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 invention relates to neutralizing antibodies which are specific for human cytomegalovirus and bind with high affinity as well as immortalized B cells that produce such antibodies. The invention also relates to the epitopes that the antibodies bind to as well as the use of the antibodies and the epitopes in screening methods as well as the diagnosis and therapy of disease.

Abstract: A vaccine composition for vaccinating dogs comprising any one or more of (a) an agent capable of raising an immune response against Streptococcus equi sub species zooepidemicus in a dog, (b) an agent capable of raising an immune response against Mycoplasma cynos in a dog, and (c) an agent capable of raising an immune response against a Chlamydophila in a dog.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a beta-herpesvirus, wherein the beta-herpesvirus is spread-deficient.

Abstract: We have constructed a mutant EHV-1 that is lacking the entire 12.7 kbp IR segment of the viral genome and found the mutant EHV-1 to be replication competent, to have the ability to replicate in mammalian cell types (including human cells), and to exhibit reduced virulence in the mouse model of EHV-1 virulence.

Abstract: The invention relates to neutralizing antibodies, and antibody fragments thereof, having high potency in neutralizing hCMV, wherein said antibodies and antibody fragments are specific for one, or a combination of two or more, hCMV gene UL products. The invention also relates to immortalized B cells that produce, and to epitopes that bind to, such antibodies and antibody fragments. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the antibodies, antibody fragments, and epitopes in screening methods as well as in the diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of disease.

Abstract: The invention provides antibodies and polypeptides that specifically bind to the glycoprotein D of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and use of the antibodies and polypeptides for treating or diagnosing HSV infections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating cancer, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a HSV-2 virus, wherein the virus lacks protein kinase activity of ICP10. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising HSV-2 virus, wherein the virus lacks protein kinase activity of ICP10.

Abstract: A BHV-1 mutant virus has been made that incorporates into a single virus two or more deletions in one or more of three genes—glycoprotein N, glycoprotein E and Us9. Specifically, a BHV-1 UL49.5?30-32 CT-null virus was made and tested. This mutant virus was then used to incorporate additional changes, e.g., the glycoprotein E cytoplasmic-tail deletion, the Us9 deletion, or both. This triple mutant BHV-1 UL49.5?30-32 CT-null/gE CT?/Us9? virus will be superior to the current BHV-1 mutants because the mutant virus will not be shed following reactivation, will be a DIVA based on gE CT-specific serum antibodies, and will induce better protective response by inducing higher SN titers and better cellular immune response. This new virus will have sufficient viral replication in the nasal epithelium and will be a good vaccine for protection of cattle from BHV-1. The new mutant viruses can also be used as vectors for exogenous genes.

Abstract: The invention relates to neutralizing antibodies which are specific for human cytomegalovirus and bind with high affinity as well as immortalized B cells that produce such antibodies. The invention also relates to the epitopes that the antibodies bind to as well as the use of the antibodies and the epitopes in screening methods as well as the diagnosis and therapy of disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to neutralizing antibodies, and antibody fragments thereof, having high potency in neutralizing hCMV, wherein said antibodies and antibody fragments are specific for one, or a combination of two or more, hCMV gene UL products. The invention also relates to immortalized B cells that produce, and to epitopes that bind to, such antibodies and antibody fragments. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the antibodies, antibody fragments, and epitopes in screening methods as well as in the diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to neutralizing antibodies and antibody fragments having high potency in neutralizing hCMV, wherein said antibodies and antibody fragments are specific for a combination of hCMV proteins UL130 and UL131A, or for a combination of hCMV proteins UL128, UL130 and UL131A. The invention relates also to immortalized B cells that produce, and to epitopes that bind to, such antibodies and antibody fragments. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the antibodies, antibody fragments, and epitopes in screening methods as well as in the diagnosis and therapy of disease.

Abstract: An immunogenically-enhanced Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus latency-associated nuclear antigen 1 (“KSHV LANA1”) polypeptide and related methods of eliciting an immune response to KSHV LANA1 are provided. Also described herein is a novel polypeptide capable of inhibiting degradation of a protein or retarding synthesis of a protein when attached to or incorporated within that protein.

