Abstract: The present invention provides immunogens comprising a recombinant Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) F protein stabilized in a prefusion conformation and nucleic acids encoding such immunogens. In particular the present invention provides polypeptides, polynucleotides, compositions, and uses thereof for eliciting an immune response to bovine respiratory syncytial virus (bRSV). Methods for generating an immune response in a subject are also disclosed. In some embodiments, the method is a method for treating or preventing a RSV infection in a subject by administering a therapeutically effective amount of the antigen to the subject.

Abstract: Described are stable pre-fusion respiratory syncitial virus (RSV) F polypeptides, immunogenic compositions comprising the polypeptides and uses thereof for the prevention and/or treatment of RSV infection.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to RSV F protein mutants, nucleic acids or vectors encoding a RSV F protein mutant, compositions comprising a RSV F protein mutant or nucleic acid, and uses of the RSV F protein mutants, nucleic acids or vectors, and compositions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to RSV F protein mutants, nucleic acids or vectors encoding a RSV F protein mutant, compositions comprising a RSV F protein mutant or nucleic acid, and uses of the RSV F protein mutants, nucleic acids or vectors, and compositions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to RSV F protein mutants, nucleic acids or vectors encoding a RSV F protein mutant, compositions comprising a RSV F protein mutant or nucleic acid, and uses of the RSV F protein mutants, nucleic acids or vectors, and compositions.

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: 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: The invention relates to the use of the ubiquitous vertebrate glucose transporter GLUT1, or of fragments or sequences derived thereof, for the in vitro diagnosis of cancers, when used as a tumor marker, or for the screening of compounds useful for the preparation of drugs for the prevention or the treatment of pathologies linked to an infection of an individual with a PTLV, or pathologies linked to an overexpression of GLUT1 on cell surfaces, or the in vitro detection of GLUT1 on cell surfaces. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing GLUT1, or fragments or sequences derived thereof, and to their uses such as in the frame of the prevention or the treatment of pathologies linked to an infection of an individual with a PTLV.

Abstract: The present invention provides vectors that contain and express in vivo or in vitro FeLV antigens that elicit an immune response in animal or human against FeLV, compositions comprising said vectors and/or FeLV polypeptides, methods of vaccination against FeLV, and kits for use with such methods and compositions.

Abstract: The invention is a method for the differential diagnosis of chronic schizophrenia or chronic alcoholism, by imaging the brain of a subject to detect any or all of the markers phosphocreatine (PCr), N-acetyl aspartate divided by the total creatine signal (NA/Crt), and synaptic phosphodiester (sPDE), and determining any increase or decrease in the presence of such markers compared to normal levels in specified anatomic areas of the brain. The output of such a method, resulting from such imaging, is presented to be viewed by a diagnostician in order to support the differential diagnosis based on the data output.

Abstract: Disclosed are immunogens including a recombinant RSV F protein stabilized in a prefusion conformation. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding the immunogens and methods of producing the immunogens. Methods for generating an immune response in a subject are also disclosed. In some embodiments, the method is a method for treating or preventing a RSV infection in a subject by administering a therapeutically effective amount of the immunogen to the subject.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for delivering tumor associated antigens and immune modulatory molecules to result in a therapeutic effect are disclosed. The compositions and methods use stably integrating lentiviral delivery systems. The methods are useful for therapeutically and prophylactically treating cancer such as colon cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed are the simian T-cell lymphotropic virus type 3 subtype D (STLV-3 subtype D), isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding STLV-3 subtype D polypeptides, such as STLV-3 subtype D envelope, protease, polymerase, tax, rex, and capsid polypeptides, isolated polypeptides encoded by such nucleic acids. Methods are also disclosed for detecting STLV-3 subtype D, for example by detecting a STLV-3 subtype D nucleic acid or polypeptide in the sample. Accordingly, probes, primers, and antibodies for use in detecting STLV-3 subtype D nucleic acids or polypeptides are disclosed. Therapeutic compositions which include isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a STLV-3 subtype D polypeptides or isolated polypeptides encoded by such nucleic acid molecules are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides adenoviral vectors comprising an adenoviral genome comprising heterologous antigen-encoding nucleic acid sequences, such as Plasmodium nucleic acid sequences, operably linked to promoters. The invention further provides a method of inducing an immune response against malaria in a mammal comprising administering the adenoviral vectors to the mammal.

