Abstract: This invention pertains to BIV constructs encompassing BIV combination vectors, BIV vectors and BIV packaging vectors and particularly the invention pertains to a three vector system comprising: a) a BIV vector construct including a DNA segment from a BIV genome, a packaging sequence to package RNA into virions; a promoter operably linked to the DNA segment; and a transgene operably linked to a second promoter; b) a BIV packaging vector construct comprising a BIV DNA sequence fragment comprising at least a gag gene or pol gene of BIV; a promoter operably linked to the BIV DNA fragment; and a polyadenylation sequence located downstream of the BIV DNA fragment; and c) an expression vector construct comprising a gene encoding a viral surface protein. Also provided is a method for transferring a gene of interest into a mammalian cell.

Abstract: The subject invention provides novel and advantageous methods for identifying amino acid sequences in random peptide libraries that can bind to Gag polypeptides. The subject invention also establishes a novel in vitro system that can be used to test competitive inhibitors of retrovrial capsid assembly. Also provided are peptides, and compositions containing these peptides, which are inhibitors of the retrovirus Gag protein(s) function. Chimeric Gag polypeptides are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and vaccines for suppressing formation of or inhibiting growth of tumors in a host are provided, via administration of a vaccine containing either a fusion protein of the tumor associated antigen fused to a truncated form of listeriolysin or a recombinant form of Listeria monocytogenes which grows and spreads and is capable of expressing the tumor associated antigen alone or as a listeriolysin fusion protein.

Abstract: The IBDV VP2 icosahedral superstructures are made up of 12 empty VP2 dodecahedral capsids, lacking genetic material. They have a size of approximately 60–68 nm in diameter and contain 720 IBDV VP2 subunits. These VP2 icosahedral superstructures can be used for vaccinal and diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: This invention pertains to BIV constructs encompassing BIV combination vectors, BIV vectors and BIV packaging vectors and particularly the invention pertains to a three vector system comprising: a) a BIV vector construct including a DNA segment from a BIV genome, a packaging sequence to package RNA into virions; a promoter operably linked to the DNA segment; and a transgene operably linked to a second promoter; b) a BIV packaging vector construct comprising a BIV DNA sequence fragment comprising at least a gag gene or pol gene of BIV; a promoter operably linked to the BIV DNA fragment; and a polyadenylation sequence located downstream of the BIV DNA fragment; and c) an expression vector construct comprising a gene encoding a viral surface protein. Also provided is a method for transferring a gene of interest into a mammalian cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions useful in localized transfer of genetic material or proteins. Moreover, the present invention provides methods and compositions for improving and/or controlling wound healing by applying a wound care device comprising HoxD3 and/or HoxA3. In addition, the present invention provides methods and compositions for improved wound healing in subjects having impaired healing capabilities, such as diabetic subjects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of identifying a molecule from a library of molecules that inhibits binding of human immunodeficiency virus nucleocapsid 7 polypeptide (NCp7) to an oligonucleotide which comprises admixing an NCp7 polypeptide with at one labeled HIV-1 psi-site oligonucleotide and an amount of the molecule to be tested under binding conditions; and determining the amount of oligonucleotide bound to the NCp7 polypeptide, wherein a decrease in the amount of oligonucleotide bound in the presence of the molecule compared with the amount of oligonucleotide bound in the absence of the molecule indicates that the molecule inhibits binding of NCp7 polypeptide to the oligonucleotide.

Abstract: A retroviral vector comprising a first retroviral envelope protein and at least one modified retroviral envelope protein, wherein the first retroviral envelope protein includes a surface protein comprising (i) a receptor binding region; (ii) a hypervariable polyproline region; and (iii) a body portion, and the modified retroviral envelope protein, prior to modification, includes a surface protein which includes (i) a receptor binding region; (ii) a hypervariable polyproline region; and (iii) a body portion, characterized in that the modified retroviral envelope protein has been modified such that at least 90% of the amino acid residues of the receptor binding region of the surface protein of the modified retroviral envelope protein have been removed and replaced with a non-retroviral protein or peptide.

