Abstract: A self-assembling nanoparticle drug delivery system for the delivery of drugs including peptides, proteins, nucleic acids or synthetic chemical drugs is provided. The self-assembling nanoparticle drug delivery system described herein includes viral capsid proteins, such as Hepatitis B Virus core protein, encapsulating the drug, a lipid bi-layer envelope and targeting or facilitating molecules anchored in the lipid bilayer. A method for construction of the self-assembling nanocparticle drug delivery system is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the generation of an immune response against a target antigen using a DNA and viral vector in a specific administration pattern.

Abstract: The invention provides a therapeutic drug that uses hollow protein nanoparticles displaying an antibody against a specific cell or specific tissue. The effectiveness of the drug has been proved by animal testing. The invention also provides a therapeutic method using such a drug. In a drug according to the present invention, a substance to be transferred into a cell for treating a disease (for example, a cancer treating gene such as a thymidine kinase gene derived from simple herpes virus) is encapsulated in hollow nanoparticles of a particle-forming protein (for example, hepatitis B virus surface-antigen protein that has been modified to lack its infectivity to hepatocytes and display an antibody). The particle surface of the drug displays an antibody, such as a cancer specific antibody, that recognizes an antigen molecule displayed on the surface of a specific cancer cell.

Abstract: Isolated HCY E2 kinase phospho-peptides that contain one or more immunogenic fragments of a HCV E2 kinase motif and antibodies which are cross-reactive with the isolated HCV E2 kinase phospho-peptides are provided. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions and/or methods to passively and/or actively immunize against HCV using the isolated HCY E2 kinase phospho-peptides and antibodies.

Abstract: A construct comprising the ectodomain of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) E2 sequence and a mammalian expression system therefor is disclosed. The construct comprises a CMV promoter, prolactin signal sequence, the ectodomain of HCV E2 sequence truncated at aa 664, a thrombin cleavage site and a human Fc domain. The method also relates to an expression system for the construct, which is stably expressed in human embryonic kidney cells 293T. Continuous protein expression in a bioreactor allows for 4 mg of purified protein per liter of cell supernatant.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to viral variants exhibiting reduced sensitivity to particular agents and/or reduced interactivity with immunological reagents. More particularly, the present invention is directed to hepatitis B virus (HBV) variants exhibiting complete or partial resistance to nucleoside or nucleotide analogs or other antagonists of HBV DNA polymerase activity and/or reduced interactivity with antibodies to viral surface components including reduced sensitivity to these antibodies. The present invention further contemplates assays for detecting such viral variants. These assays are useful in monitoring anti-viral therapeutic regimens and in developing new or modified vaccines directed against viral agents and in particular the resistant HBV variants of the present invention. The present invention also contemplates the use of the viral variants to screen for agents capable of inhibiting infection, replication and/or release of the virus.

Abstract: A method for stimulating the immune response to a vaccine applied to a mammalian subject includes the step of administering to the subject an effective amount of EtxB or a molecule having substantially equivalent activity, free from whole toxin and not linked to an antigen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a peptide immunogen useful for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. More particularly, the peptide immunogen comprises a main functional/regulatory site, an N-terminal fragment of Amyloid ? (A?) peptide linked to a helper T cell epitope (Th) having multiple class II MHC binding motifs. The peptide immunogen elicits a site-directed immune response against the main functional/regulatory site of the A? peptide and generate antibodies, which are highly cross-reactive to the soluble A?1-42 peptide and the amyloid plaques formed in the brain of Alzheimer's Disease patients. The antibodies elicited being cross reactive to the soluble A?1-42 peptide, promote fibril disaggregation and inhibit fibrillar aggregation leading to immunoneutralization of the “soluble A?-derived toxins”; and being cross-reactive to the amyloid plaques, accelerate the clearance of these plaques from the brain.

