Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods related to equine live-attenuated influenza vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, a novel and improved method for generating “mosaic” influenza antigenic polypeptides including hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) polypeptides based on unique combination of epitope patterns that maximize exposure to epitopes present across multiple HA or NA sequences and therefore improved influenza strain coverage. In particular, the present invention provides engineered influenza B hemagglutinin (HA) polypeptides that are comprised of novel combinations of protective epitopes and antigenic regions from multiple influenza B viral strains. Such engineered HA polypeptides have improved properties over HA polypeptides developed through conventional approaches that rely on consensus alignments of viral sequences.

Abstract: Recombinant herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) vaccine vectors, virions thereof, compositions and vaccines comprising such, and methods of use thereof are each provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of an agent capable of inhibiting IL-36 proteolytic processing for the treatment and/or reduction of inflammation in a subject. Advantageously, the agent prevents the production of a biologically active IL-36 to prevent and/or reduce the pro-inflammatory effects of IL-36. The invention also relates to a method for treatment and/or reduction of inflammation and compositions for treating and/or reducing inflammation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are recombinant baculoviruses suitable for detecting the presence of arthropod-borne viruses in a biological sample of a test subject. The information derived from the detection may also be used to render a diagnosis on whether the test subject is infected with the arthropod-borne viruses or not, so that proper course of treatment may be assigned to the subject.

Abstract: Disclosed are recombinant chimeric influenza virus vaccines and live attenuated influenza virus (LAIV) vaccines expressing foreign (RSV) neutralizing epitopes or conserved M2e epitopes that are capable of providing broader cross-protection against influenza virus and/or protecting against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) without vaccine-enhanced RSV disease (ERD).

Abstract: Provided herein are genetically modified arenaviruses suitable as vaccines against neoplastic diseases or cancer. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the prevention or treatment of certain infections causing neoplastic diseases or cancer, such as infections with oncogenic viruses. Specifically, provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions, vaccines, and methods of preventing or treating diseases and conditions caused by and associated with infections with Human Papillomavirus (HPV), such as cervical cancer, anogenital cancer, head and neck cancer and skin cancers. Also provided herein are immunotherapies for the treatment of a neoplastic disease, such as a neoplastic disease caused by infection with oncogenic viruses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to canine influenza virus strains, and vaccines and compositions. The present invention also relates to reagents and methods allowing their detection, methods of vaccination as well as methods of producing these reagents and vaccines.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of treating an EBV-LPD (Epstein-Barr Virus-associated lymphoproliferative disorder) in a human patient who has failed combination chemotherapy to treat the EBV-LPD and/or radiation therapy to treat the EBV-LPD, comprising administering to the human patient a population of allogeneic T cells comprising EBV-specific T cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides for functional chimeric gene regulatory units capable of driving strong and sustained heterologous gene expression.

Abstract: Engineered fusion proteins comprising a self-excising degron for controlling protein production are disclosed. In particular, the inventors have constructed fusion proteins comprising a degron connected to a protein of interest through a cleavable linker comprising a hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease site. The degron can be removed from the protein of interest by a czs-encoded HCV protease such that the protein of interest can be produced with minimal structural modification. Clinically available HCV protease inhibitors can be used to block protease cleavage such that the degron is retained after inhibitor addition on subsequently synthesized protein copies. The degron when attached causes rapid degradation of the linked protein. Such fusions of a degron to a protein of interest will be especially useful when control over protein production with minimal structural modification is desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of virology. The invention provides an isolated essentially mammalian negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus (MPV) within the subfamily Pneumovirinae of the family Paramyxoviridae and identifiable as phylogenetically corresponding to the genus Metapneumovirus and components thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antigen chimera, comprising: a fusion protein of an antigen and a mucosal immune adjuvant protein monomer capable of forming a multimer; and the mucosal immune adjuvant protein monomer capable of forming the multimer; wherein the mucosal immune adjuvant protein monomer capable of forming the multimer is one selected from cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) and E. coli heat-labile enterotoxin B subunit (LTB), the multimer is a pentamer, and in the chimera the molar ratio between the fusion protein and the mucosal immune adjuvant protein monomer capable of forming multimers is 1:4. In the present invention, a characteristic that a mucosal immune adjuvant protein can form a pentamer is used to form a chimeric structure, so as to form an antigen having a higher potency. Moreover, a mucosal immune adjuvant protein is used to improve an immune effect, so as to improve an effect of enhancing antigen immunogenicity.

Abstract: The application discloses multimeric assemblies including multiple oligomeric substructures, where each oligomeric substructure includes multiple proteins that self-interact around at least one axis of rotational symmetry, where each protein includes one or more polypeptide-polypeptide interface (“O interface”); and one or more polypeptide domain that is capable of effecting membrane scission and release of an enveloped multimeric assembly from a cell by recruiting the ESCRT machinery to the site of budding by binding to one or more proteins in the eukaryotic ESCRT complex (“L domain”); and where the multimeric assembly includes one or more subunits comprising one or more polypeptide domain that is capable of interacting with a lipid bilayer (“M domain”), as well as membrane-enveloped versions of the multimeric assemblies.

