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

Abstract: The present invention relates to RSV vaccines and methods for inducing an immune response to RSV in a subject comprising administering an RSV vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically engineered recombinant respiratory syncytial viruses and viral vectors which contain deletions of various viral accessory gene(s) either singly or in combination. In accordance with the present invention, the recombinant respiratory syncytial viral vectors and viruses are engineered to contain complete deletions of the M2-2, NS1, NS2, or SH viral accessory genes or various combinations thereof. In addition, the present invention relates to the attenuation of respiratory syncytial virus by mutagenisis of the M2-1 gene.

Abstract: The present invention provides vectors that contain and express in vivo or in vitro one or more Hendra virus polypeptides or antigens that elicit an immune response in animal or human against Hendra virus and Nipah virus, compositions comprising said vectors and/or Hendra virus polypeptides, methods of vaccination against Hendra virus and Nipah virus, and kits for use with such methods and compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant bovine parainfluenza virus (bPIV) cDNA or RNA which may be used to express heterologous gene products in appropriate host cell systems and/or to rescue negative strand RNA recombinant viruses that express, package, and/or present the heterologous gene product. The chimeric viruses and expression products may advantageously be used in vaccine formulations including vaccines against a broad range of pathogens and antigens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies that bind or neutralize Hendra or Nipah virus. The invention provides such antibodies, fragments of such antibodies retaining Hendra or Nipah virus-binding ability, fully human antibodies retaining Hendra or Nipah virus-binding ability, and pharmaceutical compositions including such antibodies. The invention further provides for isolated nucleic acids encoding the antibodies of the invention and host cells transformed therewith. Additionally, the invention provides for prophylactic, therapeutic, and diagnostic methods employing the antibodies and nucleic acids of the invention.

Abstract: Provided are newly identified pneumoviruses that can infect mammals, including dogs cats and potentially humans. Isolated polynucleotides and proteins of the viruses, as well as the isolated viruses themselves are provided. The invention includes compositions and methods for detecting the viruses, methods and compositions for prophylaxis and/or therapy of disease signs that are positively correlated with the presence of the viruses, and isolated cells comprising the viruses. Intact virions, viral proteins, and fragments thereof are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to cholesterol-sequestering agents and methods of using cholesterol-sequestering agents to treat or prevent infection. The compositions of the invention can be used in vitro or in vivo to decrease the load of a microorganism in a biological sample. Methods of generating an immune response against a microorganism are also included.

Abstract: The complete polynucleotide sequence of the human respiratory syncytial virus subgroup B strain 9320 genome is provided. Proteins encoded by this polynucleotide sequence are also provided. Isolated or recombinant RSV (e.g., attenuated recombinant RSV), nucleic acids, and polypeptides, e.g., comprising mutations in the attachment protein G, are also provided, as are immunogenic compositions comprising such isolated or recombinant RSV, nucleic acids, and polypeptides. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the treatment or prevention of RSV disease by modulating RSV infection and immunity. In particular, amino acid sequences in the RSV G glycoprotein, containing the chemokine motif defined as C-X-X-X-C (or CX3C), are identified that are essential in causing RSV infection and disease. The chemokine motif is biologically active and participates in virus binding to and infection of susceptible cells. The prevention or treatment of RSV infection is achieved by interfering with the motif, such as by administering a vaccine in which the motif is altered or by administration or induction of blocking molecules that inhibit the biological activity of the motif.

