Abstract: The present invention concerns to recombinant influenza viruses and modified Vaccinia Ankara viruses (MVA), and to a process for construction of recombinant influenza viruses and modified vaccinia Ankara viruses (MVA) with genes that encode for the T. gondii parasite SAGI (MVA) and SAG2 (MVA and influenza) proteins, by means of a homologous recombination technique between two transfer vectors (for construction of MVA virus) and reverse genetics (for construction of influenza virus). Additionally, the present invention describes a vaccine composition using recombinant influenza viruses and modified vaccinia Ankara viruses (MVA), or recombinant adenoviruses and modified vaccinia Ankara viruses (MVA), for immunization against infections caused by the T. gondii parasite.

Abstract: The invention relates inter alia to a method for inducing a long-term protection in an animal against foreign antigens and tumor antigens comprising the step of administering to the animal at least one factor selected from type I interferons and Flt-3, and to a method for inducing a long-term increase of the number of dendritic cells in an animal comprising the step of administering to the animal a factor selected from type I interferon and Flt-3 and to a method of inducing or enhancing the maturation and/or for the activation of the immune system of an animal comprising the step of administering to the animal a factor selected from type I interferon and Flt-3.

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: The present invention is directed to the use of recombinant, chimeric mononegavirale vectors comprising a foreign gene. More particularly, the present invention is directed to the use of such vectors for treating respiratory diseases in canines, felines or equines. An embodiment of the present invention is the use of a recombinant Newcastle disease virus vector comprising a hemagglutinin from an H3N8 influenza in the protection or treatment of canines, equines or felines against influenza.

Abstract: The present invention provides chimeric adenoviral vectors and methods for using the vectors to elicit an immune response to an antigen of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) comprising a heterologous nucleic acid for the production of a medicament in particular a vaccine, wherein the sequence of heterologous nucleic acid is from influenza A virus class H5 antigen. In a further aspect of the invention the invention relates to a recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) comprising a heterologous nucleic acid, wherein (a) the heterologous nucleic acid is incorporated into a non-essential site within the genome of MVA, (b) the heterologous nucleic acid is under the control of a vaccinia virus promoter, or orthopoxvirus promoter, or poxvirus-specific promoter and, (c) the heterologous nucleic acid is selected from the group of nucleic acids encoding a gene or a part of a gene from an influenza A virus class H5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vaccine composition against the infection of human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) comprising a replication-defective recombinant adenovirus carrying a nucleotide sequence encoding the F protein of RSV or fragment thereof. A method of preventing RSV infection-related diseases using the vaccine composition of the present invention is also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment of Chlamydial infection are disclosed. The compositions provided include polypeptides that contain at least one antigenic portion of a Chlamydia antigen and DNA sequences encoding such polypeptides. Pharmaceutical compositions, vaccines and diagnostic kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: The immunogenicity of the influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) molecule may be increased by substitutions of amino acids in the HA sequence. The substitution of specific HA residues, such as asparagine at position 223 of H5 HA, increase the sensitivity of the hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) assay by altering receptor specificity and/or antibody-antigen binding. HA molecules containing such substitutions will be useful in the development of diagnostic reference viruses and improved influenza vaccines.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions, kits, and methods for cancer prophylaxis and therapy using recombinant MVA viruses encoding tumor-associated antigens, such as PSA and PAP. The recombinant MVA viruses can induce B- and T-cell responses. The recombinant MVA viruses can be administered prior to, at the same time as, or after a taxane.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for stimulating an immune response to one or more proteins derived from one or more respiratory pathogens. In particular, the invention relates to alphavirus replicons, alphavirus vector constructs, and alphavirus replicon particles expressing one or more antigens derived from one or more respiratory pathogens, as well as to methods of making and using the immunogenic compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides viral adjuvants for enhancing an immune response to an immunogen. In particular embodiments, the viral adjuvant is an alphavirus adjuvant or a Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis viral adjuvant. Also provided are compositions comprising the viral adjuvant and an immunogen, and pharmaceutical formulations comprising the viral adjuvant or compositions of the invention in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Further provided are methods of producing an immune response against an immunogen in a subject comprising administering the immunogen and a viral adjuvant of the invention to the subject.

