Abstract: The present invention provides the use of an M. vaccae preparation for the manufacture of a medicament for use in the treatment of a chronic viral infection, excluding an HIV infection. Chronic viral infections include HPV infection, such as HPV infection associated with cervical dysplasia, herpes virus infection, subacute sclerosing pan-encephalitis and hepatitis virus infection.

Abstract: The invention concerns an isolated mHBV having the following characteristics: (i) a genome with partly double-strand circular DNA, (ii) the genome including the Pre-S, S, C, P and X genes, (iii) the Pre-S genes coding for surface antigens, the S gene coding for a HBsAg envelope protein, the C gene coding for a HBeAg protein and aHBcAg protein, the P gene coding for a DNA reverse polymerase/transcriptase enzyme and the X gene coding for a HBxAg protein. The invention is characterised in that the gene S comprises a DNA nucleotide sequence referenced SEQ ID NO 1 and the Pre-S gene comprises a nucleotide sequence referenced SED ID NO 3. The invention also concerns DNA molecule, RNA molecule, modified surface proteins and their uses in particular for diagnostic, therapeutic and vaccine purposes.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of purification of Hepatitis A Virus from the supernatant of an infected cell culture and production of a preparation of purified HAV antigen. The present invention is also directed to an HAV vaccine composition comprising a preparation consisting of purified mature HAV particles in an amount sufficient to induce a protective immune response in a mammal.

Abstract: There is provided a method and kit for rapid clinical diagnosis of HCV in which the amplimers are transcripts of a polyprotein gene of HCV. The amplicons are hybridized to a specific oligonucleotide probe, which allows the amplicons to be detected.

Abstract: Hepatitis C virus-biding protein has been found to be a 40S ribosomal protein S5 composing a 40S ribosomal subunit of an eukaryote. On the basis of this finding, there is provided a method for screening test substances for a substance exhibiting anti-hepatitis-C-virus activity, through detection of inhibitory activity of the substance against binding between an IRES of a hepatitis C virus gene and a 40S ribosomal protein S5.

Abstract: Recombinant nucleic acid molecules are described. The molecules have a first nucleic acid sequence encoding in antigen containing two or more cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes, wherein said epitopes are selected from the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 and analogues of any thereof which can be recognised by a CDS8— T cell that recognises an epitope with the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6. Peptides encoded by the molecules and vectors and compositions containing these molecules are also described. Methods of eliciting an immune response using these molecules are also described.

Abstract: Hepatitis GB Virus (HGBV) nucleic acid and amino acid sequences useful for a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic applications, kits for using the HGBV nucleic acid or amino acid sequences, HGBV immunogenic particles, and antibodies which specifically bind to HGBV. Also provided are methods for producing antibodies, polyclonal or monoclonal, from the HGBV nucleic acid or amino acid sequences.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of large scale production of Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) on VERO cells bound to microcarrier. The invention also provides for methods of isolation of HAV from the cell culture supernatant of HAV infected VERO cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for determining the presence and/or amount of HCV nucleic acids in a test sample. In particular, substantially purified oligonucleotide primers and probes are described that can be used for qualitatively and quantitatively detecting HCV nucleic acid in a test sample by amplification methods. The present invention also provides primers and probes for generating and detecting control nucleic acid sequences that provide a convenient method for assessing internal quality control of the HCV assay.

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: Polynucleotides comprising molecular interaction sites of hepatitis C virus RNA that have particular secondary structure are provided. Methods of using such polynucleotides to screen, virtually or actually, combinatorial libraries of compounds that bind thereto are also provided. Method of modulating the activity of hepatitis C virus RNA by contacting hepatitis C virus RNA or cells containing the same with a compound identified by such virtual or actual screening are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel isolated avian hepatitis E virus having a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or its complementary strand. The invention further concerns immunogenic compositions comprising this new virus or a recombinant products such as the nucleic acid and vaccines that protect an avian or mammalian species from viral infection or hepatitis-splenomegaly syndrome caused by the hepatitis E virus. Also included in the scope of the invention is a method for propagating, inactivating or attenuating a hepatitis E virus comprising inoculating an embryonated chicken egg with a live, pathogenic hepatitis E virus and recovering the virus or serially passing the pathogenic virus through additional embryonated chicken eggs until the virus is rendered inactivated or attenuated.