Abstract: An active polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:4, having an anti-tumor activity, and compositions and methods including the active polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to consensus nucleotide and protein sequences for HIV-1 Clade A antigens, and to nucleotide and protein sequences for Clade A antigens from circulating HIV-1 field isolates wherein the antigen sequences are closely related to the these consensus sequences. Advantageously, the present invention relates to HIV-1 Clade A transgenes that are derived from such sequences, and that encode either HIV-1 Clade A Gag, Pol (RT and Int), and Nef (collectively “GRIN”), HIV-1 Clade A Gag, RT, and Nef (collectively “GRN”), or HIV-1 Clade A Env. The invention also relates to vectors containing such transgenes, including adenovirus vectors containing such transgenes. The invention also relates to immunogenic compositions comprising the HIV-1 Clade A antigens, nucleotide sequences, vectors, or transgenes of the invention, and to methods of generating an immune response against HIV in a subject by administering an effective amount of such immunogenic compositions.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to methods and compositions for protecting feline animals from infection by FIV using immunogens derived from primate immunodeficiency viruses, including HIV and SIV. Methods for vaccinating feline animals with the subject vaccine compositions are described. Feline animals vaccinated according to the methods and compositions of the subject invention exhibit protective humoral and cellular immune responses to FIV when challenged with FIV.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stable immunogenic product for the induction of antibodies against one or more antigenic proteins in a subject. The invention is characterized in that it comprises proteinaceous immunogenic heterocomplexes which are formed by associations between (i) antigenic protein molecules and (ii) proteinaceous carrier molecules and in that less than 40% of the antigenic proteins (i) are linked to the proteinaceous carrier molecules (ii) by a covalent bond.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided which employ chimeric polypeptides having at least one heterologous epitope for a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) neutralizing antibody. These chimeric polypeptides behave as molecular scaffolds which are capable of presenting the various heterologous HIV-1 epitopes. The invention demonstrates that a heterologous epitope recognized by the HIV-1 neutralizing antibody can be more fully exposed to neutralizing antibodies when presented within the backbone of the chimeric polypeptide than when the epitope is presented within the context of an HIV-1 backbone. Polynucleotides encoding these chimeric polypeptides are also provided. Immunogenic compositions are provided which comprise a chimeric polypeptide having at least one heterologous epitope that interacts with an HIV-1 neutralizing antibody. Immuno genie compositions comprising chimeric polynucleotides encoding the chimeric polypeptides of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the use of an envelope polypeptide or a functional variant thereof from a lentivirus that is not HIV-1 as a molecular scaffold for HIV-1 epitopes. The HIV-1 epitopes can be recognized by HIV-1 binding antibodies, HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies and/or CD4-induced antibodies. Thus, methods are provided for detecting HIV-1 binding antibodies in a subject infected with HTV-1. Further provided are methods to determine an epitope for an HIV-1 binding antibody; methods to assay for an HIV-1 binding antibody; methods to identify a soluble CD4 mimic; methods to neutralize an non-HIV-1 virus; diagnostic assays to monitor HIV disease in a subject or to monitor the subject's response to immunization by a HIV vaccine; and methods to alter the neutralization potential of an HIV-1 derived CD4-induced antibody. Chimeric polypeptides, chimeric polynucleotides, kits, cells and viruses are also provided.

Abstract: Mutated viral ENV proteins having mutations in the immunosuppressive domain (ISU) of the transmembrane subunit (TM) have decreased immunosuppressive activity with respect to the wild-type ENV protein. Pharmaceutical compositions that include the protein and nucleic acids coding for the protein are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present application relates to a novel HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein which may be utilized as an HIV-1 vaccine immunogen, antigens for crystallization and for the identification of broad neutralizing antibodies. The present invention encompasses the preparation and purification of immunogenic compositions which are formulated into the vaccines of the present invention.