Abstract: RNA encoding an immunogen is delivered to a large mammal at a dose of between 2 ?g and 100 ?g. Thus the invention provides a method of raising an immune response in a large mammal, comprising administering to the mammal a dose of between 2 ?g and 100 ?g of immunogen-encoding RNA. Similarly, RNA encoding an immunogen can be delivered to a large mammal at a dose of 3 ng/kg to 150 ng/kg. The delivered RNA can elicit an immune response in the large mammal.

Abstract: Provided herein are optimized, recombinant influenza HA polypeptides that elicit immune responses. Also provided are compositions and kits comprising the optimized HA polypeptides as well as methods of making and using the optimized HA polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the treatment and prevention of canine influenza virus (CIV) and CIV-related pathology. The present invention is based in part upon the discovery that various mutations in segment 1 and segment 2 of the CIV genome, thereby encoding mutant PB2 and PB1 protein, render the virus to be temperature-sensitive.

Abstract: This invention provides vaccines comprising two or more recombinant Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) proteins selected from a gD protein, a gC protein and a gE protein; and methods of impeding immune evasion by HSV thereby vaccinating a subject against HSV and treating, suppressing, inhibiting, and/or reducing an incidence of an HSV infection or a symptom or manifestation thereof, comprising administration of a vaccine of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses FCV vaccines or compositions. The vaccine or composition may be a vaccine or composition containing FCV antigens. The invention also encompasses recombinant vectors encoding and expressing FCV antigens, epitopes or immunogens which can be used to protect animals against FCV infection.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of detecting the presence of influenza virus in a sample while minimizing false positives due to presence of one or more other pathogens in the sample, the method including measuring the enzymatic activity of neuraminidase (NA) in the sample under one or more differentiating conditions selected from the group consisting of pH, binding to anti-NanA antibody, size exclusion, hemagglutinin (HA) binding, chemical inhibition, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel porcine parvovirus, to proteins of the virus and to vaccines based upon the virus and proteins thereof. The invention also relates to DNA fragments comprising a gene of the virus and to DNA vaccines based upon genes of the virus. Further the invention relates to antibodies that are reactive with the novel virus and to diagnostic tests for the detection of the virus or antibodies against the virus.

Abstract: Compositions of recombinant HSV-2 proteins and an agonist of the innate immune system, such as an adjuvant, are provided as a vaccine. Proteins include an envelope glycoprotein and a structural protein other than an envelope glycoprotein, e.g., a capsid or tegument protein. The vaccine is for use in either HSV-2 seropositive or seronegative subjects.

Abstract: In this study, for the first time, protective efficacy of gD against ILTV challenge was evaluated. Immunization with recombinant Newcastle disease virus expressing ILTV gD induced a higher level of neutralizing antibodies and offered complete protection to chickens against lethal ILTV challenge. Uses of recombinant NDV as a vaccine vector are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides certain combinations of immunogenic compositions against HSV-2 and antiviral therapy. The vaccines can be used therapeutically and/or prophylactically.

Abstract: Methods of treating CMV (cytomegalovirus) retinitis in a human patient in need thereof, comprising administering to the human patient a population of allogeneic T cells comprising CMV-specific T cells, wherein the human patient is infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or has been the recipient of a solid organ transplant.

Abstract: The invention provides reassortant influenza strains.

Abstract: The invention relates to a group of synthetic polypeptides, derived from the pre-S1 region of HBV, that efficiently interfere with early steps of an HBV infection. The peptides of the invention can be used in diagnostics for the detection of antigens and/or antibodies.

Abstract: Provided are modified virus-like particles (VLPs) of paramyxoviruses, compositions containing them, methods of using the VLPs for delivery of any particular protein of interest to any of a variety of cells, kits that contain expression vectors for making, using and detecting VLPs, and methods for screening for anti-viral compounds using the VLPs. The modified VLPs contain a contiguous recombinant polypeptide that contains i) all or a segment of a C-terminal domain of a paramyxovirus nucleocapsid protein and ii) a polypeptide sequence of a distinct protein. Non-covalent complexes of paramyxovirus M protein and fusion proteins that contain a C-terminal domain of a paramyxovirus nucleocapsid protein and a polypeptide sequence of a distinct protein are provided, as are non-covalent complexes of cells, and cell receptors, with modified VLPs.

