Abstract: The invention relates to an attenuated non-segmented negative-sense RNA virus characterized by at least one mutation in the L gene wherein the mutation reduces viral replication, the methods of manufacturing and methods of use.

Abstract: Transcutaneous immunization can deliver antigen to the immune system through the stratum corneum without physical or chemical penetration to the dermis layer of the skin. This delivery system induces an antigen-specific immune response. Use of skin-active adjuvants is preferred. Although perforation of intact skin is not required, superficial penetration or micropenetration of the skin can act as an enhancer; similarly, hydration may enhance the immune response. This system can induce antigen-specific immune effectors after epicutaneous application of a formulation containing one or more antigen and adjuvant. The formulation may initiate processes such as antigen uptake, processing, and presentation; Langerhans cell activation, migration from the skin to other immune organs, and differentiation to mature dendritic cells; contacting antigen with lymphocytes bearing cognate antigen receptors on the cell surface and their stimulation; and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides vectors that contain and express in vivo or in vitro CDV polypeptides or antigens that elicit an immune response in animal against CDV, compositions comprising said vectors and/or CDV polypeptides, and methods of vaccination against CDV. The invention further provides methods for inducing an immunogenic or protective response against CDV and other canine virus, as well as methods for preventing or treating CDV and other canine virus or disease state(s) caused by CDV and other canine virus.

Abstract: The use of oxidatively transformed carotenoid or a component thereof to enhance the immune response in a subject for the treatment of infection or to enhance the immune response to an antigen in a subject being immunized. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions and kits containing the oxidatively transformed carotenoid.

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: Improved (safer and more effective) methods of therapy using TNF-R agonists, e.g., CD40 agonists are provided. These methods provide for the addition of an amount of a type 1 interferon and/or a TLR agonist that is effective to prevent or reduce the toxicity (liver toxicity) that may otherwise result in some patients of the TNF-R agonist is used as a monotherapy (without the type 1 interferon and/r TLR agonist).

Abstract: The invention provides novel adjuvants and pharmaceutical composition comprising of an adjuvant alone. The invention also provides novel vaccine compositions comprising of an antigen and a novel adjuvant. The novel adjuvant as per present invention is farnesoid-X-receptor (FXR) antagonist. The invention also relates to an adjuvant for variety of antigens. The adjuvant improves antibody production specific to incorporated antigen. The adjuvant also induces cell mediated immune response.

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 relates to a vaccine composition comprising: a) inactivated whole virus, and b) a stabilizing excipient which comprises: i. a buffer solution, ii. a mixture of essential and nonessential amino acids, iii. a disaccharide, iv. a polyol, v. a chelating agent, vi. urea or a urea derivative, and vii. a nonionic surfactant.

Abstract: Iscom particles can be used as an adjuvant for preparing of an antigenic composition which comprises live micro-organisms and/or killed micro-organisms and/or antigenic molecules. A composition may comprise at least one iscom particle and one or more live micro-organisms and/or killed micro-organisms and/or antigenic molecules. A kit can comprise at least one compartment containing at least one living organism and at least one compartment containing at least one iscom particle.

Abstract: Rabies Virus compositions and methods are provided. The full-length sequence of Rabies Virus strain Evelyn-Rokitnicki-Abelseth (ERA) is disclosed. A reverse genetics system for producing recombinant ERA virus and derivatives thereof is provided, along with compositions including ERA and/or ERA derivative strain viruses, nucleic acids and/or proteins. In some instances, the compositions are immunogenic compositions useful for the pre- or post-exposure treatment of Rabies Virus.

Abstract: A novel chimeric protein of rabies virus designed to express a chimeric G protein at a high level in transgenic plants. A gene was also designed and chemically synthesised to encode the chimeric G protein and expressed at high level in plant tissue. The gene was expressed in transgenic tobacco plants to examine its therapeutic efficacy against infection by rabies virus. The chimeric G protein was enriched in plant membranes. The BalbC mice were immunised with the plant leaf expressed G-protein. Plant derived chimeric G protein elicited higher immune response as compared to the commercial vaccine. The mice displayed protective immunity when they were challenged with live virus. Chimeric G protein expressed at high level in plant leaves was demonstrated to function as a commercially valuable subunit vaccine against rabies virus infection.