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 invention relates to fusion proteins comprising the amino acid sequence of at least three HIV proteins selected from Vif, Vpr, Vpu, Rev, and Tat or derivatives of the amino acid sequence of one or more of said proteins, wherein the fusion protein is not processed to individual HIV proteins having the natural N and C termini. The invention further concerns nucleic acids encoding said proteins, vectors comprising said nucleic acids, and methods for producing said proteins. The fusion protein, nucleic acids and vectors are usable as vaccines for the at least partial prophylaxis against HIV infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant viral surface antigenic protein with enhanced stability. The present invention also provides a vaccine composition against enveloped viruses.

Abstract: A method to induce an immune response in a host in need thereof, comprises administering to the host, recombinant lentiviral vector particles comprising: a) a GAG polypeptide or a functional GAG-polypeptide derivative; b) a POL polypeptide or a functional POL-polypeptide derivative ; c) an ENV polypeptide or a functional ENV-polypeptide derivative; and d) a recombinant polynucleotide. The recombinant polynucleotide comprises a transgene placed under the control of regulatory signals for transcription and expression, regulatory signals, of lentiviral origin, for reverse transcription, expression and packaging, and a polynucleotide comprising a cis-acting central initiation region (cPPT) and a cis-acting termination region (CTS). The regions are of lentiviral origin and are inserted in a functional orientation with the regulatory signals of lentiviral origin. The polynucleotide forms a DNA triplex during reverse transcription.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide methods for diagnosing and/or treating tumors using HERV-H env gene or HERV-H env Env protein. Specifically, tumors are diagnosed by detecting expression of HERV-H env gene; and agents for detecting the expression are used as diagnosing agents. Further, tumors are treated by inhibiting function of HERV-H env gene; and agents for inhibiting the function are used as antitumor agents. Furthermore, tumors are treated by administering a peptide having a certain sequence of HERV-H Env protein and the like; and the peptide is used as a cancer vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to assays for the detection of Xenotropic Murine Leukemia Virus-related Retrovirus (“XMRV”) and diseases associated with XMRV infection. Additionally, the invention relates to specific XMRV antigens capable of inducing an immunogenic response as well as XMRV-related nucleic acids having significant diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic utilities.

Abstract: The present invention provides vectors that contain and express in vivo or in vitro FeLV antigens that elicit an immune response in animal or human against FeLV, compositions comprising said vectors and/or FeLV polypeptides, methods of vaccination against FeLV, and kits for use with such methods and compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to assays for the detection of Xenotropic Murine Leukemia Virus-related Retrovirus (“XMRV”) and diseases associated with XMRV infection. Additionally, the invention relates to specific XMRV antigens capable of inducing an immunogenic response as well as XMRV-related nucleic acids having significant diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic utilities.

Abstract: Provided herein are small molecule CD4 mimetics effective to bind to HIV Env proteins. A CD4 mimetic of the invention, when bound to an Env protein, is effective to induce a conformational change in the Env protein such that cyptic epitopes on the Env protein are exposed. Also provided herein are related methods of identifying and using such small molecule CD4 mimetics, for example, to elicit an immune response in a subject upon administration.

Abstract: Methods for producing an immune response to a benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) virus are disclosed herein. In several examples, the immune response is a protective immune response. In additional embodiments, methods are disclosed for inhibiting an infection with BPH virus, or treating an infection with BPH virus. Also disclosed are methods for detecting presence of BPH virus in a subject. The methods include detecting the presence of one or more BPH virus polynucleotides or polypeptides in a sample from the subject, or presence of at least one antibody that specifically binds to a BPH virus polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention relates to fusion proteins comprising the amino acid sequence of at least three HIV proteins selected from Vif, Vpr, Vpu, Rev, and Tat or derivatives of the amino acid sequence of one or more of said proteins, wherein the fusion protein is not processed to individual HIV proteins having the natural N and C termini. The invention further concerns nucleic acids encoding said proteins, vectors comprising said nucleic acids, and methods for producing said proteins. The fusion protein, nucleic acids and vectors are usable as vaccines for the at least partial prophylaxis against HIV infections.