Abstract: Dengue virus (DV) peptides, including T cell epitopes, structural and non-structural (NS) polypeptide sequences, subsequences and modifications thereof, nucleotide sequences encoding such peptides, and compositions including such peptides and encoding nucleotide sequences, and cells expressing such peptides, are provided. Such DV peptides, nucleotide sequences and compositions, can be used to elicit, stimulate, induce, promote, increase, enhance or activate an anti-DV CD8+ T cell response or an anti-DV CD4+ T cell response. Such peptides, nucleotide sequences and compositions can also be used for and in methods of vaccination/immunization of a subject against Dengue virus (DV) (e.g., to provide protection against DV infection and/or pathology), and for treatment of a subject in need thereof, for example, treatment of the subject for a Dengue virus (DV) infection or pathology.

Abstract: Synthetic nanostructures, proteins that are useful, for example, in making synthetic nanostructures, and methods for designing such synthetic nanostructures are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Improved anti-HPV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed. Immunogens disclosed include those having consensus HPV6 E6E7, HPV11 E6E7, HPV16 E6E7, HPV18 E6E7, HPV31 E6E7, HPV33 E6E7, HPV39 E6E7, HPV45 E6E7, HPV52 E6E7, and HPV58 E6E7. Pharmaceutical composition, recombinant vaccines comprising DNA plasmid and live attenuated vaccines are disclosed as well methods of inducing an immune response in an individual against HPV are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides co-administration (for example, immunogenic cocktail compositions and/or prime-boost regimens) of computationally optimized H1N1 influenza hemagglutinin (HA) polypeptides. Co-administration of the optimized H1N1 influenza hemagglutinin (HA) polypeptides facilitates synergistic neutralization of viral infection and provides for improved protective immunity (e.g., a broad reactive immune response) to diverse and multiple H1N1 influenza virus strains, including both seasonal and pandemic strains.

Abstract: The present application relates to the field of human immunology, in particular, a herpes simplex virus (HSV) vaccine. The subunit vaccine composition comprises isolated surface glycoproteins from herpes simplex viruses, fusion proteins or fragments thereof mixed in varied combination with a nanoemulsion, which is a potent immune enhancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of rotavirus particles for displaying a heterologous protein, alone or in complex with another molecule. The invention further relates to methods that employ these modified rotavirus particles to rapidly determine the structure of the heterologous protein or the complex using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). The invention also relates to a method of immunizing a patient, wherein said method comprises administering to the patient the modified rotavirus particles of the invention.

Abstract: Dengue Fever (DF) and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) are significant global public health problems and understanding the overall immune response to infection will contribute to appropriate management of the disease and its potentially severe complications. Live attenuated and subunit vaccine candidates, which are under clinical evaluation, induce primarily an antibody response to the virus and minimal cross-reactive T cell responses. Currently, there are no available tools to assess protective T cell responses during infection or post vaccination. Herein, we report novel, naturally processed and presented MHC class I restricted epitopes, a subset of which binds to and activates T cells in both an HLA-A2 and HLA-A24 restricted manner.

Abstract: Described herein are influenza virus-like particles (VLPs) that display on truncated, re-engineered or remodeled HA molecules on their surface. Also described are methods of making and using these VLPs.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses canine parvovirus (CPV) vaccines or compositions. The vaccine or composition may be a vaccine or composition containing CPV virus-like particle (VLP), and a preparation method and a use thereof. The CPV VLPs provided by the invention are formed by the CPV VP2 protein. Further, the invention broadly encompasses vaccines comprising combinations of MLV and VLP, which are capable of overcoming MDA against a variety of pathogens, which infect a variety of different species.

Abstract: This invention relates, e.g., to a virus-like particle (VLP) composition assembled from a chimeric polypeptide comprising a papilloma virus (e.g., human papillomavirus, or HPV) L1 major capsid protein, into which is inserted a surface-displayed peptide comprising a neutralizing epitope of a papillomavirus L2 protein. Vaccine compositions comprising the VLP are described, as well as methods for inducing an immune response (e.g., vaccinating) a subject against papilloma virus, using the VLP, and kits comprising the VLP, for carrying out a method of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an immunogenic composition that comprises a porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) antigen for treatment of several clinical manifestations (diseases). Preferably, the clinical manifestations are associated with a PCV2 infection. Preferably, they include lymphadenopathy, lymphoid depletion and/or multinucleated/giant histiocytes. Moreover, the clinical symptoms include lymphadenopathy in combination with one or a multiple of the following symptoms in pigs: (1) interstitial pneumonia with interlobular edema, (2) cutaneous pallor or icterus, (3) mottled atrophic livers, (4) gastric ulcers, (5) nephritis and (6) reproductive disorders, e.g. abortion, stillbirths, mummies, etc. Furthermore the clinical symptoms include Pia like lesions, normally known to be associated with Lawsonia intracellularis infections.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses recombinant porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccines or compositions. In particular, the invention encompasses recombinant adenovirus vectors encoding and expressing PRRSV gp2, gp3, gp4, gp5a, gp5 and/or E antigens, proteins, epitopes or immunogens. Such vaccines or compositions can be used to protect animals from PRRSV.

