Abstract: The invention includes antiherpesviral peptides and method of generating the same.

Abstract: Methods of nucleic acid immunization comprising the in utero delivery of nucleic acid molecules that encode one or more selected antigens to a vertebrate fetus are disclosed.

Abstract: Culture of human oranimal herpesviruses, e.g. disabled mutant herpesviruses, can be carried out on primary cells which have been made recombinant so as to express a first gene that extends their culturable life and a second gene derived from the virus. The virus products can be used in vaccines or gene delivery to cells.

Abstract: TITLE OF THE INVENTION An attenuated herpes virus which lacks a functional vhs gene or a functional equivalent thereof, but which has a functional UL43 gene or functional equivalent thereof, stimulates an immune response when dendritic cells are infected with the virus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to monoclonal antibodies capable of specifically binding to and recognizing an antigenic determinant (epitope) of the protein kaposin or a derivative thereof, hybridoma cell lines producing said monoclonal antibodies, diagnostic systems for the detection of the presence of a kaposin protein or a derivative thereof as well as antibodies directed against the kaposin protein or a derivative thereof, methods for detection of the expression of kaposin protein or a derivative thereof in a biological sample, methods for the detection of antibodies directed against kaposin protein or a derivative thereof, uses of the monoclonal antibodies provided according to the invention and uses of the kaposin protein or a derivative thereof, each in diagnostics and therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunoreactive peptides that are homologous with the region encompassing amino acid positions 450 to 655 of glycoprotein II of varicella zoster virus. In this context, preference is given to those peptides corresponding to segments of amino acids 505 to 647, 517 to 597, 535 to 584 or 545 to 582. The immunoreactive peptides are useful for methods of diagnosing varicella zoster virus infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel avian herpesvirus (NAHV) vector and recombinant vaccines made therefrom that are useful to immunize avian species against Marek's disease, infectious laryngotracheitis and Newcastle disease. Methods of immunizing an avian species against Marek's disease, infectious laryngotracheitis and Newcastle disease are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant infectious bovine rhinotracheitis designated S-IBR-052 (ATCC Accession No. VR 2443). The present invention also provides a vaccine which comprises an effective immunizing amount of the recombinant infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus designated S-IBR-052 and a suitable carrier. The present invention provides homology vectors, methods of immunization and a method of distinguishing an animal vaccinated with the vaccines of the present invention from an animal infected with a naturally-occurring infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus.

Abstract: This invention provides a recombinant feline herpesvirus comprising a foreign DNA inserted into a feline herpesvirus genome, wherein the foreign DNA is inserted into a region of the genome which corresponds to the 3.0 kb EcoRI-SalI fragment within a SalI A fragment of the feline herpesvirus genome and is capable of being expressed in a host cell into which the virus is introduced. Further this invention provides a recombinant feline herpesvirus comprising a feline herpesvirus genome, wherein the feline herpesvirus genome contains a deletion in a SacII site within the 3.0 kb EcoRI-SalI fragment of the SalI A fragment of the feline herpesvirus genome. Lastly, this invention provides vaccines and methods of immunization of animals infected with feline herpesvirus.

Abstract: The preset invention provides a method for immunizing chickens which comprises inoculating into growing egg a composition comprising either cell-free attenuated viruses of Marek's disease type 1 or cells infected with attenuated viruses of Marek's disease type 1 capable of producing cell-free viruses. The present invention also provides a method for immunizing chickens which comprises inoculating into growing egg a mixed vaccine comprising said composition plus another vaccine from at least one microorganisms selected from the group consisting of viruses other than virus of Marek's disease type 1, bacteria and protozoan.

Abstract: The present invention relates to avian cell lines which efficiently support the growth and productive infection of Marek's Disease Virus at high titers. The present invention also relates to avian cell lines which have been engineered to support the growth and productive infection of recombinant Marek's Disease Virus at high titers. The present invention relates a process for the preparation of Marek's Disease Virus in quantities suitable for vaccine purposes.

Abstract: A multivalent poultry vaccine is provided having two or more live biological agents or microbial components. Each live biological agent or microbial component is effective in preventing or treating an avian disease, and the multivalent vaccine is safe and effective for immunizing poultry in ovo. Methods are also provided for vaccinating poultry by administering such a multivalent vaccine in ovo.