Abstract: A safe and efficacious method of inducing protective immunity in animals against TAP-1 deficient metastatic melanoma is disclosed. The method involves treating the animals with relatively small amounts of a recombinant non-replicating adenovirus encoding human TAP-1 to promote and maintain long term anti-tumor survival, and enhanced memory T-cell subpopulations, even when the treatment effects only a small fraction of metastatic tumor cells.

Abstract: Introduction of immunomodulatory T3SS polypeptides (IT3SSP's) into cells stimulates a response mediated by NLRC4 intracellularly. Introduction of said IT3SSP into the cells of a subject evoke an innate immune response in the subject.

Abstract: A vaccine comprising an immunologically effective amount of recombinant modified vaccinia Ankara (rMVA) virus which is genetically stable after serial passage and produced by a) constructing a transfer plasmid vector comprising a modified H5 (mH5) promoter operably linked to a DNA sequence encoding a heterologous foreign protein antigen, wherein the expression of said DNA sequence is under the control of the mH5 promoter; b) generating rMVA virus by transfecting one or more plasmid vectors obtained from step a) into wild type MVA virus; c) identifying rMVA virus expressing one or more heterologous foreign protein antigens using one or more selection methods for serial passage; d) conducting serial passage; e) expanding an rMVA virus strain identified by step d); and f) purifying the rMVA viruses from step e) to form the vaccine.

Abstract: The invention provides West Nile (WN) viruses and chimeric WN viruses having one or more mutations in the 3? terminal stem loop secondary structure (3?SL) that results in decreased neurovirulence, methods of making such WN viruses, and methods for using these WN viruses to prevent or treat WN virus infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a methodology or the generation of nonsegmented negative-strand RNA viruses (Pringle, 1991) from cloned deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA). Such rescued viruses are suitable for use as vaccines, or alternatively, as plasmids in somatic gene therapy applications. The invention also relates to cDNA molecules suitable as tools in this methodology and to helper cell lines allowing the direct rescue of such viruses. Measles virus (MV) is used as a model for other representatives of the Mononegavirales, in particular the family Paramyxoviridae.

Abstract: A method for generating a T cell immune response in a host involving administering a vectored vaccine comprising a non-replicating or replication impaired viral vector expressing the translation product of a mycobacterial antigen 85A gene. Vectored vaccines and uses thereof are also provided. Also provided is a method of inducing a CD8 and a CD4 memory T cell response against an antigen using an adenovirus vector expressing an antigen or an immunogenic fragment thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated RNA molecule comprising: a) an alphavirus 5? replication recognition sequence, wherein at least one initiation codon has been removed from the 5? replication recognition sequence; b) a nucleotide sequence encoding an alphavirus structural protein; and c) an alphavirus 3? replication recognition sequence, with the proviso that the RNA molecule does not contain a promoter that directs transcription of the nucleotide sequence of (b), and wherein the alphavirus 5? and 3? replication recognition sequences of (a) and (c) direct replication of the RNA molecule in the presence of alphavirus nonstructural proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a genic expression adenoviral hybrid vector characterized in that it contains at least the following elements, oriented in the direction 5? to 3?: i. a first chain of adenoviral origin comprising a first inverted terminal repeat (ITR) sequence and a signal sequence for packaging of the adenovirus; ii. a first non-encoding stuffer sequence; iii. a sequence corresponding to a tissue specific promoter; iv. a chain of cDNA derived from an alphavirus, the sequence of which is partly complementary to an alphaviral RNA sequence, comprising at least a sequence encoding for at least one exogenous gene of interest; v. a polyadenylation sequence; and vi.

Abstract: Chimeric respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and vaccine compositions thereof are produced by introducing one or more heterologous gene(s) or gene segment(s) from one RSV subgroup or strain into a recipient RSV backround of a different subgroup or strain. The resulting chimeric RSV virus or subviral particle is infectious and attenuated, preferably by introduction of selected mutations specifying attenuated phenotypes into a chimeric genome or antigenome to yield, for example, temperature sensitive (ts) and/or cold adapted (ca) vaccine strains. Alternatively, chimeric RSV and vaccine compositions thereof incorporate other mutations specifying desired structural and/or phenotypic characteristics in an infectious chimeric RSV. Such chimeric RSV incorporate desired mutations specified by insertion, deletion, substitution or rearrangement of one or more selected nucleotide sequence(s), gene(s), or gene segment(s) in a chimeric RSV clone.

