Abstract: This disclosure provides replication-incompetent adenoviral vectors useful in vaccine development and gene therapy. The disclosed vectors comprise a selective deletion of E3 and are particularly useful for preparation of vaccines development and for gene therapy using toxic transgene products that result in vector instability that occurs when the entire E3 domain is deleted.

Abstract: The invention provides an adenovirus or adenoviral vector characterized by comprising one or more particular nucleic acid sequences or one or more particular amino acid sequences, or portions thereof, pertaining to, for example, an adenoviral pIX protein, DNA polymerase protein, penton protein, hexon protein, and/or fiber protein.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for delivering a polynucleotide encoding a gene of interest to a target cell using a virus. The virus envelope comprises a cell-specific binding determinant that recognizes and binds to a component on the target cell surface, leading to endocytosis of the virus. A separate fusogenic molecule is also present on the envelope and facilitates delivery of the polynucleotide across the membrane and into the cytosol of the target cell. The methods and related compositions can be used for treating patients having suffering from a wide range of conditions, including infection, such as HIV; cancers, such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and breast cancer; and hematological disorders, such as severe combined immunodeficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to NS1 proteins or parts thereof of Flaviviruses, in particular of Dengue viruses useful for vaccination against said Flavivirus and against one or more other Flaviviruses. The invention further concerns the NS1 protein or parts thereof of one Dengue virus serotype, in particular serotype 2, useful for vaccination against Dengue viruses from all serotypes. The invention further concerns DNA comprising an expression cassette coding for a Flavivirus NS1 or parts thereof, vectors comprising said DNA and vaccines containing or expressing a Flavivirus NS1.

Abstract: A method of treating inflammation by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a human immunosuppressant protein (HISP) to a subject is presented. The inventors have discovered a novel immunosuppressive protein purified from the supernatant of hNT cell culture. The immunosuppressant protein has a molecular weight of about 40-100 kDa, an isoelectric point of about 4.4, a net ionic charge and is capable of suppressing T-cell activation, T-cell proliferation and the production of IL-2. This protein can be used in treating inflammation, preventing graft rejection after transplantation, treating autoimmune diseases and suppressing allergic responses as well as other uses.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and related products for preventing and treating disease, based on the use of plant viral vaccines and plant viral defense strategies. The methods also involve the identification of appropriate therapeutic strategies for diseases such as cancers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to Herpes simplex-2 viruses that may be used in vaccines to immunize patients against genital herpes.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors having mutations in one or more capsid proteins. Exemplary vectors are provided that have altered affinity for heparin or heparin sulfate, as well as vectors, expression systems, and rAAV virions that lack functional VP2 protein expression, but are nevertheless, fully virulent. Also provided by the invention are rAAV vector-based compositions, virus particles, host cells, and pharmaceutical formulations that comprise them useful in the expression of selected therapeutic proteins, polypeptides, peptides, antisense oligonucleotides and/or ribozymes in selected mammals, including organs, tissues, and human host cells.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure encompasses virus-like particles, methods of making virus-like particles, including expression vectors, wherein the virus-like particles may comprise enhanced levels of capsid-bound a chimeric HN-Env polypeptide compared to VLPs derived from unmodified HIV-env polypeptides. Embodiments of the virus-like particle may have Env-specific epitopes exposed on the outer surface thereof. In one embodiment, the Env-specific epitopes exposed on the outer surface of the virus-like particle may specifically bind with an anti-HIV-Env specific antibody. Embodiments of the disclosure further includes methods of generating an antibody specific to an epitope of an HIV-Env polypeptide, comprising delivering to an animal or a human an effective amount of a suspension of virus-like particles comprising a chimeric HIV-Eny polypeptide, thereby inducing the formation of an antibody specific to an epitope of an HIV-1 eny polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention relates to an agent for treating cervical dysplasias, comprising a recombinant, genetically modified E1-deleted adenovirus replication defective in non-HPV infected cells, which is suitable for local external application in the region of the portio and the cervix uteri.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant raccoon poxvirus vectors that express the rabies virus glycoprotein gene at the hemagglutinin (ha) locus of the poxvirus genome or express the glycoprotein gene of the same or different rabies strains at the thymidine kinase (tk) and the hemagglutinin (ha) loci of the poxvirus genome, and their use as adjuvant-free vaccines. The raccoon poxvirus vector comprises the nucleic acid molecules encoding the glycoprotein of a Challenge Virus Standard rabies strain inserted and expressed at the tk locus of the poxvirus genome and of a Pasteur-Paris rabies strain inserted and expressed at the ha locus of the poxvirus genome. The vaccine may optionally contain a mixture of additional feline and canine antigens for immunization of animals. Also disclosed are methods for inducing an immune response to rabies in a mammal by administering to the mammal an effective immunizing amount of the vaccine of the invention.

