Abstract: Compositions for treating papillomavirus (PV) infection in a subject include a PV L2 polypeptide produced from a eukaryotic expression system.

Abstract: The invention relates to Dengue chimeric viruses which are less prone to accumulate point mutations and genetic variations. In these Dengue chimeric viruses, the NS5 gene, which encodes polymerase, has been replaced by the corresponding NS5 sequence of a Yellow Fever virus.

Abstract: The invention concerns a mixture of peptides derived from the E6 and/or E7 proteins of a papillomavirus involved in cervix of uterus cancer, such as HPV16, HPV18, HPV30, HPV31, HPV32, HPV33, HPV34, HPV35, HPV39, HPV40, HPV42, HPV43, HPV44, HPV45, HPV51, HPV52, HPV56, HPV57, and HPV58, for example, as well as its uses as medicine (in immunogenic compositions, capable of stimulating the production of anti-HPV T CD4+ lymphocytes in vivo and hence useful for vaccination against uterine of uterus cancer and in other cancers) or as diagnostic reagent of HPV-specific T lymphocytes, in particular for assessing the immune condition of patients. The invention also concerns a mixture of peptides derived from E6 and/or E7 proteins of a papillomavirus involved in benign skin lesions (for example warts), such as HPV10, HPV3 or HPV4 and its uses as medicine.

Abstract: Novel methods and immunodiagnostic test kits for the detection of hantavirus infection are disclosed. The methods and kits employ combinations of recombinant N and/or G1 antigens from at least six different hantavirus serotypes, including Hantaan (HTNV), Puumala (PUUV), Seoul (SEOV), Dobrava (DOBV), Sin Nombre (SNV) and Andes (ANDV). Additional hantavirus antigens from these and other hantavirus types may also be present. The methods provide for highly accurate results and allow the detection of infection so that treatment can be administered and death avoided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immunogenic influenza composition in a dose volume suitable for human use, comprising an influenza virus antigen or antigenic preparation thereof and an adjuvant composition comprising an oil-in-water emulsion, wherein said oil-in-water emulsion comprises a metabolisable oil at a level of below 11 mg and an emulsifying agent at a level of below 5 mg and optionally a tocol or a sterol at a level of below 12 mg. Suitably the amount of influenza antigen per strain per dose is 15 ?g HA or a low amount such as less than 15 ?g HA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated attenuated influenza virus strain and a live vaccine comprising the same. The isolated attenuated influenza virus strain is prepared by cold-adaptation of a mother strain which carries 6 internal genomes of A/PR/8/34(H1N1) and two surface antigens HA and NA of A/Aichi/2/68(H3N2). The attenuated influenza virus strain and the live vaccine of the present invention are useful for prevention of seasonal influenza episodes and sudden outbreak of influenza pandemics of predicted or unknown identity, since they have safety, efficacy, high production yield, immediate protection against variety of influenza subtypes and prolonged protection against specific influenza subtype.

Abstract: The present invention relates to combination vaccines for the prophylaxis and treatment of microbiological infections in cattle which comprise an attenuated bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) for the the prophylaxis and treatment of BVDV caused infections. The invention also relates to a method of vaccinating a pregnant cow.

Abstract: A fusion protein, derived from P. falciparum Glutamate-rich protein (GLURP) genetically coupled to P. falciparum Merozoite surface protein 3 (MSP3) was produced in Lactococcus lactis as a secreted recombinant GLURP-MSP3 hybrid protein and experiments showed that the GLURP-part of the hybrid increased the overall antibody response. Immunizations with the hybrid protein consistently generated a stronger antibody response against the individual GLURP and MSP3 domains than a mixture of the two recombinant molecules injected at one site or the individual recombinant molecules injected simultaneously at two different sites. The difference was most pronounced for the MSP3-specific antibody response suggesting that T cell epitopes located in the GLURP RO-region provide help for B-cell epitopes in the MSP3 region.

Abstract: The invention relates to new vaccine compositions for vaccinating birds.