Abstract: The present invention discloses nucleic acid sequences which encode infectious hepatitis C viruses and the use of these sequences, and polypeptides encoded by all or part of these sequences, in the development of vaccines and diagnostics for HCV and in the development of screening assays for the identification of antiviral agents for HCV.

Abstract: Recombinant viral vectors, especially parvovirus vectors such as adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, capable of enhanced expression of heterologous sequences, and methods for their construction and use, are provided. The vectors have a structure, or are capable of rapidly adopting a structure, which involves intrastrand base pairing of at least one region in a heterologous sequence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel insertion sites useful for the integration of exogenous sequences into the Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) virus genome. The present invention further provides plasmid vectors to insert exogenous DNA into the genome of MVA. Furthermore, the present invention provides recombinant MVA comprising an exogenous DNA sequence inserted into said new insertion site as medicine or vaccine.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is the production of recombinant virus through the cloning and expression of sequences of coding nucleotides of the whole or part of heterolog proteins, through the following method: (a) modification of the heterolog nucleotides sequences in such way they when cloned and expressed in the vector virus, they present in the 5? region, nucleotides present in the 5? edge of the gene NS1 of this vector virus or of other virus or equivalent functional sequences, and in its 3? region, the correspondent genome region in the whole or part of the spheres of the steam and anchor of the protein E of this vector virus or equivalent functional sequences, and not compromising the structure and the replication of the mention vector virus; (b) insertion of the modified heterolog sequences in (a) in the intergene region at the structural protein E level and of on structural NS1 vector virus; (c) obtention of the non pathogenic recombinant virus and owner of the immunologic properties, having

Abstract: The present invention relates to the design of gene transfer vectors and especially provides lentiviral gene transfer vectors suitable for either a unique administration or, for iterative administration in a host, and to their medicinal application (such as vaccination against Immunodeficiency Virus, especially suitable in human hosts). Gene transfer vectors are either integrative or non-integrative (NI) vectors, dependently upon the purpose of their use. The invention relates to the use of gene transfer vectors for unique or for multiple in vivo administration into a host in need thereof. The field of application of the present application concerns in particular animal treatment or treatment of human being (e.g. prophylactic or therapeutic or symptomatic or curative treatment), gene therapy or vaccination in vivo.

Abstract: Chimpanzee serotype C68 proteins, peptides, and polypeptide are provided. Also provided are novel adenoviruses derived from these proteins, as well as compositions containing these proteins and methods of using same for immunization and therapy. Further, a rapid method for screening recombinant transformants using a visually detectable method is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant vaccinia viruses derived from the modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) and containing and capable of expressing foreign genes which are inserted at the site of a naturally occurring deletion in the MVA genome, and the use of such recombinant MVA viruses for the production of polypeptides, e.g. antigens or therapeutic agents, or viral vectors for gene therapy, and the use of such recombinant MVA viruses encoding antigens as vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant baculovirus comprising: (a) a nucleotide sequence encoding a foreign virus envelope protein; (b) a first promoter operatively linked to the envelope-encoding nucleotide sequence; (c) a nucleotide sequence encoding an antigen protein; and (d) a second promoter operatively linked to the antigen-encoding nucleotide sequence; and a vaccine composition using the same. The recombinant baculovirus of the present invention has an excellent efficacy on both humoral and cellular immune responses against a specific antigen (e.g., HPV L1), enabling to function as a more efficient DNA vaccine.

Abstract: Chimeric human-bovine respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are infectious and attenuated in humans and other mammals and useful in vaccine formulations for eliciting an anti-RSV immune response. Also provided are isolated polynucleotide molecules and vectors incorporating a chimeric RSV genome or antigenome which includes a partial or complete human or bovine RSV “background” genome or antigenome combined or integrated with one or more heterologous gene(s) or genome segment(s) of a different RSV strain. Chimeric human-bovine RSV of the invention include a partial or complete “background” RSV genome or antigenome derived from or patterned after a human or bovine RSV strain or subgroup virus combined with one or more heterologous gene(s) or genome segment(s) of a different RSV strain or subgroup virus to form the human-bovine chimeric RSV genome or antigenome.

