Abstract: Nucleic acids containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides and therapeutic utilities based on their ability to stimulate an immune response and to redirect a Th2 response to a Th1 response in a subject are disclosed. Methods for treating atopic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an attenuation method of an influenza virus, that is, a reassortant virus and a preparation method thereof. The disclosed reassortant virus has, in a ratio of 6:2, genes encoding a recombinant non-toxic protein and a wild type non-toxic protein, and genes encoding toxic proteins, HA (hemagglutinin) and NA (neuraminidase), of an influenza virus, the recombinant non-toxic protein consisting of a substituted caspase recognition sequence without a change of a protein size within the wild type non-toxic protein of the influenza virus. The disclosed attenuated influenza virus shows a high attenuation without a reduction of productivity in a fertilized egg. Accordingly, the method can be used as an economically efficient live vaccine preparation method which has both safety and efficiency and can use a fertilized egg as a production system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel hemagglutinin H5 proteins, nucleic acids and vectors encoding for those as well as vaccines comprising any of such H5 proteins, nucleic acids or vectors encoding for those H5 proteins. Moreover, the present invention also relates to the medicinal use of any of such compositions in humans and animals.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to attenuated equine influenza viruses having an impaired ability to antagonize the cellular interferon (IFN) response, and the use of such attenuated viruses in vaccine and pharmaceutical formulations. In particular, the invention relates to attenuated equine influenza viruses having modifications to an equine NS1 gene that diminish or eliminate the ability of the NS1 gene product to antagonize the cellular IFN response. These viruses replicate in vivo, but demonstrate decreased replication, virulence and increased attenuation, and therefore are well suited for use in live virus vaccines, and pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention is directed towards DNA plasmid vaccines capable of generating in a mammal an immune response against a plurality of influenza virus subtypes, comprising a DNA plasmid and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. The DNA plasmid is capable of expressing a consensus influenza antigen in a cell of the mammal in a quantity effective to elicit an immune response in the mammal, wherein the consensus influenza antigen comprises consensus hemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA), matrix protein, nucleoprotein, M2 ectodomain-nucleo-protein (M2e-NP), or a combination thereof. Preferably the consensus influenza antigen comprises HA, NA, M2e-NP, or a combination thereof. The DNA plasmid comprises a promoter operably linked to a coding sequence that encodes the consensus influenza antigen. Additionally, an aspect of the present invention includes methods of eliciting an immune response against a plurality of influenza virus subtypes in a mammal using the DNA plasmid vaccines provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to peptides having antiviral properties. More particularly, the invention relates to peptides exhibiting activity against influenza viruses, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the peptides, and to methods of using the peptides to prevent and/or treat influenza viral infections.

Abstract: Nucleic acids containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides and therapeutic utilities based on their ability to stimulate an immune response and to redirect a Th2 response to a Th1 response in a subject are disclosed. Methods for treating atopic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to attenuated swine influenza viruses having an impaired ability to antagonize the cellular interferon (IFN) response, and the use of such attenuated viruses in vaccine and pharmaceutical formulations. In particular, the invention relates to attenuated swine influenza viruses having modifications to a swine NS1 gene that diminish or eliminate the ability of the NS1 gene product to antagonize the cellular IFN response. These viruses replicate in vivo, but demonstrate decreased replication, virulence and increased attenuation, and therefore are well suited for use in live virus vaccines, and pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: Influenza viruses for use in preparing human vaccines have traditionally been grown on embryonated hen eggs, although more modern techniques grow the virus in mammalian cell culture e.g. on Vero, MDCK or PER.C6 cell lines. The inventor has realized that the conditions used for influenza virus 5 culture can increase the risk that pathogens other than influenza virus may grow in the cell lines and have identified specific contamination risks. Suitable tests can thus be performed during manufacture in order to ensure safety and avoid iatrogenic infections.

Abstract: Vectors and methods for the production of influenza viruses suitable as recombinant influenza vaccines in cell culture are provided. Bi-directional expression vectors for use in a multi-plasmid influenza virus expression system are provided. Additionally, the invention provides methods of producing influenza viruses with enhanced ability to replicate in embryonated chicken eggs and/or cells (e.g., Vero and/or MDCK) and further provides influenza viruses with enhanced replication characteristics. A method of producing a cold adapted (ca) influenza virus that replicates efficiently at, e.g., 25° C. (and immunogenic compositions comprising the same) is also provided.