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 invention relates to neutralizing antibodies, and antibody fragments thereof, having high potency in neutralizing hCMV, wherein said antibodies and antibody fragments are specific for one, or a combination of two or more, hCMV gene UL products. The invention also relates to immortalized B cells that produce, and to epitopes that bind to, such antibodies and antibody fragments. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the antibodies, antibody fragments, and epitopes in screening methods as well as in the diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of coating a spore with one or more therapeutic agents. The present invention also relates to a coated spore obtained by the method of the present invention and the use of the coated spore as a vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an avirulent, oncolytic herpes simplex virus modified from a wild-type herpes simplex virus so that both ?134.5 genes of the virus have been deleted and each replaced with an interferon-resistance gene that is expressed as an immediate-early gene. The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition that includes the modified herpes simplex virus of the present invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle for in situ administration to tumor cells. Also provided in the present invention are methods for killing tumor cells in a subject and for immunizing a subject against an infectious disease, cancer, or an autoimmune disease that involve administering to a subject the modified avirulent, oncolytic herpes simplex virus of the present invention.

Abstract: Provided are peptide vaccines including the signal peptide domain of selected target antigens of intracellular pathogens. The peptide vaccines of the invention contain multiple class II and class I-restricted epitopes and are recognized and presented by the majority of the vaccinated human population. Further provided, in particular, are anti tuberculosis vaccines. Also further provided are compositions including the vaccines as well as their use to treat or prevent infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mutant Bovine Herpesvirus 4 genomes, mutant Bovine Herpesvirus 4 viruses, to mutant Bovine Herpesvirus 4 genomes and viruses carrying a heterologous DNA sequence, cells transfected with mutant Bovine Herpesvirus 4 genomes, cells infected with mutant Bovine Herpesvirus 4 viruses, vaccines and carrier vaccines comprising such mutant Bovine Herpesvirus 4 viruses, methods for the preparation of such mutant Bovine Herpesvirus 4 genomes and such mutant Bovine Herpesvirus 4 viruses and to diagnostic test kits.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods that employ OX40 (CD134), a TNFR superfamily protein, agonists. The invention includes among other things administering an OX40 agonist alone or in combination with a viral antigen, or live or attenuated virus, to treat a viral infection, or for vaccination or immunization.

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: The present invention relates to the field of animal health and in particular of Equine Herpes Viruses (EHV) wherein the gene encoding the protein gM is absent, and which is free of heterologous elements. Further aspects of the invention relate to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said viruses, uses thereof, and methods for the prophylaxis and treatment of EHV infections. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the combination of EHV-1 and EHV-4 viruses wherein the gene encoding the protein gM is absent and which is free of heterologous elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a herpes virus vector which comprises a modified genomic sequence encoding a microRNA (miRNA) against a target sequence. The herpes virus vector may be used as or in a vaccine to prevent and/or treat a disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of immune activation which is effective for eliciting a non-antigen-specific immune response in a member of the avian species. The method is particularly effective for protecting a member of the avian species from infectious disease and treating animals inflicted with infectious disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a purified nucleic acid sequence encoding a homologue of human interleukin 10 (IL-10), wherein said IL-10 homologue is expressed during the latent phase of infection by a virus of the herpesvirideae group. The present invention also relates to uses of this polypeptide, in particular for diagnosing disease states and screening for modulator and inhibitor compounds of such polypeptides and in turn the virus itself, screening for infection in vertebrates and biological tissue, cleansing of infected biological tissues, and in the treatment and/or prophylaxis and/or diagnosis of disease caused by a virus of the herpesvirideae group.