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: The present invention relates generally to viral variants exhibiting reduced sensitivity to particular agents and/or reduced interactivity with immunological reagents. More particularly, the present invention is directed to hepatitis B virus (HBV) variants exhibiting complete or partial resistance to nucleoside or nucleotide analogs and/or reduced interactivity with antibodies to viral surface components including reduced sensitivity to these antibodies. The present invention further contemplates assays for detecting such viral variants, which assays are useful in monitoring anti-viral therapeutic regimens and in developing new or modified vaccines directed against viral agents and in particular HBV variants. The present invention also contemplates the use of the viral variants to screen for and/or develop or design agents capable of inhibiting infection, replication and/or release of the virus.

Abstract: Modified HCV multiple epitope fusion antigens (MEFAs) are described. The proteins include modified sequences such that proteolytic cleavage of the MEFAs by HCV NS3 protease is inhibited. HCV immunoassays including the modified MEFAs are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is an immunogenic hybrid polypeptide for the prevention and treatment of obesity, in which a mimetic peptide of a B cell epitope of apolipoprotein B-IOO; a rabies virus helper T cell epitope or hepatitis B virus surface antigen helper T cell epitope and a C-terminal peptide fragment of mouse apolipoprotein Cu or a mimetic peptide of a B cell epitope of apolipoprotein B-100 are fused to each other in that order in the direction from the N terminus to the C terminus thereof. Also, a vaccine composition for the prevention and treatment of obesity, comprising the immunogenic hybrid polypeptide is disclosed, along with a polynucleotide encoding the immunogenic hybrid polypeptide, a recombinant expression vector carrying the polynucleotide, a host cell anchoring the recombinant expression vector, and a method for producing the immunogenic hybrid polypeptide by culturing the host cell transformed with the recombinant expression vector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel form of core+1 protein of Hepatitis C virus (HCV), designated shorter form core+1 protein. The shorter form core+1 protein of Hepatitis C virus is the product of translation of a coding sequence consisting of all or part of a nucleotide sequence extending from nucleotide 598 to nucleotide 920 within the core+1 ORF of HCV represented on FIG. 3B. The invention also provides methods for detecting infection by Hepatitis C virus in biological samples, methods of screening compounds which interact with viral propagation in HCV infected cells or screening of compounds impaction on the expression of shorter form core+1 protein and uses of these compounds for the preparation of compositions useful for their anti-viral activities.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include nucleic acid sequences, which encode hepatitis C virus of strain HC-TN, genotype 1a, proteins and polypeptides and fragments thereof. Use of these compositions, and diagnostics for HCV and in the development of screening assays for the identification of antiviral agents for HCV are also contemplated.

Abstract: New styles of hepatitis C virus (HCV), referred to as HCV-3 and HCV-4, have been identified and sequenced. Antigenic regions of HCV-2, HCV-3 and HCV-4 polypeptides have been identified. Immunoassays for HCV and antibodies thereto are described, which allow more complete screening of blood samples for HCV, and allow HCV genotyping.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hepatitis virus core proteins and nucleic acids. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods comprising recombinant hepatitis virus core proteins or nucleic acids for use in vaccine formulations.

Abstract: Novel hepatitis C virus (HCV) polypeptides are provided which are not encoded by the standard HCV open reading frame. These alternate reading frame polypeptides are useful, inter alia, in vaccine compositions, in diagnosing HCV infection, and as therapeutic targets.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are isolated immunogens including variant gp120 polypeptides. In an example, a variant gp120 polypeptide includes a deletion of at least 8 consecutive residues of the fourth conserved loop (C4) between residues 419 and 434 of gp120 according to HXB2 numbering. Also provided are isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the disclosed isolated immunogens. In an example, an isolated nucleic acid molecule further includes a nucleic acid molecule encoding a hepatitis B surface antigen or a variant thereof. Compositions including the isolated immunogens including variant gp120 polypeptides are also disclosed. In some examples, a composition further includes a carrier protein, such as a hepatitis B surface antigen or a variant thereof (natural or recombinant). Viral-like particles are also provided including any of the disclosed isolated immunogens or compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating intracellular infections comprising the step of administering a vector construct which directs the expression of at least one immunogenic portion of an antigen derived from an intracellular pathogen, and also administering to the warm-blooded animal a protein which comprises the immunogenic portion of the antigen, such that an immune response is generated.