Abstract: The invention provides immunostimulatory compositions and methods of administration thereof. Also provided are methods of administering a tryptanthrin compound in an effective amount to enhance the immune response of a subject to an antigen. Also provided are methods of administering an effective amount of a tryptanthrin to stimulate the immune response in a subject for the treatment of cancer. Further provided are methods of administering a tryptanthrin compounds as an immunotherapeutic in the treatment of infectious diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel class of compounds, immunogenic compositions and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods of using such compounds to treat or prevent diseases or disorders associated with Toll-Like Receptors 7. In one aspect, the compounds are useful as adjuvants for enhancing the effectiveness of a vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the purification of cell-associated viruses from adherent cells (e.g., MDCK or Vero cells). In particular, the present invention provides purification methods for the production of immunogenic compositions comprising a live attenuated cell-associated virus (e.g., an attenuated respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or cold-adapted, and/or temperature sensitive influenza virus) that 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 relates to N protein-protein of interest fusion proteins, optionally in the form of soluble N protein-protein of interest/P protein complexes, the N and P proteins being proteins of a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family. When the protein of interest is an antigen, the invention relates also to vaccinal compositions and diagnostic reagents comprising those N protein-antigen fusion proteins or those N protein-antigen/P protein complexes. The N protein-protein of interest fusion protein can also be used as a “vector” for transporting into cells therapeutic molecules of interest, such as antivirals or anticancer agents.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of preventing and/or treating infection by a respiratory virus such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), particularly reducing infection and/or one or more symptoms of respiratory virus infection. A polynucleotide comprising an immunostimulatory sequence (an “ISS”) is administered to an individual which is at risk of being exposed to a respiratory virus, has been exposed to a respiratory virus or is infected with a respiratory virus. The ISS is administered without any antigens of the respiratory virus. Administration of the ISS results in reduced incidence and/or severity of one or more symptoms of respiratory virus infection.

Abstract: A preparation of peptides eluted from class II HLA molecules is disclosed. Methods of decreasing measles infections comprising inoculating human patients with a vaccine comprising one or more of the peptides and methods of diagnosing measles infections or immunity comprising analyzing human patients for the presence of one or more of the peptides or antibodies to the peptide(s) are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to immunizing agents and devices.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunogenic compositions comprising RSV F protein, methods for preparing compositions that contain RSV F protein ecto-domain polypeptides, and to certain engineered RSV F proteins and nucleic acids that encode the engineered RSV F proteins. Compositions prepared using the methods can contain RSV F protein ecto-domain polypeptides in a predominant or single desired form and conformation. The invention also relates to methods for inducing an immune response to RSV F.

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: Compositions and methods are provided for the treatment or prevention of RSV disease by modulating RSV infection and immunity. In particular, amino acid sequences in the RSV G glycoprotein, containing the chemokine motif defined as C-X-X-X-C (or CX3C), are identified that are essential in causing RSV infection and disease. The chemokine motif is biologically active and participates in virus binding to and infection of susceptible cells. The prevention or treatment of RSV infection is achieved by interfering with the motif, such as by administering a vaccine in which the motif is altered or by administration or induction of blocking molecules that inhibit the biological activity of the motif.

Abstract: The complete polynucleotide sequence of the human respiratory syncytial virus subgroup B strain 9320 genome is provided. Proteins encoded by this polynucleotide sequence are also provided. Isolated or recombinant RSV (e.g., attenuated recombinant RSV), nucleic acids, and polypeptides, e.g., comprising mutations in the attachment protein G, are also provided, as are immunogenic compositions comprising such isolated or recombinant RSV, nucleic acids, and polypeptides. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a methodology for the generation of nonsegmented negative-strand RNA viruses (Pringle, 1991) from cloned deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA). Such rescued viruses are suitable for use as vaccines, or alternatively, as plasmids in somatic gene therapy applications. The invention also relates to cDNA molecules suitable as tools in this methodology and to helper cell lines allowing the direct rescue of such viruses. Measles virus (MV) is used as a mode for other representatives of the Mononegavirales, in particular the family Paramyxoviridae.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to peptide vaccines. More specifically, the present invention relates to vaccines against rhinoviruses and other related and non-related pathogenic animal viruses. In addition, the present invention relates generally to methods of designing and producing vaccines against viruses and, in certain embodiments, against rhinoviruses and other pathogenic viruses.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a fluorescence resonance energy transfer based high throughput test system to measure the formation of the RSV F1 six-helix bundle. In a first embodiment the current invention relates to a homogeneous time resolved fluorescence-based test system comprising a first helical polypeptide consisting essentially of the sequence of IQN57 (SEQ ID NO: 1); a second helical polypeptide consisting essentially of the sequence of C45 (SEQ ID NO: 2) wherein said IQN57 is labeled with a light emitting fluorophore and said C45 is labeled with an ultra-violet excitable fluorophore.