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

Abstract: Antigenic fragments of human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV), their fusion proteins with glutathione S-tranferase (GST) or thioredoxin (Thio), and a process for producing the fusion proteins thereof. The antigenic fragment of HTLV comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID Nos: 3 or 4.

Abstract: The present invention provides vaccine compositions comprising an oil-in-water emulsion optionally with 3 De-O-acylated monophosphoryl lipid A and QS21. The vaccine compositions are potent induces of a range of immune responses.

Abstract: The invention provides an equine infectious anemia (EIA) vaccine that provides immunity to mammals, especially equines, from infection with equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) and which allows differentiation between vaccinated and non-vaccinated, but exposed, mammals or equines. Preferably said vaccine encompasses at least one mutation in an EIAV which produces a non-functional gene in the vaccine virus that is always expressed in disease-producing wild-type EIA viruses. Additionally, said EIA vaccine virus cannot cause clinical disease in mammals or spread or shed to other mammals including equines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides encoded by a nucleotide sequence from an HIV-1, HIV-2, or SIV viral genome, in which the nucleotide sequence is amplified from the viral genome using a pair of primers that contain sequences that are conserved between different HIV and SIV strains. The primers are insensitive to variations in the genomes of different HIV and SIV isolates and, therefore, can be used to amplify nucleotide sequences from HIV-1, HIV-2, and SIV strains. The invention also relates to antibodies directed against these polypeptides and methods and kits for diagnosing viral infection.

Abstract: This invention provides a retroviral packaging cell comprising a suitable mammalian cell having therein (i) a first recombinant nucleic acid comprising MMLV gag and pol genes and a selectable marker, and (ii) a second recombinant nucleic acid comprising RD114 envelope gene and a selectable marker, wherein the MMLV gag and pol genes and the RD114 envelope gene are stably expressed in the cell. This invention further provides related production methods, virions and kits.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel post-transcriptional regulatory element that can function as an RNA nucleo-cytoplasmic transport element. The invention also provides for an attenuated HIV-1 hybrid virus for use as a vaccine and a kit incorporating the hybrid virus. The kit also includes instructional material teaching the use of the vaccine, where the instructional material indicates that the vaccine is used for the prophylaxis or amelioration of HIV-1 infection in a mammal; that the vaccine is to be administered to a mammal in a therapeutically effective amount sufficient to express a viral protein; where the vaccine will not cause clinically significant CD4+ cell depletion; and, the expression of the viral protein elicits an immune response to the attenuated HIV-1 virus. The invention further provides for a method for screening for post-transcriptional RNA nucleo-cytoplasmic transport element (NCTE) binding proteins.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel nucleic sequence and deduced protein sequence family with whole or partial human endogenous retroviral motifs. The invention also concerns the detection and/or the use of said nucleic sequences and said corresponding protein sequences or fragments of said sequences, for diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic uses, in particular for neuropathological conditions with autoimmune constituent such as multiple sclerosis. Said purified nucleic acid sequences comprise all or part of a sequence coding for a human endogenous retroviral sequence having at least eny-type retroviral motifs, corresponding to the sequence SEQ ID NO:1 or to a sequence having a homology level with said sequence SEQ ID NO:1 not less than 80% of more than 190 nucleotides or not less than 70% on more than 600 nucleotides for env-type domains. The invention further concerns the use of the flanking or adjacent sequence of said sequences and controlled by the latter, as diagnostic reagents.

Abstract: The invention relates to chimeric molecules comprising a virus coat sequence and a receptor sequence that can inter-act with each other to form a complex that is capable of binding a co-receptor. Such chimeric molecules therefore exhibit functional properties characteristic of a receptor-coat protein complex and are useful as agents that inhibit virus infection of cells due to occupancy of a co-receptor present on the cell. In particular aspects, the chimeric polypeptide includes an immunodeficiency virus envelope polypeptide, such as that of HIV, SIV, FIV, FeLV, FPV and herpes virus. Receptor sequences suitable for use in a chimeric polypeptide include, for example, CD4 D1D2 and CD4M9 sequences.

