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: The present invention provides Listeria vaccine strains that express a heterologous antigen and a metabolic enzyme, and methods of generating same.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel peptide immunogens comprising influenza virus matrix 2 protein epitopes and related compositions and methods. The present invention relates to a composition comprising a peptide immunogen useful for the prevention and treatment of an influenza virus-mediated disease. The invention also relates to vaccines, immunogenic products and immunogenic compositions containing the peptide immunogens.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vaccine antigen capable of inducing a cross-reacting and neutralizing antibody directed against a high-risk-type human papillomavirus. Specifically disclosed are: a chimeric protein comprising an L2-epitope of a human papillomavirus (HPV) type-16 inserted in a loop region of a human papillomavirus type-16 L1 protein; and a capsid which is a particle formed by the chimeric protein. The loop region to which the L2-epitope is to be inserted is located between an amino acid residue at position-430 and an amino acid residue at position-433. The L2-epitope has an amino acid sequence represented by any one of the following formulae: LYKTCKQAGTCPPDIIPKVEG (SEQ ID NO: 2) (18-38 L2-epitope); GGLGIGTGSGTGGRTGYIPL (SEQ ID NO: 3) (56-75 L2-epitope); and DPVGPLDPSIVSLVEESSFI (SEQ ID NO: 4) (96-115 L2-epitope).

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for the treatment or prevention of viral infections. The polyvalent (e.g., 2-valent) vaccines described herein incorporate computationally-optimized viral polypeptides that can increase the diversity or breadth and depth of cellular immune response in vaccinated subjects.

Abstract: The present invention provides nanoparticles and compositions of various constructs that combine meta-stable viral proteins (e.g., RSV F protein) and self-assembling molecules (e.g., ferritin, HSPs) such that the pre-fusion conformational state of these key viral proteins is preserved (and locked) along with the protein self-assembling into a polyhedral shape, thereby creating nanoparticles that are effective vaccine agents. The invention also provides nanoparticles comprising a viral fusion protein, or fragment or variant thereof, and a self-assembling molecule, and immunogenic and vaccine compositions including the same.

Abstract: Compositions that include at least three fusion proteins comprising flagellin and influenza antigens. In embodiments, the influenza antigens can include influenza A and influenza B antigens. The composition can further include at least one adjuvant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant microalgal cells and their use in heterologous protein production, methods of production of heterologous polypeptides in microalgal extracellular bodies, microalgal extracellular bodies comprising heterologous polypeptides, and compositions comprising the same.

Abstract: The disclosure provides immunogenic compositions comprising HPV VLPs from one or more HPV types in combination with an adjuvant comprising a TLR agonist for use in a method for the prevention of HPV infection or disease in an individual, wherein a first dose of the immunogenic composition comprising HPV VLPs and a TLR agonist, is administered followed by a second dose of an immunogenic composition comprising HPV VLPs from one or more HPV types but which does not comprise a TLR agonist.

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 disclosure provides vaccine formulations comprising at least one peptide antigen assembly and at least one adjuvant. The disclosure also provides methods of inducing an immune response in a mammal and methods of treating a disease in a mammal utilizing the vaccine formulations.

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: Provided herein are methods and compositions relating to Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV), and vaccines for treatment and prevention thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a modified mRNA that is stabilised by sequence modifications and optimised for translation. The pharmaceutical composition according to the invention is particularly well suited for use as an inoculating agent, as well as a therapeutic agent for tissue regeneration. In addition, a process is described for determining sequence modifications that promote stabilisation and translational efficiency of modified mRNA of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are isolated immunogens including variant hepatitis B surface antigens (HBsAgs). In an example, a variant HBsAg includes a HBsAg with one or more transmembrane domains of the HBsAg replaced with a gp41 antigenic insert. The antigenic insert can include an antigenic polypeptide fragment of gp41 including the membrane proximal region of gp41 and a transmembrane membrane region of gp41. The replacement of a membrane spanning domain of HBsAg with a membrane spanning domain of gp41 anchors gp41 into HBsAg in virtually the identical orientation as on HIV virions and correctly orients the nearby MPR on the lipid layer. Thus, the disclosed variant HBsAgs display the neutralization-sensitive MPR in association with a lipid layer, while presenting it at the most immunogenic site on HBsAg. Also disclosed are uses of these variant HBsAgs, and nucleic acids encoding variant HBsAgs, such as to induce an immune response to HIV-1.

Abstract: A mucosal immunity-stimulating agent contains a Kampo preparation having a revitalizing activity and a mucosal adjuvant. An oral pharmaceutical composition for treating HPV infection contains at least HPV E7 polypeptide and a Kampo preparation having a revitalizing activity.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a fusion protein comprising a variant of a nucleoprotein antigen from Influenza strain A, B or C, and a variant of a C4bp oligomerization domain for increasing the cellular immunogenicity of the nucleoprotein antigen from Influenza. The invention is also related to nucleic acids, vectors, fusion proteins and immunogenic compositions, for their use as a vaccine or immunotherapy for the prevention and treatment of influenza disease.

