Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of herpes simplex virus (HSV) that selectively infect and replicate in cancer cells, including HSV strains that selectively infect and replicate in bladder cancer cells. Preferred HSV of the invention have intact endogenous Us11 and Us12 genes and have genes encoding ICP34.5 replaced with a gene encoding Us11 fused to an HSV immediate early (IE) promoter. The variant HSV of the invention also comprise one or more additional heterologous genes encoding immunomodulatory polypeptides. Methods and compositions using these variant HSV, for example, for treating cancer in a subject, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of herpes simplex virus (HSV) that selectively infect and replicate in cancer cells, including HSV strains that selectively infect and replicate in bladder cancer cells. Preferred HSV of the invention have intact endogenous Us11 and Us12 genes and have genes encoding ICP34.5 replaced with a gene encoding Us11 fused to an HSV immediate early (IE) promoter. The variant HSV of the invention also comprise one or more additional heterologous genes encoding immunomodulatory polypeptides. Methods and compositions using these variant HSV, e.g. for example, for treating cancer in a subject, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of herpes simplex virus (HSV) that selectively infect and replicate in cancer cells, including HSV strains that selectively infect and replicate in bladder cancer cells. Preferred HSV of the invention have intact endogenous Us11 and Us12 genes and have genes encoding ICP34.5 replaced with a gene encoding Us11 fused to an HSV immediate early (IE) promoter. The variant HSV of the invention also comprise one or more additional heterologous genes encoding immunomodulatory polypeptides. Methods and compositions using these variant HSV, for example, for treating cancer in a subject, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of herpes simplex virus (HSV) that selectively infect and replicate in cancer cells, including HSV strains that selectively infect and replicate in bladder cancer cells. Preferred HSV of the invention have intact endogenous Us11 and Us12 genes and have genes encoding ICP34.5 replaced with a gene encoding Us11 fused to an HSV immediate early (IE) promoter. The variant HSV of the invention also comprise one or more additional heterologous genes encoding immunomodulatory polypeptides. Methods and compositions using these variant HSV, e.g., for treating cancer in a subject, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of herpes simplex virus (HSV) that selectively infect and replicate in cancer cells, including HSV strains that selectively infect and replicate in bladder cancer cells. Preferred HSV of the invention have intact endogenous Us11 and Us12 genes and have genes encoding ICP34.5 replaced with a gene encoding Us11 fused to an HSV immediate early (IE) promoter. The variant HSV of the invention also comprise one or more additional heterologous genes encoding immunomodulatory polypeptides. Methods and compositions using these variant HSV, for example, for treating cancer in a subject, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of herpes simplex virus (HSV) that selectively infect and replicate in cancer cells, including HSV strains that selectively infect and replicate in bladder cancer cells. Preferred HSV of the invention have intact endogenous Us11 and Us12 genes and have genes encoding ICP34.5 replaced with a gene encoding Us11 fused to an HSV immediate early (IE) promoter. The variant HSV of the invention also comprise one or more additional heterologous genes encoding immunomodulatory polypeptides. Methods and compositions using these variant HSV, e.g., for treating cancer in a subject, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for improved detection of infectious agents and microbes. In particular, the present invention provides novel methods for detecting infectious agents, providing information about the viability status of such infectious agents and for determining drug susceptibility. In certain embodiments, the present invention employs techniques involving nucleic acid amplification-based microbial identification together with phage-based biological detection of drug resistance. The methods of the invention are suitable for all microbes and infectious agents, including bacterial agents such as Mycobacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for improved detection of infectious agents and microbes. In particular, the present invention provides novel methods for detecting infectious agents, providing information about the viability status of such infectious agents and for determining drug susceptibility. In certain embodiments, the present invention employs techniques involving nucleic acid amplification-based microbial identification together with phage-based biological detection of drug resistance. The methods of the invention are suitable for all microbes and infectious agents, including bacterial agents such as Mycobacteria.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the detection of disease caused by infectious agents and microbes are provided. In particular, methods and compositions comprising novel combinations of nucleic acid amplification and drug susceptibility technologies are provided. In certain embodiments, the present invention enables the detection of infectious agents and microbes as well as providing information concerning the viability status of the agent or microbe. In one embodiment, the present invention is used for the detection of mycobacterial infections, including, but not limited to, tuberculosis.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the detection of disease caused by infectious agents and microbes are provided. In particular, methods and compositions comprising novel combinations of nucleic acid amplification and drug susceptibility technologies are provided. In certain embodiments, the present invention enables the detection of infectious agents and microbes as well as providing information concerning the viability status of the agent or microbe. In one embodiment, the present invention is used for the detection of mycobacterial infections, including, but not limited to, tuberculosis.