Abstract: A modified polypeptide corresponding to an envelope glycoprotein of a primate lentivirus is described. The polypeptide has been modified from the wild-type structure so that it has at least two of the glycosylation sites proximal to the CD4 binding site or chemokine receptor site altered so that the alteration prevents glycosylation at that site or where glycosylation sites distal to these sites have been derivatized with a molecular adjuvant, while retaining the overall 3-dimensional structure of a discontinuous conserved epitope of the wild-type protein. Preferably, the polypeptide has both changes. Preferably, the primate lentivirus is HIV, and the protein is HIV-1 gp 120.

Abstract: This invention pertains to BIV constructs encompassing BIV combination vectors, BIV vectors and BIV packaging vectors and particularly the invention pertains to a three vector system comprising: a) a BIV vector construct including a DNA segment from a BIV genome, a packaging sequence to package RNA into virions; a promoter operably linked to the DNA segment; and a transgene operably linked to a second promoter; b) a BIV packaging vector construct comprising a BIV DNA sequence fragment comprising at least a gag gene or pol gene of BIV; a promoter operably linked to the BIV DNA fragment; and a polyadenylation sequence located downstream of the BIV DNA fragment; and c) an expression vector construct comprising a gene encoding a viral surface protein. Also provided is a method for transferring a gene of interest into a mammalian cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vaccine which is capable of inhibiting the growth and formation of tumors which can express an endogenous tumor specific protein. Also disclosed are methods of administering the vaccine to a subject bearing a tumor whose formation and growth is inhibited by the vaccine.

Abstract: The peptide in this invention is a peptide having affinity to gp120 represented by H-A1-A2-A3-A4-A5-R (SEQ ID No. 1)  Formula (1) (in the formula, H means hydrogen, A1 is aspartic acid, lysine, valine, glutamic acid, glycine, asparagine, or tyrosine residue, A2 is valine, aspartic acid, tryptophan, lysine, phenylalanine, isoleucine, leucine, or tyrosine residue, A3 is lysine, valine, aspartic acid, arginine, alanine, or tryptophan residue, A4 is alanine, tryptophan, or glycine residue, A5 is glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, serine, threonine, methionine, asparagine, glutamine, histidine, lysine, arginine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, proline, or tyrosine residue, R is OH derived from carboxyl group or NH2 derived from acid amide group).

Abstract: Dendritic cells and macrophages can process extracellular antigens for presentation by MHC-I molecules. HIV-1 epitopes derived from incoming virions are presented through the exogenous MHC-I pathway in primary human dendritic cells, and to a lower extent in macrophages, leading to cytotoxic T lymphocyte activation in the absence of viral protein neosynthesis. Exogenous antigen presentation required adequate virus-receptor interactions and fusion of viral and cellular membranes. These results provide new insights about how anti-HIV cytotoxic T lymphocytes can be activated and are useful for anti-HIV vaccine design.

Abstract: This invention relates to the development of a mammalian expression vector, under which expression of the structural genes of western equine encephalitis virus have been placed under the control of an eucaryotic promoter. When the recombinant vector is administered to mammalian cell culture or using a cell-free transcription/translation system, in vitro, authentic structural proteins of western equine encephalitis virus are produced as verified by reactivity with monoclonal antibodies developed to western equine encephalitis virus. When the recombinant DNA molecule is administered in vivo, a protective immune response is induced, thereby enhancing protection of the individual against subsequent infection by western equine encephalitis virus. In a similar manner, DNA vaccines to related alphaviruses (Venezuelan and eastern equine encephalitis viruses) could also be developed.

Abstract: A large number of recombinant of viral and bacterial systems has been engineered as vectors to express foreign genes for vaccination and/or gene therapy. A common problem is the immune response to the vector itself. The presence of anti-vector immune response may preclude sufficient priming or delivery if pre-existing immune responses are present, or impair optimal “boosting” upon subsequent immunisation or delivery. The invention provides means and methods for vaccinating an animal or a human to obtain therein an immune response against at least one antigen, comprising different vaccine compositions for sequential administration to said animal or said human, each containing at least said antigen or a precursor thereof, wherein said vaccine compositions differ from each other by the presence therein of a different vector.