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

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

Abstract: Vectors and methods for the production of influenza viruses suitable as recombinant influenza vaccines in cell culture are provided. Bi-directional expression vectors for use in a multi-plasmid influenza virus expression system are provided.

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

Abstract: Vectors and methods for the production of influenza viruses suitable as recombinant influenza vaccines in cell culture are provided. Bi-directional expression vectors for use in a multi-plasmid influenza virus expression system are provided. Additionally, the invention provides methods of producing influenza viruses with enhanced ability to replicate in embryonated chicken eggs and/or cells (e.g., Vero and/or MDCK) and further provides influenza viruses with enhanced replication characteristics. In addition, the present invention includes an improved method of rescue, wherein animal cells (e.g., SF Vero cells) are electroporated with plasmids and vectors of the invention.

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

Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims virus like particles (VLPs) that express and/or contains seasonal influenza virus proteins, avian influenza virus proteins and/or influenza virus proteins from viruses with pandemic potential. The invention includes vector constructs comprising said proteins, cells comprising said constructs, formulations and vaccines comprising VLPs of the inventions. The invention also includes methods of making and administrating VLPs to vertebrates, including methods of inducing substantial immunity to either seasonal and avian influenza, or at least one symptom thereof.

Abstract: Nucleic acids containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides and therapeutic utilities based on their ability to stimulate an immune response and to redirect a Th2 response to a Th1 response in a subject are disclosed. Methods for treating atopic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, are disclosed.

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

Abstract: A method to prepare viruses lacking ion channel activity is provided.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a high growth reassortant influenza A virus having at least two gene segments of seasonal or pandemic strain origin, a PB1 gene segment of A/Texas/1/77 strain origin and a PA gene segment of A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (H1N1) origin coding for a PA protein comprising at least one amino acid modification at any one of positions 10, 275, 682, according to SEQ ID No.1. Further provided are vaccine formulations comprising the reassortant influenza A virus of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides adenovirus and retrovirus vectors useful to prepare influenza virus. Also provided is a canine RNA polymerase I promoter and vectors having that promoter.

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

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

Abstract: Described herein are influenza virus-like particles (VLPs) that display on truncated, re-engineered or remodeled HA molecules on their surface. Also described are methods of making and using these VLPs.

Abstract: The present invention provides system and methods for detecting an analyte indicative of an influenza viral infection in a sample of bodily fluid. The present invention also provides for systems and method for detection a plurality of analytes, at least two of which are indicative of an influenza viral infection in a sample of bodily fluid.

Abstract: Human, humanized and chimeric monoclonal antibodies that bind to influenza M2 protein. The antibodies are useful for, among other things, treatment, diagnostics, purifying and isolating M2 or influenza virus, and identifying the presence of M2 or influenza virus in a sample or a subject.

Abstract: Current approaches to influenza vaccination focus either on seasonal strains or pandemic strains. Current seasonal vaccines typically include antigens from two influenza A strains (H1N1 and H3N2) and one influenza B strain. Current pandemic vaccines focus on H5N1 influenza A virus strains. It is an object of the invention to provide further and improved ways of preparing vaccines that can raise immunity against both seasonal and pandemic strains.

Abstract: H5N1 influenza viruses isolated from animals and humans since 2003 separate into distinct clades based on hemagglutinin amino acid sequences. According to the invention, multiple clades are used in influenza immunization. Thus there is a prime-boost immunization schedule where a subject receives a priming dose of a first clade of H5 influenza A virus and a boosting dose of a second clade of H5 influenza A virus. There is also an immunogenic composition comprising hemagglutinin antigens from more than one clade of H5 influenza A virus.

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

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

Abstract: An improved method for the manufacture of an oil-in-water emulsion involves three procedures: (i) preparation of a preliminary emulsion; (ii) microfluidization of the preliminary emulsion to reduce its droplet size; and (iii) filtration of the microfluidized emulsion through a hydrophilic membrane. The emulsions are useful as vaccine adjuvants.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition useful to prepare influenza viruses, e.g., in the absence of helper virus, using vectors which include tandem transcription cassettes containing PolI and/or PolII promoters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a lipid vesicle for the preparation of a medicament. The invention further relates to a method of treating and/or preventing a disease or disorder involving administering such a lipid vesicle to an animal in need thereof.

