Abstract: The present invention provides a vaccine composition comprising a non-live vector which targets the MHC class I pathway derived from a bacterial toxin or an immunologically functional derivative thereof but excluding those which bind the Gb3 receptor complexed with at least one first antigen and further comprising at least one second antigen (which may be the same or different as the first antigen) and an adjuvant.

Abstract: A method for identifying a motif or a combination of motifs having a Boolean state of predetermined mutations in a set of sequences including a) aligning a set of sequences of ordered motifs represented by a single-character code, b) comparing a reference sequence with the set of sequences aligned in step (a), c) identifying motifs not having mutated simultaneously or motifs having mutated simultaneously at least once on at least one sequence of the set and not having mutated on another sequence of the set.

Abstract: The present invention discloses recombinant adenovirus and methods of administration of the virus to a host inorder to elicit an immune response against various pathogens in the host. Specifically, a vaccination method to enhance immunity of the host to the pathogen is disclosed herein. Such a method comprises recombinant adenoviruses expressing viral antigens, where the recombinant adenoviruses are derived from different serotypes or subtypes. Alternatively, the adenoviruses in such a method can also be constructed by modifying the backbone of one of the adenoviruses (e.g. the knob, shaft or fiber regions) so that it is of a serotype that is different from the corresponding region(s) in the backbone of the other recombinant adenovirus.

Abstract: Methods for reducing infectivity by providing an enveloped virus neutralizing compound (EVNC) are provided. Methods of preparing a vaccine, vaccine formulations, and methods of immunizing a subject a further provided. Methods of disinfecting a surface are still further provided. In some embodiments, compositions comprising an isolated and purified bioactive EVNC agent are provided.