Abstract: A deletion mutant of bovine herpesvirus type 1 which has a deletion in the glycoprotein gE-gene and which may further have a deletion in the thymidine kinase gene and/or the glycoprotein gI-gene, or have an insertion of a heterologous gene is disclosed. Recombinant nucleic acids which encode the gE-gene or a part thereof are also disclosed, in addition to vaccines and a method of treatment.

Abstract: Herpesviral particle preparations, e.g. a preparation of herpesviral particles isolated from the cell culture in which such particles were produced, can have at least part of the VP22 tegument protein present in the form of a recombinant mutant form of VP22, e.g. as a recombinant fusion polypeptide comprising a VP22-active sequence and a non-VP22 peptide or polypeptide sequence such as a fluorescent GFP sequence: corresponding DNA preparations are described. The use of virus particles containing fluorescent fusion protein to detect the progress of cell infection by virus and to screen for neutralising antibody or inhibitors of infection is also described. Vaccine uses of modified herpesvirus particles are described.

Abstract: What is described is a recombinant poxvirus, such as vaccinia virus, fowipox virus and canarypox virus, containing foreign DNA from herpesvirus. In one embodiment, the foreign DNA is expressed in a host by the production of a herpesvirus glycoprotein. In another embodiment, the foreign DNA is expressed in a host by the production of at least two, pdrticularly two or three, herpesvirus glycoproteins. What is also described is a vaccine containing the recombinant poxvirus for inducing an immunological response in a host animal inoculated with the vaccine. By the present invention, the barrier of maternal immunity in a newborn offspring can be overcome or avoided.

Abstract: The recombinant live vaccine comprises, as vector, a feline herpesvirus comprising and expressing at least one nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, this sequence being inserted into the ORF5 and/or ORF2 sites. Polyvalent vaccine formula and feline herpesvirus DNA fragments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions, kits, and methods of use thereof, comprising, a mutant human herpes simplex virus, which is cytopathic to susceptible target cells, such as neoplastic cells. Preferably, the virus does not produce a functionally active wild-type gC polypeptide coded for the UL44 gene.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions relating to the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections and the screening of compounds for activity that inhibit or promote viral latency. The previously identified ORF P gene product now has been shown to interact with certain eukaryotic splicing factors and, in a cell infected with a herpesvirus containing a derepressed ORF P gene, ORF P can limit the splicing of at least two viral products. Given this function, it now is possible to screen for inhibitors and inducers of ORF P and, further, provide methods for maintaining and preventing viral latency.

Abstract: This invention relates to a highly cytopathic and infectious clone constructed from the genomic DNA of a cat FIV. The nucleotide sequences of the infectious clone is disclosed. The nucleotide sequence, and peptides derived therefrom can be used in the detection of, and protection against FIV in both domestic and nondomestic cats. Further, chimeric viruses having the desired immunologic and pathogenic properties can be constructed.

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: A mutant herpesvirus that can be used as a recombinant virus vector comprises (a) a mutation such that the mutant virus has a reduced ability in comparison with a parent type to cause lysis of an infected cell, and (b) an inactivating mutation in a gene essential for the production of infectious virus. An example is a HSV1 mutant lacking the essential glycoprotein gH gene and having a mutation impairing the function of gene product VP16. A heterologous gene can be carried at the site of the inactivated essential gene, e.g. a gene suitable for administering gene therapy. The vector has an increased margin of safety over known herpesvirus vectors in respect of incidence of cytopathic effects and/or risk of reversion.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for selectively modifying nucleic acid molecules in biological compositions, including contacting the composition with an inactivating agent having the formula: where each of R1, R2, R3, R4, R6, R7, and R8 is, independently, H or a monovalent hydrocarbon moiety containing between 1 and 4 carbon atoms, inclusive, provided that R1, R2, R3, R4, R6, R7, and R8 cannot all be H; R5 is a divalent hydrocarbon moiety containing between 2 and 4 carbon atoms, inclusive; X is a pharmaceutically acceptable counter-ion; and n is an integer between 2 and 10, inclusive are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule which encodes Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV) polypeptides. This invention provides an isolated polypeptide molecule of KSHV. This invention provides an antibody specific to the polypeptide. Antisense and triplex oligonucleotide molecules are also provided. This invention provides a vaccine for Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS). This invention provides methods of vaccination, prophylaxis, diagnosis and treatment of a subject with KS and of detecting expression of a DNA virus associated with Kaposi's sarcoma in a cell.