Abstract: A method of treating chronic hepatitis B is disclosed that comprises administering a T cell-stimulating amount of a vaccine to a patient. The vaccine comprises an immunogenic amount of chimeric, carboxy-terminal truncated hepatitis B virus nucleocapsid (core) protein (HBc) that is engineered for both enhanced stability of self-assembled particles and the substantial absence of nucleic acid binding by those particles. The chimeric protein molecule can include one or more immunogenic epitopes peptide-bonded to one or more of the N-terminus, the immunogenic loop or the C-terminus of HBc. The enhanced stability of self-assembled particles is obtained by the presence of at least one heterologous cysteine residue near one or both of the amino-terminus and carboxy-terminus of the chimer molecule.

Abstract: Peptides are used to define epitopes that stimulate HLA-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity against hepatitis B virus antigens. The peptides are derived from regions of HBV polymerase, and are particularly useful in treating or preventing HBV infection, including methods for stimulating the immune response of chronically infected individuals to respond to HBV antigens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polynucleic acid composition comprising or consisting of at least one polynucleic acid containing 8 or more contiguous nucleotides corresponding to a nucleotide sequence from the region spanning positions 417 to 957 of the Core/E1 region of HCV type 3; and/or the region spanning positions 4664 to 4730 of the NS3 region of HCV type 3; and/or the region spanning positions 4892 to 5292 of the NS3/4 region of HCV type 3; and/or the region spanning positions 8023 to 8235 of the NS5 region of the BR36 subgroup of HCV type 3a; and/or the coding region of HCV type 4a starting at nucleotide 379 in the core region; and/or the coding region of HCV type 4; and/or the coding region of HCV type 5, with said nucleotide numbering being with respect to the numbering of HCV nucleic acids as shown in Table 1, and with said polynucleic acids containing at least one nucleotide difference with known HCV type 1, and/or HCV type 2 genomes in the above-indicated regions, or the complement thereof.

Abstract: There is provided a HBV precore protein having an ability of forming particles, and a means for determining it. A novel HBV precore protein that forms the virus (like) particles of HBV was identified. The present invention provides this novel HBV precore protein. Furthermore, there are provided core-like particles and virus-like particles formed by this HBV precore protein. These virus-like particles can be used for vaccines and therapeutic agents. The present invention also provides a method of determining the HBV precore protein and a method of determining the anti-HBV precore protein antibody.

Abstract: The invention provides HCV fusion polypeptides including truncated or full-length HCV NS5 polypeptides, and a portion of the HCV NS2 polypeptide, fused to at least one other HCV epitope derived from another region of the HCV polyprotein. The fusions can be used in methods of stimulating an immune response to HCV, for example a cellular immune response to HCV, such as activating hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific T cells, including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. The method can be used in model systems to develop HCV-specific immunogenic compositions, as well as to immunize against HCV.

Abstract: H5 hemagglutinin (HA) polypeptides are provided that are adapted to humans through mutations that change receptor specificity in the H1 serotype, and related polynucleotides, methods, compositions, and vaccines.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of biology. In particular, it relates to multi-epitope nucleic acid and peptide vaccines and methods of designing such vaccines to provide increased immunogenicity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immuno-stimulant combination for prophylaxis and treatment of hepatitis C, characterised in that it comprises: a TLR3 agonist, a CD40 agonist and the NS3 protein of the hepatitis C virus. Moreover, the invention relates to the pharmaceutical compositions comprising said immuno-stimulant combination, to the use thereof, and to a kit composed of said pharmaceutical compositions. Finally, the present invention relates to a method for producing an immune response to the hepatitis C virus and to a vaccine against said virus.

