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: 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 vaccine, 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: Described are vaccines having one or more antigens cholesterol and CpG. Aspects of the invention relate to the use of the vaccines of the invention for the treatment and/or prevention of human and animal disorders.

Abstract: A foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) vaccine and method for producing same is described wherein the N terminal portion of the FMDV polyprotein, encoding the four structural proteins, 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, are each separated by a non-FMDV protease, preferably a cellular protease, for example, furin. The expression system may be transformed into a cell expressing the non-FMDV protease and the resulting particles recovered for use as a vaccine.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide novel bacterial-based methods, systems, and delivery vehicles capable of delivering DNA, RNA, proteins, and other cargo into targeted mammalian cells, both in vitro and in vivo, with high efficiency. Delivery vehicles may be used to deliver molecules such as prophylactic or therapeutic proteins, DNA, shRNA, DNA vaccines, mucosal vaccines, modified viruses or viral components, and other bioactive molecules. Potential applications include gene therapy, wound healing therapies, cancer therapy, immune modulation, and research applications for which delivery of DNA, RNA, proteins, or other cargo into mammalian cells and tissues is required.

Abstract: The present invention provides attenuated viruses for use as vaccines and for the treatment and/or prevention of viral diseases and/or infections.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preservation of an active agent, such as a polypeptide, by contacting the active agent with a preservation mixture including a sugar and polyethyleneimine.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a vaccinia virus that specifically proliferates in a cancer cell and destroys the cancer cell and to provide use of the virus in cancer treatment. The present invention provides a microRNA-controlled vaccinia virus, in which a target sequence of a microRNA less expressed in a cancer cell than in a normal cell is inserted in a 3? untranslated region of B5R gene associated with viral proliferation in a vaccinia virus, wherein the microRNA-controlled vaccinia virus specifically proliferates in the cancer cell and has an oncolytic property that destroys the cancer cell.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for treating a subject with cancer. The method includes administering an oncolytic virus simultaneously, sequentially, or separately in combination with an immunomodulatory agent in an amount effective to suppress both antiviral immunity and angiogenesis associated with the cancer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel apathogenic viral strain useful in the treatment of viral hepatitis infections. The preferred viral strain of Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV) is specifically characterized in terms of structure and biological activities. The invention also provides recombinant IBDV viral vectors for the inclusion of exogenous nucleic acid sequences enhancing the viral replication inhibitory effect of the virus of the invention. Preferably, the viral vector comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a cytokine. A method of treating viral hepatitis in a host comprising administering an anti-hepatitis effective amount of the IBDV strain of the present invention also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods of treating or preventing cardiovascular disease, including atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and stroke, by administering an HPV vaccine, particular a vaccine that induces immunity against an oncogenic HPV type such as types 16 and 18.

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: The present invention encompasses influenza vaccines, in particular avian influenza vaccines. The vaccine may be a subunit vaccine based on the hemagglutinin of influenza. The hemagglutinin may be expressed in plants including duckweed. The invention also encompasses recombinant vectors encoding and expressing influenza antigens, epitopes or immunogens which can be used to protect animals against influenza. It encompasses also a vaccination regimen compatible with the DIVA strategy, including a prime-boost scheme using vector and subunit vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for modulating the complement cascade by depleting the plasma of the functional activity of complement proteins and thereby reducing or eliminating complement-mediated cell lysis. The invention provides a method for the therapeutic use of coat proteins and derivatives thereof from the Astroviradae family of viruses in the treatment of complement-mediated cell lysis and peptide mediators of inflammation. The invention provides a method for the therapeutic use of coat proteins and derivatives thereof from the Astroviradae family of viruses in the treatment of complement-mediated diseases. Methods are described herein where complement cascade, triggered by either the classical or alternative complement pathways, is prevented from effecting cell lysis and inflammation due to inhibition or depletion of one or more complement components in the serum following administration of astrovirus coat proteins or derivatives.

Abstract: Delivery proteins are provided for transferring a protein, antibody or foreign substance into a cell without impairing the function or structure thereof. Further, methods of transferring a foreign substance into a cell at a high efficiency by using the delivery protein or an envelope virus or inactivated envelope virus in combination with said delivery protein are provided. The inventors discovered that a protein containing a polypeptide having an affinity for a constituent of the envelope virus contributes to the efficient enclosure of the foreign substance in the envelope. Moreover, the inventors discovered that use of the delivery protein enables foreign substances to be included in an envelope virus or inactivated envelope virus and therefore makes it possible to efficiently transfer the substances into cells without damaging the physiological function thereof.

