Abstract: Recombinant expression vectors and methods are provided for detecting HIV and monitoring HIV drug resistance.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and reagents for detecting antibodies to adenovirus. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is useful for detecting antibodies to adenovirus serotype 5. In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention can be used in a biosensor-based assay. It is contemplated that the present invention is useful to detect antibodies for ascertaining adenovirus infection, evaluating patient response to gene therapy using adenovirus vectors, developing vaccines to adenovirus infection, developing therapeutics for inducing passive immunity to adenovirus infection, as well as other uses.

Abstract: Genetic vaccines and methods are provided for enhancing the immunity of a host such as a human to one or more pathogens. In one aspect, a method of enhancing the immunity of a host to a pathogen is provided. The method comprises administering to the host a recombinant virus comprising an antigen sequence that is heterologous to a native progenitor of the recombinant adenovirus and encodes a viral antigen from a pathogenic virus, expression of which is under the transcriptional control of a first promoter; and a cytokine sequence that is heterologous to the native progenitor of the recombinant adenovirus and encodes a cytokine, expression of which is under the transcriptional control of a second promoter. Expression of the antigen and cytokine sequences elicits an immune response directed against the viral antigen upon infection of the host by the recombinant virus.

Abstract: Gene delivery vectors, such as, for example, recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors, and methods of using such vectors are provided for use in treating or preventing diseases of the eye.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for constructing a fiber-mutant adenovirus vector in which a foreign peptide is introduced by a simple system into the fiber HI loop-coding gene of adenovirus; and provides a fiber-mutant adenovirus vector which is constructed by this method.

Abstract: The inventive method of producing a eukaryotic viral vector comprises contacting a eukaryotic cell, which comprises a unique enzyme that nicks or cleaves a DNA molecule, with a recombinant phage vector, or contacting a eukaryotic cell, which does not comprise a unique enzyme that nicks or cleaves a DNA molecule, simultaneously or sequentially, in either order, with (i) a unique enzyme that nicks or cleaves a DNA molecule, and (ii) a recombinant phage vector. The recombinant phage vector comprises the DNA molecule comprising (a) a eukaryotic viral vector genome comprising a coding sequence, (b) a phage packaging site that is not contained within the eukaryotic viral vector genome, and (c) a promoter that is operably linked to the coding sequence. Alternatively, the DNA molecule is not present within the recombinant phage vector. The eukaryotic cell is contacted with the first DNA molecule and a recombinant phage vector.

Abstract: Methods are provided for screening natural and synthetic anti-HIV agents using recombinant cells that are rendered susceptible to productive infection of various strains, subtypes or clades of HIV from both laboratory and clinical isolates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cells for the production of helper dependent adenoviral vectors, including at least the following genic units: a first genic unit comprising an adenovirus defective genome having the inverted terminal repeats in head-to-tail configuration, the encapsidation signal inactivated, and at least one of the non-structural regions inactivated; a second genic unit comprising at least one inducible promoter and at least one of the regions inactivated in the first genic unit, said regions being under the control of said inducible promoter; whereby following the activation of the inducible promoter of the second genic unit and the infection of the cells with said helper dependent adenoviral vectors, the first genic unit and the second genic unit enable the production of said helper dependent adenoviral vectors in said cells in absence of helper vector.

Abstract: The inventive vector specifically directs entry into a cell of monocytic origin. The vector is composed of a nucleic acid component, a lysosome evading component and a particle that can be phagocytized. The vector itself, or cells pretreated with the vector, are useful in all gene medicine applications. Because it is specific for monocytic cells, the inventive vector is particularly suited to vaccine applications. Due to the ability of monocytic cells to target tumors, the inventive vector also is suitable for use in anti-tumor applications, including conventional gene therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified bovine adenoviruses comprising a modification in a capsid protein wherein said protein is associated with adenovirus tropism and wherein said modification is associated with altered tropism. The present invention provides adenovirus vectors and host cells comprising such vectors. The present invention also provides methods of making and using such adenoviruses.

Abstract: Recombinant CELO virus or CELO virus DNA with a deletion at the right end of the viral genome that allows insertion of large pieces of foreign DNA. The virus is useful as a vaccine for animals, in particular birds, and for gene therapy and vaccine applications in humans. The virus can also be used for recombinant protein production.