Abstract: Chimeric GP molecules were constructed which contain portions of both the EBOV and MBGV GP proteins by swapping the subunits between EBOV and MBGV. The chimeric molecules were cloned into an alphavirus replicon which offers the advantage of high protein expression levels in mammalian cells and is a proven vaccine vector. These chimeric molecules fully protected guinea pigs from MBGV challenge, and conversely protected the animals from EBOV challenge. These results indicate that a protective epitope resides within the GP2 subunit of the MBGV GP protein and at least partially within the GP2 subunit of the EBOV GP protein. Additionally these results show that a construction of a single-component bivalent vaccine protective in guinea pigs is achievable.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, immunogenic compositions comprising a first antigen, at least two adjuvants, wherein a first adjuvant comprises a polymer derived from poly(lactides) and/or poly(lactide-co-glycolides), and wherein a second adjuvant comprises an imidazoquinoline, wherein said first antigen is encapsulated within, adsorbed or conjugated to, co-lyophilized or mixed with said first adjuvant, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, wherein said composition elicits a cellular immune response when administered to a vertebrate subject. The invention also provides methods of producing immunogenic compositions, methods for producing a cytotoxic-T lymphocyte (CTL) response in a vertebrate subject, and methods of immunization.

Abstract: A method for treating cancer cells is provided comprising directly or systemically administering a therapeutically effective dose of an attenuated measles virus. In one embodiment, the therapeutically effective dose is from about 103 pfus to about 1012 pfus and is delivered by direct injection into a group of cancer cells or via intravenous injection.

Abstract: An antigen-presenting system (APS) comprising one or more antigens in combination with a papaya mosaic virus (PapMV) or a virus like particle (VLP) derived from papaya mosaic virus is provided. Specifically an APS comprising one or more influenza virus antigens is provided. The APS can be used, for example, as a vaccine against influenza. The one or more antigens comprised by the APS can be conjugated to a coat protein of the PapMV or PaPMV VLP, or they may be non-conjugated (i.e. separate from the PapMV or PapMV VLP). Conjugation can be, for example, by genetic fusion with the coat protein, or binding via covalent, non-covalent or affinity means.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing and treating influenza virus infections are provided. Compositions include novel immunogenic compositions having at least one vector capable of expressing an antigenic component from four or more influenza viruses representative of the antigenic diversity of a target population of influenza virus strains. Compositions further include novel immunogenic compositions having at least four vectors, each vector capable of expressing a single antigenic component representative of the antigenic diversity of a target population of influenza virus strains. In other aspects of the invention, the immunogenic compositions also include one or more viral proteins (or antigenic portions thereof), or one or more live attenuated viruses, derived from the target population of influenza virus strains. The invention further provides methods for making a multi-valent influenza vaccine and methods for inducing an immune response in a subject against influenza viruses.

Abstract: A method of producing viral antigens for use in a vaccine or therapeutic composition against infection by a virus, and a composition produced thereby, are disclosed. The method is applicable to viruses having a plurality of subtypes whose protein sequences for at least one viral protein or polyprotein are known. Regions of a selected viral protein that (i) are known or predicted to bind to MHC proteins in host antigen-presenting cells, and (ii) have a moderate amino acid variability within the virus subtypes are systematically varied in amino acid sequence, and tested for enhanced binding to MHC proteins. The composition includes those peptides having the highest binding affinity for MHC proteins.

Abstract: Antigens from individual influenza virus strains are not refrigerated before being combined to make multivalent influenza virus vaccines. Moreover, influenza vaccines are not refrigerated between packaging and administration. Thus the need for refrigeration is minimized, and the cold-chain does not have to be maintained between vaccine manufacture and administration.

Abstract: Fusion of the membrane of enveloped viruses with the plasma membrane of a receptive host cell is a prerequisite for viral entry and infection and an essential step in the life cycle of all enveloped viruses, such as paramyxoviruses. The instant invention is directed to providing polypeptides which are a heptad portion of a Henipavirus F protein effective against fusion between a membrane of a paramyxovirus and a plasma membrane of a cell. The instant invention also provides nucleic acids, compositions, and methods effective against paramyxovirus infection. Accordingly, the instant invention provides therapeutic agents and vaccines effective against paramyxoviruses viruses, especially HeV or NiV.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses isolated nucleic acids containing transcriptional units which encode a signal sequence of one flavivirus and an immunogenic flavivirus antigen of a second flavivirus or of a chimeric immunogenic flavivirus antigen comprising sequence from more than one flavivirus. The invention further encompasses a nucleic acid and protein vaccine and the use of the vaccine to immunize a subject against flavivirus infection. The invention also provides antigens encoded by nucleic acids of the invention, antibodies elicited in response to the antigens and use of the antigens and/or antibodies in detecting flavivirus or diagnosing flavivirus infection.