Abstract: The invention related to a process for infecting eukaryotic cells with one or more virus species, preferentially hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus, as well as cell cultures infected by the same. To achieve this goal, plasma or serum obtained from individuals infected by viruses, preferentially hepadnaviridae and flaviviridae, is used an inoculum to infect established eukaryotic cell lines or primary cells, preferentially hepatocytes, which in turn produce viral particles. This process, the resulting infected cells and cell culture supernatant can be used in many situations, notably the screening of drug candidates, the detection of antibodies, the generation of a diagnostic kit and the production of vaccines.

Abstract: A method for producing a cellular immune response in a vertebrate subject comprising administering to the vertebrate subject a vaccine composition comprising a protein particle antigen and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of monitoring treatment of HCV by oral administration of ovine IFN-&tgr; is disclosed. The method includes measuring the blood levels of 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase prior to and after such oral administration, and if necessary, adjusting the dose of IFN-&tgr; until a measurable increase in blood 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase level, relative to the level observed prior to administration, is observed. Also disclosed are oral-delivery compositions for use in treating HCV in an HCV-infected patient comprising ovine IFN-&tgr;, in a dosage effective to stimulate bloodstream levels of 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase.

Abstract: The invention relates to the purification and crystallization of hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3/NS4A polypeptide complex. Also, crystallization conditions for NS3/NS4A are provided. Further, the atomic coordinates for the NS3/NS4A protein are disclosed. Examples of its use for the determination of the three-dimensional atomic structures of HCV NS3/NS4A with substrate(s) or substrate analog(s) or inhibitor complexes are also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the risk of hepatic failure in an individual who is infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The method comprises measuring a titer of an antibody to the HCV core in a body fluid of the individual and correlating the titer to the risk of developing hepatic failure wherein the titer is inversely related to that risk. The method employs standard techniques for measuring the titer including solution and solid phase immunoassays. Kits incorporating the reagents and instructions for carrying out the methods are also provided.

Abstract: A recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) that expresses Hepatitis C virus structural proteins, an immunogenic composition and vaccine containing the recombinant VSV, and a method of preventing or treating HCV.

Abstract: Methods for identifying hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected subjects responsive to treatment for HCV infection or unlikely to respond to treatment for HCV infection are described. The level of Th2 cytokines in the subject during treatment serves as an indicator of whether the subject is likely to respond to treatment for HCV, e.g., interferon treatment. An elevated level of at least one Th2 cytokine during treatment indicates that an HCV-infected subject is unlikely to respond to a treatment for HCV. A decreased level of at least one Th2 cytokine indicates that an HCV-infected subject is responsive to a treatment for HCV. In a preferred embodiment, IL-10 levels are detected to identify subjects responsive to or unlikely to respond to interferon treatment.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a hepadnavirus virion that is infectious in vitro which comprises:(a) introducing into a cell (i) a hepadnavirus genome expression vector and (ii) a foamy retrovirus envelope expression vector which comprises a nucleic acid encoding at least a fragment of a foamy virus envelope protein, and (b) culturing the cell thereby producing hepadnavirus virions comprising at least a fragment of a foamy virus envelope protein, wherein the hepadnavirus virions are infectious in vitro. A method for determining susceptibility for an anti-hepadnavirus drug, a method for determining replication capacity of a hepadnavirus from an infected patient, and method for identifying a mutation in a hepadnavirus nucleic acid that confers resistance to an anti-hepadnavirus drug are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for identifying and assaying candidate HCV entry factor(s), methods for identifying and assaying candidate modulators of HCV entry, methods for identifying permissive cell lines and methods for identifying cellular factors affecting entry/fusion, as well as to the modulators/factors themselves.

