Abstract: Abnormal infective prion proteins are removed from liquids containing biologically active substances, particularly blood products, by filtration using a depth filter formed of a matrix comprising solid particles of porous material and having a pore size less than 6 microns. Preferably the filter is free of cationic or anionic charged material.

Abstract: Provided herein is a novel human polyomavirus, its nucleic acid sequence, as well as methods to detect and diagnosis the presence of the polyomavirus.

Abstract: A method of treating cancer in a patient comprises immortalizing B cells collected from the patient by infection with Epstein Barr virus, transforming the cells to a latent stage, culturing the cells in the presence of a cancer antigen, harvesting exosomes released from the cells, administering the exosomes to the patient. Alternatively the harvested exosomes are loaded with cancer antigen.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a safe and efficient method of producing a virus which is free from animal-origin components in the whole process from culturing adhesive cells to producing the virus on an industrial scale by the cell culture. Namely, a method of producing a virus comprising: adhering adhesive cells to a support which has a polypeptide (P) having at least one cell-adhesive minimum amino acid sequence (X) per molecule, and is free from animal-origin components; culturing the adhesive cells in a medium free from animal-origin components; subculturing the cultured adhesive cells using a cell dispersing agent: free from animal-origin components; and then inoculating and proliferating a virus in the cells obtained by culturing the adhesive cells.

Abstract: Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV), the etiologic agent of infectious pancreatic necrosis in salmonid fish, causes significant losses to the aquaculture industry. The gene for the viral capsid protein (VP2) was cloned into a yeast expression vector and expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisae. Expression of the capsid gene in yeast resulted in formation of approximately 20 nanometer sub-viral particles composed solely of VP2 protein. Anti-IPNV antibodies were detected in rainbow trout vaccinated either by injection of purified VP2-subviral particles (rVP2-SVP) or by feeding recombinant yeast expressing rVP2-SVP. Challenge of rVP2-SVP immunized trout with a heterologous IPNV strain and subsequent viral load determination showed that both injection and orally vaccinated fish had lower IPNV loads than naive or sham-vaccinated fish.

Abstract: Immunostimulatory compositions include an isolated nucleic acid molecule that includes one or more nucleotide sequences from 5?- or 3?-terminal regions of positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus genomes and/or or nucleotide sequences from a 5?-terminal regions of negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus genomes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising virus-like particles (VLPs) of HPV, said VLPs adsorbed to an aluminum adjuvant, and an ISCOM-type adjuvant comprising a saponin, cholesterol, and a phospholipid. In preferred embodiments, the aluminum adjuvant comprises amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate. Another aspect of the invention provides multi-dose HPV vaccine formulations comprising HPV VLPs and an antimicrobial preservative selected from the group consisting of: m-cresol, phenol and benzyl alcohol. Also provided are methods of using the disclosed pharmaceutical compositions and formulations to induce an immune response against HPV in a human patient and to prevent HPV infection.

Abstract: A method of treating a cellular proliferative disorder with cancer antigen-activated dendritic cells that are derived from a population of somatic stem cells. Also disclosed are methods of treating tissue damages and degenerative diseases with a population of somatic stem cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for preparing vesicles. In general, these methods include steps of providing a lyophilized lipid product and rehydrating the lyophilized lipid product with an aqueous solution comprising an antigen such that antigen-containing vesicles are formed. The lyophilized lipid product is prepared by dissolving vesicle-forming lipids in a polar-protic water-miscible organic solvent to produce a lipid solution and then lyophilizing the lipid solution. The present disclosure also provides antigen-containing vesicle formulations prepared using these methods. The present disclosure also provides kits that include a lyophilized lipid product in a first container and an aqueous solution comprising an antigen in a second container.

Abstract: Mucosal immunization using one or more antigens following parenteral administration of the same or different antigens is described.

