Abstract: The present invention provides particle-forming chimeric proteins comprising a Calicivirus capsid protein and one or more heterologous antigen sequences. In particular, the present invention discloses engineered Calicivirus capsid protein sequences containing heterologous epitopes fused at internal locations such that the modified capsid proteins retain the ability to form virus-like particles when expressed in host cells. Virus-like particles comprising the chimeric proteins and vaccine formulations are also described.

Abstract: Methods of purifying virus-like particles (VLPs) that are substantially free of process contaminants and infectious agents. The methods incorporate, for example, low-pH treatment during harvest and/or inactivation by a solvent and/or detergent during VLP capture.

Abstract: A piston system comprises a first arm and a second arm, each mounted respectively on a first shaft and a second shaft, and being mounted for rotational oscillation about a central axis. Both arms terminate radially outward from the central axis, and are coupled to piston arrangements. The piston arrangements include pistons. Each set of pistons is mounted for movement within respective stationary chambers. Each stationary chamber may be defined, at least in part, by a piston coupled to the first arm and a piston coupled to the second arm. The stationary chambers are arranged about the central axis. The first and the second shaft are connected to an energy transfer mechanism. An energy transfer mechanism includes coupled non-circular gears arranged to convert oscillatory rotational motion to unidirectional rotational motion.

Abstract: The present invention provides particle-forming chimeric proteins comprising a Calicivirus capsid protein and one or more heterologous antigen sequences. In particular, the present invention discloses engineered Calicivirus capsid protein sequences containing heterologous epitopes fused at internal locations such that the modified capsid proteins retain the ability to form virus-like particles when expressed in host cells. Virus-like particles comprising the chimeric proteins and vaccine formulations are also described.

Abstract: Enveloped virus-based virus-like particles (VLPs) that are free of infectious agents and substantially as immunogenic as corresponding VLPs prior to inactivation of infectious agents are described. Improved methods of inactivation infectious agents in preparations of enveloped virus-based VLPs are also described wherein the methods do not adversely affect the immunogenicity of the VLPs.