Abstract: Classical swine fever virus is a world-wide distributed highly-contagious disease affecting swine. The two main strategies for diseases control are prophylactic vaccination and non-vaccination stamping out policies. Marker vaccines are a promising strategy. Here we report the rational development of a doubly antigenic marker CSFV experimental live attenuated candidate strain vaccine (Flag/T4 virus). Flag/T virus (Flag/T4v) is based in the combination of two Brescia derived recombinant attenuated viruses: RB-C22 and T4. RB-C22v contains a 19mer insertion in the structural glycoprotein E1, while T4v posses mutated CSFV amino acid residues 830 to 834 in the structural glycoprotein E2, deleting the highly conserved epitope recognized by monoclonal antibody (mAb) WH303. Flag/T4 virus contains a positive foreign antigenic marker, due to the insertion of the highly antigenic epitope Flag in the 19mer insertion of E1, as well as a negative antigenic marker, the lack of reactivity with mAb WH303.

Abstract: Fusion of the membrane of enveloped viruses with the plasma membrane of a receptive host cell is a prerequisite for viral entry and infection and an essential step in the life cycle of all enveloped viruses, such as paramyxoviruses. The instant invention is directed to providing polypeptides which are a heptad portion of a Henipavirus F protein effective against fusion between a membrane of a paramyxovirus and a plasma membrane of a cell. The instant invention also provides nucleic acids, compositions, and methods effective against paramyxovirus infection. Accordingly, the instant invention provides therapeutic agents and vaccines effective against paramyxoviruses viruses, especially HeV or NiV.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the stimulation of immune responses. Specifically, the present invention provides nanoemulsion compositions harboring one or more immunogens within the oil phase of the nanoemulsion and methods of using the same for the induction of immune responses (e.g., innate and/or adaptive immune responses (e.g., for generation of host immunity against an environmental pathogen)). Compositions and methods of the invention find use in, among other things, clinical (e.g., therapeutic and preventative medicine (e.g., vaccination)) and research applications.

Abstract: A method is provided for immunizing against pulmonary inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness associated with infantile RSV infection. This method includes administering an antisense oligonucletide to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant bovine parainfluenza virus (bPIV) cDNA or RNA which may be used to express heterologous gene products in appropriate host cell systems and/or to rescue negative strand RNA recombinant viruses that express, package, and/or present the heterologous gene product. The chimeric viruses and expression products may advantageously be used in vaccine formulations including vaccines against a broad range of pathogens and antigens.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel Paramyxovirus virus-like particles, wherein said virus-like particles are composed of surface glycoprotein G; surface glycoprotein F; and matrix protein M. Further provided is a vaccine comprising the virus-like particles described herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Also provided is a method of vaccinating a subject against paramyxovirus infection comprising administering the vaccine described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunogenic compositions comprising RSV F protein, methods for preparing compositions that contain RSV F protein ecto-domain polypeptides, and to certain engineered RSV F proteins and nucleic acids that encode the engineered RSV F proteins. Compositions prepared using the methods can contain RSV F protein ecto-domain polypeptides in a predominant or single desired form and conformation. The invention also relates to methods for inducing an immune response to RSV F.

Abstract: A plant-derived vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is disclosed. The vaccine includes an immunogenic complex that includes plant cells transformed with a chimeric gene containing a nucleotide sequence adapted for protein expression in plants and an RSV coding sequence that encodes an antigenic protein of RSV. Also disclosed are methods of making the plant-derived vaccine of the invention, as well as transgenic plants, transgenic plant cells, and nucleic acid constructs useful in immunizing a mammal against RSV.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparation of soluble N-protein/truncated P-protein complex of a virus of the family Paramyxoviridae, complexes prepared thus and the soluble N-proteins which may be isolated from said complexes. The invention further relates to vaccine compositions comprising said N-protein/truncated P-protein complexes or N-proteins from Paramyxoviridae.

Abstract: Disclosed are dosage forms and related methods, that include a first population of synthetic nanocarriers that have one or more first antigens coupled to them, one or more second antigens that are not coupled to the synthetic nanocarriers, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

Abstract: Enveloped virus-based virus-like particles (VLPs) that are free of infectious agents and substantially as immunogenic as corresponding VLPs prior to inactivation of infectious agents are described. Improved methods of inactivation infectious agents in preparations of enveloped virus-based VLPs are also described wherein the methods do not adversely affect the immunogenicity of the VLPs.