Abstract: Methods for activating HCV-specific T cells are described. The methods utilize one or more administrations of HCV protein compositions, followed by one or more administrations of a viral vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding a least one HCV epitope that is present in the first composition. The protein compositions can further comprise an immunostimulatory nucleic acid and or other adjuvants and immune stimulatory compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel isolated avian hepatitis E virus having a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 or its complementary strand. The invention further concerns immunogenic compositions comprising this new virus or recombinant products such as the nucleic acid and vaccines that protect an avian or mammalian species from viral infection or hepatitis-splenomegaly syndrome caused by the hepatitis E virus. Also included in the scope of the invention is a method for propagating, inactivating or attenuating a hepatitis E virus comprising inoculating an embryonated chicken egg with a live, pathogenic hepatitis E virus and recovering the virus or serially passing the pathogenic virus through additional embryonated chicken eggs until the virus is rendered inactivated or attenuated.

Abstract: A kit and its preparing method concerning dual-antigen sandwich method are used for detecting the antibody against HCV, and its detecting mode is ‘carrier-first antigen-antibody against HCV to be detected-second antigen-marker-distinguishable signal’. The kit ant its preparing method characterize in that the second antigen is the complex of a HCV and a tag.

Abstract: The invention relates to a peptidic compound containing a polyprotein NS3/NS4 of a hepatitis C virus and a polypeptide NS5b of hepatitis C virus. Said invention also relates to expression vectors such as adenovirus and poxvirus in which nucleic sequences coding for the polyprotein NS3/NS4 and the polypeptide NS5b. The inventive compound can be used for a therapeutic application.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for lowering a viral load of a virus resistant to an antiviral drug by inducing cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) to recognize a predetermined mutated epitope within a viral protein of the drug-resistant virus. CTLs are induced by immunizing a host with a peptide comprising the predetermined mutation. The immunostimulating peptide may be further improved by epitope-enhancement for inducing specific CTLs. The antiviral protection against drug-resistant virus shown by compositions of the present invention and mediated by human HLA-restricted CTL has not been previously achieved.

Abstract: A purified polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID No. 1 of hepatitis E virus ORF 2 or its fragment, which is in the form of a polymer with n monomeric polypeptides, wherein n is an integer from 2-180; to a polypeptide of the present invention bound to a polypeptide containing epitope from hepatitis E virus ORF3or an immunogenic fragment thereof; to a recombinant expression vector comprising the DNA molecule encoding the above polypeptides and the host cell transformed with said recombinant expression vector which is able to express polypeptide of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention uses our knowledge of the mechanisms by which antigen is recognized by T cells to develop epitope-based vaccines directed towards HBV. More specifically, this application communicates our discovery of pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use in the prevention and treatment of HBV infection.

Abstract: This invention provides novel processes for therapeutic applications, including the treatment of subjects carrying infectious agents or having impaired autoimmunity or impaired immune condition. The therapeutic applications disclosed herein are also directed at the treatment of cancerous subjects with malignant tumors containing cancerous cells or malignant or cancerous cells. Vaccination processes for preventing infections in subjects are also provided. The novel processes comprise introducing into or administering to a subject one or more antigens, or trained or adopted immune cells. These antigens or immune cells are capable of establishing or increasing at least one first specific immune response and decreasing at least one second specific immune response. Such responses include components, such as cellular immune reaction elements, humoral immune reaction elements and cytokines, the latter also encompassing interferons and lymphokines. Useful compositions are also provided by this invention.

Abstract: A novel immunostimulatory oligonucleotide by which an IFN-inducing activity is enhanced and an inflammatory cytokine-inducing activity is reduced, and a pharmaceutical containing the same, and an application thereof are provided.

Abstract: HCV E1E2 compositions comprising E1E2 antigens, submicron oil-in-water emulsions and/or immunostimulatory nucleic acid sequences are described. The compositions can be used in methods of stimulating an immune response in a vertebrate subject.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include nucleic acid sequences, which encode hepatitis C virus of strain HC-TN, genotype 1a, proteins and polypeptides and fragments thereof. Use of these compositions, and diagnostics for HCV and in the development of screening assays for the identification of antiviral agents for HCV are also contemplated.

