Abstract: The present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding viruses; isolated polypeptides comprising amino acid sequences of the virus; vectors comprising the viral nucleic acid sequences; cells comprising the vectors; antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof which have binding specificity for the virus; methods of detecting or screening for the virus (e.g., in an individual); methods of identifying agents that inhibit the virus; methods of inducing an immune response to the virus; methods of treating disease associated with the presence of XMRV in an individual (e.g., cancer such as prostate cancer); methods of detecting asymptomatic cancer (e.g., prostate cancer); methods of identifying an individual at risk for developing cancer (e.g., prostate cancer); and kits for detecting the virus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chimeric RSV-F polypeptide and lentivirus or alpha-retrovirus GAG-based virus-like particles (VLPs). The present invention also includes methods of making and using such chimeric VLPs. In certain embodiments, the GAG polypeptide of the chimeric VLPs comprises an HIV or ALV GAG polypeptide.

Abstract: BIV packaging constructs, BIV packaging cell lines, methods of making BIV packaging cells and methods of making BIV producer cells are described.

Abstract: The invention provides therapeutics and methods to induce a mammalian host, including a human, to produce antibodies, which agonize death receptors and cause the apoptotic death of target cells within the host's body. The therapeutics are vaccine compositions, including genetic vaccines encoding death receptor antigens of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family. Also provided are means and methods for overcoming host immunological tolerance to death receptors. The vaccines are useful against cancer cells and other death receptor bearing target cells within the host, and can be used in both therapeutic and prophylactic settings. The vaccines are also useful for diagnostic testing of the immunocompetence of a host.

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 invention provides methods of using antibodies that bind a TSG101 protein to inhibit or reduce viral production. The invention also provides methods of using the TSG101 antibodies for the treatment of viral infections, including HIV infection. The invention further provides methods of detecting viral infected cells using TSG101 antibodies.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to materials and methods for detecting, preventing and treating retroviral infections in humans and other animals susceptible to infection by retrovirus. It has been discovered that FIV can be transmitted from cats to humans and that the FIV can infect human cells in vivo and that antibodies generated by the infected person cross-react with HIV antigens. Thus, the methods and compositions of the subject invention can be used to detect, prevent and treat FIV infection in humans and other non-feline animals that are susceptible to FIV infection. The methods and compositions of the invention can also be used to prevent and treat infection by HIV in humans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence of 7 to 20 amino acid residues, which is capable of modulating the immunosuppressive properties of a viral protein or a fragment thereof, against the host in which it is expressed (immunosuppression-modulatory sequence) when it substitutes the homologous sequence of the viral protein or fragment, the polypeptide including the minimum following consensus amino acid sequence: X1Y9Y10Y11CY12X2 wherein, X1 and X2 are selected to impact on the immunosuppressive properties, and Y9 to Y12 represent variable amino acid residues.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to vectors comprising polynucleotide sequences that encode HIV polypeptides. In particular, the disclosure relates polycistronic vector constructs comprising sequences that encode HIV polypeptides as a single polyprotein. Compositions comprising these vectors and sequences along with methods of using these vectors and sequences are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for producing an immune response to a benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) virus are disclosed herein. In several examples, the immune response is a protective immune response. In additional embodiments, methods are disclosed for inhibiting an infection with BPH virus, or treating an infection with BPH virus. Also disclosed are methods for detecting presence of BPH virus in a subject. The methods include detecting the presence of one or more BPH virus polynucleotides or polypeptides in a sample from the subject, or presence of at least one antibody that specifically binds to a BPH virus polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention relates to fusion proteins comprising the amino acid sequence of at least three HIV proteins selected from Vif, Vpr, Vpu, Rev, and Tat or derivatives of the amino acid sequence of one or more of said proteins, wherein the fusion protein is not processed to individual HIV proteins having the natural N and C termini. The invention further concerns nucleic acids encoding said proteins, vectors comprising said nucleic acids, and methods for producing said proteins. The fusion protein, nucleic acids and vectors are usable as vaccines for the at least partial prophylaxis against HIV infections.

Abstract: Lentiviral vector particles comprising a Sindbis virus E2 glycoprotein variant and a lentiviral vector genome comprising a sequence of interest are provided. A lentiviral vector particle comprising: (a) an envelope comprising a Sindbis virus E2 glycoprotein variant; and (b) a lentiviral vector genome comprising a sequence of interest; wherein the E2 glycoprotein variant facilitates infection of dendritic cells by the lentiviral vector particle, and wherein the E2 glycoprotein variant has reduced binding to heparan sulfate compared to a reference sequence (HR strain).

Abstract: The present invention provides pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine-4-yl amines pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyrimidin-4-yl amines that modulate the activity of Janus kinases and are useful in the treatment of diseases related to activity of Janus kinases including, for example, immune-related diseases and cancer.