Abstract: Herpesviral particle preparations, e.g. a preparation of herpesviral particles isolated from the cell culture in which such particles were produced, can have at least part of the VP22 tegument protein present in the form of a recombinant mutant form of VP22, e.g. as a recombinant fusion polypeptide comprising a VP22-active sequence and a non-VP22 peptide or polypeptide sequence such as a fluorescent GFP sequence: corresponding DNA preparations are described. The use of virus particles containing fluorescent fusion protein to detect the progress of cell infection by virus and to screen for neutralising antibody or inhibitors of infection is also described. Vaccine uses of modified herpesvirus particles are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides several embodiments that ultimately result in the in vivo loading of endogenous antigenic peptides from a target cell. The invention also presents a method for inducing an immune response to an endogenous antigen in a subject by delivering an effective amount of an agent that stimulates in vivo loading of the endogenous antigen into an Antigenic Peptide Binding Protein (“APBP”). The APBP presents the endogenous antigen to a T cell in vivo. A polynucleotide encoding an APBP is delivered to a target cell under conditions such that the APBP is expressed in the target cell. Endogenous antigenic peptides bind the APBP forming an APBP:peptide complex. A cytotoxic agent also is administered to the subject and delivered to the target cell in an amount effective to lyse the target cell which releases the complexes. The complexes present the antigenic peptide to a T cell or an antigen presenting cell (APC) which mounts the immune response.

Abstract: An antiviral agent capable of disrupting the association of two viral proteins required for DNA replication in herpesviruses. The agents disrupt the association of UL8 and POL in HSV-1 or the association of equivalent homologues of these proteins in other herpesviruses (for example UL 102 and UL54 in HCMV). Suitable agents are peptides which mimic the C-terminal or C-proximal portion of UL8 (or its homologues) for example the peptide IELVFTGVLAGVWGEGGKFV. Peptidomimetic compounds of such peptides are also suitable anti-viral agents. An assay to test for agents capable of disrupting association of POL and UL8 (or homologues thereof) is 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: Herpesviral particle preparations, e.g. a preparation of herpesviral particles isolated from the cell culture in which such particles were produced, can have at least part of the VP22 tegument protein present in the form of a recombinant mutant form of VP22, e.g. as a recombinant fusion polypeptide comprising a VP22-active sequence and a non-VP22 peptide or polypeptide sequence such as a fluorescent GFP sequence: corresponding DNA preparations are described. The use of virus particles containing fluorescent fusion protein to detect the progress of cell infection by virus and to screen for neutralising antibody or inhibitors of infection is also described. Vaccine uses of modified herpesvirus particles are described.

Abstract: An attenuated, avirulent recombinant vaccine providing challenged protection against channel catfish virus comprises deletion of gene 50. Gene 50 encodes a secreted glycoprotein. Removal of gene 50, or replacement of gene 50 with foreign genetic material, provides a vaccine with which induces virus specific immunity against CCV disease.

Abstract: Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) cells harbor Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) episomes and express a KSHV encoded latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA). In PEL cells, LANA and KSHV DNA co-localized in dots in interphase nuclei and along mitotic chromosomes. In the absence of KSHV DNA, LANA was diffusely distributed in the nucleus or on mitotic chromosomes. In lymphoblasts, LANA was necessary and sufficient for the persistence of episomes containing a specific KSHV DNA fragment. Furthermore, LANA co-localized with the artificial KSHV DNA episomes in nuclei and along mitotic chromosomes. The KSHV DNA segment that provides for efficient persistence in LANA positive cells has been identified as the rhodino virus cis-acting element (RVCAE). These results support a model in which LANA tethers episomes containing the KSHV RVCAE DNA to chromosomes during mitosis to enable efficient segregation to progeny cells.

Abstract: A mutant herpesvirus that can be used a recombinant virus vector includes (a) a mutation such that the mutant virus has a reduced ability in comparison with a parent type to cause lysis of an infected cell, and (b) an inactivating mutation in a gene essential for the production of infectious virus. An example is a HSV1 mutant lacking the essential glycoprotein gH gene and having a mutation impairing the function of the gene product VP16. A heterologous gene can be carried at the site of the inactivated essential gene, e.g. a gene suitable for administering gene therapy. The vector has an increased margin of safety over known herpesvirus vectors in respect of incidence of cytopathic effects and/or risk of infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for the treatment or prevention of Zoster of individuals infected with Varicella Zoster virus (VZV), and to the prevention and treatment of Varicella infections. The compositions of the invention comprise the protein encoded by VZV gene 63 or an immunologically active derivative thereof. The invention further relates to compositions containing DNA or RNA corresponding to VZV gene 63.

