Abstract: Improved vaccines and methods of using the same are disclosed. Immunosuppressive compositions for treating individuals who have autoimmune diseases or transplants and methods of using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention belongs to the field of animal health, in particular equine diseases caused by equine herpesvirus (EHV). The invention relates to artificial chromosomes comprising the genome of equine herpesviruses, methods of producing attenuated or virulent EHV with or without the insertion of foreign genes, EHV obtainable with said methods and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said viruses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for intradermally delivering one or more biologically active agents such as vaccines and therapeutic agents into the dermis layer of the skin of a subject to obtain systemic delivery or an immune response using a microneedle drug delivery device containing the agent to be delivered. The methods employ a microneedle device with a row of hollow microneedles. The microneedles penetrate the skin of the subject and assume an anchored state in which the microneedles are anchored in the skin and project laterally from the device. A pivotal motion is then performed with the device so that the skin in which the microneedles are engaged is lifted above the initial plane of the surface of the skin while the biologically active agent is delivered. The methods of the invention elicit increased humoral and/or cellular response as compared to conventional vaccine delivery routes, facilitating dose sparing.

Abstract: The causative agent(s) of Avian Malabsorption Syndrome (MAS) are isolated and used to prepare vaccines for use in the prevention of diseases resultant therefrom. The vaccines contain at least two avian viruses—the reovirus and adenovirus—and optionally include another virus which inflicts poultry. The viruses may be live, attenuated live, or inactivated when incorporated into the vaccine. The vaccine itself may be administered in ovo, to new-born or growing chicks, or to adult fowl.

Abstract: The present invention describes the adjuvant activity of mutants of LT-IIa and LT-IIb enterotoxin which lack ganglioside binding activity. The adjuvant activity of the LT-IIb(T13I) mutant is comparable to that of the wild type LT-IIb. The adjuvant activity of LT-IIa(T34I) mutant is also described which exhibits a late onset adjuvant activity. These mutants are useful for enhancing immune response to antigens.

Abstract: The invention provides vaccination protocols for administering immunogens to a primate host in order to promote the formation of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against primate immunodeficiency viruses. In some embodiments, the vaccination protocols comprise the step of administering to a primate host a first immunogen comprising at least one primate immunodeficiency virus Envelope (env) sequence having a first set of consensus glycosylation sequences, followed by a second immunogen comprising at least one primate immunodeficiency virus env sequence having a second set of consensus glycosylation sequences, wherein the differences between the first set of consensus glycosylation sequences and the second set of consensus glycosylation sequences comprise differences in consensus glycosylation sequences observed in HIV isolates obtained at different time points of a natural infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biological engineering technology, specifically, to a SARS virus vaccine with adenovirus carrier, preparation method thereof and use of SARS virus S gene for preparation of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus vaccine.

Abstract: The methods of the invention relate to methods for preventing testicular infection by bovine viral diarrhea virus by immunizing susceptible male animals against infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a classic IBDV mutant that additionally comprises virus neutralising epitopes 67 (specific for variant-E IBDV).

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: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to novel methods for the treatment and/or prevention of neurological symptoms caused by an avian reovirus, enteric reovirus strain (ERS), and associated characteristics. Other embodiments generally comprise and immunogenic composition or vaccine comprising an ERS for the treatment and/or prevention of neurological symptoms.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for immunizing children under six months of age by administering to the child a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one antigen derived from an influenza virus.

Abstract: The invention of novel, effective vaccines against Mycoplasma bovis for use in cattle is described. These vaccines demonstrate no undesirable side effects and protect against M. bovis related disease, such as contagious mastitis, respiratory pneumonia, joint infections, keratoconjunctivitis and middle ear infections. The novel vaccines also lessen the effect of M. bovis infections on milk production, weight gain and animal health. Methods of diagnosing, characterizing and treating M. bovis infections as specific biotypes are also disclosed. Vaccine compositions made in accordance with the invention may be either of the attenuated or inactivated variety. Vaccines may also include antigens from other pathogens so as to provide a protective immunogenic response to diseases other than those caused by M. bovis.

Abstract: An inactivated Polio Vaccine derived from Sabin strain for safe and effective immunization against Poliomyelitis is provided. A process of preparation for such vaccine and formulations thereof are also provided. Administration of the vaccine of the present invention along with other antigens provides immunization not only against polio infection but also against other pathogens causing Hepatitis C. Hepatitis D. Hepatitis E. Meningitis A. Meningitis B. Meningitis C. Meningitis W. Meningitis Y. Pnemococcal (23 valent or more). Smallpox, Typhoid, Bacille Calmette Guerin, Tuberculosis. Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Anthrax or the like, to which children or adults not immunized earlier are susceptible, particularly to which children are susceptible.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and kits for use in vaccination against dengue virus infection.