Abstract: A chimeric live, infectious, attenuated virus containing a yellow fever virus, in which the nucleotide sequence for a prM-E protein is either deleted, truncated, or mutated, so that functional prM-E protein is not expressed, and integrated into the genome of the yellow fever virus, a nucleotide sequence encoding a prM-E protein of a second, different flavivirus, so that the prM-E protein of the second flavivirus is expressed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an expression vector comprising the promoter of the mCMV-IE2 gene, or a functional expression promoting fragment thereof, and/or an enhancer of the mCMV-IE2 gene, or a functional expression enhancing fragment thereof, wherein expression vector does not contain any complete gene of the mCMV.

Abstract: Enveloped virus vectors are described which comprise a cellular virus receptor protein and which are capable of fusing with a cell which comprises a viral envelope protein to which the cellular virus receptor protein is cognate. Enveloped virus vectors comprising a plurality of cellular virus receptor proteins are also described. Methods for making the enveloped virus vectors are described, as are methods of using the enveloped virus vectors. The invention further relates to a lipoparticle comprising a membrane spanning protein, and the lipoparticle can be attached to a sensor surface. The invention relates to methods of producing and using the lipoparticle to, inter alia, assess protein binding interactions.

Abstract: A chimeric viral particle that comprises a RV fusion gene is disclosed. The RV fusion gene comprises a first nucleotide sequence encoding a RV that is devoid of RV E1 protein, and a second nucleotide sequence that linked in translation frame to the first nucleotide sequence and encodes a humoral immunogenic viral protein. The chimeric viral particle is free of RV E1 protein-encoding gene. A virus packaging cell that generates the chimeric viral particle comprising a RV fusion gene and an isolated expression vector comprising a RV fusion gene linked in translation frame to a promoter are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a replication deficient simian adenoviral vector C7 encoding a protein comprising CS protein from P. falciparum or a fragment thereof, for example as shown in Seq ID No: 1 or Seq ID No: 3. The invention also relates to processes of preparing said viral vector and use of the viral vector in the treatment/prevention of malaria infection. Compositions, vaccines and kits comprising said viral vector are also described. In one aspect the invention employs a synthetic C7 viral vector. The C7 viral vector according to the invention may be co-administered or co-formulated with a malaria antigen such as RTS,S optionally in the presence of an adjuvant for example comprising 3D-MPL and/or a saponin such as QS21.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the production of viral vectors. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions for faster, higher titer and higher purity production of viral vectors (e.g. adenoviral vectors). In some embodiments, the present invention provides gutted and helper viruses with identical or similar termini. In other embodiments, the present invention provides terminal protein linked adenoviral DNA. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides template extended adenoviral DNA.

Abstract: Chimeric human-bovine respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are infectious and attenuated in humans and other mammals and useful in immunogenic compositions for eliciting an anti-RSV immune response. Also provided are isolated polynucleotide molecules and vectors incorporating a chimeric RSV genome or antigenome which includes a partial or complete human or bovine RSV “background” genome or antigenome combined or integrated with one or more heterologous gene(s) or genome segment(s) of a different RSV strain. Chimeric human-bovine RSV of the invention include a partial or complete “background” RSV genome or antigenome derived from or patterned after a human or bovine RSV strain or subgroup virus combined with one or more heterologous gene(s) or genome segment(s) of a different RSV strain or subgroup virus to form the human-bovine chimeric RSV genome or antigenome.

Abstract: Recombinant human parainfluenza virus type 2 (HPIV2) viruses and related immunogenic compositions and methods are provided. The recombinant HPIV2 viruses, including HPIV2 chimeric and chimeric vector viruses, provided according to the invention are infectious and attenuated in permissive mammalian subjects, including humans, and are useful in immunogenic compositions for eliciting an immune responses against one or more PIVs, against one or more non-PIV pathogens, or against a PIV and a non-PIV pathogen. Also provided are isolated polynucleotide molecules and vectors incorporating a recombinant HPIV2 genome or antigenome.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to chimeric tymovirus-like particles (TVLPs) comprising a fusion protein that further comprises of a first protein that is a truncated tymovirus coat protein and a second protein. These chimeric TVLPs are useful as antigens. The present disclosure provides a highly efficient means for differentiating Foot and Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) infected animals from vaccinated animals. The present disclosure further provides a process for the production of chimeric TVLPs and a diagnostic kit for the determination of specific antibodies of FMDV to differentiate FMDV infected from vaccinated animals. The present disclosure also provides the use of the chimeric TVLPs for diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel genomic RNA of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and an infectious JEV cDNA therefrom. Particularly, the present invention relates to a full-length genomic RNA of JEV represented by SEQ. ID. No 15 and an infectious JEV cDNA therefrom. JEV genomic RNA and infectious JEV cDNA of the present invention can be used not only for the identification of the JEV genes, but also for the molecular biological studies including JEV replication, transcription, and translation. Moreover, they can also be applied to the development of the therapeutic agents, vaccines, diagnostic reagents, and diagnostic devices for Japanese encephalitis, and can be used as an expression vector for the various foreign genes.