Abstract: Recombinant antibody-based molecules that trigger both T-cell and B-cell immune responses are disclosed. The recombinant molecules are comprised by at least one targeting unit and at least one antigenic unit connected through a dimerization motif. Also disclosed are nucleic acid molecules encoding the recombinant antibody-based molecule and methods of treating multiple myeloma or lymphoma in a patient using the recombinant antibody-based molecules or the nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: Methods for protecting the brain and other tissues from virus-associated toxicity are provided. Patients are treated with a first immunizing virus prior to administration of a second, therapeutic cytolytic virus. The immunizing virus is preferably administered peripherally, and initiates an adaptive immune response that is sufficient to reduce or prevent the cytovirulence and inflammation caused by the therapeutic virus. The immunizing virus is administered one or more times, preferably at least twice, before administration of the therapeutic virus. The therapeutic virus can be the same virus as the immunizing virus, or a mutant or variant thereof. Preferably the therapeutic virus is an attenuated virus with reduced virulence compared to the immunizing virus.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to immunizing agents and devices.

Abstract: In the aim of practical utilization of a safe and effective transnasal/inactivated/mucosal vaccine and establishment of a technology for imparting capacity of producing both of IgA and IgG antibodies to a conventional inactivated vaccine, toxoid, allergen, or the like, a means for prevention and treatment of allergy, and the like, it is intended to provide an antigen-drug vehicle (AD vehicle) enabling transnasal, transmucosal, and transdermal administrations, an inactivated vaccine simultaneously inducing a mucosal immunity and humoral immunity by using the AD vehicle, a production method of the inactivated vaccine, an AD vehicle enabling a switch from induction of selective production of IgA antibody to induction of both of IgA and IgG antibodies, and a transnasal vaccine, a mucosal vaccine, a therapeutic/prophylactic agent for allergy, and the like using the AD vehicle.

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

Abstract: An agent that stimulates antiviral immunity may be used, for the treatment of cancer. A product comprising an immunostimulant and a vector comprising a transgene that promotes death of neoplastic cells, may also be used for simultaneous, sequential or separate administration in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: We disclose Ebola Sudan Boniface virus GP Monoclonal antibodies, epitopes recognized by these monoclonal antibodies, and the sequences of the variable regions of some of these antibodies. Also provided are mixtures of antibodies of the present invention, as well as methods of using individual antibodies or mixtures thereof for the detection, prevention, and/or therapeutic treatment of Ebola Sudan Boniface virus infections in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) strain. The invention also relates to immunogenic compositions containing the novel PCV2 strain, PCV2 test kits, and applications of the novel PCV2 strain.

Abstract: Interferons are the first line of defense against viral infections and administration of interferons as biotherapeutics has been demonstrated to be effective in controlling several viral infections. Here we report for the first time the identification and characterization of a member of the bovine type III IFN family, boIFN-?3. We have expressed boIFN-?3 using a recombinant replication defective human adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) and demonstrated antiviral activity against foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) in bovine cells in vitro. Furthermore, we have tested the efficacy of boIFN-?3 against FMDV in vivo by inoculation of cattle with Ad5-boIFN-?3 followed by intradermolingual or aerosol virus challenge. Our results demonstrate that the type III IFN family is conserved in bovines and that treatment of cattle with boIFN-?3 alone or in combination with IFN-? is able to confer delayed and reduced severity of FMD.