Abstract: Heat treated bacterins, a method of producing heat treated bacterins, and emulsion vaccines prepared from such heat treated bacterins are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant and/or isolated infectious laryngotracheitis virus glycoproteins, including gD, gI, gG and gE.

Abstract: Recombinant papillomavirus capsid proteins that are capable of self assembly into capsomer structures and viral capsids that comprise conformational antigenic epitopes are provided. The capsomer structures and viral capsids, consisting of the capsid proteins that are expression products of a bovine, monkey or human papillomavirus L1 conformational coding sequence proteins, can be prepared as vaccines to induce a high titer neutralizing antibody response in vertebrate animals. The self assembling capsid proteins can also be used as elements of diagnostic immunoassay procedures for papillomavirus infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to HIV chimeric gene formed by the union of fragments of different genes of said virus, wherein said fragments contains epitopes for cytotoxic T cells (CTL) or HIV-1 auxiliary T cells, which are presented by a wide range of antigens of type Major Histocompatibility Complex (HLA-I). Recombinant poxviruses are obtained from said genes, which are useful for prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination against HIV/AIDS infections, are capable of generating a protective immune cell response in vaccinated laboratory animals and are recognized by the CTL lymphocytes of HIV/AIDS patients.

Abstract: Inactivated scours vaccines for immunization and protection of bovine animals from disease caused by infection with bovine rotavirus and bovine coronavirus, which comprise and effective amount of at least one inactivated viral strain are described. Polyvalent inactivated vaccines further comprising an effective amount of an antigenic component which is protective against one or more additional pathogenic organisms or viruses are also disclosed. Said vaccines are prepared from one or more strains of rota- and coronavirus, C. perfringens Type C bacteria and E. coli bacteria, and combinations thereof. Preferably, a polyvalent inactivated vaccine is provided for parenteral administration. Passive immunity is achieved in neonatal calves via immunization of pregnant cows prior to birth.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fusion protein construct (gp41HA) consisting of the ectodomain of the HIV-1IIIB envelope glycoprotein gp41 fused to a fragment of the influenza virus HA2 hemagglutinin protein. Immunization in-vivo via an intraperitoneal prime followed by intranasal or intragastric boosts with gp41HA induces high concentrations of serum IgG antibodies and fecal IgA antibodies that reacted with gp41 in HIV-1IIIB viral lysate and are cross-reactive with gp41 in HIV-1MN lysate. Followup analyses by indirect immunofluorescence showed that both serum IgG and fecal IgA recognized human peripheral blood mononuclear cells infected with either syncytium-inducing (SI) or non-syncytium-inducing (NSI) North American HIV-1 field isolates, but not uninfected cells.

Abstract: A diagnostic reagent for hepatitis C virus infection obtained by sensitizing a solid phase with HCV antigen and a conjugated antigen prepared by chemical bonding of HCV antigen and a carrier protein, and a method of diagnosing hepatitis C virus infection, which comprises adding the diagnostic reagent for hepatitis C virus infection to a sample, and measuring the degree of agglutination of carrier particles as the solid phase. The diagnostic reagent and the method of diagnosis enable many samples to be measured with higher sensitivity and rapidity.

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: 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: A diagnostic reagent for hepatitis C virus infection obtained by sensitizing a solid phase with HCV antigen and a conjugated antigen prepared by chemical bonding of HCV antigen and a carrier protein, and a method of diagnosing hepatitis C virus infection, which comprises adding the diagnostic reagent for hepatitis C virus infection to a sample, and measuring the degree of agglutination of carrier particles as the solid phase. The diagnostic reagent and the method of diagnosis enable many samples to be measured with higher sensitivity and rapidity.

Abstract: This invention relates to hepatitis B virus (“HBV”) core antigen particles that are characterized by multiple immunogen specificities. More particularly, the invention relates to HBV core antigen particles comprising immunogens, epitopes, or other related structures, crosslinked thereto by ligands which are HBV capsid-binding peptides that selectively bind to HBV core protein. Such particles may be used as delivery systems for a diverse range of immunogenic epitopes, including the HBV capsid-binding peptides, which advantageously also inhibit and interfere with HBV viral assembly by blocking the interaction between HBV core protein and HBV surface proteins. Mixtures of different immunogens and/or capsid-binding peptide ligands may be crosslinked to the same HBV core particle. Such resulting multicomponent or multivalent HBV core particles may be advantageously used in therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines and compositions, as well as in diagnostic compositions and methods using them.

Abstract: The present invention provides vaccine compositions of attenuated dengue virus. More specifically, the attenuated virus is produced by serial passage in PDK cells. The invention also provides methods for stimulating the immune system of an individual to induce protection against all four dengue virus serotypes by administration of attenuated dengue-1, dengue-2, dengue-3, and dengue-4 virus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vaccine composition comprising VLPs containing L1 proteins or functional L1 protein derivatives from HPV 16, HPV 18, HPV 31 and HPV 45 genotypes.