Abstract: Compounds, which inhibit the binding of gp120 to CD4 as well as 17b and methods for their use in inhibiting the HIV fusion process, are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a recombinant multi-functional chimera of CVN and 12p1. Chimeras of CVN and 12p1 present a model for targeting gp120 at two discrete sites, by two different modes of inhibition and with increasing potency versus either component alone. A chimera of the invention combines the high affinity suppression of viral activity by CVN with the allosteric suppression of viral envelope binding to both CD4 and co-receptor by 12p1.

Abstract: Stabilized forms of gp120 polypeptide, nucleic acids encoding these stabilized forms, vectors comprising these nucleic acids, and methods of using these polypeptides, nucleic acids, vectors and host cells are disclosed. Crystal structures and computer systems including atomic coordinates for stabilized forms of gp120, and gp120 with an extended V3 loop, and methods of using these structures and computer systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stable immunogenic product for the induction of antibodies against one or more antigenic proteins in a subject. The invention is characterised in that it comprises proteinaceous immunogenic heterocomplexes which are formed by associations between (i) antigenic protein molecules and (ii) proteinaceous carrier molecules and in that less than 40% of the antigenic proteins (i) are linked to the proteinaceous carrier molecules (ii) by a covalent bond.

Abstract: The invention relates to the discovery of a human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) family, Type I HERV-K (HML-2) which appear to be active in vitro and in vivo, infectious, and which have the have the salient features and properties of foamy retroviruses. Based on its natural replication in humans, and that it protects the host from viral and tumor transformation, this non-pathogenic endogenous virus could be developed as a replication competent gene therapy vector. It also is expected to have much higher efficacy than other vectors as it crosses the bloodbrain barrier and infects almost all cell types in the host (proliferating or not). It may naturally lyse tumor cells or infected cells, and thus could even be used without genetic modification. Of course, this vector could be used in traditional ways with it ability to replicate genetically removed.

Abstract: A composition and method for enhancing immune response in a living organism is disclosed. In particular, the present disclosure provides an adjuvant peptide for use in raising an immune response to an antigen. The adjuvant peptide is selected from a group of peptides with an HIV-related sequence. Additionally, the adjuvant peptide can comprise a fusion-protein that acts as a mucosal adjuvant. The adjuvant peptide can be transformed into one or more living cells, such that the mucosal adjuvant can be produced in living cells and then administered by systemic, mucosal or epidermal delivery.

Abstract: Polyvalent, primary isolate nucleic acid compositions for inducing an immune response against HIV is disclosed. The composition and methods described herein are for the use of a DNA composition that encodes one or more different HIV envelope glycoproteins. The DNA composition can encode an HIV Gag protein. The DNAs encoding one or more HIV proteins are a combination of different nucleic acids, such as DNA plasmids, generated from primary isolate DNA of different HIV major group genetic clades and/or different proteins. HIV protein compositions for inducing an immune response against HIV are disclosed. Methods fro using the protein compositions as boosts following administration of the DNA compositions are provided.

Abstract: Human endogenous retroviruses of the HML-2 family show up-regulated expression in prostate tumors. This finding can be used in prostate cancer screening, diagnosis and therapy.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for prophylactic and/or therapeutic vaccination and/or treatment and/or diagnosis of HIV/AIDS, other infectious diseases, inflammatory and angiogenic diseases and tumours which utilizes a biologically active HIV-1 Tat protein, fragments or derivates thereof, as a module with one or more of the following features: antigen, adjuvant and targeting-delivery system to specific antigen-presenting cells including dendritic cells, endothelial cells and macrophages. In particular, it is claimed that Tat can be used only in its biologically active form as an antigen combined with one or more other antigens, to prime or to boost protective immune responses against itself as well as other antigens and/or to selectively deliver these antigen(s) as well as active compounds to dendritic cells, endothelial cells and macrophages, due to its capability of targeting these A PC and of activating their maturation and functions and of increasing Th-1 type immune responses as an adjuvant.