Abstract: The present invention describes a modified virus comprising one or more non-native polypeptides, which polypeptide comprises one or more framework moieties each containing one or more binding moieties, which polypeptide is capable of being expressed in the cytoplasm and nucleus of a mammalian host cell in a conformation which is maintained in the absence of a ligand for said binding moieties, said conformation allowing said binding moieties subsequently to bind with said ligand, and which polypeptide is capable of transport though the nuclear membrane, wherein said modified virus has an altered tropism conferred by said binding moieties and the use of such viruses in therapy, particularly in the treatment of tumours or other cancerous cells.

Abstract: The invention refers to a novel recombinant vectors useful for gene therapy of viral infections and of diseases associated with B and T cells. The present invention relates, furthermore, to novel usages of the two products of the open reading frame of mouse mammary tumour virus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vaccine which provides immunity to mammals from infection and/or disease caused by a lentivirus, such as equine infectious anemia virus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV) or simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) said composition comprising a deletion in a gene that blocks replication of the virus in vivo. Preferably said composition encompasses at least one deletion in a lentivirus which provides protection from exposure to wild-type lentiviruses. It also encompasses a marker vaccine in which a foreign gene is inserted into the gene-deleted region, said inserted gene providing a diagnostic tool for use in vaccinated mammals. The scope of the invention encompasses an EIAV vaccine that allows equines to be safely vaccinated and protected from disease without converting to a seropositive status on the Coggin's Test or any other test wich measures p26.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to novel methods and compositions for protecting cats from infection by a broad range of FIV strains using a multi-subtype FIV vaccine. Multi-subtype FIV vaccines comprising either cell free whole virus or cell lines infected with viruses are described. Methods for vaccinating cats with the subject vaccine compositions are also described. Cats vaccinated according to the methods and compositions of the subject invention exhibit protective humoral and cellular immune responses to FIV when challenged with homologous or heterologous strains of FIV. The subject invention also pertains to novel feline cell lines that are susceptible to infection by FIV and their methods of use.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved conditionally replicating vectors that have improved safety against the generation of replication competent vectors or virus. Also disclosed are methods of making, propagating and selectively packaging, modifying, and using such vectors. Included are improved helper constructs, host cells, for use with the improved vectors as well as pharmaceutical compositions and host cells comprising the vectors, the use of vector containing host cells to screen drugs, and methods of using the vectors to determine gene function. The methods also include the prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of disease, especially viral infection, and HIV infection in particular.

Abstract: The present invention is related to mammary tumor virus (MTV). MTV represents a group of retroviruses which possess very high homology to mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV), a virus known to cause neoplastic mammary disease in mice. As described herein, MTV's have been identified in human, cat, and Rhesus macaque. The present invention specifically provides for recombinant nucleic acids and polypeptides derived from these MTV's as well as methods for using these biological molecules.

Abstract: A variant tax gene of bovine leukemia virus enhancing ability to induce replication of bovine leukemia virus or a retrovirus related to the bovine leukemia virus which encodes a variant gene product containing one or more mutations selected from the group consisting of substitution of the 240th Ser for Thr, substitution of the 247th Asp for Gly, substitution of the 251st Thr for Ala, substitution of the 258th Asp for Gly, substitution of the 261st His for Arg, substitution of the 261st His for Tyr, and substitution of the 265th Ser for Gly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for enhancing the specific immune response against an immunogenic compound which comprises administering the immunogenic compound together with a poxvirus recombinant and a vaccinal antigen, which is not a poxvirus. The immunological material may be any biological material useful as a vaccine e.g., a polypeptide characteristic of a pathogenic microorganism or associated with a tumoral disorder, a DNA plasmid encoding a peptide or a polypeptide characteristic of a pathogenic microorganism or a tumor-associated antigen, or an hapten coupled to a carrier molecule. The poxvirus may be a live, attenuated or inactivated virus or a recombinant virus. Recombinant virus may encode a heterologous polypeptide such as chemokines, cytokines or co-immunostimulatory molecules or an homologous polypeptide, which is immunologically cross reactive with the immunogenic polypeptide or peptide.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to novel methods and compositions for protecting cats from infection by a broad range of FIV strains using a multi-subtype FIV vaccine. Multi-subtype FIV vaccines comprising either cell free whole virus or cell lines infected with viruses are described. Methods for vaccinating cats with the subject vaccine compositions are also described. Cats vaccinated according to the methods and compositions of the subject invention exhibit protective humoral and cellular immune responses to FIV when challenged with homologous or heterologous strains of FIV. The subject invention also pertains to novel feline cell lines that are susceptible to infection by FIV and their methods of use.