Abstract: A nasal vaccine is provided which induces the production of secretory IgA and IgG antibodies specific for flaviviruses, including hantaviruses. Furthermore, a method for providing protection against infection with flaviviruses by induces of the secretory IgA and IgG antibodies is also provided. The nasal vaccine includes an inactivated antigen of a flavivirus and poly(I:C) or a ceramified powder of surf clam shells as an adjuvant. The vaccine effectively induces secretion of IgA antibodies in the nasal mucosa and serum IgG antibody responses. Also provided is a method for inducing flavivirus-specific IgA and IgG antibodies, including administering an inactivated antigen of a flavivirus and poly(I:C) or a ceramified powder of surf clam shells as an adjuvant to the mucosa of a respiratory tract.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, including vaccines, and methods for vaccinating an animal against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and for treating or preventing hepatitis C viral infection in an animal. The invention includes a variety of novel HCV fusion proteins that can be used directly as a vaccine or in conjunction with a yeast-based vaccine vehicle to elicit an immune response against HCV in an animal. The invention also includes the use of the HCV fusion gene and protein described herein in any diagnostic or therapeutic protocol for the detection and/or treatment or prevention of HCV infection.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptide(s) comprising the amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID No. 1 of hepatitis E virus ORF 2 or its fragment, which is in the form of n-polymeric polypeptide, wherein n is an integer from 1-180; to a chimeric protein consisting of a polypeptide of the present invention and a conserved fragment of hemagglutin antigen from influenza virus; to a polypeptide of the present invention bound to a polypeptide containing epitope from hepatitis E virus ORF3 or an immunogenic fragment thereof; to a recombinant expression vector comprising the DNA molecule encoding the above polypeptides and the host cell transformed with said recombinant expression vector which is able to express polypeptide of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptide(s) comprising the amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID No. 1 of hepatitis E virus ORF 2 or its fragment, which is in the form of n-polymeric polypeptide, wherein n is an integer from 1-180; to a chimeric protein consisting of a polypeptide of the present invention and a conserved fragment of hemagglutin antigen from influenza virus; to a polypeptide of the present invention bound to a polypeptide containing epitope from hepatitis E virus ORF3 or an immunogenic fragment thereof; to a recombinant expression vector comprising the DNA molecule encoding the above polypeptides and the host cell transformed with said recombinant expression vector which is able to express polypeptide of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polynucleic acid composition comprising or consisting of at least one polynucleic acid containing 8 or more contiguous nucleotides corresponding to a nucleotide sequence from the region spanning positions 417 to 957 of the Core/E1 region of HCV type 3; and/or the region spanning positions 4664 to 4730 of the NS3 region of HCV type 3; and/or the region spanning positions 4892 to 5292 of the NS3/4 region of HCV type 3; and/or the region spanning positions 8023 to 8235 of the NS5 region of the BR36 subgroup of HCV type 3a; and/or the coding region of HCV type 4a starting at nucleotide 379 in the core region; and/or the coding region of HCV type 4; and/or the coding region of HCV type 5, with said nucleotide numbering being with respect to the numbering of HCV nucleic acids as shown in Table 1, and with said polynucleic acids containing at least one nucleotide difference with known HCV type 1, and/or HCV type 2 genomes in the above-indicated regions, or the complement thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a peptidic compound containing a polyprotein NS3/NS4 of a hepatitis C virus and a polypeptide NS5b of hepatitis C virus. Said invention also relates to expression vectors such as adenovirus and poxyvirus in which nucleic sequences coding for the polyprotein NS3/NS4 and the polypeptide NS5b. The inventive compound can be used for a therapeutic application.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of diagnosing the presence or severity of tissue fibrosis in an individual by detecting ?2-macroglobulin (?2-MG) in a sample from the individual; detecting hyaluronic acid (HA) in a sample from the individual; detecting tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) in a sample from the individual; and diagnosing the presence or severity of tissue fibrosis in the individual based on the presence or level of ?2-MG, HA and TIMP-1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immuno-stimulant combination for prophylaxis and treatment of hepatitis C, characterised in that it comprises: a TLR3 agonist, a CD40 agonist and the NS3 protein of the hepatitis C virus. Moreover, the invention relates to the pharmaceutical compositions comprising said immuno-stimulant combination, to the use thereof, and to a kit composed of said pharmaceutical compositions. Finally, the present invention relates to a method for producing an immune response to the hepatitis C virus and to a vaccine against said virus.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods related to the treatment of viral infection. In some embodiments, the invention relates to the treatment of hepatitis C viral infection. In further embodiments, the invention relates to methods of administering oligonucleotide compositions for treating viral infections. In still further embodiments, the invention relates to the administration of antiviral agents, corticosteroids and immunomodulatory agents. In additional embodiments, the invention relates to the manipulation of immunostimulatory motifs within the oligonucleotides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for replicating efficiently an RNA containing fulllength HCV genomic sequence and a method for producing HCV virus particles containing fulllength HCV replicon RNA or fulllength HCV genomic RNA by using a cell culture system. Further, the present invention relates to a method for producing hepatitis C virus particles which comprises culturing a cell, into which a replicon RNA comprising a nucleotide sequence comprising a fulllength genomic RNA sequence of hepatitis C virus of the genotype 2a, at least one selectable marker gene and/or at least one reporter gene and at least one IRES sequence or the fulllength genomic RNA of hepatitis C virus of the genotype 2a is introduced, and generating virus particles in the culture medium. Still further the present invention relates also to a hepatitis C vaccine and an antibody against hepatitis C virus particles.

Abstract: The invention features methods and compositions for screening for agents that modulate replication of a virus, particularly Flaviviridae virus (particularly hepatitis C virus (HCV)), where the methods provide for detection of agents that modulate the binding of TBC and NS5A, the inhibition of TBC activity, inhibition of Rab1 activity, and/or the expression of the TBC protein and/or Rab1 protein. The invention also features methods of controlling viral replication, and agents useful in such methods.

Abstract: The use of poly(lactide) or poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles with adsorbed antigen is disclosed. The microparticles are useful for enhancing CTL responses to a selected antigen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibody specifically binding to polypeptide(s) comprising the amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID No.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules that encode IL-15 or fragments thereof, which express protein at a higher level than nucleic acid molecules with native coding sequences for IL-15 are disclosed. Nucleic acid molecules with additional modifications such as the absence of coding sequences for IL-15 signal sequences and/or the absence of IL-15 untranslated sequences and/or inclusion of non-IL-15 signal sequences are also disclosed. Vectors, including plasmids and viral vectors, comprising such nucleic acid molecules; and to host cells comprising such nucleic acid molecules are disclosed as well as methods of using such nucleic acid molecules alone or in combination with nucleic acid sequences encoding immunogens which are part of the nucleic acid molecules and/or part of a different nucleic acid molecule. Recombinant vaccines and live attenuated pathogens encoding fusion proteins, and methods of using the same, are disclosed.