Abstract: A method for preserving viral particles comprises: (i) providing an aqueous solution of one or more sugars, a polyethyleneimine and said viral particles wherein the concentration of polyethyleneimine is 15 ?M or less based on the number-average molar mass (Mn) of the polyethyleneimine and the sugar concentration or, if more than one sugar is present, total sugar concentration is greater than 0.1 M; and (ii) drying the solution to form an amorphous solid matrix comprising said viral particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides chimeric nucleic acids, preferably contained on an expression vector, that encode chimeric immunogenic polypeptides. The nucleic acids encode at least site III of a lyssavirus glycoprotein, which has been found to improve the immunogenicity of lyssavirus epitopes for protection from rabies. The chimeric nucleic acids and proteins can also contain antigenic determinants for epitopes other than those of lyssavirus. Thus, the invention provides chimeric nucleic acids and polypeptides that elicit a strong immune response to multiple antigens. Use of the methods of the present invention permits DNA vaccination without the need to supply multiple antigens on separate DNA molecules.

Abstract: Chimeric flaviviruses that are avirulent and immunogenic are provided. The chimeric viruses are constructed to contain amino acid mutations in the nonstructural proteins of a flavivirus. Chimeric viruses containing the attenuation-mutated nonstructural genes of the virus are used as a backbone into which the structural protein genes of a second flavivirus strain are inserted. These chimeric viruses elicit pronounced immunogenicity yet lack the accompanying clinical symptoms of viral disease. The attenuated chimeric viruses are effective as immunogens or vaccines and may be combined in a pharmaceutical composition to confer simultaneous immunity against several strains of pathogenic flaviviruses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunogen-carrier having immunopotentiating or adjuvant properties. More particularly, the immunogen-carrier is a virus-like particle (VLP) from the family of potexvirus, and most particularly the papaya mosaic virus. The VLP produced by recombinant techniques is in fusion with one of its own proteins a protein immunogen. The above VLP and a protein or a protein extract from a viral, bacterial or parasital pathogen may be used as a vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for simple and rapid detection and identification of molecular mimicry or mimic antigens or molecules existing in/on humans, animals and plants. The molecular mimicry can be related to infections, autoimmune diseases, cancers, obesity and other disorders. Therefore, novel methods for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of infections, autoimmune diseases, cancers, obesity and other disorders obtainable based on these mimic antigens or molecules can be developed. Furthermore, the present invention also reveals a new functional mechanism of vaccine and passive immunity and novel vaccines obtainable based on the new mechanism.

Abstract: Lentivector constructs for expression of recombinant proteins, polypeptides or fragments thereof and methods of making the same are described. The lentivectors typically have a self-processing cleavage sequence between a first and second protein or polypeptide coding sequence allowing for expression of a functional protein or polypeptide under operative control of a single promoter and may further include an additional proteolytic cleavage sequence which provides a means to remove the self-processing cleavage sequence from the expressed protein or polypeptide. The vector constructs find utility in methods relating to enhanced production of biologically active proteins, such as immunoglobulins or fragments thereof in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterin vaccine composition, which advantageously provides immunity from infection after a single administration. The composition comprises an inactivated Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterin and an adjuvant mixture, which, in combination, provide immunity from Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infection after a single administration, and elicit an immune response specific to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterin and including cell-mediated immunity and local (secretory IgA) immunity. In a preferred embodiment, the adjuvant mixture comprises an acrylic acid polymer, most preferably CARBOPOL®, and a mixture of a metabolizable oil such as one or more unsaturated terpene hydrocarbons, preferably squalene or squalane, and a polyoxyethylene-polypropylene block copolymer such as PLURONIC®. The vaccine composition may optionally include a preservative, preferably thimerosol and/or EDTA.