Abstract: The present invention provides vaccine compositions comprising an oil-in-water emulsion optionally with 3 De-O-acylated monophosphoryl lipid A and QS21. The vaccine compositions are potent inducers of a range of immune responses.

Abstract: Polypeptide sequences for PERV-A receptors found on primate cells, including human, and the polynucleotides encoding those polypeptide receptor sequences are disclosed along with processes for using the PERV-A receptors in both in vitro and in vivo screening assays and models for agents that block viral infection. Also disclosed are processes for detecting the presence of PERV receptors in a tissue, blocking virus binding to receptors and protection of an animal, such as a human patient, from PERV infection. Antibodies that react with PERV receptors, vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding such receptors and recombinant cells that express these receptors are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides an equine infectious anemia (EIA) vaccine that provides immunity to mammals, especially equines, from infection with equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) and which allows differentiation between vaccinated and non-vaccinated, but exposed, mammals or equines. Preferably said vaccine encompasses at least one mutation in an EIAV which produces a non-functional gene in the vaccine virus that is always expressed in disease-producing wild-type EIA viruses. Additionally, said EIA vaccine virus cannot cause clinical disease in mammals or spread or shed to other mammals including equines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to (a) methods for improving a genetic stability of an insert nucleotide sequence in a recombinant single-stranded RNA virus vector, which comprises performing a mutagenesis of the foreign insert nucleotide sequence to provide even distribution of G/C content throughout the overall foreign insert nucleotide sequence and/or to increase G/C content of the foreign insert without substantially causing amino acids substitutions (b) a recombinant single-stranded RNA virus comprising an insert nucleotide sequence with improved genetic stability and (c) a recombinant poliovirus comprising an insert nucleotide sequence with improved genetic stability.

Abstract: The invention provides an equine infectious anemia (EIA) vaccine that provides immunity to mammals, especially equines, from infection with equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) and which allows differentiation between vaccinated and non-vaccinated, but exposed, mammals or equines. Preferably said vaccine encompasses at least one mutation in an EIAV which produces a non-functional gene in the vaccine virus that is always expressed in disease-producing wild-type EIA viruses. Additionally, said EIA vaccine virus cannot cause clinical disease in mammals or spread or shed to other mammals including equines.

Abstract: An orally administrable therapeutic protein is provided by combining the therapeutic protein with a stabilizing agent in an aqueous solution. The solution is coated onto nonpareils and microencapsulated with a water emulsifiable enteric coating composition. The microcapsules are orally administered. The coating protects the protein as it passes through the stomach. Upon reaching the small intestines, the basic pH of the intestinal juices will dissolve the coating, allowing the protein to be released and induce antigen specific immune response which has the specificity of the native molecule. The stabilizing agent protects the therapeutic protein from denaturation during the encapsulation process.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to novel methods and compositions for protecting cats from infection by a broad range of FIV strains using a multi-subtype FIV vaccine. Multi-subtype FIV vaccines comprising either cell free whole virus or cell lines infected with viruses are described. Methods for vaccinating cats with the subject vaccine compositions are also described. Cats vaccinated according to the methods and compositions of the subject invention exhibit protective humoral and cellular immune responses to FIV when challenged with homologous or heterologous strains of FIV. The subject invention also pertains to novel feline cell lines that are susceptible to infection by FIV and their methods of use.