Abstract: A novel vaccine formulation is provided, comprising a hepatitis B component, particularly hepatitis B surface antigen, in combination with aluminum phosphate and 3 de-O-acylated monophosphoryl lipid A.

Abstract: A method for measurement of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) characterized by measuring HCV core antigen and HCV core antibody by their binding with probes in the presence of an anionic surfactant or a non-ionic surfactant, or both.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant hepatitis C virus (HCV)-derived nucleic acids and to stable rapidly growing cell clones derived from human hepatoma Huh-7 cell line and supporting high titer replication of said recombinant HCV nucleic acids. The subgenomic HCV replicons and cell clones of the instant invention represent the in vitro system of choice for studies of HCV propagation, anti-viral drug screening, and vaccine development.

Abstract: The invention relates to HBV antigen-containing compositions that are useful in treating or preventing HBV infection. The content of the compositions can vary, as described herein, but the compositions comprise a stress protein, or a portion (e.g., a fragment) or derivative thereof, and an HBV antigen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for enhancing the effect of vaccines in animals, such as domestic, sport, or pet species, and humans. More particularly, the use of Ribavirin as an adjuvant to a vaccine protocol and compositions having Ribavirin and an antigen are described.

Abstract: HCV immunoassays comprising an NS3/4a conformational epitope and a multiple epitope fusion antigen are provided, as well as immunoassay solid supports for use with the immunoassays.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing the effect of vaccines in animals, such as domestic, sport, or pet species, and humans are disclosed. More particularly, vaccine compositions comprising ribavirin and an antigen, preferably an antigen that has an epitope present in Hepatitis C virus (HCV), are disclosed for use in treating and preventing disease, preferably HCV infection.

Abstract: Novel combined vaccine compositions preferentially for administration to adolescents are provided, comprising a hepatitis B viral antigen and a herpes simplex viral antigen and optionally in addition one or more of the following: an EBV antigen, a hepatitis A antigen or inactivated attenuated virus, an HPV antigen, a VZV antigen, an HCMV antigen, a Toxoplasma gondii antigen. The vaccine compositions are formulated with an adjuvant which is a preferential stimulator of TH1 cell response such as 3D-MPL and QS21.

Abstract: A nucleic acid having a first nucleotide sequence encoding an infectious hepatitis C virus, a second nucleotide sequence encoding a ribozyme, and an inducible promoter operably linked to the first and second nucleotide sequences, the ribozyme being configured to remove a 3′ sequence unnecessary for replication of the infectious hepatitis C virus from a transcript initiated by the inducible, is described. A cell containing the nucleic acid and methods of using the cell are also described.

Abstract: An oligonucleotide useful for specific amplification of HCV RNA, or highly sensitive detection and identification of HCV RNA, and a combination thereof. A detection method using RNA amplification step, wherein the oligonucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 11 is used as a first primer and the oligonucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 6 or 7 as a second primer, the oligonucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 12 is used as a first primer and the oligonucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 7 as a second primer, or the oligonucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 13 is used as a first primer and the oligonucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 9 as a second primer.

Abstract: The present invention provides truncated HCV E2 polypepides. The invention HCV E2 polypeptides lack the HVR1 region that provides immune protection against HCV. The present invention also provides immunogenic compositions of such polypeptides and the methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) replicon that efficiently replicates in an eukaryotic cell. The HCV replicon includes a nucleic acid sequence encoding a subgenomic fragments of HCV of any genotype that confer on the RNA the ability to replicate, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding an acetyl transferase selectable marker, such as puromycin. Also provided is an HCV type 1a replicon that efficiently replicates in an eukaryotic cell and includes a nucleic acid sequence encoding subgenomic fragments of type 1a HCV that confer on the RNA the ability to replicate, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a acetyl transferase selectable marker. Further provided are eukaryotic cell lines that include an HCV replicon or an HCV type 1a replicon which efficiently replicate in the eukaryotic cell. The present invention also provides screening methods for identifying candidate compounds that inhibit the propagation of HCV.