Abstract: A liquid or liquid-frozen composition comprising: a modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) virus or variant or derivative thereof and mannitol, wherein mannitol is the sole stabilization agent of the composition. The mannitol may provide a stabilizing effect at 0 to +10° C. or in a liquid-frozen composition, for example between ?10° C. and ?30° C. or between ?20° C. and ?23.5° C. The MVA may be used as a vaccine or for use in gene therapy, virotherapy, immunotherapy, or cancer therapy in a mammal, preferably a human.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of PRRS viruses and infectious clones obtained from PRRS viruses. Furthermore, the invention relates to vaccines and diagnostic assays obtainable by using and modifying such infectious clones of PRRS viruses. The invention provides a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) replicon having at least some of its original PRRSV nucleic acid deleted, said replicon capable of in vivo RNA replication, said replicon further having been deprived of at least some of its original PRRSV nucleic acid and/or having been supplemented with nucleic acid derived from a heterologous microorganism.

Abstract: The field of the invention refers to chimeric Virus Like Particles (VLP) derived from Birnavirus chimeric VP2 protein. In particular, the invention refers to chimeric VP2 fusion proteins which incorporate insertions and/or substitutions with one or more amino acids or particular peptide of interest while maintaining the capacity to assemble in the form of VLP. The invention identifies particular insertion and/or substitutions sites within VP2 P loop regions and outside said P loop regions. The invention also incorporates methods for the identification of preferred insertion and substitution sites within VP2 for the incorporation of particular amino acids and peptides of interest. The resulting chimeric VLP are of interest in the design of therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines as well as in the design of drug delivery systems, carriers for DNA and RNA in gene therapy, as targeted agents, in the development of antitoxins, and as diagnostic reagents.

Abstract: Therapeutic methods and vaccinia virus therefor are provided. The viruses are designed so that they accumulate in immunoprivileged tissues and cells, such as in tumors and other proliferating tissue and in inflamed tissues, compared to other tissues, cells and organs, so that they exhibit relatively low toxicity to host organisms. Combinations of the viruses and anti-cancer agents and uses thereof for treating cancer also are provided.

Abstract: A live or inactivated recombinant vaccine is described, comprising a viral vector and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, adjuvant and/or excipient, wherein the viral vector is capable of generating a cell immune response due to an increased alpha and/or gamma interferon production, and is capable of a quick replication, and it has inserted a nucleotide sequence of the ORF 5 and ORF 6 from PRSS.