Abstract: An isolated polynucleotide having a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of (a) SEQ ID NO: 21, (b) the full-length sequences encoding a polypeptide having a peptide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 25 and 26, and (c) the full-length complementary sequences to the sequences set forth in (a) or (b).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitochondrial nucleic acids fraction and an antigen for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition intended to orient the immune response toward a Th1 type response directed against said antigen, more particularly for the prevention and/or the treatment of cancer, infectious disease and allergy. Adjuvant compositions with synergic effect, vaccine compositions with synergic effect, and kits of part are also provided. Methods of treatment of individuals thereof are also provided.

Abstract: The polynucleotides of the present invention are complementary to the Initiation Sites of microbes. Invading organisms, sensing the pH and nutrient deprivation of a physiologic environment quickly release these nucleotides triggering rapid growth and mutation—attributes to successfully establishing a nidus of infection. They also stimulate neutrophil functions. Accordingly, the nucleotides, compositions and methods of the present invention may be used to enhance, restore or stimulate an immune response or system of an animal, e.g. to prevent an infection caused by a microorganism, ameliorate an infection caused by a microorganism, or kill an invading microorganism that causes infection or re-establish balance to an immune system. In particular, the polynucleotides, compositions and methods of the present invention may be used to treat or prevent bacterial infections and auto-immune diseases in a mammal in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the fields of immunology and vaccine technology. More specifically, the invention relates to mucosal administration via aerosol spray to avians of immunogenic and vaccine compositions, including those comprising recombinant human adenovirus vectors for delivery of genes encoding avian immunogens or antigens, such as genes encoding avian influenza virus. The invention also provides methods and apparatus for use in such administration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition with an adjuvant based on an apathogenic virus, together with an antigen. The adjuvant has a natural or through genetical engineering no, reduced or altered expression of an endogenous interferon antagonist or endogenous immune suppressor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to introduce a nucleic acid molecule into a felid by administration of a nucleic acid-cationic lipid complex composition. The method includes the step of administering to the felid, by a parenteral route, a nucleic acid-cationic lipid complex to elicit and/or enhance an immune response. In one embodiment, this method enhances the immune response in a felid compared to a method in which a naked DNA vaccine is administered to a felid. Also provided is a method to deliver a nucleic acid to a felid. This method comprises parenterally administering to the felid a composition that includes a nucleic acid molecule complexed with a cationic lipid.

Abstract: The invention relates to materials and methods for improved vaccination strategies and in particular to the use of lentivirus comprising nucleic acid encoding an antigen, or antigen presenting cells transduced with such lentivirus, to stimulate immune responses against the encoded antigen, in heterologous prime-boost vaccination regimes.

Abstract: Compositions of genetically engineered, secreted gp96 (gp69-Ig) induced strong mucosal and systemic immune responses and CD8 expansion that was independent of CD4 help. Immunization of patients with gp96-Ig immunization is especially attractive for induction of mucosal and systemic immunity to SIV/HIV and other diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to vaccine compositions comprising chitosan and a vaccine which are administered to avian species via the ocular route, and methods or programs of vaccination including use of chitosan in order to increase or enhance cell-mediated immunity in avian species and persistence of the vaccine avian tissues.

Abstract: Use of a polyamino acid as an adjuvant; an application of a polyamino acid as an adjuvant in the production of a vaccine; a vaccine comprising a polyamino acid as an adjuvant; a biodegradable nanoparticle having a virus antigen immobilized thereon; and a vaccine comprising the biodegradable nanoparticle.

Abstract: Azido-diarylpyrimidine (azido-DAPY) compounds, and compositions containing such compounds, are provided. In addition, methods of using azido-diarylpyrimidines to inactivate reverse transcriptases, prepare inactivated viruses, and treat or prevent viral infections are also provided.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides novel lyophilized rotavirus vaccine formulations and methods of their preparation. The formulations include vaccine stabilizers, resulting in a vaccine formulation with enhanced stability and minimal loss of potency. The rotavirus vaccine formulations comprise an advantageous ratio of a disaccharide (such as sucrose) to an amino acid (such as glycine). The lyophilization results in a virus formulation with 100% virus preservation and residual moisture from about 0.8% to 1.4%.

Abstract: The invention concerns a recombinant vector characterized in that it comprises a polynucleotide comprising a central initiation cis-active region (cPPT) and a termination cis-active region (CTS) of retroviral or retroviral-like origin, further comprising a predetermined nucleotide sequence (transgene or nucleotide sequence of interest) and retrotranscription regulating, expressing and packaging signals of retroviral or retroviral-like origin.