Abstract: This invention relates to chimeric flavivirus vectors that can be used, for example, in the prevention and treatment of influenza virus infection, compositions including such viral vectors, and methods employing the vectors.

Abstract: The invention involves a papilloma pseudovirus that can induce immune response after oral intake as well as its preparation. It is characterized in that HPV or BPV pseudovirus are made by disrupting HPV-VLP or BPV-VLP, mixing them with plasmids (plasmids or DNA vaccine), and reassembling them into the pseudoviruses (VLPs with plasmids inside). Oral administration of the pseudoviruses will result in delivery to mucosal and systemic lymphoid tissues and induce immune responses for disease prevention and treatment. The pseudovirus induces stronger immune response than DNA vaccines. Additionally, the pseudovirus can be applied in gene therapy by bringing the therapeutic genes into lymphoid tissues in the human body.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses engineered Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) vaccines or compositions. The vaccine or composition may be a recombinant vaccine. The invention also encompasses recombinant vectors encoding and expressing avian pathogen antigens, more specifically avian influenza proteins, epitopes or immunogens. Such vaccines or compositions can be used to protect animals, in particular avian, against disease.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a chimeric alphavirus comprising a Sindbis virus cDNA fragment and an Eastern equine encephalitis virus cDNA fragment. The present also discloses the use of this chimeric alphavirus as vaccines and in serological and diagnostic assays.

Abstract: The invention provides recombinant rhinovirus vectors including, for example, influenza virus antigens. Also provided by the invention are corresponding pharmaceutical compositions and methods.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to compositions and methods for the induction of a strong CD8 T cell response to a specific antigen(s). The combination of an early/late hybrid promoter directing strongly enhanced early expression of a neoantigen with at least three immunization rounds resulted in a highly efficient neoantigen-specific CD8 T cell response. This combination reversed the immunodominance hierarchy and converted a moderately immunogenic and subdominant CD8 T cell epitope into the immunodominant epitope.

Abstract: A recombinant transfer vector capable of expressing a foreign gene fused to a viral gene under the control of dual promoters and a recombinant baculovirus, and methods for production thereof, as well as pharmaceuticals comprising the recombinant baculovirus as an active ingredient.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods related to the isolation and identification of the primate T-lymphotropic viruses, HTLV-3 and HTLV-4. The diversity of HTLVs was investigated among central Africans reporting contact with NHP blood and body fluids through hunting, butchering, and keeping primate pets. Herein it is shown that this population is infected with a variety of HTLVs, including two retroviruses; HTLV-4 is the first member of a novel phylogenetic lineage that is distinct from all known HTLVs and STLVs; HTLV-3 falls within the genetic diversity of STLV-3, a group that has not previously been seen in humans. The present disclosure also relates to vectors and vaccines for use in humans against infection and disease. The disclosure further relates to a variety of bioassays and kits for the detection and diagnosis of infection with and diseases caused by HTLV-3 and HTLV-4 and related viruses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunogenic composition. More particularly, the present invention is a composition directed to eliciting an immune response to at least one covalent binding site of myristate (SEQ ID NOS: 1-3) on the HIV matrix protein. The present invention contemplates three categories of embodiments: protein or protein fragments (SEQ ID NO: 1), messenger RNA, or DNA/RNA (SEQ ID NOS:2-3). DNA/RNA compositions may be either naked or recombinant. The present invention further contemplates use with a variety of immune stimulants.

Abstract: A prophylactic or therapeutic vaccine for use in protecting mammals such as humans or animals against Venezelan Equine Encephalitis virus (VEE) is described. In particular, the vaccine comprises a recombinant virus such as a recombinant vaccinia virus which is able to express the structural genes of VEE in attenuated form, which has been modified to increase the protective effect of the vaccine. This is achieved by modifying the sequence of the attenuated VEE strain and/or putting this under the control of modified promoter which increases expression from the vector. Formulations of the vaccine as well as methods of treatment using the vaccine are also described.