Abstract: The invention provides a new enteroviral species call EV79, and functional parts, derivatives and analogues of said virus. Proteinaceous molecules capable of specifically binding EV79, such as isolated or recombinant antibodies, are also herewith provided. A virus and/or proteinaceous molecule of the invention is particularly suitable for diagnosis of an EV79-related disease. Vaccines, pharmaceutical compositions and diagnostic kits comprising said virus or proteinaceous molecule are also provided, as well as methods for producing same. A diagnostic kit of the invention may as well comprise a primer/probe capable of amplifying and/or hybridizing the genome or part thereof of EV79.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally provide an inactivated chimeric virus vaccine and/or immunogenic composition for the treatment or prevention of viral infection. Further, various other embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods of preventing and treating virus infection in such animals with the inactivated vaccine and/or immunogenic composition. Other embodiments comprise methods of preparing a vaccine or immunogenic composition for the treatment or prevention of viral infection in such animals.

Abstract: The invention provides recombinant viruses comprising heterologous envelope proteins capable of mediating entry of the recombinant viruses into host cells. In one embodiment, a recombinant virus of the invention is a member of the Paramyx-ovirzdae family (e.g., a respiratory syncytial virus), and the heterologous envelope protein includes the ectodomain of a baculovirus envelope protein (e.g., the GP64 protein). In some cases, the heterologous envelope protein is provided in addition to homologous envelope proteins) which may or may not be functional. The heterologous protein can provide the recombinant virus with enhanced stability (e.g., at 4° C., 22° C., or 37° C.), and allows production of high-titer virus stocks. The heterologous protein can also impart temperature sensitivity to the replication of the recombinant virus. In addition, the recombinant virus can be designed to be infectious but incapable of spreading between host cells by providing the heterologous protein by complementation in trans.

Abstract: The invention provides an immunostimulatory nucleic acid comprising CpG motifs, and methods of use thereof in stimulating immunity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acids comprising: (a) sequences of a replication competent transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), which sequences encode a TGEV replicase under the control of expression regulatory sequences, wherein the replicase is expressed in a host cell and will initiate replication of the nucleic acid and thus increase the number of nucleic acids in the cell; and (b) a sequence encoding at least one neutralizing epitope of ORF5 of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), which sequence includes a disulfide bridge forming residue; and (c) a sequence encoding at least one further polypeptide capable of increasing an immune response against PRRSV. The present invention further relates to vectors, virus particles and host cells comprising these nucleic acids as well as their use for the preparation of vaccines, specifically for the preparation of vaccines.

Abstract: The invention provides an immunostimulatory nucleic acid comprising CpG motifs, and methods of use thereof in stimulating immunity.

Abstract: The invention provides chimeric flavivirus vectors including foreign peptides inserted into the envelope proteins of the vectors and methods of using these vectors.

Abstract: Mosaic VLPs of viral capsid proteins from different virus types are described, as are methods of making the same. Specifically, a diploid yeast strain that coexpresses the L1 and L2 capsid proteins of both HPV-6 and HPV-16 as mosaic VLPs is described. The mosaic VLPs induced the production of conformational antibodies against both L1 proteins upon administration to mice.

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

Abstract: The invention is directed to a poxvirus vaccine comprising a soluble truncated poxvirus envelope protein. The invention is also directed to a vaccine comprising a nucleic acid encoding such proteins. Also included is an antibody which specifically binds to the proteins and nucleic acid encoding the same, as well as methods of preventing and treating a poxvirus infection using the afore-mentioned vaccine, antibody, protein, and nucleic acid encoding them.