Abstract: Fusion antigen used as vaccine and method of making them. The method includes: (1) selecting a segment of a virus protein sequence that contains a least one epitope; (2) engineering a DNA fragment encoding the selected segment of the virus protein; (3) inserting the DNA fragment into a Pseudomonas Exotoxin A (PE) vector to obtain a chimeric gene plasmid, and expressing the chimeric gene plasmid in a host cell to obtain the chimeric vaccinal virus antigen. The PE vector contains a PE fragment, which has a binding domain and a translocating domain, and a carboxyl terminal moiety, which includes an endoplasmic reticulum retention sequence. The DNA fragment encoding the selected segment of the virus protein is inserted between the PE fragment and the carboxyl terminal moiety.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for preparing vesicles. In some embodiments, the methods involve providing a molten mixture of vesicle forming lipids and then adding the molten mixture to an aqueous solution comprising an antigen such that antigen-containing vesicles are formed. In other embodiments, the methods involve providing a lyophilized lipid product and rehydrating the lyophilized lipid product with an aqueous solution comprising an antigen such that antigen-containing vesicles are formed. The lyophilized lipid product is prepared by melting vesicle-forming lipids to produce a molten lipid mixture and then lyophilizing the molten lipid mixture. The present disclosure also provides antigen-containing vesicle formulations prepared using these methods. The present disclosure also provides kits that include a lyophilized lipid product in a first container and an aqueous solution comprising an antigen in a second container.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for the use of an encapsulation additive having between about 0.1 to about 30 percent isolated and purified vitelline protein B to provide for mixed and extended release formulations.

Abstract: The invention is related to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a polynucleotide encoding a modified filovirus glycoprotein (GP) having at least one amino acid change located in a relatively conserved region of said GP that decreases in vitro cytotoxicity and retains immunogenicity when compared to in vitro cytotoxicity and immunogenicity of a wild type filovirus GP, and related modified filovirus GPs, plasmid DNAs, recombinant viruses, adenoviruses, pharmaceutical compositions, vaccine compositions, antibodies that are specifically reactive with the modified filovirus GPs, and related methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods relating to growth of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) using non-simian cells. In a particular example, porcine alveolar macrophage cells are described as having a capability of supporting infectivity and reproduction by PRRSV. Cells and cell lines of the invention are disclosed in connection with applications relating to PRRS disease, including vaccine technologies.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for detecting HPV in a sample. This invention also provides related kits, systems, and computers.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel serum-free cell culture medium and methods for cultivating MDCK cells. In particular, non-tumorigenic MDCK cells. The present invention also provides methods for producing influenza viruses (e.g., particularly cold-adapted, and/or temperature sensitive, and/or attenuated influenza viruses) that eliminate the need for a cell culture medium exchange step. The novel medium and methods are useful to grow influenza viruses, in cell culture to high titer. The present invention further provides purification methods for purifying influenza viruses with high overall recovery of live virus and result in levels of host cell DNA (HCD), host cell protein (HCP) and non-specific endonuclease (e.g., Benzonase), which are below the specifications required by regulatory agencies. The immunogenic compositions can be used to actively immunize subjects or to generate antibodies for a variety of uses, including passive immunization and diagnostic immunoassays.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions and kits for treating and or preventing diseases having immunological components associated with their etiology and/or progression (e.g., an HIV infection). A mimotope that mimics an epitope of an antigen may be administered to an individual to induce or enhance an immune response for the treatment of a disease. For example, HIV envelope-like polypeptides (wild-type HIV polypeptides and mimotopes) may be administered to an individual so as to induce a protective immune response to HIV. Alternatively, antibodies directed to a mimotope may be administered to an individual to treat or prevent a disease. Antibodies directed to HIV envelope-like polypeptides may be administered to an individual to treat or prevent an HIV infection and/or one or more symptoms associated with the infection (e.g., AIDS). In another embodiment, the invention provides compositions and methods for isolating an epitope specific B cell.

Abstract: Aspects of the present inventions discloses a Super-Virulent Variant Strain of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus, characterized in that nucleotides 1594th-1680th are deleted in its Nsp2 gene. The present invention also discloses a Vaccine prepared with the Super-Virulent Variant Strain of the Virus for prevention of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome. The present invention may further discloses preparations, assay methods and/or the application of the Vaccine in preparing medicaments to resist Super-Virulent Variant Strain of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus by immunizing pigs.

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

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for detecting HPV in a sample. This invention also provides related kits, systems, and computers.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for detecting HPV in a sample. This invention also provides related kits, systems, and computers.