Abstract: This invention is for a method of treatment of rabies once the patient develops signs and symptoms of rabies with the intent to save the patients from death and disability using insulin combined with various anti rabies viral therapeutic, pharmaceutical, biochemical, and biological agents or compounds with added supportive therapies administered through OM, SAS, IVB, IV, and IA routes. An embodiment provides devices for intranasal delivery of therapeutic agents to olfactory mucosal area. Another embodiment uses the technology to deliver the therapeutic, pharmaceutical, biochemical, and biological agents or compounds to the subarachnoid space and ventricular system by using continuous catheters and Ommaya reservoir at the same time. The present method incorporates breaking the blood brain barrier to allow the entry of the anti rabies therapeutic agents into the neuropile. Additionally, an embodiment incorporates cooling of the brain and inducing hibernation to preserve the brain from damage due to rabies.

Abstract: A process is described for purifying vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) from cell culture fluid of a mammalian cell culture infected with VSV, the process comprising: clarifying the cell culture fluid by low-speed centrifugation and recovering the VSV in the supernatant; filtering the supernatant through a 0.2 to 0.45 ?m filter and recovering the VSV in the filtered solution; loading the VSV filtered solution onto a anion exchange membrane adsorber equilibrated with a first pH buffered salt solution, eluting the VSV from the anion exchange membrane adsorber with a second pH buffered salt solution and recovering the eluted VSV fractions; purifying the recovered VSV by tangential flow filtration (TFF) using a TFF membrane having a molecular weight cutoff between 300 kDa and 1,000 kDa and recovering the VSV in the retentate, and filtering the VSV retentate through a 0.2 to 0.22 ?m filter and recovering the VSV in the filtered solution.

Abstract: Rabies Virus compositions and methods are provided. The full-length sequence of Rabies Virus strain Evelyn-Rokitnicki-Abelseth (ERA) is disclosed. A reverse genetics system for producing recombinant ERA virus and derivatives thereof is provided, along with compositions including ERA and/or ERA derivative strain viruses, nucleic acids and/or proteins. In some instances, the compositions are immunogenic compositions useful for the pre- or post-exposure treatment of Rabies Virus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polynucleotide adjuvant composition and methods of use in eliciting an immune response. The present invention also provides an immunogenic composition comprising the polynucleotide adjuvant composition together with an antigen (e.g., as in a vaccine). The adjuvant compositions of the invention have particular physical properties (e.g., molecular weight, concentration, and pH) which address the need for a safe adjuvant for eliciting an enhanced immune response. The present invention further contemplates methods of use of such adjuvant compositions, particularly in eliciting an immune response to an antigenic compound.

Abstract: An attenuated rabies virus for use as a live vaccine. The attenuated rabies virus expresses an immune factor that enhances immune response upon administration of the live vaccine.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a method for purifying the rabies virus, comprising a single ion-exchange chromatography step, said step being cation exchange chromatography according to which: a) the supernatant of a culture of cells infected with this virus is brought into contact with a cation exchange chromatography support comprising a polymethacrylate matrix onto which sulfoisobutyl groups have been grafted such that the rabies virus binds to this support, and; b) the virus is eluted from its support.

Abstract: Adjuvant combinations comprising at least one NKT activator, such as alpha-galactosylceramide (?-Gal-Cer) or iGb3, a CD40 agonist and optionally an antigen are disclosed. The use of these immune adjuvants for treatment of various chronic diseases such as cancers is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of expressing a heterologous nucleic acid sequence, such as a sequence encoding a detectable protein, in a primary neuron (or plurality of primary neurons) and other neurons that are monosynaptically connected to the primary neuron (or plurality of primary neurons). Such methods involve viruses (such as, rabies viruses) defective for transsynaptic transport (TST-defective virus) and in situ complementation of the defect in a manner that permits only monosynaptic transport of the TST-defective virus. The TST-defective virus and, therefore, any heterologous nucleic acid sequence it carries in its genome, are not transmitted to neurons that are not monosynaptically connected to the primary neuron (or plurality of primary neurons). Also disclosed are methods of targeting a TST-defective virus to a genetically defined primary neuron (or plurality of primary neurons).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of adaptation of Pitman Moore strain of rabies virus to Primary chick fibroblast cells for the production of rabies vaccine.