Abstract: An isolated protein comprising a hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) amino acid sequence, and encoding nucleic acid, are provided wherein one or more immunogenic T cell epitopes of the HBsAg are respectively substituted with one of more immunogenic T cell epitopes of a protein other than HBsAg. Typically, the T cell epitopes are of a pathogen or tumour protein. The isolated protein may have endogenous HBsAg epitopes substituted with multiple copies of the same epitope or with different HBsAg epitopes. B cell epitopes may also be present.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combined vaccine that includes hepatitis B vaccine (HeVac) and Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) for intracutaneous injection and the method of preparation of such vaccine. The combined vaccine changes the now used liquid agent of the HeVac into a cryoprotectant, thus improving the heat stability of the HBsAg. Because of the cryoprotectant in the combined vaccine, the heat stability of the HBsAg is improved, and the efficacy of the vaccine is only slightly decreased after 30 days at 37° C., and the decrease is lower than with the liquid agent of the HeVac. The present invention changes the newborn's inoculation from two injections into one to simultaneously obtain prophylaxis of hepatitis B and tuberculosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated fusion protein comprising at least three NS polypeptides originating from a hepatitis C virus which are configured in said fusion protein in an order which is distinct of the order in which they appear in the native configuration. The present invention also relates to a nucleic acid molecule encoding such a fusion protein and a vector comprising such a nucleic acid molecule. The present invention also provides infectious viral particles and host cells comprising such a nucleic acid molecule or such a vector. The present invention also relates to a method for recombinantly producing such a fusion protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preventing or treating Hepatitis C Virus (HCVi) infections, wherein a HCV vaccine comprising an effective amount of at least one HCV T-cell antigen and a polycationic compound comprising peptide bonds is administered to a human individual bi-weekly at least 3 times.

Abstract: The invention provides consensus sequences for hepatitis C virus 1a and 1b. Also provided are non-synonymous changes for each residue of the consensus sequences. These sequences are useful as compositions or vaccines for prophylactic use or treating HCV-infected individuals. Also provided are methods for lessening the chances for a HCV-infected individual to enter a chronic phase of infection and methods of diagnosing an individual with HCV 1a or HCV 1b infection.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a novel hepatitis B surface antigen mutant and methods of detecting this mutant, and/or antibodies thereto, in patient samples. In particular, the mutant contains a substitution of amino acid threonine for the amino acid alanine at position 123 in the amino acid sequence of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) protein.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for inducing immune responses against Hepatitis C virus (HCV). The compositions comprise one or more epitope from a hotspot epitope. In certain embodiments, an HCV vaccine comprising at least two epitopes, each from a different hotspot epitope, is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for inducing immune responses against Hepatitis C virus (HCV). The compositions comprise one or more epitope from a hotspot epitope. In certain embodiments, an HCV vaccine comprising at least two epitopes, each from a different hotspot epitope, is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide comprising an antibody binding site, the polypeptide being able to bind to HCV E2 samples representative of each of HCV genotypes 1-6, as well as polypeptides having such properties and uses of such polypeptides in detecting and treating HCV infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to immunogenic compositions. In certain embodiments, the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising an antigen, an immunostimulating substance selected from neuroactive compounds, hormones, compounds having a growth hormone activity, and mixtures thereof, and a polycationic polymer.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of activating hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific T cells, including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. HCV-specific T cells are activated using fusion proteins comprising HCV NS3, NS4, NS5a, and NS5b polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding such fusion proteins, or polypeptide or polynucleotide compositions containing the individual components of these fusions. The method can be used in model systems to develop HCV-specific immunogenic compositions, as well as to immunize a mammal against HCV.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel peptide compositions. In particular, the invention relates to a peptide composition comprising at least two peptides which are selected from among the following peptides: a peptide A having at least the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO 1, a peptide B having at least the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO 45, a peptide C having at least the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO 127, and a peptide D having at least the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO 174. The inventive compositions can be used, in particular, in the preparation of active pharmaceutical compositions against the hepatitis C virus.