Abstract: A composition for preventing or treating cervical cancer comprising a human papillomavirus plasmodium and an immunity enhancer is provided. A fusion protein including a fusion polypeptide recombined to transform a 3D structure of E6 and E7, which are antigens against types 16 and 18 human papillomavirus (HPV), a signal peptide for secreting the fusion polypeptide outside the cells and an immunity enhancer peptide present in an individual is also provided. The fusion protein may be useful in treating HPV-triggered tumors by inducing an immune response specific to the antigens against the HPV types 16 and 18.

Abstract: The present application is related to a modified protein comprising a protein having a coiled coil domain and a peptide having the sequence such as shown in SEQ ID NO 1: ZXBBBBZ that is linked to the coiled coil domain wherein: Z is any amino acid or is absent; X is any amino acid; B is an arginine (R) or a lysine (K). Said modified protein is in particular an antigen or a carrier protein, associated to an antigen. This modified protein has an increased affinity for negatively charged polymers such as nucleic acids or heparin, and shows an increased immunogenicity.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a isolated a canine circoviruses associated with canine respiratory and gastrointestinal disease, and isolated nucleic acids sequences and polypeptides thereof. The invention also relates to antibodies against antigens from canine circoviruses. The invention also relates to iRNAs which target nucleic acid sequences of the canine circovirus. The invention is related to methods for detecting the presence or absence of canine circoviruses in an animal. The invention is also related to immunogenic compositions for inducing an immune response against canine circoviruses in an animal.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods related to the structure and function of the cellular polyadenylation and specificity factor 30 (CPSF30) binding site on the surface of the influenza A non-structural protein 1 (NS1). Specifically, critical biochemical reagents, conditions for crystallization and NMR analysis, assays, and general processes are described for (i) discovering, designing, and optimizing small molecule inhibitors of influenza A (avian flu) viruses and (ii) creating attenuated influenza virus strains suitable for avian and human flu vaccine development.

Abstract: Vaccination methods to control PCV2 infection with different PCV2 subtypes are disclosed. Specifically, a PCV2 subtype b (PCV2b) ORF2 proteins or immunogenic compositions comprising a PCV2b ORF2 protein are used in a method for the treatment or prevention of an infection with PCV2 of the same PCV2b and/or different subtype; the reduction, prevention or treatment of clinical signs caused by an infection with PCV2 of the same PCV2b or a different subtype; and/or the prevention or treatment of a disease caused by an infection with PCV2 of the same PCV2b and/or a different subtype. The present invention in particular relates to PCV2 subtype b (PCV2b) ORF2 proteins characterized in that they contain at least one mutation in the BC loop that such that the expressed protein is preferably expressed in a higher amount compared to a PCV2 ORF2 protein that does not contain such mutation.

Abstract: Combination peptides, polypeptides and proteins that elicit high titer neutralizing antibodies against cytomegalovirus (CMV) are provided. The combination peptides, polypeptides and proteins encompass epitopes located within the UL130 and UL131 components of the gH/gL/UL128-131 protein complex, in particular, epitopes located within amino acid residues 27-46 of UL130 and amino acid residues 90-106 of UL131. The combination peptides, polypeptides and proteins, and the nucleic acids encoding them, may be used in vaccines, and as diagnostic and research tools.

Abstract: Described herein are the clinical and laboratory characteristics of two patients bitten by ticks and infected with a unique member of the genus Phlebovirus (family Bunyaviridae) with a proposed name of Heartland virus (HRTLV). Provided herein are nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the Phlebovirus isolates, primers and probes that specifically hybridize with the Phlebovirus isolates, and antibodies specific for the Phlebovirus proteins. Also provided are detection assays using the Phlebovirus nucleic acid molecules, proteins, probes, primers and antibodies. Further provided are recombinant Phleboviruses and their use for eliciting an immune response in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to M1 polypeptides that can be utilized as vaccines and/or antigens for generation of anti-M1 polypeptide antibodies for prophylactic treatment of individuals who are susceptible to infection by influenza virus. The anti-M1 polypeptide antibodies of the invention are useful for treatment of individuals infected with influenza virus, or useful for prophylactic treatment of individuals who are susceptible to infection by influenza virus, or for immune-suppressed individuals who cannot generate an effective antibody response.

Abstract: The present invention provides replication competent adenoviral vectors capable of expressing antigens from infectious pathogens, such as influenza virus. The adenoviral vectors can be used to vaccinate subjects against the infectious pathogens. The adenoviral vectors comprise heterologous sequences encoding the antigens. The heterologous sequences can be inserted into various locations in the adenoviral vectors, including in or near specific E3 deletions and/or integrated into the adenoviral hexon coding region. The adenoviral vectors can be derived from any adenoviral serotype, particularly an Ad4 or Ad7 serotype.