Abstract: HBsAg is expressed in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae host, carrying a plasmid having a HBsAg coding sequence, wherein the plasmid includes: (1) an upstream promoter from a glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene, for controlling expression of the HBsAg coding sequence; and (2) an ARG3 transcription terminator downstream of the HBsAg coding sequence. The plasmids may also include: (3) a LEU2 selection marker; (4) a 2? plasmid sequence; and (5) an origin of replication functional in Escherichia coli. HBsAg can be expressed in this host, and can be purified for use in the manufacture of vaccines, and in particular for the manufacture of combination vaccines and in new monovalent HBV vaccines e.g. with non-alum adjuvants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polynucleotide adjuvant (PICKCa) composition and methods of use in eliciting an immune response, in particular a mucosal immune response. The polynucleotide adjuvant comprises of a polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid (PIC), at least one antibiotic and at least one positive ion. The present invention also provides an immunogenic composition comprising the polynucleotide adjuvant composition together with other immunogenic compositions such as an antigen (e.g., as in a vaccine) selected from viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic and/or cancer antigens. The present invention further contemplates methods of use of such adjuvant compositions, particularly in eliciting an immune response, in particular a mucosal immune response to an antigenic compound.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for making and using therapeutic formulations of measles virus antigens with a Proteosome-based adjuvant are provided. The measles virus antigens may be derived from a variety of sources, such as from recombinant production or from a split antigen preparation. The measles vaccine formulations may be used, for example, in methods for treating or preventing a measles virus infection and eliciting a protective immune response.

Abstract: The genome sequences and the nucleotide sequences coding for the PWD circovirus polypeptides, such as the circovirus structural and non-structural polypeptides, vectors including the sequences, and cells and animals transformed by the vectors are provided. Methods for detecting the nucleic acids or polypeptides, and kits for diagnosing infection by a PWD circovirus, also are provided. Method for selecting compounds capable of modulating the viral infection are further provided. Pharmaceutical, including vaccines, compositions for preventing and/or treating viral infections caused by PWD circovirus and the use of vectors for preventing and/or treating diseases also are provided.

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

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, alphavirus replicon particles expressing one or more antigens derived from one or more respiratory pathogens as well as to method of making and using these immunogenic compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to vaccines used in the eradication or control of pestivirus infections, particularly those used in pigs or ruminants. The invention provides nucleic acid, pestivirus-like particles and a pestivirus vaccine, comprising the nucleic acid or particles, which is capable of eliciting a proper immune response without having the ability to spread throughout the vaccinated animal, thereby avoiding the negative consequences of viral spread. Preferably, the immune response allows for serological discrimination between vaccinated animals and wild-type pestivirus infected animals.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses isolated nucleic acids containing transcriptional units which encode a signal sequence of one flavivirus and an immunogenic flavivirus antigen of a second flavivirus. The invention further encompasses a nucleic acid and protein vaccine and the use of the vaccine to immunize a subject against flavivirus infection. The invention also provides antigens encoded by nucleic acids of the invention, antibodies elicited in response to the antigens and use of the antigens and/or antibodies in detecting flavivirus or diagnosing flavivirus infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dengue virus tetravalent vaccine containing a common 30 nucleotide deletion (?30) in the 3?-untranslated region of the genome of dengue virus serotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4, or antigenic chimeric dengue viruses of serotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Abstract: An improved method for recovering the protein expressed by open reading frame 2 from porcine circovirus type 2 is provided. Also provided is recombinant PCV2 ORF2 protein, and immunogenic compositions comprising PCV2 ORF2 protein.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the optimization and production of influenza viruses, e.g., ca influenza B strains, in eggs and host cells suitable as influenza vaccines are provided.

Abstract: A method to prepare recombinant influenza viruses comprising a mutant M2 protein which has a deletion of two or more residues in the cytoplasmic tail and is attenuated in vivo, is provided, as well the resulting virus and vaccines with the virus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to combination vaccines for the prophylaxis and treatment of microbiological infections in cattle which comprise an attenuated bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) for the prophylaxis and treatment of BVDV caused infections, and a further immunological active component for the prophylaxis and treatment of microbiological infections other than BVDV.

Abstract: A vaccine comprises a portion of IHNV G protein and a portion of a second protein from a fish pathogen, or their respective nucleic acid coding sequences. The presence of the IHNV G protein boosts the immune response to the second protein, resulting in a protective effect against infection by the fish pathogen and/or mortality caused by the fish pathogen from which the second protein is derived.

Abstract: Isolated polypeptides containing fragments of SARS CoV S protein and functional equivalents thereof. Also disclosed are isolated nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides, related expression vectors, related host cells, related antibodies, and related compositions. Methods of producing the polypeptide, diagnosing infection with a coronavirus, and identifying a test compound for treating infection with a coronavirus are also disclosed.