Abstract: Disclosed herein is a viral polypeptide and homologs thereof that inhibit an immune response, particularly the response of memory and effector CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.

Abstract: In particular aspects, the invention provides a novel approach for the systematic analysis and identification of biologically relevant epitopes (SABRE). SABRE-identified polypeptides have diagnostic (e.g., polypeptide arrays, etc.) and/or therapeutic (e.g., vaccines, etc.) utility, and utility for developing monoclonal antibodies having diagnostic and/or therapeutic utility (e.g. for detecting and/or preventing orthopoxvirus infection). Preferred aspects provide high-throughput assays for detecting specific orthopoxvirus infection, for detecting orthopoxvirus-specific immune response, or for dual (parallel) determination of both orthopoxvirus immune response and orthopoxvirus infection. Additional preferred and surprising aspects provide novel high-throughput methods for detecting ‘protective immunity’ against orthopoxviruses (e.g., for detecting protective immunity against smallpox virus and monkeypox virus), based on anti-vaccinia virus serum antibody levels.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for producing a vaccine composition containing a pathogen that is rendered noninfectious by exposure to hydrogen peroxide. The methods disclosed herein are suitable for the preparation of vaccines for a wide variety of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and parasites. The disclosure also provides vaccine compositions (medicaments) containing a pathogen inactivated by exposure to hydrogen peroxide. Methods for eliciting an immune response in a subject by administering vaccine compositions containing a hydrogen peroxide inactivated pathogen are also provided.