Abstract: A PCV2 vaccine and a method of vaccinating against PCV2 are provided herein. The PCV2 vaccine includes a PCV2 infectious clone with a re-engineered PCV2 capsid in the backbone thereof, wherein the re-engineered PCV2 capsid includes a modified immunogenic region. The method of vaccinating against PCV2 includes administering the PCV2 vaccine including a PCV2 infectious clone with a re-engineered PCV2 capsid in the backbone thereof to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Methods for providing novel compositions useful as influenza immunogens are provided. The compositions enable a host response to immunogen sites normally not recognized by a host. The novel immunogens can be used as vaccines or to develop antibodies.

Abstract: Peptide constructs comprised of multideterminant T helper peptides from the envelope glycoprotein of HIV previously identified to induce proliferative responses in four different haplotypes of mice and IL-2 responses in 52-73% of HIV positive, flu positive patients (cluster peptides), were co-linearly synthesized with the peptide 18 of the V3 loop of HIV-1 gp 160, corresponding to the principal neutralizing determinant of HIV-IIIB and also shown to contain a dominant CTL epitope. Cognate help for peptide 18 antibody was elicited following a single immunization in all strains of mice which had previously responded to a T cell epitope encompassed by the peptides. In two strains of mice, the level of neutralizing antibody achieved was comparable to levels adequate for protection from homologous viral challenge in chimpanzees. After a single boost, much higher antibody titers for 90% neutralization in the range of 1:1000 to 1:16,000 were achieved.

Abstract: Peptide constructs comprised of multideterminant T helper peptides from the envelope glycoprotein of HIV previously identified to induce proliferative responses in four different haplotypes of mice and IL-2 responses in 52-73% of HIV positive, flu positive patients (cluster peptides), were co-linearly synthesized with the peptide 18 of the V3 loop of HIV-1 gp 160, corresponding to the principal neutralizing determinant of HIV-IIIB and also shown to contain a dominant CTL epitope. Cognate help for peptide 18 antibody was elicited following a single immunization in all strains of mice which had previously responded to a T cell epitope encompassed by the peptides. In two strains of mice, the level of neutralizing antibody achieved was comparable to levels adequate for protection from homologous viral challenge in chimpanzees. After a single boost, much higher antibody titers for 90% neutralization in the range of 1:1000 to 1:16,000 were achieved.

Abstract: The invention is directed to peptides of the HIV-1 envelope protein presenting multiple immune determinants. The peptide elicits both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in mice having a variety of MHC types. In other embodiments, the invention is directed to immunogens composed of the peptides and methods for immunization employing them.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a multideterminant human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) peptide which comprises a covalently linked T-helper (Th) lymphocyte epitope, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) epitope, and an epitope capable of eliciting a neutralizing antibody response (AbN), wherein said peptide has the following amino acid sequence: KQIINMWQEVGKAMYAPPISGQIRRIHIGPGRAFYTTKN. This peptide has the further characteristic of evoking all three of these immune responses in hosts having a broad range of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) types. This peptide is useful as an immunogen to generate broad immune responses in a host, to assess immune responses in virally infected hosts, and as a diagnostic reagent to detect viral infection.