Abstract: The objects of the present invention are to provide a freeze-dried composition of an inactivated virus envelop having membrane fusion activity which can be stored at higher temperatures without losing the ability to introduce foreign matters and to provide a method of introducing a foreign matter into a cell with high efficiency. The present invention provides a freeze-dried composition for introducing a foreign matter which comprises an inactivated virus envelope having membrane fusion activity, and at least one stabilizer selected from the group consisting of a protein hydrolysate, leucine, an L-arginine-acid and a polysaccharide, and a method of introducing a foreign matter using the freeze-dried composition containing an inactivated virus envelope.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for the treatment and prevention of conditions associated with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection. RSV-associated conditions include acute infections in mammals, typically bronchiolitis and pneumonia, and post-infectious chronic respiratory conditions. In particular, the present invention describes new therapeutic and preventative uses for 3,3?-diindolylmethane (DIM), or a DIM-related indole, alone or in combination with an inhibitor of a membrane bound Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, to treat conditions associated with exposure to RSV.

Abstract: Mucosal and systemic administration of compositions comprising alphavirus replicon particles to induce immune responses in a subject is described.

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: The present invention features live, attenuated respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV) useful as vaccines against RSV infection and/or the development of severe RSV-associated illnesses. The disclosed viruses are attenuated to the extent of being nonpathogenic when administered to a subject but substantially retain the antigenic and immunogenic properties of wild-type RSV.

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 relates, in general, to a methodology for the generation of nonsegmented negative-strand RNA viruses (Pringle, 1991) from cloned deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA). Such rescued viruses are suitable for use as vaccines, or alternatively, as plasmids in somatic gene therapy applications. The invention also relates to cDNA molecules suitable as tools in this methodology and to helper cell lines allowing the direct rescue of such viruses. Measles virus (MV) is used as a mode for other representatives of the Mononegavirales, in particular the family Paramyxoviridae.

Abstract: Two recently characterized live attenuated HPIV1 vaccine candidates, rHPIV1-CR84G/?170HNT553ALY942A and rHPIV1-CR84G/?170HN-T553AL?1710-11, which contain temperature sensitive (ts) attenuating (att) and non-ts att mutations, were evaluated in a Human Airway Epithelium (HAE) model culture system and in vivo in African Green monkeys (AGM). The vaccine candidates were highly restricted in growth in HAE at permissive (32° C.) and restrictive (37° C.) temperatures. The viruses grew slightly better at 37° C. than at 32° C., and rHPIV1-CR84G/?170HNT553A-LY942A was less attenuated than rHPIV1-CR84G/?170HNT553AL?1710-11. The level of replication in HAE correlated with that observed in African Green monkeys, suggesting that the HAE model is useful as a tool for pre-clinical evaluation of HPIV1 vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies that bind or neutralize Hendra or Nipah virus. The invention provides such antibodies, fragments of such antibodies retaining Hendra or Nipah virus-binding ability, fully human antibodies retaining Hendra or Nipah virus-binding ability, and pharmaceutical compositions including such antibodies. The invention further provides for isolated nucleic acids encoding the antibodies of the invention and host cells transformed therewith. Additionally, the invention provides for prophylactic, therapeutic, and diagnostic methods employing the antibodies and nucleic acids of the invention.

Abstract: Chimeric respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) polypeptide antigens are provided. The disclosed polypeptides include a first amino acid sequence comprising an F2 domain uncleavably joined to an F1 domain of a Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Fusion (F) protein polypeptide; and a second amino acid sequence comprising a portion of an RSV Attachment (G) protein polypeptide comprising an immunologically dominant epitope. The disclosure also provides nucleic acids that encode, and pharmaceutical compositions that contain, the chimeric RSV polypeptides, as well as methods for their production and use.

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 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: 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: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding recombinant genomes or antigenomes of Human Parainfluenza Viruses that are useful as vaccines. The recombinant genomes or antigenomes can be incorporated into expression vectors for production of recombinant viruses in vitro. The invention also provides recombinant Human Parainfluenza viruses having one or more mutations that attenuate replication of the virus in a host.