Abstract: The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, comprising an amount of a soluble active agent which interacts with at least one of the binding sites between hIL6 and pS1 and between hIL6 and hepatocytes and other HBV-permissive cells, the active agent being present in sufficient amount to competitively bind to at least one of the sites and thereby to prevent hIL6-mediated HBV infection of hepatocytes and other HBV-permissive cells.

Abstract: The complex consists of LVPs associated with human immunoglobulins having a density of less than 1.063 g/ml.

Abstract: Methods and compositions useful for inducing a cytotoxic T lymphocyte response (CTL) in a human or domesticated or agriculturally important animal. The method includes the steps of providing the antigen to which the CTL response is desired and providing a microfluidized antigen formulation which comprises, consists, or consists essentially of two or more of a stabilizing detergent, a micelle-forming agent, and an oil. This antigen formulation is preferably lacking in an immunostimulating peptide component, or has sufficiently low levels of such a component that the desired CTL response is not diminished. This formulation is provided as a stable oil-in-water emulsion.

Abstract: Hepatitis can be treated by administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound that neutralizes the effects of secreted TNFalpha. Two types of these compounds are extracellular ligand binding proteins of the human p75 TNF receptor, such as etanercept (Enbrel), and humanized monoclonal antibodies that neutralize the activity of TNFalpha, such as inflixamab (Remicade).

Abstract: A vaccine formulation for the treatment or prophylaxis of hepatitis, especially hepatitis B, infections is provided comprising the hepatitis antigen and a suitable carrier such as alum in combination with 3-O-deacylated monophosphoryl lipid A. Combination vaccines including the vaccine formulation are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for preparing an antiviral agent in which antigen-containing blood and/or tissue is heated to a temperatures above about 50° C. in the presence of at least one protein cross-linking agent, such as formaldehyde, p-formaldehyde, formalin, phenol, and/or phenol derivatives.

Abstract: A method of producing active immunity against a viral disease in an animal subject comprises administering to the subject a vaccine conjugate consisting essentially of a live virus and a neutralizing factor bound to the live virus. The neutralizing factor is selected from the group consisting of antibodies and antibody fragments. The live virus is one capable of producing disease in the subject, and the antibody or antibody fragment is one capable of neutralizing the live virus. Preferred subjects are birds, a preferred virus is Infectious Bursal Disease Virus, and a preferred route of administration to birds is by in ovo administration.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for vaccine priming, using co-treatment, at a temporally similar or at a previous time, with a priming antibody capable of priming, or enhancing, or potentiating the effects of a vaccine, or vaccine composition. Also disclosed are methods of using this process to prevent or treat disease.

Abstract: A strain of hepatitis E virus from Pakistan (SAR-55) implicated in an epidemic of enterically transmitted non-A, non-B hepatitis, now called hepatitis E, is disclosed. The invention relates to the expression of the whole structural region of SAR-55, designated open reading frame 2 (ORF-2), in a eukaryotic expression system. The expressed protein is capable of forming HEV virus-like particles which can serve as an antigen in diagnostic immunoassays and as an immunogen or vaccine to protect against infection by hepatitis E.

Abstract: Synthetic peptide antigen analogues of native peptide antigens with partial or complete retro, inverso or retro-inverso modifications are provided. When administered as an immunogen to an immunocompetent host the synthetic peptide antigen analogues induce the production of antibodies which recognize the native peptide antigen. Uses of these analogues, vaccines and methods of preparing vaccines comprising these antigen analogues, and antibodies generated using these antigen analogues are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, comprising an amount of a soluble active agent which interacts with at least one of the binding sites between hIL6 and pS1 and between hIL6 and hepatocytes and other HBV-permissive cells, the active agent being present in sufficient amount to competitively bind to at least one of the sites and thereby to prevent hIL6-mediated HBV infection of hepatocytes and other HBV-permissive cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to derivatives of hepatitis C virus amino acid sequences. These derivatives can be used to screen samples, such as blood, to determine if antibodies to hepatitis C virus are present.