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 mutant viruses with a decreased ability to block nuclear transport of mRNA or protein in an infected cell which are attenuated in vivo. The mutant viruses of the present invention may also be capable of triggering the anti-viral systems of normal host cells while remaining sensitive to the effects of these systems. The present invention further provides for the use of the mutant viruses in a range of applications including, but not limited to, as therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and infections, as vaccines and adjuvants, as viral vectors, and as oncolytic and cytolytic agents for the selective lysis of malignant or infected cells.

Abstract: Human monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to rabies virus, antigen binding portions thereof, and methods of making and using such antibodies and antigen binding portions thereof for treating rabies virus in a subject, are provided herein.

Abstract: Recombinant rabies viruses in which the arginine residue of the glycoprotein (G) at amino acid position 333 is exchanged, renders these viruses nonpathogenic for immunocompetent mammals regardless of the route of infection. Some of these recombinant rabies viruses after several serial virus passages in newborn mice can become pathogenic for adult mice. The reversion to the pathogenic phenotype is associated with a thymidine to adenosine mutation (T?A) at position 639 of the G gene, which results in an asparagine to lysine exchange at position 194 of G. The codon at position 637-639 was changed by site directed mutagenesis to replace asparagine at position 194 by an amino acid that minimized the possibility for an Asn?Lys exchange at amino acid position 194 of G and prevents reversion to a pathogenic form of the virus.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a vaccine and a method for using the vaccine to protect a feline from influenza virus infection. The vaccine comprises one or more antigens from one or more H3, N8, H7 or N7-type influenza viruses.

Abstract: Briefly described, virosomes, methods of preparing virosomes, immunogenic compositions that include virosomes, and methods of eliciting an immune response using immunogenic compositions that include virosomes are described herein. A virosome can include at least one viral surface envelope glycoprotein expressed on the surface of the virosome. The virosome can also optionally include at least one adjuvant molecule expressed on the surface of the virosome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunological compositions comprising sulpholipo-cyclodextrin (SL-CD) and, saponin or Quil A, and optionally at least one antigen. The invention relates to methods and immunological compositions comprising at least one antigen, which may be a veterinary antigen. The veterinary antigen in the methods and immunological compositions of the invention may be a bovine antigen. The invention relates to methods and immunological compositions comprising bovine ephemeral fever virus (BEFV), bovine herpesvirus 1 (IBR) or bluetongue virus (BTV). The invention comprises methods for eliciting an immune response against BEFV, IBR, or BTV in an animal, which comprises administering to the animal a composition of the invention. In the invention, particularly the immune response is a protective immune response. The invention comprises a method for preparing an immunological composition comprising adding Quil A to a virus.

Abstract: The invention provides for an immunogenic rabies vaccine comprising a reduced vaccine dose and methods of pre- and post-exposure immunization with a reduced dose. The concentration of rabies vaccine antigen per dose is preferably less than 2.5 IU/mL.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stabiliser composition comprising an amino acid, and a sugar wherein all compounds are chemically defined; to a vaccine composition comprising such a stabiliser composition and a biological molecule and/or a micro-organism; to a method for preparing a pharmaceutical composition comprising admixing such a stabiliser composition with a biological molecule and/or a micro-organism; to the use of such a stabiliser composition, and of vaccines prepared therewith.