Abstract: The invention provides a polynucleotide comprising portions of the genomes of caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus and HIV-1, resulting in a chimeric retrovirus referred to as a “CHIV. ” The invention also provides a vaccine comprising a CHIV immunogen and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A method of stimulating an immune response in an individual-against human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a CHIV immunogen is also provided. The invention further provides a method of stimulating an immune response in vitro by contacting a lymphocyte with a therapeutically effective amount of a CHIV immunogen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the efficient expression of HIV polypeptides in a variety of cell types, including, but not limited to, mammalian, insect, and plant cells. Synthetic expression cassettes encoding the HIV Gag-containing polypeptides are described, as are uses of the expression cassettes in applications including DNA immunization, generation of packaging cell lines, and production of Env-, tat- or Gag-containing proteins. The invention provides methods of producing Virus-Like Particles (VLPs), as well as, uses of the VLPs including, but not limited to, vehicles for the presentation of antigens and stimulation of immune response in subjects to whom the VLPs are administered.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods, devices and compositions for detection of endogenous retroviruses found in xenotransplant materials. The methods and compositions are suited for detection of endogenous type-C retroviruses and in particular, for porcine endogenous retrovirus, PERV.

Abstract: The invention provides an equine infectious anemia (EIA) vaccine that provides immunity to mammals, especially equines, from infection with equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) and which allows differentiation between vaccinated and non-vaccinated, but exposed, mammals or equines. Preferably said vaccine encompasses at least one mutation in an EIAV which produces a non-functional gene in the vaccine virus that is always expressed in disease-producing wild-type EIA viruses. Additionally, said EIA vaccine virus cannot cause clinical disease in mammals or spread or shed to other mammals including equines.

Abstract: Non-infectious, non-replicating immunogenic HIV-like particles are produced by stable long-term constitutive expression in mammalian cells by eliminating elements toxic to the mammalian cells. An expression vector contains a nucleic acid molecule comprising a modified HIV genome devoid of long terminal repeats and wherein Tat and vpr sequences are functionally disabled and a constitutive promoter operatively connected to the modified HIV genome for constitutive expression of the modified genome to produce the HIV-like particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to foreign peptide sequences fused to recombinant plant viral structural proteins and a method of their production. Fusion proteins are economically synthesized in plants at high levels by biologically contained tobamoviruses. The fusion proteins of the invention have are useful as antigens for inducing the production of antibodies having desired binding properties, e.g., protective antibodies, or for use as vaccine antigens for the induction of protective immunity against the parvovirus. Feline parvovirus epitopes were fused to the N-terminus of the TMV coat protein, expressed in Nicotiana plants, extracted, purified, characterized and administered to animals, resulting in protective immunity.

Abstract: Structured Treatment Interruptions of drug therapy for Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection can be used to enhance HIV-specific immune responses, thereby allowing the individual to control viral replication after interrupting the drug treatment. Immunoregulatory adjuvants can further increase these immune responses. A diagnostic method for the immune status of the patient that controls HIV includes measurements of viral load and production of both IFN-gamma and IL-10.

Abstract: The present invention provides VSV vectors comprising nucleic acid encoding a HTLV-1 viral protein, such as HTLV-1 gag and env proteins, from any strain of HTLV-1 for the production of HTLV-1 VLPs. The present invention provides VSV vectors comprising nucleic acid encoding a HPV viral protein, such as HPV L1 or L1 and L2, from any strain of HPV for the production of HPV VLPs. The present invention also provides methods of making such vectors, host cells, expression systems, and compositions comprising such VSV vectors, and viral particles comprising such VSV vectors. The present invention also provides vaccine compositions and provides methods for eliciting an immune response in an individual and methods for ameliorating symptoms of disease.

Abstract: A composition for treating or preventing virus-induced infections is described, along with a process of producing the composition and methods of the composition's use. The composition comprises viral pathogen-infected cell or tissue, or malignantly or immunologically aberrant cells or tissues which has been reduced and/or denatured. The preferred composition is administered across a mucosal surface of an animal suffering or about suffer from infection. The composition is administered as preventive or therapeutic vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for preserving infectious recombinant viruses in frozen or liquid form, in which infectious viruses are preserved in an aqueous solution. The recombinant virus suspension comprises an aqueous sucrose solution at a concentration of 0.75 M or above, preferably between 0.75 M and 1.5 M, or more preferably at a concentration of 1 M. The preserved aqueous viral suspension further provides a medicament that can be used therapeutically or prophylactically for the treatment of a human or animal body by gene therapy.