Abstract: The invention relates to immunostimulatory oligonucleotides and methods of using immunostimulatory oligonucleotides to induce an antigen-specific immune response. The invention further relates to a vaccine that comprises an immunostimulatory oligonucleotide and an antigen, and comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The immunostimulatory oligonucleotides of the invention, in some embodiments, include one or more modified linkage(s).

Abstract: A vaccine composition and method of vaccination are provided useful for immunizing a subject against a rotavirus. The vaccines include rotavirus strains CDC-9 and CDC-66, fragments thereof, homologues thereof, or combinations thereof. Inventive vaccines may include a fragment of CDC-9, CDC-66, homologues thereof, or combinations thereof. Methods of inducing an immunological response are provided by administering an inventive vaccine.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules and compositions comprising one or more nucleic acid sequences that encode an RSV immunogen are disclosed. Nucleic acid are disclosed that comprise the sequences that encodes consensus RSV F protein or immunogenic fragment thereof, sequences that encodes an RSV G(A) protein or immunogenic fragment thereof and sequences that encodes an RSV G(B) protein or immunogenic fragment thereof. Compositions comprising one, combinations of two or all three sequences are disclosed. The coding sequences optionally include operable linked coding sequence that encode a signal peptide. Nucleic acid molecules and compositions comprising the chemokine CC20 and/or a consensus RSV M2-1 protein or immunogenic fragment thereof are also disclosed. Immunomodulatory methods and methods of inducing an immune response against RSV are disclosed. Method of preventing RSV infection and methods of treating individuals infected with RSV are disclosed.

Abstract: A combined measles-malaria vaccine containing different attenuated recombinant measles-malaria vectors comprising a heterologous nucleic acid encoding several Plasmodium falciparum antigens is described. Preferably, it relates to viral vectors that comprise nucleic acids encoding the circumsporozoite (CS) protein of P. falciparum, the merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP-1) of P. falciparum, and its derivatives (p-42; p-83-30-38) in its glycosylated and secreted forms, and apical membrane antigen1 (AMA1) of P. falciparum, in its anchored or secreted form. The viral vector stems from an attenuated measles virus, based on a strain that is used as a vaccine and is efficient in delivering the gene of interest and that binds to and infects the relevant immune cells efficiently.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant bacterium and methods of using the recombinant bacterium to induce a cellular immune response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel CD4+ and CD8+ T cell epitopes that are specific for HPV-specific E6 and E7 oncoproteins, to peptides comprising these novel T cell epitopes, and to (vaccine) compositions comprising these peptides for use in methods for the prevention and/or treatment of HPV related diseases. Preferred epitopes are recognized by a T cell that infiltrates a cervical neoplastic lesion or by a T cell from a draining lymph node, and are presented by an HLA-DQ or HLA-DP molecule, or an HLA-B.

Abstract: Recombinant papaya mosaic virus (PapMV) coat proteins comprising one or more antigenic peptides derived from an influenza virus antigen, such as from the M2e peptide, fused at a position within a predicted random coil within 13 amino acids of the N-terminus of the coat protein, uses thereof to prepare virus-like particles (VLPs), and uses of the VLPs in influenza vaccines.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to isolated influenza virus that is capable of infecting canids and causing respiratory disease in the canid. The subject invention also pertains to compositions and methods for inducing an immune response against an influenza virus of the present invention. The subject invention also pertains to compositions and methods for identifying a virus of the invention and diagnosing infection of an animal with a virus of the invention.

Abstract: In some embodiments the present invention provides influenza hemagglutinin (“HA”) polypeptides, proteins, and protein complexes that comprise a stalk domain that is engineered to facilitate maintenance of its native trimeric conformation, even if the head domain of the HA protein is removed or disrupted. In some embodiments, the present invention provides compositions comprising such polypeptides, proteins, and protein complexes, and methods of use of such proteins and compositions, for example as vaccine immunogens.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polynucleotide molecules that comprise a DNA sequence encoding an infectious RNA sequence encoding a genetically-modified North American PRRS virus, wherein the polynucleotide molecule lacks at least one detectable antigenic epitope of North American PRRS virus. The invention also provides vaccines comprising genetically modified North American PRRS virus, RNA molecules, plasmids and viral vectors comprising the isolated polynucleotide molecules. Also provided are isolated polynucleotide molecules further comprising at least one nucleotide sequence that encodes a detectable heterologous antigenic epitope, and vaccines comprising North American PRRS virus, RNA molecules, plasmids and viral vectors comprising such isolated polynucleotide molecules.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are nucleotide sequences which encode a plurality of structural proteins, except the capsid, of an equine encephalitis virus, wherein the nucleotide sequence is codon-optimized for mammalian expression. The nucleotide sequences are codon-optimized for expression in humans. As disclosed herein, the nucleotide sequences confer protection against Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV), and/or eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV).