Abstract: The present invention provides chimeric nucleic acids, preferably contained on an expression vector, that encode chimeric immunogenic polypeptides. The nucleic acids encode at least site III of a lyssavirus glycoprotein, which has been found to improve the immunogenicity of lyssavirus epitopes for protection from rabies. The chimeric nucleic acids and proteins can also contain antigenic determinants for epitopes other than those of lyssavirus. Thus, the invention provides chimeric nucleic acids and polypeptides that elicit a strong immune response to multiple antigens. Use of the methods of the present invention permits DNA vaccination without the need to supply multiple antigens on separate DNA molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cellular vaccine for therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of a pathological condition, the vaccine comprising or consisting of a population of CD 4+ T cells modified such that they contain an antigenic component, and/or a nucleic acid molecule encoding an antigenic component thereof, wherein the T cells are (a) activated, or capable of being activated, and (b) apoptotic, or capable or being made apoptotic. The invention further provides an adjuvant composition for use in a method of vaccination, the composition comprising or consisting of a population of T cells, wherein the T cells are (a) activated, or capable of being activated, and (b) apoptotic, or capable or being made apoptotic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the generation of replication-competent viruses having therapeutic utility. The replication-competent viruses of the invention can express proteins useful in the treatment of disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjuvant, which includes at least one single strand deoxynucleotide containing a CpG dinucleotide. The single strand deoxynucleotide comprises one or more CpG dinucleotides. When used in combination with rabies vaccine, HBV vaccine or other vaccines, the adjuvant can significantly improve the immune effect of the vaccine.

Abstract: A microprojection array is provided, comprising an approximately planar base and a plurality of microprojections, wherein the array comprises a vaccine and a polymeric material. The array may have multiple layers. The vaccine may be placed in only one layer. In another embodiment of the invention, a method of preventing a disease is provided, comprising insertion into the skin of a patient an array of microprojections comprising a layer which comprises a vaccine for that disease and a polymer.

Abstract: A mutant virus is provided which contains a mutation at a phosphorylation site in one or more of the proteins of the virus, which mutation causes the virus to be attenuated, and therefore, an improved vaccine composition can be produced therewith. The invention also relates to vaccine compositions which contain the mutant virus, as well as to methods of inducing an immune response, and of protecting mammals from infection by rabies virus. Also included in the invention are methods of producing the mutant virus and mutant viral proteins, including producing the mutant virus in a host cell which produces or even overproduces a wild-type counterpart of the mutant viral protein, which complements the other viral proteins such that production of the mutant viral particle is optimized.

Abstract: A vaccine comprises a portion of IHNV G protein and a portion of a second protein from a fish pathogen, or their respective nucleic acid coding sequences. The presence of the IHNV G protein boosts the immune response to the second protein, resulting in a protective effect against infection by the fish pathogen and/or mortality caused by the fish pathogen from which the second protein is derived.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to introduce a nucleic acid molecule into a fetid 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 fetid 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 fetid a composition that includes a nucleic acid molecule complexed with a cationic lipid.

Abstract: Human monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to rabies virus, antigen binding portions thereof, and methods of making and using such antibodies and antigen binding portions thereof for treating rabies virus in a subject, are provided herein.

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 invention provides for a method of enhancing immunological responses to an antigen in a vaccine formulation, and for a vaccine formulation that provides for an enhanced immunological response to an antigen. In the method and formulation the antigen is administered with an adjuvant which adjuvant comprises a solution of nitrous oxide gas in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier solvent for the gas and which adjuvant includes at least one fatty acid or ester or other suitable derivative thereof selected from the group consisting of oleic acid, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid [C20: 5?3], decosahexaenoic acid [C22: 6?3], ricinoleic acid and derivatives thereof selected from the group consisting of the C1 to C6 alkyl esters thereof, the glycerol-polyethylene glycol esters thereof and the reaction product of hydrogenated natural oils composed largely of ricinoleic acid based oils, such as castor oil with ethylene oxide.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method to determine the immune status of an animal that includes the steps of (a) contacting a biological specimen of the animal with a recombinant infectious agent antigen that is specific for detecting an antibody selective for that infectious agent, under conditions suitable for formation of a complex between the recombinant antigen and the antibody and (b) detecting the presence or absence of the complex, wherein presence or absence of a complex is indicative of the immune status of the animal. Preferably such a method indicates whether the animal should be vaccinated. The present invention also includes an assay comprising (a) a recombinant infectious agent antigen that is specific for detecting an antibody selective for that infectious agent; and (b) a means to detect an antibody that selectively binds to the recombinant antigen.