Abstract: Described is a method of identifying an immunologically active antigen of a virus that attacks skin, as well as a method of enriching a population of lymphocytes for T lymphocytes that are specific to a virus that attacks skin. Also provided are HSV antigens and epitopes that are useful for the prevention and treatment of HSV infection that have been identified via the methods of the invention. T-cells having specificity for antigens of the invention have demonstrated cytotoxic activity against cells loaded with virally-encoded peptide epitopes, and in many cases, against cells infected with HSV. The identification of immunogenic antigens responsible for T-cell specificity provides improved anti-viral therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. Compositions containing antigen or polynucleotides encoding antigens of the invention provide effectively targeted vaccines for prevention and treatment of HSV infection.

Abstract: Provided herein are lyophilized viral formulations useful for the stabilization and storage of viruses and methods of preparing these formulations. The lyophilized viral formulations described herein include a virus (e.g., a purified virus) and a non-viral composition including excipients. The formulations can be used, for example, to retain the infectivity or immunogenicity of viruses during periods of storage.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods that employ OX40 (CD134), a TNFR superfamily protein, agonists. The invention includes among other things administering an OX40 agonist alone or in combination with a viral antigen, or live or attenuated virus, to treat a viral infection, or for vaccination or immunization.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the stimulation of immune responses. Specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions for the use of nanoemulsion compounds as mucosal adjuvants to induce immunity against environmental pathogens. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the present invention provides nanoemulsion vaccines comprising a nanoemulsion and an inactivated pathogen or protein derived from the pathogen. The present invention thus provides improved vaccines against a variety of environmental and human-released pathogens.

Abstract: The invention provides structurally constrained viral peptides for use as therapeutic and vaccination agents, and for the production of antibodies for use in a number of applications including as therapeutic agents. The invention further provides methods and kits for use of the structurally constrained peptides and antibodies of the instant invention. The invention is based, at least in part, on the result provided herein demonstrating that viral hydrocarbon stapled helical peptides display excellent proteolytic, acid, and thermal stability, restore the native helical structure of the peptide, are highly effective in interfering with the viral fusogenic process, and possess superior pharmacokinetic properties compared to the corresponding unmodified peptides.

Abstract: This invention relates to non-integrating, non-replicating retroviral vectors that cause an immune response in an animal host when administered to the host. The vectors transduce cells in the host, where they produce virus-like particles (VLPs), which stimulate an additional immune response in the host when they are released from the cells. The vectors are non-integrating, non-replicating retroviral vectors comprising long terminal repeats, a packaging sequence, and a heterologous promoter operably linked to one or more polynucleotide sequences that together encode the structural proteins of a virus. Methods of making and using the vectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and immunogenic compositions for generating an immune response against Marburg virus are provided. The immunogenic composition includes antigens obtained from a Marburg viral strain in combination with an oleanolic acid triterpene adjuvant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel mycovirus that suppresses phytopathogenic fungi and a novel method for controlling plant diseases. A novel mycovirus that is present endogenously in a predetermined rice blast fungus, has four types of double-stranded RNAs of 2.8 to 3.6 kb, and suppresses a phytopathogenic fungus has been found. This virus suppresses phytopathogenic fungi such as rice blast fungus.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the surprising discovery that agonists of TLR8 are uniquely efficacious in enhancing (e.g. inducing) the immune response of newborns. Thus, agonists of TLR8 serve as both vaccine adjuvants and as adjunctive therapies for acute infection in newborns, preferably the agonist is a TLR8-selective agonist. The immune response induced, or enhanced, in the neonatal host can be, for example, a cytokine immune response and/or a humoral immune response (e.g., antigen-specific).