Abstract: Adjuvant compositions comprising type 1 interferon inducers, such as double-stranded RNA, in combination with antigen delivery systems and/or immunostimulatory molecules, such as immunostimulatory nucleic acid sequences, for enhancing the immune response of a coadministered antigen, are described.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to the discovery of a novel hepatitis C virus (HCV) isolate. Embodiments include HCV peptides, nucleic acids encoding said HCV peptides, antibodies directed to said peptides, compositions containing said nucleic acids and peptides, as well as methods of making and using the aforementioned compositions including, but not limited to, diagnostics and medicaments for the treatment and prevention of HCV infection.

Abstract: The invention proyides novel compositions comprising imidazoquinoxaline compounds of formula (I) and analogs thereof. Also provided are methods of administering the compositions in an effective amount to enhance the immune response of a subject. Further provided are novel compositions and methods of administering the compositions in combination with (an) other agent (s).

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, including vaccines, and methods for vaccinating an animal against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and for treating or preventing hepatitis C viral infection in an animal. The invention includes a variety of novel HCV fusion proteins that can be used directly as a vaccine or in conjunction with a yeast-based vaccine vehicle to elicit an immune response against HCV in an animal. The invention also includes the use of the HCV fusion gene and protein described herein in any diagnostic or therapeutic protocol for the detection and/or treatment or prevention of HCV infection.

Abstract: This invention uses our knowledge of the mechanisms by which antigen is recognized by T cells to identify and prepare HCV epitopes, and to develop epitope-based vaccines directed towards HCV. More specifically, this application communicates our discovery of pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use in the prevention and treatment of HCV infection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vaccine that includes a dendritic cell loaded with a yeast vehicle and antigen. Also disclosed are methods of making the vaccine and using the vaccine to elicit cellular and humoral immune responses in a mammal. Additionally, a method to elicit an immune response by administration of a yeast vehicle and an antigen that is not complexed to the yeast vehicle is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, including vaccines, and methods for vaccinating an animal against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and for treating or preventing hepatitis C viral infection in an animal. The invention includes a variety of novel HCV fusion proteins that can be used directly as a vaccine or in conjunction with a yeast-based vaccine vehicle to elicit an immune response against HCV in an animal. The invention also includes the use of the HCV fusion gene and protein described herein in any diagnostic or therapeutic protocol for the detection and/or treatment or prevention of HCV infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immuno-therapeutic and prophylactic vaccine comprising monocytes or immature myeloid cells (IMCs) loaded with the ligand of natural killer T cell and an antigen for the prevention and treatment of infectious disease or cancer, more precisely, an immuno-therapeutic and prophylactic vaccine comprising monocytes or IMCs loaded with ?-galactosylceramide (?GalCer), a kind of glycolipid and a natural killer T cell ligand, and antigen. Monocytes or immature myeloid cells (IMCs) therein, which are easily obtainable, unlike dendritic cells, not only induce a significant level of cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses but also have a prophylactic and therapeutic effect on malignant tumor. Therefore, the immuno-therapeutic and prophylactic vaccine of the present invention can be effectively used as an immunotherapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunogen-carrier having immunopotentiating or adjuvant properties. More particularly, the immunogen-carrier is a virus-like particle (VLP) from the family of potexvirus, and most particularly the papaya mosaic virus. The VLP produced by recombinant techniques is in fusion with one of its own proteins a protein immunogen. The above VLP and a protein or a protein extract from a viral, bacterial or parasital pathogen may be used as a vaccine.

Abstract: A method of detecting osteoporosis in a mammalian is disclosed herein which includes: a) obtaining a sample of a bone related tissue or cells; and b) measuring the concentration of at least a marker which is either bacteria, bacteria produced factors, or HSPs. The method may further include comparing the concentration with concentrations from the same individual over a period of time or against a standard concentration. The marker may be a bacteria, a chaperone molecule, or a bacteria produced. Also provided herein is a method of treating or preventing osteoporosis caused by a bone disease which includes administering to a mammalian subject a therapeutically effective amount of a formulation which is either an HSP antigenic formulation or a bacterial antigenic formulation. The osteoporosis can be caused by a bone disease induced by bone infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and parasites.