Abstract: Viruses having weakened ability to establish and/or maintain latency and their use as live vaccines are described. The vaccines have one or more alterations in genes that provide continued virus replication but that inhibit latency. The vaccine materials and methods for their construction are exemplified with the varicella zoster virus. Deletion of a significant portion from both copies of the varicella zoster gene ORF63 was shown to inhibit establishment of a latent infection from a live vaccine form of the virus. Insertion of an additional ORF62 gene which is partially truncated with the ORF63 deletion inhibited establishment of latency and allowed normal growth of the virus. Other desirable viral antigen encoding sequence(s) and/or cytokine genes advantageously may replace deleted genetic material to enhance a desired immunological response. Aspects of the discovery pertain to live vaccines of other viruses, and can provide a variety of vaccines having greater safety.

Abstract: A transcutaneous immunization system where the topical application of an adjuvant and an antigen or nucleic acid encoding for an antigen, to intact skin induces a systemic or mucosol antibody response. The immune response so elicited can be enhanced by physical or chemical skin penetration enhancement.

Abstract: The present invention provides chimeric nucleic acids, preferably contained on an expression vector, that encode chimeric immunogenic polypeptides. The nucleic acids encode at least site III of a lyssavirus glycoprotein, which has been found to improve the immunogenicity of lyssavirus epitopes for protection from rabies. The chimeric nucleic acids and proteins can also contain antigenic determinants for epitopes other than those of lyssavirus. Thus, the invention provides chimeric nucleic acids and polypeptides that elicit a strong immune response to multiple antigens. Use of the methods of the present invention permits DNA vaccination without the need to supply multiple antigens on separate DNA molecules.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a medicine comprising an active component of Rabies Vaccine for Human Use and methods of using thereof to treat tumors and HPV infections. The compositions and methods did not result in any observable side-effects in the experiments disclosed herein and were observed to adjust body function and improve cell and body fluid immunity. Animal experiments disclosed herein exhibit that the compositions and methods provide anti-oxidative and anti-aging effects. The methods and compositions prevent or inhibit cellular damage and enhance immunity and cellular function and repair.

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 present invention involves a recombinant virus which comprises at least one foreign nucleic acid inserted within a non-essential region of the viral genome of a virus, wherein each such foreign nucleic acid encodes a protein. The protein which is encoded is selected from the groups consisting of a feline CD28 protein or an immunogenic portion thereof, a feline cD80 protein or an immunogenic portion thereof, a feline CD86 protein or an immunogenic portion thereof, or a feline CTLA-4 protein or an immunogenic portion thereof. The protein is capable of being expressed when the recombinant virus is introduced into an appropiate host. The present invention also involves a recombinant virus further comprising a foreign nucleic acid encoding an immunogen derived from a pathogen. The present invention also comprises recombinant viruses which are capable of enhancing an immune response in a feline.

Abstract: The present invention provides chimeric nucleic acids, preferably contained on an expression vector, that encode chimeric immunogenic polypeptides. The nucleic acids encode at least site III of a lyssavirus glycoprotein, which has been found to improve the immunogenicity of lyssavirus epitopes for protection from rabies. The chimeric nucleic acids and proteins can also contain antigenic determinants for epitopes other than those of lyssavirus. Thus, the invention provides chimeric nucleic acids and polypeptides that elicit a strong immune response to multiple antigens. Use of the methods of the present invention permits DNA vaccination without the need to supply multiple antigens on separate DNA molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides chimeric nucleic acids, preferably contained on an expression vector, that encode chimeric immunogenic polypeptides. The nucleic acids encode at least site III of a lyssavirus glycoprotein, which has been found to improve the immunogenicity of lyssavirus epitopes for protection from rabies. The chimeric nucleic acids and proteins can also contain antigenic determinants for epitopes other than those of lyssavirus. Thus, the invention provides chimeric nucleic acids and polypeptides that elicit a strong immune response to multiple antigens. Use of the methods of the present invention permits DNA vaccination without the need to supply multiple antigens on separate DNA molecules.