Abstract: The present invention provides an attenuated virus, which is derived from Modified Vaccinia Ankara virus and characterized by the loss of its capability to reproductively replicate in human cell lines. It further describes recombinant viruses derived from this virus and the use of the virus, or its recombinants, as a medicament or vaccine. A method is provided for inducing an immune response in individuals who may be immune-compromised, receiving antiviral therapy, or have a pre-existing immunity to the vaccine virus. In addition, a method is provided for the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of the virus, or its recombinants, in a vaccinia virus prime/vaccinia virus boost innoculation regimen.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions for administration to adults, particularly to the elderly, to protect them against disease caused by infection by respiratory syncytial virus and by influenza virus comprise an immunoeffective amount of a mixture of purified fusion (F) protein, attachment (G) protein and matrix (M) protein of RSV and an immunoeffective amount of a non-virulent influenza virus preparation. The components of the composition, when formulated as a vaccine for in vivo administration, do not impair the immunogenicity of each other. The immunogenic composition may also contain an adjuvant.

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-polyoxypropylene block copolymer such as PLURONIC®. The vaccine composition may optionally include a preservative, preferably thimerosol and/or EDTA.

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to a polyvalent immunogen and, more particularly, to a method of inducing neutralizing antibodies against HIV and to a polyvalent immunogen suitable for use in such a method.

Abstract: A method of designing a new anti-CMV drug is disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention comprises (a) analyzing the binding of glycoprotein O to a glycoprotein O receptor and (b) designing a candidate drug that would competitively interfere with glycoprotein O binding to glycoprotein O receptor and (c) showing that the candidate drug competitively inhibits glycoprotein O binding to glycoprotein O receptor. A method of screening anti-CMV drugs, a vaccine effective to diminish CMV infection, and a method of diminishing CMV infection are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel recombinant Sabin type 1 poliovirus vector for the immunogenicity of neutralizing antibody against polioviral infection, which comprises: (a) a genomic nucleotide sequence of a parent Sabin type 1 poliovirus; (b) a nucleotide sequence encoding an additional polioviral cleavage site; and (c) a nucleotide sequence of a conformational epitope encoding a VP1 neutralizing epitope of poliovirus type 2 or 3 and linked to the nucleotide sequence of (b).

Abstract: An effective prophylactic mucosal gene expression vaccine (GXV), made up of a cocktail of at least 4 different plasmid DNAs encoding corresponding RSV antigens, coacervated with chitosan to formulate nanospheres. In a murine model of RSV infection, intranasal administration with GXV results in significant induction of RSV-specific antibodies, nasal IgA antibodies, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and IFN-? production in the lung and splenocytes. A single dose of GXV induces a drastic reduction of viral titers.

Abstract: An in vivo replicative and recombined porcine adenovirus characterized in that it comprises a heterologous nucleotide sequence inserted into the porcine adenovirus in conditions enabling the latter to be replicated in vivo and to express the inserted heterologous nucleotide sequence, and in that the adenovirus genome comes from a 3 or 5 serotype (PAV-3 or PAV-5) adenovirus. Insertion occurs in a non-essential zone of the E3 region, preferably with deletion of said zone. The invention also relates to a recombined porcine vaccine comprising one such porcine adenovirus. The invention further relates to a serotype 3 or 5 porcine adenovirus vector that is replicative in vivo and is deleted in a non-essential region of the genome thereof. The invention also relates to a DNA fragment comprising all or part of the referenced SEQ ID NO.5 nucleotide sequence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purifying recombinant HCV single or specific oligomeric envelope proteins selected from the group consisting of E1 and/or E2 and/or E1/E2, characterized in that upon lysing the transformed host cells to isolate the recombinantly expressed protein a disulphide bond cleavage or reduction step is carried out with a disulphide bond cleavage agent. The present invention also relates to a composition isolated by such a method. The present invention also relates to the diagnostic and therapeutic application of these compositions.