Abstract: The present invention provides transfer factors that confer cell-mediated immunity to Human Herpesvirus-6A and Human Herpesvirus-6B. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the transfer factors and methods of treating abnormalities in a subject using the transfer factors.

Abstract: Use of a CHV antigen for the preparation of a vaccine against canine herpesvirosis, which is intended to be administered to gestating bitches as close as possible to whelping, preferably during the final third of gestation, and which produces a high level of anti-CHV antibodies in gestating bitches at the time of whelping, inducing protection in the puppies by transfer of antibodies during suckling. Inactivated anti-CHV vaccine or subunit vaccines, which can be used for vaccinating gestating bitches to protect the puppies by transfer of antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and reagents for inducing active immunity in animals. In particular, the present invention provides recombinant herpesviruses having foreign DNA that are capable of inducing immunity to the herpesvirus and/or the source of the foreign DNA. The present invention also provides mutant herpesviruses having portions of their genome deleted. Preferably, foreign DNA is introduced, or portions of the genome are deleted, in the UL54.5 open reading frame of avian herpesviruses or the UL43 open reading frame of Marek's disease virus.

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: Process for in vitro production of a culture or cell line infected by a viral strain associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), according to which a body sample is taken from an individual suffering from MS, the sample is cultivated in a culture medium which promotes the growth of infected cells to obtain a culture of primary infected cells, and a sample of the culture of primary cells or of a subculture of the latter is cultivated in series, that is to say by successive passages, in the culture medium to obtain the culture or cell line infected by a virus associated with MS. The process includes a procedure in which the culture medium also contains a beta anti-interferon antibody or an antibody which is directed against an antigenically close molecule, the antibody playing an inhibiting role in viral expression and allowing long-lasting expression and propagation of the viral strain in the culture or cell line.

Abstract: A safe live recombinant virus as well as a vaccine is produced by the deletion of a portion of the native glycoprotein E (gE) coding region of bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) followed by the insertion of a plasmid including a foreign functional &bgr;-gal at the gE locus. The deletion of gE gene stably attenuates the virus and serves as an immunological marker differentiating vaccinated animals from infected animals. Moreover, production of &bgr;-gal allows easy assessment of gE&Dgr;3.1IBR&bgr; virus replication in vaccinated animals and serves as a phenotypic marker which distinguishes it from wild type virus replication in infected animals.

Abstract: A microencapsulated subunit component from bovine herpes virus-1 (BHV-1) is disclosed. Vaccines, kits, and methods for using the same to vaccinate a member of a bovine species are also disclosed.

Abstract: Herpesvirus preparations, e.g. cultured HSV type 2, e.g. genetically disabled virus for vaccine use, can be purified, e.g. for subsequent pharmaceutical formulation, with solid phase affinity reagents containing sulfate- or sulfonate-comprising binding groups, e.g. sulfated polysacharide groups, e.g. heparin or dextran sulfate, and eluting e.g. with salt solutions. The process can be combined with other culture and harvesting steps.

Abstract: Disclosed is an immunological or vaccine composition that includes at least one plasmid that contains and expresses in vivo in host canine cells a nucleic acid molecule that encodes an antigen of a canine pathogen, such as rabies G. The plasmid can include more than one nucleic acid molecule such that the plasmid can express more than one antigen. Also disclosed are methods for using and kits employing such compositions.

Abstract: A human gamma herpesviris genome known as Kaposi sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) or human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) is present in virtually all AIDS and non-AIDS Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) lesions, as well as in body cavity based lymphomas (BCBL), Multiple myeloma, and in multicentric Casdeman's disease. Isolation and DNA sequencing of a 17-kb segment encompassing a HHV-8 divergent locus (DL-B) between ORF11 and ORF17 revealed the presence of nine viral ORFs with gene products related to cellular proteins. These include the complete thymidylate synthase (TS) gene and a dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) gene, four cytokine genes (vIL6, vMIP-1A, vMIP-1B and BCK) that have not previously been found to be encoded by a virus, and a Bcl2 homologue. This region in HHV-8 also contains the T1.1 abundant lytic cycle nuclear RNA gene and encompasses two genes (or exons) encoding proteins with C4HC3 zinc finger domains of the PHD/LAP subtype.

