus aureus and uses thereof. More particularly, the invention relates to a live strain of Staphylococcus aureus which lacks adenosine synthase A (AdsA) activity, to a vaccine against Staphylococcus aureus infection comprising said live strain, and a method for preventing and/or treating Staphylococcus aureus infection in a subject by administering said live strain.

Abstract: Enteroviruses, such as EV-A71, have been found to utilize hWARS as a cell surface receptor, with expression ofhWARS rendering cells susceptible to enteroviral infection. Reduction in hWARS cell surface activity reduces susceptibility to enteroviral infection and provides a mode for treatment or prevention of enteroviral infection and its sequelae. Similarly, expression of hWARS in cultured cells and animal models provides models for understanding enteroviral disease mechanisms and the development of vaccines and/or pharmaceuticals for preventing or treating enteroviral disease.

Abstract: Provided a nucleic acid probe or primer for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RdRp/Helicase, Spike (S) or Nucleocapsid (N), and its use in a method of detecting SARS-CoV-2 in a sample. The nucleic acid probe or primer is consisting of a nucleic acid sequence of any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-12.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to compounds and methods of using said compounds to target the multi-functional papain-like protease (PLpro) domain of the viral Nsp3, specifically F0213, F0326, and F0393 that can have broad anti-coronavirus activity, including SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and coronaviruses hCoV-229E and hCoV-OC43. F0213, F0326, and F0393 can possess a dual therapeutic functionality that suppress CoV replication via blocking viral polyprotein cleavage, as well as promote antiviral immunity by antagonizing the PLpro deubiquitinase activity.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating a subject for a SARS-CoV-2 infection in a subject in need thereof are disclosed. The composition includes one or more Bismuth (III)-containing compounds, an analog thereof, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and are used alone or in combination with a thiol-containing small molecule compound. Exemplary Bismuth (III)-containing compounds include Colloidal Bismuth Subcitrate (CBS); ranitidine bismuth citrate (RBC); Bi (TPP) (TPP: tetraphenylporphyrinate); and Bi (TPyP) (TPyP: tetra (4-pyridyl) porphyrin). The disclosed compounds and compositions can be used to treat a SARS-CoV-2 infection in a subject in need thereof. The compositions can be administered to a subject presently suffering from an infection of the SARS-CoV-2, who is exhibiting one or more symptoms of COVID-19. The compositions can also be administered to a subject that has been exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 but is asymptomatic.

Abstract: Sequences for detection of SARS-CoV-2, probes and primers that target the target sequences, and methods of use thereof for the detection and diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 are provided. Detection methods include, but are not limited to, microarray, differential display, RNase protection assay, northern blot, reverse transcriptase (RT) polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and combinations thereof. In preferred embodiments, the detection methods include RT-PCT, more preferably realtime or quantitative RT-PCR, most preferably wherein the RT-PCR includes target specific reverse transcription and/or target specific PCR. In some embodiments, the disclosed primers, probes, compositions, or methods are more sensitive, selective, or combination thereof for SARS-CoV-2 relative to one or more other human- and/or non-human pathogenic coronaviruses and/or respiratory pathogens.

Abstract: Broad spectrum antiviral peptides and composition including therapeutically effective amounts of the antiviral peptides along with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are provided. The antiviral compositions show a strong broad spectrum antiviral effect, without resulting to viral resistance. The antiviral compositions are useful for treatment of diseases caused by viral infections, particularly respiratory viruses such as enveloped coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV), the pandemic A(H1N1)pdm09 virus, avian influenza A(H7N9) virus, and the non-enveloped rhinovirus.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to defective interfering genes and viruses thereof. It has been discovered that defective interfering genes designed from influenza and coronavirus species can inhibit infection or replication of the parent virus. In vivo, DIGs induce rapid-onset prophylactic protection of infected animals against lethal viral doses. Thus, disclosed herein are nucleic acids containing DIGs, pharmaceutical compositions thereof and associated methods of use. For example, described herein is an isolated polynucleotide containing one or more defective interfering genes, wherein each of the one or more defective interfering genes contains a nucleotide sequence corresponding to one or more portions of an influenza or coronavirus gene or genome, wherein the nucleotide sequence includes a deletion in the gene. The DIGs can be in the form of a plasmid. Pharmaceutical compositions of the plasmid can be used to limit viral replication and prevent or treat influenza or coronavirus associated diseases.

Abstract: Methods and compounds for preventing and/or treating Zika virus (ZIKA) infection. And methods to screen for compound to prevent or treat Zika virus infection.

Abstract: Dry powder formulations for pulmonary and/or intranasal drug delivery, delivery systems, and methods of making and using thereof have been developed. The dry powder formulation contains particles containing a retinoid and/or a retinoid derivative, such as tamibarotene; and a ?-cyclodextrin and/or a ?-cyclodextrin derivative. The dry powder formulation allows for improved drug adsorption and bioavailability in vivo. The particles of the dry powder formulation have favorable aerodynamic properties for deposition and retention in the lower and/or upper respiratory tract(s). The dry powder formulation can be prepared using spray-drying or spray-freeze-drying. Inhalation, intratracheal administration, and/or intranasal administration of the dry powder formulation can deliver to a subject an effective amount of the retinoid and/or retinoid derivative to prevent, treat, or ameliorate symptom(s) associated with a respiratory viral infection in the subject.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described that provide prognostic determination of the severity of influenza infection based on the PDE3A status of an individual. Impaired PDE3A function is associated with severe symptoms on contracting influenza. Specific SNP mutations are identified that are associated with impaired PDE3A function, and primers and kits are provided that permit identification of these SNPs. Such information can also be combined with other patient data.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described in which the topical application of a toll-like receptor 7 agonist or a toll-like receptor 9 agonist at or near a subdermal vaccination site provides an enhanced response to the vaccination. The enhanced response can be an elevated antibody titer relative to an untreated but vaccinated subject, and/or development of cross-species immunity to species not present in the vaccinating composition.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for a live, attenuated influenza vaccine suitable for nasal administration. The vaccine utilizes a cold adapted influenza virus that lacks virulence factor, and includes mutations that provide replicative ability sufficient for vaccine manufacture. Vaccines so produced provide significant cross protection for non-vaccinating strains. The vaccine is safe for children under the age of 2 and adults over 49 years of age. In addition, the cold adapted, virulence factor deleted influenza virus can be adapted to provide immunity to non-influenza pathogens.

Abstract: Disclosed soluble PD-1 (sPD-1) proteins and nucleic acids, and therapeutic compositions comprising sPD-1 proteins and nucleic acids, for enhancing immunity of a subject against coronavirus infection. Disclosed are soluble PD-1 fusion proteins that include a soluble PD-1 protein fragment and an antigenic protein fragment, preferably where the antigenic protein fragment comprises a coronavirus protein fragment. In some forms, the coronavirus protein fragment is derived from a coronavirus receptor binding domain (RBD) or a coronavirus nucleoprotein (N). In some forms, the sPD-1 proteins, nucleic acids, and compositions are formulated as a vaccine composition. Also disclosed are methods for treating a subject at risk of or suffering a coronavirus infection.