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: This invention provides a dry powder composition for poultry vaccination via inhalation comprising an effective amount of a poultry vaccine agent, and a supporting amount of carriers for said poultry vaccine agent, said carriers comprising a combination of a reducing or non-reducing sugar and a biocompatible polymer, said dry powder composition being in the form of particles having an average particle size from 2 to 30 ?m and a particle size polydispersity from 1.1 to 4.0. This invention also relates to a method for producing said dry powder compositions and a system for vaccination of poultry by inhalation.

Abstract: The present invention provides for lentiviral vectors for vaccine delivery comprising a 5? long terminal repeat (LTR) and a 3? LTR, an integrated nucleic acid sequence, wherein the integrated nucleic acid sequence is expressed by the 5? LTR; and a nucleic acid sequence encoding functional REV coding sequence and a rev response element (RRE)-containing sequence, wherein the RRE-containing sequence is located upstream of the REV coding sequence, and wherein transcription of said first nucleic acid sequence and said second nucleic acid sequence is driven by said 5? LTR. Also provided for are pharmaceutical compositions, methods of making and using the lentiviral vectors of the present invention.

Abstract: To gain a better understanding of tumor angiogenesis endothelial cells (ECs) were isolated and gene expression patterns were evaluated. When transcripts from ECs derived from normal and malignant colorectal tissues were compared with transcripts from non-endothelial cells, over 170 genes predominantly expressed in the endothelium were identified. Comparison between normal- and tumor-derived endothelium revealed differentially expressed genes, including many that were specifically elevated in tumor-associated endothelium. Experiments with representative genes from this group demonstrated that most were similarly expressed in the endothelium of primary lung, breast, brain, and pancreatic cancers as well as in metastatic lesions of the liver. These results demonstrate that neoplastic and normal endothelium in humans are distinct at the molecular level.

Abstract: Methods of eliciting humoral responses, methods of immunization, and methods of vaccination using lentiviral vector are disclosed. Additionally, immunogenic compositions and vaccines for West Nile Virus are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of testing phenotypic drug susceptibility in an enveloped virus-infected mammalian individual by testing on an enzyme packed into an enveloped virus, such as HIV, recovered from a biological sample, such as blood or plasma, from said individual is described. The method comprises the steps of a) adding an enzyme inactivating agent to the sample for inactivating polymerase activity other than that present in the enveloped virion, b) removing the enzyme inactivating agent, enzyme activity blocking antibodies, endogenous enzyme activity inhibitors and antiviral drugs, c) lysing the virus particle to release the enzyme, d) recovering the concentrated purified viral enzyme, such as a HIV reverse transcriptase (RT), resulting from c) and determining the drug sensitivity profile of the individual from the recovered enzyme by using sensitive enzyme assays. The drug sensitivity profile may be used for selecting drug treatment therapy. A commercial package is included.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient with a disease wherein the patient contains diseased cells which cells contain antigens for identification and which cells are capable of presenting at least part of said antigen on their surface by an HLA class I (or equivalent) molecule, the method comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of either antigen presenting cells which have been gene delivered with the interleukin 12 (IL-12) gene plus a relevant antigen. In a related set of claims said method refers to the administration to a patient of therapeutic levels of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) which recognize at least part of said antigen when presented by an HLA class I (or equivalent) molecule on the surface of a cell and which these CTL were stimulated by the antigen presenting cells, mentioned in the first section, which have been gene delivered with the interleukin 12 (IL-12) gene plus a relevant antigen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the induction of immune tolerance, by a novel method of induction of IL-10 production in B cells, whereby said B cells can be loaded with antigen before, during or after the induction of the IL-10 production. More specifically, the invention relates to the transduction of the B cell with a retroviral vector encoding an antigen, whereby the retroviral envelop induces IL-10 production in the B cell by activation the TLR2 receptor, in combination with its viral receptor.

Abstract: Compounds, particularly, glucopyranosyl lipid adjuvant (GLA) compounds, having the following structure (I) are provided: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, L9, L10, Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, are as defined herein. Pharmaceutical compositions, vaccine compositions, and related methods for inducing or enhancing immune responses, are also provided.