Abstract: Stabilized dried pharmaceutical compositions dispersible in aqueous liquid or injection comprise (i) virus e.g. for use as a vaccine or vector, preferably a herpesvirus, e.g. attenuated or genetically disabled infectious herpes simplex virus or varicella zoster virus, (ii) polysaccharide, e.g. dextran, and/or a source of mixed aminoacids of vegetable or bacterial origin, (iii) a buffer, and (iv) a mono- or oligo-saccharide or derivative thereof.

Abstract: What is described is a recombinant poxvirus, such as vaccinia virus, fowlpox virus and canarypox virus, containing foreign DNA from herpesvirus. In one embodiment, the foreign DNA is expressed in a host by the production of a herpesvirus glycoprotein. In another embodiment, the foreign DNA is expressed in a host by the production of at least two, particularly two or three, herpesvirus glycoproteins. What is also described is a vaccine containing the recombinant poxvirus for inducing an immunological response in a host animal inoculated with the vaccine. By the present invention, the barrier of maternal immunity in a newborn offspring can be overcome or avoided.

Abstract: Nucleotide sequences obtained from the genome of the capsid gene of FCV strain 2280 wherein the splicing sites have been modified, so as to be deleted or inactivated are provided. The nucleotide sequences include DNA sequences that encode polypeptides, such as the capsid gene of FCV strain 2280, whereby the coding sequences are capable of being transcribed in the nucleus of a eukaryotic organism without the DNA coding sequence being altered by the organism's natural splicing machinery and the amino acid structure of the expressed protein is not altered. The recombinant molecules may be incorporated into FHV-1 vectors that are used to infect cell cultures for use, inter alia, in the development of vaccines and, in particular vaccines for preventing or treating FCV disease.

Abstract: A recombinant virus is provided which is obtained from a BHV virus originally having the gI gene whose DNA sequence is delimited by nucleotides 172 and 1311 of SEQ ID NO:1 herein and which has been mutated by total or partial deletion and/or insertion in this region. By the mutation in this region, there is no longer any expression of the glycoprotein which has been mutated or rendered inactive, and thus animals vaccinated with these mutants do not develop antibodies against the glycoprotein and can be serologically distinguished from animals infected by field BHV-1 strains and other vaccinal strains currently used. A method of using the present recombinant virus is also provided which allows one to distinguish infected animals from vaccinated animals in a manner that has not previously been possible using presently available commercial vaccines.

Abstract: The avian vaccine formula comprises at least three polynucleotide vaccine valencies each comprising a plasmid integrating, so as to express it in vivo in the host cells, a gene with one avian pathogen valency, these valencies being selected from the group consisting of Marek's disease virus, Newcastle disease virus, infectious bursal disease virus, infectious bronchitis virus, infectious anaemia virus, the plasmids comprising, for each valency, one or more of the genes selected from the group consisting of gB and gD for the Marek's disease virus, HN and F for the Newcastle disease virus, VP2 for the infectious bursal disease virus, S, M and N for the infectious bronchitis virus, C+NS1 for the infectious anaemia virus.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is directed to (1) recombinant bovine herpesvirus genes having foreign genes inserted therein, (2) infectious recombinant bovine herpesviruses carrying these recombinant genes, (3) methods of producing these recombinant bovine herpesviruses, (4) methods of immunizing animals against diseases caused by bovine herpesviruses using these recombinant bovine herpesviruses as vaccines, and (5) methods of detecting infection of an animal by these recombinant bovine herpesviruses. In its preferred form, the invention is directed to the construction of an infectious recombinant bovine herpesvirus type 1 having a functional &bgr;-galactosidase gene inserted in and thereby inactivating the thymidine kinase gene (e.g., Gal-TK); infection of an animal with the resultant avirulent vaccine virus is detected by assaying the animal's respiratory secretions for the presence of virus having &bgr;-galactosidase activity in host cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to antigenic preparations and vaccines directed against the porcine multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), comprising at least one porcine circovirus antigen, preferably type II, and at least one porcine parvovirus antigen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant swinepox virus vector containing a heterologous nucleotide sequence encoding a protein from a selected pathogen inserted into, or replacing, all or a portion of a swinepox virus gene, which gene is not essential to replication of the virus in a host cell. Also provided is a recombinant SPV vector into which a pseudorabies antigen is inserted within the TK gene, which is useful in diagnostic, therapeutic, and prophylactic compositions.