Abstract: Peptides and compositions for a therapeutic vaccine to treat persons infected with human papilloma virus are presented. Methods of using the compositions and treating persons infected with human papilloma virus, including those at risk of cancer or already with cancer from human papilloma virus, are presented.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides fusion proteins that incorporate unique mechanisms for multimerizmg antigens to enhance their immunogenicity. The fusion proteins comprise at least two antigens, or other vaccine related proteins, separated by a linker sequence and an oligomerization domain. When expressed, the fusion protein forms a muKimeric protein complex, This approach can be used to muHimeri?.e a single antigen/protein or to create multimers comprising two or more different antigens/proteins. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding the fusion proteins, Yet another aspect is directed to methods of inducing or suppressing an immune response in a subject by administering to the subject a vaccine composition comprising a fusion protein or nucleic acid encoding the fusion protein, optionally without using an adjuvant.

Abstract: A new coronavirus is disclosed herein with a tropism that includes humans. Means and methods are provided for diagnosing subjects (previously) infected with the virus. Also provided are among others vaccines, medicaments, nucleic acids and specific binding members.

Abstract: Methods of eliciting an immune response to a JC polyomavirus (JCV) by administering an effective amount of an immunogenic composition including an isolated JCV VP1 polypeptide or a nucleic acid encoding the VP1 polypeptide to a subject are provided. VP1 polypeptides and immunogenic compositions suitable for use in the methods are provided, including JCV genotype 2 VP1 polypeptides and/or JCV genotype 3 polypeptides. Methods of identifying a subject at risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) are also provided. In some embodiments, the methods include obtaining a biological sample from a subject, detecting presence or absence of JCV neutralizing antibodies in the sample from the subject, and identifying that the subject is at risk of developing PML if there is an absence of detectable JCV neutralizing antibodies in the sample from the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) F peptides and compositions comprising them. The present invention also relates to methods of evaluating anti-RSV antibody binding to F peptides. The present invention also relates to antibodies that immunospecifically bind to an F peptide of the present invention. The invention further provides methods and protocols for the administration of F peptides and/or antibodies that immunospecifically bind to F peptides for the prevention, neutralization, treatment of RSV infection. Additionally, the methods of the invention may be useful for the treatment, prevention and the amelioration of symptoms associated with RSV infection.

Abstract: An isolated protein comprises respective amino acid sequences of each of a plurality of CTL epitopes from two or more different herpesvirus antigens and further comprises an intervening amino acid or amino acid sequence between at least two of said CTL epitopes comprising proteasome liberation amino acids or amino acid sequences and, optionally, Transporter Associated with Antigen Processing recognition motifs. The isolated protein is capable of rapidly expanding human cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in vitro and eliciting a CTL immune response in vivo upon administration to an animal as an exogenous protein. Typically, the isolated protein comprises no more than twenty (20) CTL epitopes derived from cytomegalovirus and/or Epstein-Barr virus antigens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptide fragments comprising an amino-terminal fragment of the PA subunit of a viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase or variants thereof possessing endonuclease activity, wherein said PA subunit is from a virus belonging to the Orthomyxoviridae family. This invention also relates to (i) crystals of the polypeptide fragments which are suitable for structure determination of said polypeptide fragments using X-ray crystallography and (ii) computational methods using the structural coordinates of said polypeptide to screen for and design compounds that modulate, preferably inhibit the endonucleolytically active site within the polypeptide fragment. In addition, this invention relates to methods identifying compounds that bind to the PA polypeptide fragments possessing endonuclease activity and preferably inhibit said endonucleolytic activity, preferably in a high throughput setting.

Abstract: Disclosed are interactions between different betanodaviruses during infection of cells “in vitro” and in European sea bass. More specifically, fish administered striped jack nervous necrosis viruses (SJNNV), which are then exposed to red-spotted grouper nervous necrosis viruses (RGNNV), have fewer symptoms of disease associated with RGNNV and/or increased survival as compared to fish not administered SJNNV prior to exposure to RGNNV.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention report compositions and methods for vaccinating a subject using trivalent dengue virus vaccine compositions. In some embodiments, more than one vaccine composition may be administered to a subject in different anatomical locations in order to induce a rapid response to at least three of four dengue virus serotypes. In certain embodiments, administration of a trivalent dengue virus vaccine composition can be combined with administration of a monovalent dengue virus vaccine composition.

Abstract: Herpes Simplex Virus-2 (HSV-2) infection is a major health concern. Highly effective vaccines and immunogenic compositions against HSV-2, which can be used therapeutically or prophylactically, are described.