Abstract: The invention relates to the ovine embryo cell line HVO-156 (DSM ACC2440), or to cell lines derived therefrom, and to their use for preparing and propagating ovine adenoviruses, in particular recombinant ovine adenoviruses which are derived from the isolate OAV 287.

Abstract: Liquid or frozen compositions containing adenoviral-particles, comprising a buffer solution capable of maintaining the pH of the medium at slightly alkaline values, supplemented with glycerol and without addition of divalent metal cations or of alkali metal cations.

Abstract: Recombinant adenovirus and methods of administration to a host are provided for eliciting immune response of the host to various pathogens. In one aspect of the invention, a vaccination method is provided for enhancing immunity of the host to the pathogen through rotation of the serotypes of the recombinant adenoviruses administered to the host.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel nonmammalian carrier vectors and viruses useful in the production of high titers of recombinant viruses which may contain foreign DNA inserts or which may be point-mutated or deleted viruses, and methods of producing those viruses. The nonmammalian carrier vector (“carrier vector”) is a chimeric vector which includes those portions of a nonmammalian virus backbone which allow replication in a nonmammalian host cell. The carrier vector includes various nucleic acid cassettes, which may include an embedded recombinant viral genome containing a desired transgene, components necessary for production of a replication-defective recombinant virus containing the transgene, and domains that permit the carrier vector to bind to mammalian cells. The invention also provides methods of producing high concentrations of recombinant virus as a substantially homogeneous preparation, compositions to produce the recombinant virus, and novel recombinant viruses.

Abstract: A method is described to prepare intracellular biological entities (e.g. organisms, such as, e.g., viruses, particularly Adenoviruses; organelles, or biological molecules), comprising subjecting cells containing the biological entities to continuous centrifugation, under conditions effective to concentrate the cells into a cell pellet; and ejecting the pelleted cells from the centrifuge into a collection receptacle, under conditions effective to lyse cells; wherein no further steps effective to achieve cell lysis are performed.

Abstract: The present invention describes a modified virus comprising one or more non-native polypeptides, which polypeptide comprises one or more framework moieties each containing one or more binding moieties, which polypeptide is capable of being expressed in the cytoplasm and nucleus of a mammalian host cell in a conformation which is maintained in the absence of a ligand for said binding moieties, said conformation allowing said binding moieties subsequently to bind with said ligand, and which polypeptide is capable of transport though the nuclear membrane, wherein said modified virus has an altered tropism conferred by said binding moieties and the use of such viruses in therapy, particularly in the treatment of tumours or other cancerous cells.

Abstract: Stable pharmaceutical compositions comprising recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) virions are described. The compositions provide protection against loss of recombinant AAV vector genomes and transduceability under conditions such as exposure to cycles of freezing and thawing and storage in glass or polypropylene vials. The compositions comprise recombinant AAV virions in combination with one or more dihydric or polyhydric alcohols, and, optionally, a detergent, such as a sorbitan ester. Also described are methods of using the compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a complex that includes a virion having a ligand that recognizes an epitope present on an immune effector cell surface and at least a first nucleic acid encoding a first non-native antigen. The invention also provides a library including a plurality of such complexes, in which antigens of at least two of the plurality are different. Using such reagents, the invention provides a method of precipitating an immune response within an immune effector cell, wherein such a complex is delivered to the cell under conditions sufficient for the cell to mount an immune response to the antigen. When applied in vivo, the method can serve to immunize an animal from the pathogen. Moreover, using a library including a plurality of complexes, which contains at least one test antigen, the invention provides a method of assessing the antigenicity of the test antigen.