Abstract: A method for producing an ?-Gal-expressing virus having enhanced immune response to viruses, without requiring the use of any enzyme; an influenza virus vaccine having a high effect (antigenicity), which is produced using an ?-Gal-expressing virus produced by the method; and others. Specifically disclosed are: a method for producing an ?-galactose epitope (Gal?1-3Gal?1-4GlcNAc-R: ?-Gal hereinafter)-expressing virus, which comprises the steps of: (1) introducing an ?1,3- galactosyltransferase gene in an expressible condition into a cell line that does not express ?-Gal to obtain a cell line capable of expressing ?-Gal; (2) inoculating a virus into the cell line capable of expressing ?-Gal to obtain a cell line infected with a virus; and (3) culturing the cell line infected with the virus to obtain a virus expressing ?-Gal from the culture medium..

Abstract: The present invention relates to a universal H5N1 vaccine. More specifically, the present invention relates to the identification of three H5N1 strains which cover the entire variants in the neutralizing epitopes of hemagglutinin among most H5N1 lineages. The present invention further relates a universal H5N1 vaccine that comprises the three H5N1 strains or that comprises hemagglutinin peptides of each of these three strains.

Abstract: A method of predicting the virulence of a new or uncharacterized PRRS virus strain is provided wherein the strain is injected into swine and allowed to replicate for a period of from about 3-15 days. During this period, the rate of virus growth and/or the magnitude of viremia is determined, and this data is compared with a corresponding growth rate and/or viremia magnitude of a PRRS virus strain of known virulence, as a measure of the virulence of the new or uncharacterized strain.

Abstract: Methods are provided for modulating expression of claudin-1 and/or claudin-23, for purposes of regulating formation of tight junctions in keratinocytes or other types of cells such as antigen presenting cells (e.g., dendritic cells and Langertians cells), by either increasing or decreasing expression of claudin-1 and/or claudin-23. Also provided are transdermal formulations that decrease expression of claudin-1 and/or claudin-23, thereby diminishing tight junction formation in cells expressing claudin-1 and/or claudin-23, as well as a transdermal patch for delivering the same.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds and related compositions for the treatment of viral infection, including RNA viral infection, and compounds that can modulate the RIG-I pathway in vertebrate cells, including compounds that can activate the RIG-I pathway.

Abstract: A method for inactivating an orthomyxovirus propagated in cell culture and/or inactivating contaminating adventitious agents, comprising at least the following steps: (a) treating an orthomyxovirus-containing fluid with an alkykating agent, and (b) irradiating the orthomyxovirus-containing fluid with UV light.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to compositions and methods to enhance an immune response in order to prevent or treat infections or hyperproliferative diseases such as cancer. More particularly, the composition is an immuno stimulator intracellular signaling peptide fused directly or indirectly to a peptide that leads to multimerization into complexes of three or more units, where the intracelluar signaling peptide must be present in a complex of three or more units in order to stimulate an immune response. Inserting this fusion construct into viruses like HIV-1 or introducing it into dendritic cells or tumor cells is predicted to lead to a positive therapeutic effect in humans, non-human mammals, birds, and fish.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-idiotypic polypeptide scaffold that includes two or more peptide sequences that mimic a discontinuous epitope of a pathogen that is recognized by or induces formation of a broadly neutralizing antibody. Using a fibronectin FNfn10 scaffold bearing two or more modified discontinuous loops, scaffolds that recognize broadly neutralizing antibodies in vitro and from patient serum have been identified. These scaffolds should induce an immune response or mobilize germline specificities to initiate their affinity maturation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds and related compositions for the treatment of viral infection, including RNA viral infection, and compounds that can modulate the RIG-I pathway in vertebrate cells, including compounds that can activate the RIG-I pathway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for vaccination of a subject. Particularly, the present invention discloses the use of skin antigen application to amplify and improve a pre-existing immunity against a selected pathogen in a subject. The present invention discloses the use of skin application in combination with conventional vaccination or priming for improved immunization or vaccination of a subject against a selected pathogen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which codes for the F-protein of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or a fragment thereof, for the expression in a human cell environment of codon optimized variants of said nucleic acid molecule, vectors and compositions comprising said nucleic acid molecules and the use thereof as vaccines and polypeptides coded by the nucleic acid molecules and method for the production thereof.