Abstract: A poxvirus other than NYVAC but comprising a defective F4L and/or I4L gene and compositions comprising such poxvirus are useful for therapeutic purposes, and more particularly for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Compositions, recombinant vaccines and live alternated pathogens comprising one or more isolated nucleic acid molecules that encode an immunogen in combination with an isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes IL-15Ra or a functional fragment thereof are disclosed. Methods of inducing an immune response in an individual against an immunogen, using such compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention features immunogenic compositions comprising codon modified genes that encode viral proteins and/or glycoproteins or fragments. The immunogenic compositions of the invention are useful in various methods of treatment, such as preventing or treating viral infection. Also provided in the present invention are kits and instructions for use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a promoter selected from a group of nucleic acids consisting of (a) a nucleic acid having the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1; (b) a nucleic acid having a nucleotide sequence derived from SEQ ID NO:1, wherein not more than 10 nucleotides have been added, deleted, substituted and/or inverted from the nucleic acid of SEQ ID NO:1; and (c) a nucleic acid sequence having at least 70% identity with the nucleic acid of (a); wherein the promoter has a length of up to and including 27 nucleotides and wherein the promoter according to options (b) and (c) exhibits at least the 70% of the promoter activity of SEQ ID NO:1 as measured by the amount of recombinant protein produced.

Abstract: Attenuated, replication-deficient viruses such as vaccinia viruses are used to deliver an exogenous viral, bacterial, parastic or tumor antigen to an epidermal tissue such as the skin, lungs or gastrointestinal tract, which has been mechanically disrupted, in an amount effective to elicit or stimulate a cell mediated immune response. The epidermis may be mechanically disrupted prior to, at the same time, or immediately after the administration of the vaccine. The vaccine can be used to induce immunity against a pathogen, such as a virus, bacteria, or parasite, or against a cancer in a subject that has or is at risk of developing cancer.

Abstract: Provided is a vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), comprising a recombinant human adenovirus of serotype that comprises nucleic acid encoding a RSV F protein or immunologically active part thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to attenuated negative-strand RNA viruses having an impaired ability to antagonize the cellular interferon (IFN) response, and the use of such attenuated viruses in vaccine and pharmaceutical formulations. The invention also relates to the development and use of IFN-deficient systems for selection of such attenuated viruses. In particular, the invention relates to attenuated influenza viruses having modifications to the NS1 gene that diminish or eliminate the ability of the NS1 gene product to antagonize the cellular IFN response. The mutant viruses replicate in vivo but demonstrate reduced pathogenicity, and therefore are well suited for live virus vaccines, and pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: Polypeptides, polynucleotides, methods, compositions, and vaccines comprising (avian pandemic) influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment, prevention, or reduction of persistent infections, such as chronic infections, latent infections, and slow infections and cancer. The methods and compositions of the invention are also useful for the alleviation of one or more symptoms associated with such infections and cancer.

Abstract: Described is a vaccine for prevention and treatment of cancer characterized by microsatellite instability (MSI). The vaccine contains an MSI-specific frameshift peptide (FSP) generating humoral and cellular responses against tumor cells or a nucleic acid encoding said FSP. The vaccine of the present invention is particularly useful for the prevention/treatment of colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, gastric cancer or small bowel cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant poxviruses, such as vaccinia virus, that contain an integrated exogenous sequence, such as a foreign gene, encoding a prodrug converting polypeptide that can convert a prodrug to a drug that prevents virus replication or is otherwise toxic to the virus. The recombinant poxviruses can be suitable for use as vaccines. The invention also provides, among other things, methods of inhibiting virus replication, methods of vaccination and methods of treating vaccinated subjects showing signs or otherwise at risk for of vaccination-induced disease.

Abstract: Provided are expression vectors for generating an immune response to a mucin. The vectors comprise a transcription unit encoding a secretable polypeptide, the polypeptide comprising a secretory signal, a mucin antigen and CD40 ligand. Also provided are methods of generating an immune response against cells expressing a mucin by administering an effective amount of the vector. Further provided are methods of generating an immune response against cancer cells expressing a mucin in an individual by administering an effective amount of the vector. Still further provided are methods of overcoming anergy to a mucin self antigen by administering an effective amount of the vector.

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 the new insertion site as medicine or vaccine.

Abstract: The present disclosure teaches generally in the field of vaccination and disease control in cattle and bovine animals. A recombinant bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) vaccine vector is provided for efficient control of one or more bovine pathogens such as those associated with bovine respiratory disease complex, such as bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), and which ameliorates disease conditions caused thereby. Protocols for the management of confined or herded bovine animals are also enabled herein.