Abstract: Antigen and adjuvant components of an adjuvanted influenza vaccine are not mixed during manufacture, but are provided as separate components for extemporaneous mixing at the time of use, for example as a kit comprising (i) an antigen component, comprising an influenza virus antigen; and (ii) an adjuvant component, comprising an aluminium salt.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to isolated influenza virus that is capable of infecting canids and causing respiratory disease in the canid. The subject invention also pertains to compositions and methods for inducing an immune response against an influenza virus of the present invention. The subject invention also pertains to compositions and methods for identifying a virus of the invention and diagnosing infection of an animal with a virus of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of influenza vaccine production. Influenza vaccines have been produced in embryonated hens' eggs for over 50 years, but recently there have been considerable efforts to develop cell culture systems for vaccine production. The invention provides a nucleic acid comprising an influenza gene segment and a bacteriophage polymerase promotor or a complementary strand of said nucleic acid, and a cell comprising such a nucleic acid capable of producing desired influenza virus. Furthermore, the invention provides a composition comprising a cell or material derived from a cell according to the invention and a virus or material derived from a viral particle according to the invention.

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 thimerosal and/or EDTA.

Abstract: Compositions are provided which include hyaluronic acid derivatives in combination with vaccine antigens, and optionally adjuvants, for mucosal delivery. Also provided are methods of making the compositions, as well as methods of immunization using the same.

Abstract: Vaccine protection against acute or chronic viral infection is facilitated by using as an adjuvant or immuno-stimulant, a dsRNA together with an anti-influenza vaccine.

Abstract: The immunogenicity of the influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) molecule may be increased by substitutions of amino acids in the HA sequence. The substitution of specific HA residues, such as asparagine at position 223 of H5 HA, increase the sensitivity of the hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) assay by altering receptor specificity and/or antibody-antigen binding. HA molecules containing such substitutions will be useful in the development of diagnostic reference viruses and improved influenza vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to influenza vaccines for human and veterinary use. In particular, the present invention provides a vaccine able to effect long term and cross-strain protection by including at least two influenza virus epitopes expressed as a chimeric polypeptide wherein at least one epitope is influenza A virus matrix protein epitope and the second epitope is a haemagglutinin peptide epitope.

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

Abstract: The immunogenicity of the influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) molecule may be increased by substitutions of amino acids in the HA sequence. The substitution of specific HA residues, such as asparagine at position 223 of H5 HA, increase the sensitivity of the hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) assay by altering receptor specificity and/or antibody-antigen binding. HA molecules containing such substitutions will be useful in the development of diagnostic reference viruses and improved influenza vaccines.

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

Abstract: Polypeptides, polynucleotides, reassortant viruses, immunogenic compositions and vaccines comprising influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants and method using thereof are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated canine influenza virus of subtype H3N8 comprising an HA having SEQ ID NO: 4 or an amino acid sequence that is greater than 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 4, with the proviso that the amino acids at positions 94 and 233 are identical to SEQ ID NO: 4; a composition comprising attenuated or inactivated virus; isolated or purified HA, NM, NP, M1, NS1, PA, PB1, and PB2 proteins and fragments thereof and compositions comprising same or nucleic acids, optionally as part of a vector, encoding same; and a method of inducing an immune response to canine influenza virus in an animal comprising administering to the animal an aforementioned composition.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods related to the structure and function of the cellular polyadenylation and specificity factor 30 (CPSF30) binding site on the surface of the influenza A non-structural protein 1 (NS1). Specifically, critical biochemical reagents, conditions for crystallization and NMR analysis, assays, and general processes are described for (i) discovering, designing, and optimizing small molecule inhibitors of influenza A (avian flu) viruses and (ii) creating attenuated influenza virus strains suitable for avian and human flu vaccine development.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to multivalent immunogen compositions for treating or preventing diseases or disorders in canines caused by or associated with one or more of canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus (type 1 or type 2), canine parainfluenza virus, canine parvovirus, Leptospira canicola, Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae, Leptospira grippotyphosa, Leptospira pomona, Leptospira bratislava, Leptospira hardjo, Leptospira autumnalis, Leptospira australis, Leptospira hebdomadis, and Bordetella bronchiseptica. The Leptospira compositions can also be used for treating or preventing leptospirosis diseases or disorders in canine, swine, and bovine.