Abstract: The invention relates to neutralizing antibodies, and antibody fragments thereof, having high potency in neutralizing hCMV, wherein said antibodies and antibody fragments are specific for one, or a combination of two or more, hCMV gene UL products. The invention also relates to immortalized B cells that produce, and to epitopes that bind to, such antibodies and antibody fragments. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the antibodies, antibody fragments, and epitopes in screening methods as well as in the diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of disease.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to the treatment or prevention of disease in cattle. More particularly, the invention is directed to the production and use of modified bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) and their use in compositions and vaccines that protect cattle from BHV-1 infection while not suppressing the immunological response in the host. In one example, the invention is directed to the use of modified BHV-1, administered with additional immunogens, either through co-administration and/or through administration in combination vaccines, and the use of these vaccines for the protection of cattle from disease. In one example, use of the modified BHV-1 in the administered compositions facilitates an immune response to or against the additional immunogens.

Abstract: Disclosed is an in vivo equine disease model and a method of preparing the disease model for equine herpesvirus-1 neurological disease comprising a horse having a low pre-exposure level of herpesvirus-specific CTL precursors wherein the horse is experimentally infected with a neuropathogenic strain of equine herpesvirus or a mutant thereof. Also disclosed is a method of quantifying the risk factors and predicting the development of clinical neurologic signs of equine herpesvirus-1 neurological disease in a horse. Also described in the invention is the determination of the risk of developing the clinical neurologic signs by a mathematical equation. A new live, attenuated vaccine formulation is disclosed that is effective against neurologic disease due to equine herpesvirus-1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitochondrial nucleic acids fraction and an antigen for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition intended to orient the immune response toward a Th1 type response directed against said antigen, more particularly for the prevention and/or the treatment of cancer, infectious disease and allergy. Adjuvant compositions with synergic effect, vaccine compositions with synergic effect, and kits of part are also provided. Methods of treatment of individuals thereof are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the fields of immunology and vaccine technology. More specifically, the invention relates to mucosal administration via aerosol spray to avians of immunogenic and vaccine compositions, including those comprising recombinant human adenovirus vectors for delivery of genes encoding avian immunogens or antigens, such as genes encoding avian influenza virus. The invention also provides methods and apparatus for use in such administration.

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 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 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: Compositions, recombinant vaccines and live attenuated pathogens comprising one or more isolated nucleic acid molecules that encode an immunogen in combination with an isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes an immunomodulator protein selected from the group consisting of: Fos, c-jun, Sp-1, Ap-1, Ap-2, p38, p65Rel, MyD88, IRAK, TRAF6, IkB, Inactive NIK, SAP K, SAP-1, JNK, interferon response genes, NFkB, Bax, TRAIL, TRAILrec, TRAILrecDRC5, TRAIL-R3, TRAIL-R4, RANK, RANK LIGAND, Ox40, Ox40 LIGAND, NKG2D, MICA, MICB, NKG2A, NKG2B, NKG2C, NKG2E, NKG2F, TAP1, TAP2 and functional fragments thereof are disclosed. Methods of inducing an immune response in an individual against an immunogen, using such compositions are disclosed.

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 present invention relates to the use of live mycobacterium of the M. tuberculosis complex for preparing a medicament, wherein the function of the zmp1-gene is inactivated, pharmaceutical compositions prepared from such mycobacteria as well as a method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of a disease or medical condition using said pharmaceutical composition.

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 relates to neutralising antibodies which are specific for human cytomegalovirus and bind with high affinity as well as immortalised B cells that produce such antibodies. The invention also relates to the epitopes that the antibodies bind to as well as the use of the antibodies and the epitopes in screening methods as well as the diagnosis and therapy of disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to neutralizing antibodies and antibody fragments having high potency in neutralizing hCMV, wherein said antibodies and antibody fragments are specific for a combination of hCMV proteins UL130 and UL131A, or for a combination of hCMV proteins UL128, UL130 and UL131A. The invention relates also to immortalized B cells that produce, and to epitopes that bind to, such antibodies and antibody fragments. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the antibodies, antibody fragments, and epitopes in screening methods as well as in the diagnosis and therapy of disease.

Abstract: The invention features immunogenic compositions and methods useful for eliciting an immune response. In preferred embodiments, papillomavirus or adenovirus vectors are used to elicit exceptionally potent antibody and T cells responses in disrupted epithelium. The methods are useful in preventing or treating a subject having a disease or an infection. In particular examples, the methods are useful for preventing or treating a viral infection.