Abstract: A multiplex PCR assay for simultaneously detecting biological threat agents whose genome is DNA or RNA, by using computational tools to identify a specific target sequence which is unique to a specific genus or species of organism and is also a conserved sequence within that group, selecting specific primer sets, creating a probe to label the target nucleic acid, extracting the target nucleic acid from a sample, amplifying the targeted nucleic acid to detectible levels and reading the presence or absence of the target nucleic acid simultaneously from all threat agents.

Abstract: The invention provides a polypeptide having a sequence of amino acids consisting of IXDFGLAKL (SEQ ID NO: 1), as well as a nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide, vector comprising the nucleic acid, cell comprising the vector, and compositions thereof. The invention also provides a method of inducing a T-cell response in a patient with epithelial cancer, and a method inhibiting epithelial cancer, wherein the methods comprise administering the composition of the invention. The invention further provides a method of stimulating a cell with the inventive polypeptide and a cell so stimulated.

Abstract: A method to induce an immune response in a host in need thereof, comprises administering to the host, recombinant lentiviral vector particles comprising: a) a GAG polypeptide or a functional GAG-polypeptide derivative; b) a POL polypeptide or a functional POL-polypeptide derivative ; c) an ENV polypeptide or a functional ENV-polypeptide derivative; and d) a recombinant polynucleotide. The recombinant polynucleotide comprises a transgene placed under the control of regulatory signals for transcription and expression, regulatory signals, of lentiviral origin, for reverse transcription, expression and packaging, and a polynucleotide comprising a cis-acting central initiation region (cPPT) and a cis-acting termination region (CTS). The regions are of lentiviral origin and are inserted in a functional orientation with the regulatory signals of lentiviral origin. The polynucleotide forms a DNA triplex during reverse transcription.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of attenuated live viruses useful as vaccine or medicament for preventing or treating Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) in swine, and is based on the surprising finding of a PRRS virus which is able to induce the interferon type I response of a cell infected by said virus. In one embodiment, the PRRS virus according to the invention is a PRRS virus mutant comprising, in comparison with the genome of a wild type strain, a mutation in the gene encoding the non structural protein 1 (nsp1) of said virus.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising an immunostimulatory polypeptide and polyglutamic acid (PGA) nanoparticles, formulated in a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, carrier or excipient. Such compositions have utility in stimulating the immune system in subjects, with the components capable of interacting synergistically. The invention further provides uses of the compositions of the invention, for example in the treatment of cancer, and kit and components for use in the same.

Abstract: A method of enhancing a mammalian immune response to a virus is disclosed. The method comprises administering a composition comprising an effective amount of epinecidin (Epi)-1 and the virus to a mammal, wherein the virus has envelope protein and is infectious to the mammal. A vaccine kit and a method for preventing Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved method to manufacture virus for use in vaccine by culturing infected cells that have been modified to overexpress miR-144. The invention is also directed to manipulating the activity or level of miR-144 in subjects in order to modulate the antiviral and immune response systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to polynucleotides coding for the PPVO viral genome, to fragments of the polynucleotides coding for the PPVO genome and to polynucleotides coding for individual open reading frames (ORFs) of the PPVO viral genome. The invention also relates to recombinant proteins expressed from the above mentioned polynucleotides and to fragments of said recombinant proteins, and to the use of said recombinant proteins or fragments for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and adjuvants for enhancing an immune response to RSV in a host, wherein the methods and adjuvants comprise a source of a CD40 binding protein. Preferably, the CD40 binding protein is CD40L and the source is a vector comprising a promoter operatively linked to a CD40L coding region. The enhanced immune response produced by the adjuvants and methods of the current invention includes both increased expression of Th1 cytokines and increased production of antibody.

Abstract: A method for preparing an injectable vaccine composition intended to combat porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), includes at least the step in which: a) a live vaccine is mixed extemporaneously with an adjuvant diluent (AD). The adjuvant diluent is an oil-in-water-type emulsion or an oil-in-water-type microemulsion, or an aqueous solution including water and at least one inorganic salt selected from aluminum hydroxide, cerium nitrate, zinc sulfate, colloidal iron hydroxide or calcium chloride, salts of divalent or trivalent metals or sympathomimetic compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immunogenic composition comprising a recombinant vector characterized in that it comprises a polynucleotide comprising the cis-acting central initiation region (cPPT) and the cis-acting termination region (CTS), these regions being of retroviral or retroviral-like origin, said vector comprising in addition a defined nucleotide sequence (transgene or sequence of interest) and regulatory signals of retrotranscription, expression and encapsidation of retroviral or retroviral-like origin, wherein the composition is capable of inducing or of stimulating a cell-mediated response for instance a CTL (Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes) response or a CD4 response, against one or several epitopes encoded by the transgene sequence present in the vector.