Abstract: Provided is a vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), comprising a recombinant human adenovirus of serotype 26 that comprises nucleic acid encoding a RSV F protein or immunologically active part thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant Gallid herpesvirus 3 (MDV-2) vectors that contain and express antigens of avian pathogens, recombinant Gallid herpesvirus 3 (MDV-2) vectors that contain a mutated gC gene, compositions comprising the recombinant Gallid herpesvirus 3 (MDV-2) vectors, polyvalent vaccines comprising the recombinant Gallid herpesvirus 3 (MDV-2) vectors and one or more wild type viruses or recombinant vectors. The present invention further provides methods of vaccination against a variety of avian pathogens and method of producing the recombinant Gallid herpesvirus 3 (MDV-2) vectors.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immunogenic composition comprising an adenoviral vector and a pox viral vector, or two different adenoviral vectors, wherein one or more of the vectors encodes one or more target antigens; and related methods, uses and kits.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are recombinant CMV vectors which may comprise a heterologous antigen that can repeatedly infect an organism while inducing a CD8+ T cell response to immunodominant epitopes of the heterologous antigen. The CMV vector may comprise a deleterious mutation in the US 11 glycoprotein or a homolog thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of immunotherapy and relates to methods for determining the efficacy of certain immunotherapy treatments. The methods of the invention include measuring special biomarker at some time following the initiation of immunotherapy treatment to evaluate the clinical outcome of the said treatment. The invention thus has applications to the field of medicine.

Abstract: A peptide for inhibiting Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signalling comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 4, SEQ ID NO 55, SEQ ID NO 68, SEQ ID NO. 69, SEQ ID NO 70, SEQ ID NO 71, SEQ ID NO 72, SEQ ID NO 79, SEQ ID NO 82, SEQ ID NO 85, SEQ ID NO 88, SEQ ID NO 91, SEQ ID NO 94, SEQ ID NO 97, SEQ ID NO 100, SEQ ID NO 103, SEQ ID NO 106, SEQ ID NO 109, SEQ ID NO 112, or SEQ ID NO 115. The peptide may comprise a delivery sequence such as a cationic peptide.

Abstract: There is provided a composition comprising: (a) a modified vaccinia virus ankara (MVA) vector, wherein said MVA vector comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an antigen; and (b) an adjuvant comprising a saponin, or an emulsion. There is also provided a composition comprising: (a) an adenovirus vector, wherein said adenovirus vector comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an antigen, and wherein the adenovirus is selected from: a group B adenovirus, a group C adenovirus, and a group E adenovirus; and (b) an adjuvant comprising a saponin, or an emulsion; wherein the group B adenovirus is not an adenovirus 35, the group C adenovirus is not Ad5 having an intact E3 gene region, and the group E adenovirus is not an adenovirus C7. Also provided are corresponding uses of the compositions in medicine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the insertion of a promoter sequence from an MHC class I gene promoter into a lentiviral vector in order to direct the transcription of a transgene, which preferably encodes an immunogenic polypeptide to be expressed in a mammalian cell host, preferably APC (DCs). The invention encompasses these vectors, methods of making the vectors, and methods of using them, including medicinal uses.

Abstract: The present invention provides vectors that contain and express in vivo the genes encoding VP2 and VP5 of African Horse Sickness Virus or an epitope thereof that elicits an immune response in a horse against African horse sickness virus, compositions comprising said vectors, methods of vaccination against African horse sickness virus, and kits for use with such methods and compositions.