Abstract: An immunogenic composition comprising a viral vector, said vector comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a C4bp domain or variant or fragment thereof and a nucleic acid sequence encoding an antigen of interest.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant, attenuated infectious laryngotracheitis virus comprising the infectious laryngotracheitis viral genome which contains a deletion in the glycoprotein gG gene. This attenuated virus is useful as a vaccine against infectious laryngotracheitis virus. The present invention also provides a recombinant, attenuated infectious laryngotracheitis virus comprising the infectious laryngotracheitis viral genome which contains a deletion in the US2 gene, UL47-like gene, ORF4 gene or glycoprotein g60 gene. The present invention also provides a method for distinguishing chickens or other poultry vaccinated with a recombinant infectious laryngotracheitis virus which produces no glycoprotein gG from those infected with a naturally-occurring infectious laryngotracheitis virus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of increasing the time period between outbreaks of genital herpes comprising providing an imidazoquinolinamine formulation, disposing an amount of the imidazoquinolinamine formulation into a first nare of an individual infected with Herpes Simplex Virus type 2, covering at least a portion of the internal surface of the individual's first nare with a portion of the amount of the imidazoquinolinamine in the nare, massaging the portion of the amount of the imidazoquinolinamine into the internal surface of the first nare, disposing the amount of the imidazoquinolinamine formulation into a second nare of the individual, covering at least a portion of the internal surface of the second nare with a portion of the amount of the imidazoquinolinamine in said nare and massaging the portion of the amount of the imidazoquinolinamine into the internal surface of said nare.

Abstract: A method for the prophylaxis or treatment of a viral infection in a mammal is described. The method comprises administering to the mammal an effective amount of a mollusc hemocyanin and/or an active fragment thereof. The hemocyanin may be an abalone hemocyanin.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient with a disease wherein the patient contains diseased cells which cells contain antigens for identification and which cells are capable of presenting at least part of said antigen on their surface by an HLA class I (or equivalent) molecule, the method comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of either antigen presenting cells which have been gene delivered with the interleukin 12 (IL-12) gene plus a relevant antigen. In a related set of claims said method refers to the administration to a patient of therapeutic levels of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) which recognize at least part of said antigen when presented by an HLA class I (or equivalent) molecule on the surface of a cell and which these CTL were stimulated by the antigen presenting cells, mentioned in the first section, which have been gene delivered with the interleukin 12 (IL-12) gene plus a relevant antigen.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) virus-like particles (VLPs) comprising glycoprotein E of VZV. The invention also discloses vaccine formulations of the VZV-VLPs and methods of inducing an immune response in subjects.

Abstract: Compounds, particularly, glucopyranosyl lipid adjuvant (GLA) compounds, having the following structure (I) are provided: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, L9, L10, Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, are as defined herein. Pharmaceutical compositions, vaccine compositions, and related methods for inducing or enhancing immune responses, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant feline herpes virus type 1 (FHV-1) nucleic acids and proteins. In particular the present invention provides compositions comprising the full length FHV-1 genome or portions thereof, and infectious FHV-1 virions produced therefrom. The FHV-1 compositions are suitable for use in inducing an immune response in inoculated subjects and for use in identifying agents that attenuate FHV-1 infection.

Abstract: An effective vaccine for Marek's disease may be prepared using a viral agent which is a Marek's disease virus unable to express a functional meq protein. This viral agent is effective to elicit an immune response in a chicken to very virulent strains of Marek's disease virus without causing a significant degree of pathogenicity in the inoculated bird. Suitable formulations of the vaccine for use in chickens include an effective immunization dosage of this novel viral agent with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

Abstract: The invention is in general directed to methods and compositions for preventing or treating infections by viruses involved in persistent and/or latent infections. The methods and compositions are directed toward the prevention and treatment of infections caused by viruses such as, for example, herpesviruses, retroviruses, hepatitis viruses, and papillomaviruses, including, for example, cytomegalovirus.