Abstract: In vitro methods for making a recombinant adenoviral genome, as well as kits for practicing the same and the recombinant adenovirus vectors produced thereby, are provided. In the subject methods, the subject genomes are prepared from first and second vectors. The first vector includes an adenoviral genome having an E region deletion and three different, non-adenoviral restriction endonuclease sites located in the E region. The second vector is a shuttle vector and includes an insertion nucleic acid flanked by two of the three different non-adenoviral vectors present in the first vector. Cleavage products are prepared from the first and second vectors using the appropriate restriction endonucleases. The resultant cleavage products are then ligated to produce the subject recombinant adenovirus genome. The subject adenoviral genomes find use in a variety of application, including as vectors for use in a variety of applications, including gene therapy.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to the discovery of methods and compositions for the inhibition of growth and/or migration of cells that have the P antigen, including but not limited to, cells of hematopoietic origin and endothelial cells. More specifically, parvovirus capsid particles or fragments of parvovirus capsid proteins are used to manufacture medicaments that can be administered to a subject to inhibit hematopoietic progenitor cell growth (e.g., prior to stem cell transplantation), endothelial cell growth, (e.g., as an anti-tumorigenesis treatment or to prevent restenosis or fibrotic build up following prosthetic implantation), or to prevent disorders that involve the abnormal proliferation of cells that have the P antigen (e.g., polycytemia vera).

Abstract: Recombinant adenoviruses comprising the following sequences in the genome: (1) a left inverted terminal repeat: (2) a packaging signal: (3) a recombinase recognition sequence located at a region in between said left inverted terminal repeat and said packaging signal: and (4) at least one more recombinase recognition sequence which is located downstream of said packaging signal and which is recognized by the recombinase that recognizes the above recombinase recognition sequence are useful as a material for constructing highly safe vectors for gene therapy in the field of gene therapy.

Abstract: The instant invention provides methods and materials for expressing a polypeptide with factor VIII activity comprising administering an rAAV vector encoding a truncated version of human factor VIII, containing, for example, a 90 kD heavy chain of factor VIII fused to a light chain of factor VIII.

Abstract: The present invention relates to foreign peptide sequences fused to recombinant plant viral structural proteins and a method of their production. Fusion proteins are economically synthesized in plants at high levels by biologically contained tobamoviruses. The fusion proteins of the invention have are useful as antigens for inducing the production of antibodies having desired binding properties, e.g., protective antibodies, or for use as vaccine antigens for the induction of protective immunity against the parvovirus. Feline parvovirus epitopes were fused to the N-terminus of the TMV coat protein, expressed in Nicotiana plants, extracted, purified, characterized and administered to animals, resulting in protective immunity.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the need to improve the yields of viral vectors when grown in cell culture systems. In particular, it has been demonstrated that for adenovirus, the use of low-medium perfusion rates in an attached cell culture system provides for improved yields. In other embodiments, the inventors have shown that there is improved Ad-p53 production witrh cells grown in serum-free conditions, and in particular in serum-free suspension culture. Also important to the increase of yields is the use of detergent lysis. Combination of these aspects of the invention permits purification of virus by a single chromatography step that results in purified virus of the same quality as preparations from double CsCl banding using an ultracentrifuge.

Abstract: The invention relates to viral formulations and related pharmaceutical products for use in gene therapy and/or vaccine applications. Especially preferred viral formulations disclosed herein are liquid adenovirus formulations, which show improved stability when stored in about the 2-8° C. range while also being compatible with parenteral administration. These formulations comprise a buffer, a sugar, a salt, a divalent cation, a non-ionic detergent, as well as a free radical scavenger and/or a chelating agent to inhibit free radical oxidation.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a recombinant adenoviral vector derived from an adenovirus genome in which at least a part of the E3 region is deleted or is non functional, wherein said adenoviral vector retains E3 sequences encoding a functional 14.7K protein, a functional 14.5K protein, and/or a functional 10.4K protein. The present invention further relates to the use of a polynucleotide comprising at least one or more gene(s) of an E3 region of an adenovirus, taken individually or in combination, to protect from an inflammatory reaction in a host cell, tissue or organism. The present invention additionally concerns a viral particle, a host cell and a composition comprising said recombinant adenoviral vector or said polynucleotide, as well as their use for therapeutic or prophylactic purpose.