Abstract: A purified polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID No. 1 of hepatitis E virus ORF 2 or its fragment, which is in the form of a polymer with n monomeric polypeptides, wherein n is an integer from 2-180; to a polypeptide of the present invention bound to a polypeptide containing epitope from hepatitis E virus ORF3or an immunogenic fragment thereof; to a recombinant expression vector comprising the DNA molecule encoding the above polypeptides and the host cell transformed with said recombinant expression vector which is able to express polypeptide of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic genes, processes for designing said synthetic genes and their uses in gene therapy and improved DNA vaccination. The novel synthetic genes and processes are codon shuffled so that they have reduced homology relative to a naturally occurring gene encoding the same protein without altering the overall codon usage frequency of the gene. In particular the present invention relates to improved polynucleotides and methods for the treatment or prevention of disease comprising codon-shuffled GM-CSF nucleic acid sequences. Nucleic acid vaccines of the present invention may comprise a combination of a nucleotide sequence encoding codon-shuffled GM-CSF, a nucleotide encoding an antigen against which it is desired to raise an immune response and a toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist.

Abstract: This invention uses our knowledge of the mechanisms by which antigen is recognized by T cells to develop epitope-based vaccines directed towards HBV. More specifically, this application communicates our discovery of pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use in the prevention and treatment of HBV infection.

Abstract: This invention provides virosome preparations from an enveloped virus, in particular from influenza virus, containing from said virus, and a saponin adjuvant. In particular the invention provides a virosome preparation from influenza virus an influenza antigen a QS21, optionally with a sterol. The invention also provides vaccine compositions containing said virosome preparations, methods of preparing said virosome preparations and vaccine containing them.

Abstract: HCV E1E2 compositions comprising E1E2 antigens, submicron oil-in-water emulsions and/or immunostimulatory nucleic acid sequences are described. The compositions can be used in methods of stimulating an immune response in a vertebrate subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions useful in the treatment and prevention of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and the symptoms and diseases associated therewith. In particular the present invention relates to DNA vaccines that encode the HCV Core protein and a polynucleotide sequence that encodes at least one other HCV protein, wherein the vaccine causes expression of the proteins within the same cell and the sequence of the polynucleotide sequence encoding the core protein has been mutated or positioned relative to the polynucleotide sequence encoding the at least one other HCV protein such that the negative effect of expression of the Core protein upon the expression of the said at least one other HCV protein is reduced.

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: A method for obtaining an immune response to a non-enteric pathogen antigen (NEPA) such as hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) by feeding the antigen in a plant material to an animal that is immunoreceptive to the NEPA. It has now been discovered that the animal may be made immunoreceptive to the NEPA such as HBsAg by prior primary immunization. When the animal is made immunoreceptive by a prior, e.g. primary, immunization, an immune response to the NEPA may be boosted in the animal by feeding the animal the plant material containing the NEPA. For example, an animal, e.g. a human, that previously had a positive response to primary immunization against hepatitis B, can have a booster response to HBsAg by feeding the animal the antigen in a plant material. The plant material is a substance comprising a physiologically acceptable plant material, especially potatoes, containing the NEPA, e.g. hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The NEPA, e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preventing or treating Hepatitis C Virus (HCVi) infections, wherein a HCV vaccine comprising an effective amount of at least one HCV T-cell antigen and a polycationic compound comprising peptide bonds is administered to a human individual bi-weekly at least 3 times.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified hepatitis C virus genomic RNA, comprising nucleotide sequences of genomic RNA portions of two or more types of hepatitis C viruses, which comprises a 5? untranslated region, a core protein coding sequence, an E1 protein coding sequence, a p7 protein coding sequence, an E2 protein coding sequence, an NS2 protein coding sequence, an NS3 protein coding sequence, an NS4A protein coding sequence, an NS4B protein coding sequence, an NS5A protein coding sequence, an NS5B protein coding sequence, and a 3? untranslated region, and which can be autonomously replicated. In particular, the present invention relates to modified hepatitis C virus genomic RNA, which can be autonomously replicated by substitution of the RNA sequence portion encoding NS3, NS4, NS5A, and NS5B proteins of hepatitis C virus genomic RNA with a partial RNA sequence encoding NS3, NS4, NS5A, and NS5B proteins of a JFH1 strain shown in SEQ ID NO: 1.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions are described herein which comprise microparticles that further comprise a biodegradable polymer. The microparticle compositions also comprise a cationic polysaccharide and an immunological species selected from an antigen, an immunological adjuvant and a combination thereof. Also described are methods of making such compositions and methods of administering such compositions. Methods of modulating the release rate of immunological species from microparticles are also described. These methods comprise varying the ratio of the cationic polysaccharide relative to the biodegradable polymer within the microparticles.