Abstract: Conjugates of transferrin or transcobalamin with anti-viral agents are useful in the treatment of viral infections. Suitable anti-viral agents include apoptosis inducing compounds, compounds which inhibit the replication of the virus, a cytotoxic antibiotic, an alkylating agent, a plant toxin, and a bacterial mutant toxin. Transferrin or transcobalamin is preferably coupled to the anti-viral agent by means of glutaraldehyde.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nucleic acid molecules encoding attenuated, non-functional virion infectivity factor (vif) proteins. The nucleic acid molecules of the invention are inserted into recombinant expression vectors and administered to mammals in order to induce a cellular and humoral immune response to the encoded protein product.

Abstract: Solid and semi-solid formulations are used for supralingual administration of vaccines to animals. The formulations, which comprise antigens dispersed in a solid or semi-solid matrix, or paste, are delivered via supralingual applicators. The supralingual applicators are designed so as to position the antigen-containing matrix directly on the dorsal surface of the tongue during vaccine delivery. Upon exposure to saliva and to suckling and/or licking action of the tongue, the matrix dissolves and releases antigens to the tongue. In some embodiments, the antigens are viruses, for example, attenuated viruses that are capable of infecting cells of the tongue, e.g. canine parvoviruses which infect basal tongue cells. The supralingual applicators are especially useful for the delivery of vaccines to newborn animals.

Abstract: A DNA vaccine, which comprises a DNA construct comprising an expression vector which is expressible in a eukaryotic cell, and a nucleotide fragment which comprises an IL-6-encoding sequence and an HPV E7(detox)-encoding sequence. A pharmaceutical composition and a method for preventing or treating HPV-related (-induced) diseases are included.

Abstract: Calcium phosphate is used as an adjuvant, with a high degree of antigen adsorption to the adjuvant. The invention is particularly useful for adjuvanting conjugated capsular saccharide antigens. Buffers, such as phosphate or histidine buffers, can advantageously be used in combination with the calcium phosphate, and compositions may have a pH in the range of 5.5 to 7.5.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition, kit and method for delivering a soft flowable gel to a flock of poultry in barns, but can also be used in hatcheries or free range farms, for treating poultry with a therapeutic agent. The soft flowable gel comprises water, a gelling agent, a therapeutic agent and between about 0.05% and 0.15% xanthan gum.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for eliciting an immune response to an antigen are disclosed. In certain aspects, these methods concern eliciting an immune response in a subject by administering to the mucosa of the subject a composition comprising a virus-like particle (“VLP”) and Murabutide.

Abstract: A composition comprising liposomes associated with a nucleic acid operatively encoding an antigenic protein and with an assistor protein, wherein the assistor protein shares at least one epitope with the antigenic protein, and wherein the nucleic acid and said assistor protein are associated with the same liposomes is described. The composition provides an improved immune response compared to mixtures of liposomes some of which are associated with the nucleic acid and some of which are associated with the assistor protein.

Abstract: Mucosal delivery of antigens using, for example, a replication-defective gene delivery vehicle, particularly replication-defective alphavirus vectors and particles, is described. Also described are compositions comprising a mucosal adjuvant and one or more antigens derived from HIV. Also provided is the use of these gene delivery vehicles in inducing mucosal, local, and/or systemic immune responses following mucosal immunization regimes.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions containing phospholipid adjuvants, including microparticle and emulsion compositions. According to one aspect of the invention, an immunogenic microparticle composition is provided comprising: water; a polymer microparticle; an antigen adsorbed to the microparticle; and a phospholipid compound, e.g., a synthetic phospholipid compound comprising: (i) one or more phosphoryl groups independently selected from a phosphato group and a phosphodiester group; (ii) a plurality of linear alkane groups. According to another aspect of the invention an immunogenic emulsion composition is provided that comprises: water; a metabolizable oil; an emulsifying agent; an antigen; and a phospholipid compound, e.g., a synthetic phospholipid compound like that above. The emulsion composition is an oil-in-water emulsion having oil and aqueous phases, in which the oil phase is in the form of oil droplets, substantially all of which are less than 1 micron in diameter.