Abstract: A method of concentrating and recovering an enzyme activity from enveloped viruses present in a biological sample, is described. The method comprises contacting the biological sample in a first buffer solution with a virus-binding matrix, such as an anion exchanger matrix, to attach virus particles present in the sample to the matrix, washing the matrix carrying the virus particles with a second buffer solution to remove components interfering with viral enzyme activity, lysing the immobilized virus particles in a third buffer solution and recovering the concentrated viral enzyme activity from the third buffer solution. Additionally, a commercial package containing written and/or data carrier instructions for performing laboratory steps for concentration and recovery of an enzyme activity from enveloped viruses present in a biological sample and at least one component necessary for the assay, is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of vaccination as well as pharmaceutical combinations and kits for enhancing vaccine effectiveness, including for immunodeficient or immunecompromised patients, including non-responders and low-responders to vaccination. As disclosed herein, the invention relates to administering a vaccine and a regimen of thymosin alpha peptide so as to provide higher antibody titers, speed the development of such antibody titers, and/or to provide for a longer duration of such antibody titers, thereby providing a greater protective effect. In another aspect, the invention allows for reducing a vaccine dose, such as an influenza vaccine dose, by administration of a thymosin peptide regimen.

Abstract: This invention provides DNA vaccines for the treatment of patients undergoing anti-retroviral therapy. The vaccines are surprisingly effective at controlling viremia.

Abstract: The invention is in general directed to methods and compositions for preventing or treating infections by viruses involved in persistent and/or latent infections. The methods and compositions are directed toward the prevention and treatment of infections caused by viruses such as, for example, herpesviruses, retroviruses, hepatitis viruses, and papillomaviruses, including, for example, cytomegalovirus.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of treating and vaccinating against an antigen-expressing tumor and inducing an immune response against a sub-dominant epitope of antigen, comprising a fusion of an LLO fragment to the antigen or a recombinant Listeria strain expressing the antigen. The present invention also provides recombinant peptides comprising a listeriolysin (LLO) protein fragment fused to a Her-2 protein or fragment thereof, recombinant Listeria strains expressing a Her-2 protein, vaccines and immunogenic compositions comprising same, and methods of inducing an anti-Her-2 immune response and treating and vaccinating against a Her-2-expressing tumor, comprising same.

Abstract: The determination of the nucleotide sequence of HTLV-III DNA; identification, isolation and expression of HTLV-III sequences which encode immunoreactive polypeptides by recombinant DNA methods and production of viral RNA are disclosed. Such polypeptides can be employed in immunoassays to detect HTLV-III.

Abstract: The application relates to methods of treating chronic viral infection by modulating Tim-3 activity. In addition, the present application relates to methods of diagnosing or monitoring immune system activity or function, chronic viral infection and inflammatory disease using Tim-3 expression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing an mRNA that is stabilised by sequence modifications in the translated region and is optimised for the translation. The pharmaceutical composition according to the invention is particularly suitable as an inoculating agent as well as a therapeutic agent for tissue regeneration. In addition a process is described for determining sequence modifications that serve for the stabilisation and translation optimisation of mRNA.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions, methods and kits for inducing an immune response to a tumor and for treating cancer with a Listeria vaccine strain expressing an antigen fused to a truncated LLO protein.

Abstract: The invention concerns a nucleic material, in isolated or purified state, and a nucleotide fragment comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting in (i) the sequences SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO:114, SEQ ID NO: 117, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO. 124, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 141 and SEQ ID NO: 142, (ii) the complementary sequences of sequences (i); and (iii) the sequences equivalent to sequences (ii) and (iii), in particular the sequence having for every series of 100 contiguous monomers, at least 50%, preferably 70% homology with sequences (i) and (ii) respectively. The invention also concerns their uses for detecting a retrovirus associated with multiple sclerosis and/or rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: Enveloped virus vectors are described which comprise a cellular virus receptor protein and which are capable of fusing with a cell which comprises a viral envelope protein to which the cellular virus receptor protein is cognate. Enveloped virus vectors comprising a plurality of cellular virus receptor proteins are also described. Methods for making the enveloped virus vectors are described, as are methods of using the enveloped virus vectors. The invention further relates to a lipoparticle comprising a membrane spanning protein, and the lipoparticle can be attached to a sensor surface. The invention relates to methods of producing and using the lipoparticle to, inter alia, assess protein binding interactions.

Abstract: The present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding viruses; isolated polypeptides comprising amino acid sequences of the virus; vectors comprising the viral nucleic acid sequences; cells comprising the vectors; antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof which have binding specificity for the virus; methods of detecting or screening for the virus (e.g., in an individual); methods of identifying agents that inhibit the virus; methods of inducing an immune response to the virus; methods of treating disease associated with the presence of XMRV in an individual (e.g., cancer such as prostate cancer); methods of detecting asymptomatic cancer (e.g., prostate cancer); methods of identifying an individual at risk for developing cancer (e.g., prostate cancer); and kits for detecting the virus.

Abstract: The presently disclosed invention is broadly directed to therapeutic micro- and/or nanoparticles designed to target an immune cell with an active agent. More particularly, the particles have a predetermined geometry and a broadest dimension of less than about 10 ?m. The immune cell-targeted micro and/or nanoparticles may additionally comprise a biocompatible polymer.

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