Abstract: Improved anti-HIV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed. Immunogens disclosed include those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype A Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype B Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype C Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype D Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype B consensus Nef-Rev protein, and those having consensus sequences form HIV Gag protein subtypes A, B, C and D. Improved anti-HPV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; improved anti-HCV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; improved hTERT immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; and improved anti-Influenza immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed as well methods of inducing an immune response in an individual against HIV, HPV, HCV, hTERT and Influenza are disclosed.

Abstract: An aquatic subunit vaccine comprises an antigenic fusion protein and suitable carrier or adjuvant. The antigenic fusion protein sequence consists from its amino terminus to carboxyl terminus of a receptor binding motif and a translocation domain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A and has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 8; a viral antigenic protein affecting fish disease; and a signal peptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 10.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided herein for improved dual immunization strategies that induce in a subject an immune response that includes a humoral immune response and cellular immune response, both CD4 and CD8 T lymphocyte immune responses, thereby providing a complete adaptive immune response to one or more antigens. The methods described are therefore useful for treating and/or preventing (i.e., reducing the likelihood or risk of occurrence) different diseases, disorders, and conditions such as cancers and infectious diseases for which induction of both a humoral immune response and cellular immune response is desired and beneficial.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vector for expressing at least a first and a second nucleic acid molecules which exhibit a percentage of homology of approximately 80% or greater than 80% over a portion of 40 or more continuous nucleotides and wherein said first nucleic acid molecule and/or said second nucleic acid molecule is modified so as to reduce said percentage of homology to less than 75%. The present invention also relates to substantially isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising a nucleotide sequence as defined in any of SEQ ID NO: 9-15 and 66-69. It also provides a host cell and a pharmaceutical composition comprising such a nucleic acid molecule or vector as well as their use for therapeutic or preventive purposes.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods to modulate yeast-based immunotherapy products and the immune responses, prophylactic responses, and/or therapeutic responses elicited by such products. Also disclosed are modified yeast-based immunotherapy products, kits and compositions.

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

Abstract: The invention provides novel methods and compositions for the vaccination of porcine animals against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Described herein are immunological and/or vaccine compositions comprising a DNA vector encoding a PRRSV protein, particularly a truncated ORF7 protein, which are administered to porcines using needle-free delivery. The plasmid can include more than one nucleic acid molecule such that the plasmid can express more than one antigen. Also disclosed are methods for using and kits employing such compositions.

Abstract: The invention discloses pharmaceutical compositions in liquid form comprising a peptide with the amino acid sequence KLKL5KLK and an oligodeoxynucleotide with the nucleic acid sequence (dIdC)13 and wherein the peptide and the oligodeoxynucleotide are present as sterile-filterable nanoparticles in the composition, thereby forming a suspension, characterized in that the mean particle size of the solid particles is less than 1 ?m.

Abstract: The invention provides immunotherapeutic and prophylactic bacteriophage viral-like particle (VLPs) which are useful in the treatment and prevention of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and related disorders, including cervical cancer and persistent infections associated with HPV. Related compositions (e.g. vaccines), nucleic acid constructs, and therapeutic methods are also provided. VLPs and related compositions of the invention induce high titer antibody responses against HPV L2 and protect against HPV challenge in vivo. VLPs, VLP-containing compositions, and therapeutic methods of the invention induce an immunogenic response against HPV infection, confer immunity against HPV infection, protect against HPV infection, and reduce the likelihood of infection by HPV infection.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an adenoviral vector comprising at least one nucleic acid sequence encoding an aphthovirus antigen and/or a cytokine operably linked to a promoter. The adenoviral vector is replication-deficient and requires at most complementation of both the E1 region and the E4 region of the adenoviral genome for propagation. The invention also is directed to a method of inducing an immune response in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal a composition comprising the aforementioned adenoviral vector.

Abstract: Antigenic isolates and vaccines for Infectious Bursal Disease Virus include variants of the molecular Group 6 family of IBDV isolates, in particular the 28-1 isolate.

Abstract: The invention provides a new type of a capsid protein VP1 of human enterovirus 71, named as MEL701-VP1 and functional/structural variants thereof, which is used for protection against enterovirus. The transgenic animal producing the protein, the composition comprising the protein and the method for production thereof are also provided.

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.