Abstract: Novel adenovirus-derived viral vectors, the preparation thereof, and the use of such vectors in gene therapy, are disclosed. In particular, defective adenoviruses having a genome that includes a first recombinant DNA containing a therapeutic gene and a second recombinant DNA containing an immunoprotective gene, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a DNA sequence comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding Hemorrhagic Enteritis virus. It is well known to the man of the art that determining the complete sequence of a virus enables the isolation and identification of the different genes contained therein, and their utilisation for different purposes such as for vaccination purposes, as potential vectors for gene delivery to be used in recombinant vaccination or for gene therapy. In addition, the sequence may be employed for diagnostic purposes wherein the disclosed sequence of any part thereof be used for the development of specific primers for Polymerase Chain Reaction processes (PCR) or as probes. The invention thus also concerns with HEV proteins encoded by the sequence of the invention or functional fragments thereof and to some of the uses of said sequences and proteins.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions to preserve bioactive materials in a dried foam matrix. Methods provide non-boiling foam generation and penetration of preservative agents at temperatures near the phase transition temperature of the membranes.

Abstract: This invention relates to the fields of genetic engineering, virus replication and gene transfer. More specifically, this invention relates to polynucleotide construct, recombinant virus, transposon, and their vectors, wherein an ori derived from a DNA virus capable of replicating in vertebrate cells is inserted into the retrovirus, allowing the retrovirus following the reverse transcription to efficiently replicate as extrachromosomal or episomal DNA without the necessity of integration into the host cell chromosome. Additionally, this invention relates to polynucleotide construct, recombinant virus, transposon, and their vectors replicating episomally without aid of an ori and related elements. Also, this invention encompasses preventive, therapeutic, and diagnostic applications employing said constructs, viruses and vectors.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of detecting and/or characterizing the viral vector particle content of a medium. A medium is provided and contacted with an excitation energy such that, if a viral vector particle is in the medium, an electron associated with the intrinsically fluorogenic portion of the viral vector particle will be raised to an excited energy state. The excited electron is permitted to emit radiation having an emission wavelength which is detected. The viral vector particle content of the medium then can be evaluated by comparing the detected emission wavelength with a standard signal. For example, the number of viral vector particles in a medium can be quantified by comparing the detected wavelength and its corresponding intensity to a standard signal. Similar methods for evaluating the adenoviral vector particle content of a medium and the intrinsically fluorogenic adenoviral structural protein content of a medium are provided.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and reagents for identifying compounds that inhibit the induction of genes involved in cancer, age-related diseases, and viral diseases, such genes being induced by p21Waf1/Cip1/Sdi1.

Abstract: The present invention provides temperature-sensitive (ts) adeno-associated virus (AAV) Rep78 and Rep68 proteins. In preferred embodiments, the ts AAV Rep78 and Rep68 proteins have missense mutations at amino acid positions 40, 42 and 44 that confer a temperature-sensitive phenotype. Also provided are nucleotide sequences and vectors encoding the inventive ts Rep proteins. In preferred embodiments, a hybrid adenovirus vector is provided that stably comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding a ts AAV Rep protein according to the invention. The present invention also provides methods of packaging AAV vectors and methods of ex vivo gene delivery using the ts Rep proteins of the invention. Further provided are cells containing the ts AAV Rep proteins, preferably stably integrated into the genome of the cell.

Abstract: In the present invention, viruses, plasmids or both are constructed which contain viral DNA, at least one head-to-head ITR junction, and recombinase recognition sites positioned such that site-specific recombination between recombinase recognition sites in separate plasmids results in generation of infectious viral DNA at high-efficiency in cotransfected host cells that have been engineered to express a site-specific recombinase. Because of the high-efficiency and specificity of the Cre enzyme, suitably engineered plasmids can be readily recombined to produce infectious virus at high-efficiency in cotransfected 293 cells, without, at the same time, producing wild-type adenovirus, with the attendant problems for removal thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (“IBDV”) and vaccines therefor. Provided are infectious recombinant Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (“rIBDV”) essentially incapable of growing in a cell that is not derived from a bursa cell, or an infectious rIBDV having retained at least part of the very virulent characteristics of a very virulent Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (“vvIBDV”).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing non-infections parvovirus capsids and to diagnostic assays and vaccines utilizing same. The invention further relates to recombinant baculoviruses encoding parvovirus structural proteins and host cells infected therewith. The invention also relates to a method of packaging and delivering genetic information utilizing the noninfectious capsids.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing recombinant adenovirus by which viral DNA is introduced in a packaging cell culture and the viruses produced are harvested after liberation in the supernatant. The invention also concerns the viruses produced and their use.