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for the expression, secretion and use of novel compositions for use as, e.g., vaccines and antigen delivery vectors, to delivery antigens to antigen presenting cells. In one embodiment, the vector is an anti-CD40 antibody, or fragments thereof, and one or more antigenic peptides linked to the anti-CD40 antibody or fragments thereof, including humanized antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides and compositions thereof for treating or limiting respiratory syncytial virus infection, and computational methods for designing such polypeptides.

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: Materials and methods useful for generating highly mannosylated pseudotyped lentiviral vector particles comprising a Vpx protein are provided.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions directed against Hendra and/or Nipah viruses, and methods of its use, are provided. In addition, methods of distinguishing subjects vaccinated with the immunogenic compositions of the invention from those infected with Hendra and/or Nipah virus are provided.

Abstract: Provided are antigenic polypeptides of HIV envelope glycoproteins which are constructed based on amino acid mutation of attenuated live vaccine of Equine Infectious Anemia Virus, DNA constructions and recombinant virus vectors comprising polynucleotides encoding said polypeptides, antibodies against said polypeptides as well as uses thereof in preventing and treating HIV infection. Said antigenic polypeptides and vaccines can induce high titer neutralization antibodies against HIV in organism.

Abstract: Provided herein are vaccine vectors including an antigenic polypeptide and an HMGB1 polypeptide present on the surface of the vaccine vector. Compositions comprising the vaccine vectors are also provided and include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, suitably a carrier for oral or nasal administration. Also provided are methods of enhancing immune responses, in particular antibody immune response and suitably an IgA response, by administering the vaccine vectors or compositions disclosed herein to a subject.

Abstract: Polypeptides and compositions thereof are provided for treating or limiting metapneumovirus (MPV) infection, as well as methods for designing such polypeptides. In further aspects, methods of using said isolated polypeptides, VLPs or pharmaceutical compositions are provided, which include methods for treating a metapneumovirus (MPV) infection, methods for limiting development of an MPV infection, methods for generating an immune response in a subject, methods for monitoring an MPV-induced disease in a subject and/or monitoring response of the subject to immunization by an MPV vaccine, methods for detecting MPV binding antibodies, methods for producing MPV antibodies, and methods of preventing an MPV infection.

Abstract: Described herein is the generation of optimized H3N2, H2N2 and B influenza HA polypeptides for eliciting a broadly reactive immune response to influenza virus isolates. The optimized HA polypeptides were developed through a series of HA protein alignments, and subsequent generation of consensus sequences, based on H3N2, H2N2 and B influenza isolates. Provided herein are optimized H3N2, H2N2 and B influenza HA polypeptides, and compositions, fusion proteins and VLPs comprising the HA polypeptides. Further provided are codon-optimized nucleic acid sequences encoding the HA polypeptides. Methods of eliciting an immune response against influenza virus in a subject are also provided by the present disclosure.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification, sequencing, and isolation of an A25 bacteriophage lysin gene that expresses a protein involved in the lysis of bacterial cells during the phage life cycle. The invention further relates to methods for lysing certain bacteria using lysin, which are useful for example in a diagnostic procedure designed to detect these bacteria.

Abstract: Baboon Adenovirus (BaAdV)-2/4 and BaAdV-3 are disclosed herein. BaAdV-2/4 and BaAdV-3 polynucleotide, polypeptides and antibodies that specifically bind BaAdV-2/4 and/or BaAdV-3 are disclosed. Methods are disclosed for detecting BaAdV-2/4 and BaAdV-3. Methods are also disclosed for treating, preventing, and inducing an immune response to BaAdV-2/4 and/or BaAdV-3. Kits are also provided.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) F proteins, polypeptides and protein complexes that comprise one or more cross-links to stabilize the protein, polypeptide or protein complex in its pre-fusion conformation. In some embodiments the present invention provides RSV F proteins, polypeptides and protein complexes comprising one or more mutations to facilitate such cross-linking. In some embodiments the present invention provides compositions comprising such proteins, polypeptides or protein complexes, including vaccine compositions, and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides having a composite amino acid sequence derived from a consensus sequence representing the capsid proteins of two or more circulating strains of a non-enveloped virus. In particular, the invention provides virus-like particles comprising at least one composite polypeptide. Such virus-like particles have antigenic epitopes of two or more circulating strains of a non-enveloped virus and produce an increase in antisera cross-reactivity to one or more circulating strains of the non-enveloped virus. Methods of making composite virus-like particles and vaccine formulations comprising composite virus-like particles are also disclosed.