Abstract: The present invention refers to Tat as the active principle for a prophylactic and/or therapeutic vaccine against HIV infection, the progression towards AIDS and the development of tumors and other syndromes and symptoms in subjects infected by HIV. Tat is in biologically active form either as recombinant protein or peptide or as DNA. More particularly, the invention refers to a vaccine based on HIV-1 Tat as immunogen, inoculated as DNA and/or recombinant protein or as peptides, alone or in combination with other genes or viral gene products (Nef, Rev, Gag) or parts thereof, or in combination with various immuno modulant cytokines (IL-12, IL-15) or with the gene coding for an immuno modulant cytokine or part thereof. Tat, Nef, Rev, Gag and the immuno modulant cytokines are administrated both as a mixture of recombinant proteins, peptides or fusion proteins (Tat/Nef, Tat/Rev, Tat/Gag, Tat/IL-12, Tat/IL-15) or as plasmid DNA.

Abstract: The present invention comprises novel and modified peptides capable of inducing an HIV-1 specific immune response without antagonizing the cytotoxic T-cell activity in order to achieve an effective prophylactic and therapeutic vaccine against HIV. The peptides are based on conserved regions of HIV gag p24 proteins. Antigens in free- or carrier-bound form comprising at least one of the said peptides, vaccine compositions containing at least one of the antigens, immunoassay kits and a method of detecting antibodies induced by HIV or HIV specific peptides using such antigens, are described.

Abstract: The present invention comprises novel and modified peptides capable of inducing an HIV-1 specific immune response without antagonizing the cytotoxic T-cell activity in order to achieve an effective prophylactic and therapeutic vaccine against HIV. The peptides are based on conserved regions of HIV gag p24 proteins. Antigens in free- or carrier-bound form comprising at least one of the said peptides, vaccine compositions containing at least one of the antigens, immunoassay kits and a method of detecting antibodies induced by HIV or HIV specific peptides using such antigens, are described.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel method of vaccination of an animal of the felidae family against feline leukemia. The FeLV recombinant vaccine based on viral vector with the aid of a liquid jet needle-free injector can result in distribution of the vaccine essentially in the dermis and the hypodermis of the animal.

Abstract: Compounds, which inhibit the binding of gp120 to CD4 as well as 17b and methods for their use in inhibiting the HIV fusion process, are provided.

Abstract: Purified nucleic acid which can specifically hybridize with the sequence of swine retroviruses.

Abstract: Inhibition of HIV-1 replication by disrupting the processing of the viral Gag capsid (CA) protein (p24) from the CA-spacer peptide 1 (SP1) protein precursor (p25) is disclosed. Amino acid sequences containing a mutation in the Gag p25 protein, with the mutation resulting in a decrease in the inhibition of processing of p25 to p24 by dimethylsuccinyl betulinic acid or dimethylsuccinyl betulin, polynucleotides encoding such mutated sequences and antibodies that selectively bind such mutated sequences are also included. Methods of inhibiting, inhibitory compounds and methods of discovering inhibitory compounds that target proteolytic processing of the HIV Gag protein are included. In one embodiment, such compounds inhibit the interaction of the HIV protease enzyme with Gag by binding to Gag rather than to the protease enzyme.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel nucleic sequence and deduced protein sequence family with whole or partial human endogenous retroviral motifs. The invention also concerns the detection and/or the use of said nucleic sequences and said corresponding protein sequences or fragments of said sequences, for diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic uses, in particular for neuropathological conditions with autoimmune constituent such as multiple sclerosis. Said purified nucleic acid sequences comprise all or part of a sequence coding for a human endogenous retroviral sequence having at least eny-type retroviral motifs, corresponding to the sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 or to a sequence having a homology level with said sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 not less than 80% of more than 190 nucleotides or not less than 70% on more than 600 nucleotides for env-type domains. The invention further concerns the use of the flanking or adjacent sequence of said sequences and controlled by the latter, as diagnostic reagents.