Abstract: Recombinant adenovirus and methods of administration to a host are provided for eliciting immune response of the host to various pathogens. In one aspect of the invention, a vaccination method is provided for enhancing immunity of the host to the pathogen through rotation of the serotypes of the recombinant adenoviruses administered to the host.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for administering an adenoviral gene transfer vector comprising an exogenous gene to an animal. One method involves utilizing systemic neutralizing antibodies to neutralize the adenoviral gene transfer vector outside a targeted muscle. Another method involves the repeat administration of an adenoviral gene transfer vector to a skeletal muscle.

Abstract: Processes and systems for the high throughput directed evolution of peptides and proteins, particularly those that act in complex biological settings, are provided. The proteins and peptides include, but are not limited to, intracellular proteins, messenger/signaling/hormone proteins and viral proteins. Also provided is a rational method for generating protein variants and also a method for titering viruses.

Abstract: The inventive method of producing a eukaryotic viral vector comprises contacting a eukaryotic cell, which comprises a unique enzyme that nicks or cleaves a DNA molecule, with a recombinant phage vector, or contacting a eukaryotic cell, which does not comprise a unique enzyme that nicks or cleaves a DNA molecule, simultaneously or sequentially, in either order, with (i) a unique enzyme that nicks or cleaves a DNA molecule, and (ii) a recombinant phage vector. The recombinant phage vector comprises the DNA molecule comprising (a) a eukaryotic viral vector genome comprising a coding sequence, (b) a phage packaging site that is not contained within the eukaryotic viral vector genome, and (c) a promoter that is operably linked to the coding sequence.

Abstract: Described in this disclosure is a system for gene therapy using a chimeric vector made from an adenovirus genome and a heterologous gene that functionally replaces an adenovirus gene required for replication or assembly. Cytolytic viruses can be produced that target particular tissue types by virtue of having replication controlled by a specific transcription control element—such as the promoter for telomerase reverse transcriptase. These therapeutic viruses are believed to have an improved safety and efficacy profile compared with previously available systems.

Abstract: An adenovirus which encodes a polypeptide which produces a protective immune response against an alpha-virus such as a Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus, in a mammal to which it is administered, said nucleic acid lacking a competant nuclear targeting signal in the capsid gene.

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: The invention relates to a permanent amniocytic cell line comprising at least one nucleic acid which brings about expression of the gene products of the adenovirus E1A and E1B regions. The present invention further relates to the production of a permanent amniocytic cell line and to its use for producing gene transfer vectors and/or adenovirus mutants. Further aspects are the use of amniocytes and of the adenoviral gene products of the E1A and E1B regions for producing permanent amniocytic cell lines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing non-infections parvovirus capsids and to diagnostic assays and vaccines utilizing same. The invention further relates to recombinant baculoviruses encoding parvovirus structural proteins and host cells infected therewith. The invention also relates to a method of packaging and delivering genetic information utilizing the noninfectious capsids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for preserving infectious recombinant viruses in frozen or liquid form, in which infectious viruses are preserved in an aqueous solution. The recombinant virus suspension comprises an aqueous sucrose solution at a concentration of 0.75 M or above, preferably between 0.75 M and 1.5 M, or more preferably at a concentration of 1 M. The preserved aqueous viral suspension further provides a medicament that can be used therapeutically or prophylactically for the treatment of a human or animal body by gene therapy.

Abstract: A vaccine for the selective immunization of horses against EHV4 and/or EHV1 is provided comprising at least one of (i) EHV4 virus wherein a portion of the gG gene of the EHV4 virus that elicits a type-specific response to EHV4 has been deleted and (ii) EHV1 virus wherein a portion of the gG gene of the EHV1 virus that elicits a type-specific response to EHV1 has been deleted. Antibodies which specifically bind to a epitopes of EHV4 gG or EHV1 also are provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system comprising an AAV vector, which contains a foreign DNA, and rep 68/78 sequences of AAV with delayed expression, these sequences being present (a) in cis or (b) in trans. The invention also concerns the use of such a system for the production of AAV vectors.