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 can be either integrative or non-integrative vectors. The invention encompasses prophylactic, therapeutic, symptomatic, and curative treatments of animals, including humans, as well as gene therapy and vaccination in vivo.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for adenoviral vector synthesis. The present invention further provides methods for binding adenovirus terminal protein obtained from virus to linear DNA. The present invention further provides a recombinant adenovirus from which the adenovirus terminal protein can be purified with an inverted terminal repeat DNA sequence.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides TC-83 VEE-derived replicons, alphaviral replicon particles and immunogenic compositions containing TC-83 alphaviral replicon particles which direct the expression of at least one antigen when introduced into a suitable host cell. The TC-83 VEE-derived ARPs described herein are improved in that they are subject to a lower vector-specific immune response than prior art ARPs.

Abstract: Various aspects of the invention provide for capsids, parvovirus capsids, hybrid parvovirus capsids, parvovirus vectors, hybrid parvovirus vectors, hybrid parvovirus particles and parvovirus particles containing polypeptides in which the sequence YCDGFYACYMDV (SEQ ID NO: 3) has been substituted into the VP2 loop of the B19 capsid protein. Polypeptides in which the sequence YCDGFYACYMDV (SEQ ID NO: 3) has been substituted into the VP2 loop of the B19 capsid protein are also provided (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 2). Other aspects of the invention provide capsids, parvovirus capsids, hybrid parvovirus capsids, parvovirus vectors, hybrid parvovirus vectors, hybrid parvovirus particles and parvovirus particles containing a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO: 2. Also provided in various aspects of the invention are pharmaceutical compositions and methods of delivering therapeutic agents and/or reporter peptides/proteins to target cells.

Abstract: Compositions and methods comprising bacteriophages are provided. In particular, the present invention includes novel and customized T4 bacteriophages uniquely designed for effective antigen and foreign particle presentation. The present invention also provides in vitro methods for the making of customized T4 bacteriophages. The compositions and methods of the present invention may be used for effective vaccine delivery systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a herpes virus with improved oncolytic properties which comprises a gene encoding an immunomodulatory cytokine and which lacks a functional ICP34.5 gene and a functional ICP47 encoding gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sulfolobus expression vector comprising: (a) sulfolobus origin of replication; (b) the genes encoding the structural proteins and the site-specific integrase of SSV1, SSV2 or pSSVx, operatively linked to expression control sequences and a packaging signal; (c) one or more selectable marker gene(s), operatively linked to sulfolobus expression control sequences; and (d) a sulfolobus promoter followed 3? by a restriction enzyme recognition site or a multiple cloning site for insertion of a gene of interest and optionally a 3? regulatory element. Moreover, the present invention relates to a shuttle vector comprising the sequences of the expression vector of the invention and additional sequences for propagation and selection in E. coli, wherein the additional sequences comprise (a) an E. coli on of replication; and (b) a marker for selection in E. coli.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a new synthetic, codon-optimized Sin Nombre virus (SNV) full-length M gene open reading frame (ORF) that encodes a unique consensus amino acid sequence. The SNV ORF was cloned into a plasmid to form the first stable recombinant SNV full-length M gene that elicits neutralizing antibodies. The gene can be engineered into a vaccine system, and is useful to protect mammals against infection with Sin Nombre virus.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant replication-defective adenoviral vectors derived from chimpanzee adenoviruses and methods for generating recombinant adenoviruses in human E1-expressing cell lines. The invention also provides compositions and methods suitable for use for the delivery and expression of transgenes encoding immunogens against which a boosted immune response is desired. The invention further provides methods of generating clinical grade vector stocks suitable for use in humans. In a particular embodiment the invention contemplates the use of vectors comprising transgenes which encode tumor associated antigens in vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions for the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for producing an immune response or reaction, as well as to vaccines, kits, processes, cells and uses thereof. This invention more particularly relates to compositions and methods of using a synthetic viral particle to produce, modify or regulate an immune response in a subject. In a more preferred embodiment, the invention is based, generally, on compositions using synthetic viral particles as an adjuvant and/or vehicle to raise an immune response against selected antigen(s) or epitopes, in particular a cellular and/or a humoral immune response.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed compositions related to Eilat virus and uses thereof.