Abstract: Disclosed herein are chimeric antigens, comprising an hepatitis C virus (HCV) antigen and a Fc fragment of an immunoglobulin for eliciting an immune response against said antigen. The immune response is enhanced by presenting the host immune system with an immune response domain (HCV antigen from HCV core, envelope, or non-structural protein fragments) and a target binding domain (an Fc fragment). By virtue of the target binding domain, antigen presenting cells internalize and process the chimeric antigens for antigen presentation, thereby eliciting both a humoral and cellular immune response.

Abstract: The present invention features a non-human animal model that is susceptible to infection by human hepatotrophic pathogens, particularly human hepatitis C virus (HCV). The model is based on a non-human, immunocompromised transgenic animal having a human-mouse chimeric liver, where the transgene provides for expression of a urokinase-type plasminogen activator in the liver. The invention also features methods for identifying candidate therapeutic agents, e.g., agents having antiviral activity against HCV infection. The animals of the invention are also useful in assessing toxicity of various agents, as well as the activity of agents in decreasing blood lipids.

Abstract: The present invention features a non-human animal model that is susceptible to infection by human hepatotrophic pathogens, particularly human hepatitis C virus (HCV). The model is based on a non-human, immunocompromised transgenic animal having a human-mouse chimeric liver, where the transgene provides for expression of a urokinase-type plasminogen activator in the liver. The invention also features methods for identifying candidate therapeutic agents, e.g., agents having antiviral activity against HCV infection. The animals of the invention are also useful in assessing toxicity of various agents, as well as the activity of agents in decreasing blood lipids.

Abstract: The present invention features a non-human animal model of malaria, e.g., Plasmodium, particularly Plasmodium falciparum. The model is based on a non-human, immunocompromised transgenic animal having a human-mouse chimeric liver, where the transgene provides for expression of a urokinase-type plasminogen activator in the liver. The invention also features methods for identifying candidate therapeutic agents, e.g., agents having anti-pathogenic activity against malaria.

Abstract: The present invention features a non-human animal model that is susceptible to infection by human hepatotrophic pathogens, particularly human hepatitis C virus (HCV). The model is based on a non-human, immunocompromised transgenic animal having a human-mouse chimeric liver, where the transgene provides for expression of a urokinase-type plasminogen activator in the liver. The invention also features methods for identifying candidate therapeutic agents, e.g., agents having antiviral activity against HCV infection. The animals of the invention are also useful in assessing toxicity of various agents, as well as the activity of agents in decreasing blood lipids.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for eliciting immune responses against antigens. In particular, the compounds and methods elicit immune responses against foreign antigens that are otherwise recognized by the host as “self” antigens, thus breaking host tolerance to those antigens. Presenting the host immune system with a chimeric antigen comprising an immune response domain and a target binding domain, wherein the target binding domain comprises an antibody fragment, enhances the immune response against the foreign or tolerated antigen. Antigen presenting cells take up, process, and present the chimeric antigen, eliciting both a humoral and cellular immune response against the desired antigen.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for eliciting immune responses against antigens. In particular embodiments, the compounds and methods elicit immune responses against antigens that are otherwise recognized by the host as “self” antigens. The immune response is enhanced by presenting the host immune system with a chimeric antigen comprising an immune response domain and a target binding domain, wherein the target binding domain comprises a xenotypic antibody fragment. By virtue of the target binding domain, antigen presenting cells take up, process, and present the chimeric antigen, eliciting both a humoral and cellular immune response.

Abstract: The invention provides anti-pathogen polypeptide and polynucleotide compositions, and methods of use. In general, the composition of the invention provide a modified pro-polypeptide comprising a pro-domain, a pathogen protease cleavage site, and a cytotoxic domain which can be activated by cleavage of the pro-polypeptide by a protease of an intracellular pathogen. The invention further provides nucleic acids encoding the subject polypeptides, and vectors and host cells comprising the subject nucleic acids. Cleavage of the pro-polypeptide by the pathogen protease results in activation of the cytotoxic domain, and decreases the viability of the pathogen-infected host cell. Methods for using the subject nucleic acids and polypeptides to reduce the viability of a pathogen-infected cell, and for reducing the pathogen load of a subject infected with a pathogen are provided. The invention further provides kits for carrying out the subject methods.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are the nucleotide sequences, deduced amino acid sequences as well as methods and compositions necessary to elicit immune responses against chronic Hepatitis B infections in animals and humans. Immune response is enhanced by fusing relevant viral antigens with xenotypic immunoglobulin heavy chain region through a peptide linker and producing the fusion proteins in Baculovirus expression system to incorporate high mannose glycosylation. By virtue of the antibody component, the fusion proteins bind to Fc receptors on the surface of antigen presenting cells, are taken up, processed and derived peptides are presented on MHC Class I, which elicit a CTL (Th1) response. In a similar fashion, due to cross priming and presentation on MHC Class II, will elicit a humoral (Th2) response. In addition, disclosed are the methods of cloning, expression and production of the fusion proteins.

Abstract: The present invention features HCV protease inhibitors, which act by affecting the activity of the HCV protease NS3, or by preventing its activation by NS4A. The invention also features methods of use of the inhibitors of the invention in the treatment of HCV infection in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention features a non-human animal model that is susceptible to infection by human hepatotrophic pathogens, particularly human hepatitis C virus (HCV). The model is based on a non-human, immunocompromised transgenic animal having a human-mouse chimeric liver, where the transgene provides for expression of a urokinase-type plasminogen activator in the liver. The invention also features methods for identifying candidate therapeutic agents, e.g., agents having antiviral activity against HCV infection. The animals of the invention are also useful in assessing toxicity of various agents, as well as the activity of agents in decreasing blood lipids.

Abstract: The present invention features a non-human animal model that is susceptible to infection by human hepatotrophic pathogens, particularly human hepatitis C virus (HCV). The model is based on a non-human, immunocompromised xenogeneic transgenic animal having a human-mouse chimeric liver, where the transgene provides for expression of a urokinase-type plasminogen activator in the liver. The invention also features methods for identifying candidate therapeutic agents, e.g., agents having antiviral activity against HCV infection.