Abstract: There are provided a polynucleotide encoding HCV epitopes, an immunogenic composition including same, and a method of inducing an HCV-specific immune response using same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjuvant comprising a lipopeptide and poly I:C. When the adjuvant of the present invention is used, the level of antigen specific antibody induction is synergistically increased and Th1 type immune response is also induced. Therefore, the adjuvant of the present invention can be very effectively used as an adjuvant in the formulation of preventive and therapeutic vaccines for viral or parasitic infection and cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions useful in the treatment and prevention of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and the symptoms and diseases associated therewith. In particular the present invention relates to DNA vaccines comprising polynucleotide sequences encoding HCV proteins, and methods of treatment of individuals infected with HCV comprising administration of the vaccines of the present invention.

Abstract: Compositions are provided which include biodegradable microparticles with entrapped or adsorbed antigens, in combination with submicron oil-in-water emulsions. Also provided are methods of immunization which comprise administering to a vertebrate subject (a) a submicron oil-in-water emulsion, and (b) a therapeutically effective amount of a selected antigen entrapped in a microparticle.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses isolated nucleic acids containing transcriptional units which encode a signal sequence of one flavivirus and an immunogenic flavivirus antigen of a second flavivirus. The invention further encompasses a nucleic acid and protein vaccine and the use of the vaccine to immunize a subject against flavivirus infection. The invention also provides antigens encoded by nucleic acids of the invention, antibodies elicited in response to the antigens and use of the antigens and/or antibodies in detecting flavivirus or diagnosing flavivirus infection.

Abstract: A vaccination method utilizes a pharmaceutical combination for enhancing vaccine effectiveness. The method utilizes an immune response-triggering vaccine capable of stimulating production in an immunodefficicent animal of antibodies to a disease-causing agent foreign to the animal. As an adjuvant, a vaccine effectiveness-enhancing amount of an immunomodulator compound is administered, which enhances production and affinity of the antibodies in the animal, in response to the vaccine.

Abstract: The invention discloses the use of polycationic compounds for the preparation and manufacturing of medicaments, pharmaceutical compositions, especially vaccines for the treatment of patients with HCV chronic infections.

Abstract: Methods of activating ATIII in situ in a blood product are disclosed, as is the use of such methods and blood products in treating infectious diseases, inflammatory disorders and diseases or conditions that are mediated by thrombin activation.

Abstract: The invention is related to a construct comprising a hepatitis C virus (HCV) nucleic acid sequence that comprises from 5? to 3? on the positive-sense nucleic acid a 5? untranslated region (UTR), a full-length open reading frame (ORF) encoding an HCV polyprotein whose cleavage products form functional components of HCV virus particles and RNA replication machinery, and a 3? untranslated region (UTR), said sequence being infectious, and, additionally, a ribozyme pair positioned to generate the 5? and 3? ends of said sequence when cleaved, and related methods of making and methods of using.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, and virology. More particularly, it relates to the identification of GB virus B (GBV-B)/HCV chimeras. The invention involves nucleic acid constructs and compositions encoding GBV-B/HCV chimera, including at least part of a 5? NTR derived from a HCV 5? NTR. This construct, and chimeric versions of it, may be employed to study GBV-B and related hepatitis family members, such as hepatitis C virus. The invention thus includes methods of preparing GBV-B/HCV chimeric sequences, constructs, and viruses, as well as methods of employing these compositions.