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: Live virus vaccines comprise attenuated viruses, while other vaccines comprise killed viruses or parts thereof. It has now been found that the immune response induced by oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV), which is a live vaccine, is cross-reactive with non-polio enteroviruses. OPV is therefore useful in the prevention of non-polio enterovirus diseases, especially Type 1 diabetes mellitus (IDDM). OPV is also useful in combination with killed/subunit non-polio enterovirus vaccines, whereby it prevents harmful side-effects of the killed/subunit vaccine by shifting the immune response from a harmful Th2-type response to a Th1 type response.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new antigenic type of chicken anaemia viruses (CAV). The CAV according to this invention is isolatable from turkeys in the field and its virulence for chickens is significantly reduced. This property makes these viruses particularly suited for preparing a live vaccine for protecting poultry against disease conditions resulting from CAV infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multivalent recombinant raccoon poxviruses, containing more than one exogenous gene inserted into either the thymidine kinase gene, the hemagglutinin gene, or a combination thereof. Disclosed is the use of the multivalent recombinant raccoon poxviruses as vaccines to immunize felines against subsequent challenge by feline pathogens. Also disclosed is a method of making a multivalent recombinant raccoon poxvirus by a recombination process involving the construction of an insertion vector into which the exogenous genes are inserted, and flanking the inserted genes are sequences which can recombine into the raccoon poxvirus thymidine kinase gene, or the hemagglutinin gene, or a combination thereof; introducing both the insertion vector containing the exogenous genes, and raccoon poxvirus into susceptible host cells; and selecting the recombinant raccoon poxvirus from the resultant plaques.

Abstract: Replication-competent recombinant rhabdoviruses that lack a functional glycoprotein gene and express at least one foreign polypeptide such as a celluar receptor for another virus in their viral envelopes are useful in the treatment of pathogenic viruses. In one embodiment, a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) lacking its glycoprotein (G) gene and expressing instead the HIV receptor and a coreceptor is employed in a method for treating persons infected with HIV. The recombinant virus is defective for entry into normal cells but is able to control HIV infection in a T cell line by replicating in, and killing, HIV-infected cells.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide sequences encoding gp120 polypeptides from breakthrough isolates of vaccine trials using MN-rgp120 and the encoded gp120 polypeptides are provided. Use of the gp120 polypeptides from one or more of the isolates in a subunit vaccine, usually together with MN-rgp120, can provide protection against HIV strains that are sufficiently different from the vaccine strain (e.g.; MN-rgp120) that the vaccine does not confer protection against those strains. Antibodies induced by the polypeptides are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides parenteral adjuvants comprising detoxified mutants of bacterial ADP-ribosylating toxins, particularly those from pertussis (PT), cholera (CT), and heat-labile E. coli (LT).

Abstract: The present invention provides a vaccine accelerator factor (VAF) which is an in ovo nucleotide immuno-stimulant. The VAF contains one or more DNA constructs, each having a DNA molecule and a vector. Each of the DNA molecule contains one or more genes or gene fragments, each encoding an antigenic peptide of an avian virus. The VAF is preferably administered to the amniotic fluid of an egg after being fertilized for about 17–19 days. The VAF can be co-administered with a viral vaccine containing one or more attenuated or inactive avian viruses. Alternatively, the VAF can be administered prior to the administration of the viral vaccine, which is administered at hatch or post-hatch. The VAF stimulates and accelerate a protective immune response of a viral vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a muliple DNA vaccine and/or a multivalent DNA vaccine for use in aquiring embroyonic immunity in fowl eggs. The multiple DNA vaccine contains two or more DNA constructs, each containing a DNA molecule encoding an avian viral protein or a fragment thereof capable of inducing a protective immune response against the avian viral disease in fowl. The multivalent DNA vaccine contains one DNA construct which contains two or more DNA molecules, each representing an avian viral gene or a fragment thereof. The multivalent DNA vaccine is capable of expressing two or more viral antigens and inducing protective immune responses against the avian viral diseases in fowl. Both the multiple DNA vaccine and the multivalent DNA vaccine are preferred to be injected into the amniotic fluid of the fowl egg after being fertilized for about 18 days.

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-polyoxypropylene block copolymer such as PLURONIC®. The vaccine composition may optionally include a preservative, preferably thimerosol and/or EDTA.

Abstract: A method of immunization, and compositions therefor, are provided for substantially preventing or reducing the symptoms of at least one infectious disease and at least one chronic immune mediated disorder. An immunogenic challenge which supplements the normal childhood immunization schedule can help ensure the proper maturation of the immune system and prevent the development of chronic immune mediated disorders, such as immune-mediated diabetes or SLE.

Abstract: Inactivated scours vaccines for immunization and protection of bovine animals from disease caused by infection with bovine rotavirus and bovine coronavirus, which comprise and effective amount of at least one inactivated viral strain are described. Polyvalent inactivated vaccines further comprising an effective amount of an antigenic component which is protective against one or more additional pathogenic organisms or viruses are also disclosed. Said vaccines are prepared from one or more strains of rota- and coronavirus, C. perfringens Type C bacteria and E. coli bacteria, and combinations thereof. Preferably, a polyvalent inactivated vaccine is provided for parenteral administration. Passive immunity is achieved in neonatal calves via immunization of pregnant cows prior to birth.

Abstract: The invention features an immunogenic composition containing a frequently-recognized epitope of an HIV-1 accessory protein such as Vpr and methods of inducing an immune response using such an epitope. The epitope peptide contains the amino acid sequence ALIRILQQL of a functionally active domain or a structural domain of the accessory protein.