Abstract: Provided are modified arenaviruses and populations thereof, wherein the modified arenaviruses include i) an introduced PPXY domain; ii) an increased number of PPXY domains; iii) a substituted amino acid in place of S41 in a viral Z protein that is not a substrate for a serine or tyrosine kinase, or a combination of i)-iii). A PPXY domain can include a phosphomimetic replacement of the Y amino acid. Modified Old World and New World arenaviruses are included. Arenavirus production is provided using cell cultures that contain a kinase inhibitor that inhibits a kinase that can phosphorylate the Y amino acid of the PPXY domain, or by cells that have disrupted kinase gene expression, or by cells that have a disrupted ESCRT system. Also provided are pharmaceutical formulations that contain modified arenaviruses, and methods of using such formulations for stimulating an immune response hat is fully or partially protective against arenavirus infection.

Abstract: Described is a parvovirus formulation which comprises (a) at least 1×109 pfu/ml of parvovirus H1 (H-1PV) or a related rodent parvovirus such as LuIII, Mouse minute virus (MMV), Mouse parvovirus (MPV), Rat minute virus (RMV), Rat parvovirus or Rat virus (RV) and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier containing 40-50% Iodixanol (w/v), 0.7-0.9 mmol CaCl2×2 H2O, 50-60 mmol NaCl, 0.9-1.2 mmol KCl, 0.7-0.95 mg/ml Tromethamine and 0.05-0.15 mg/ml Edetate calcium disodium. A preferred use is the therapy of a brain tumour by intratumoral injection.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for generating dry vaccine powder formulations. Dry vaccine powder formulations can be used for intranasal delivery. Also provided are methods for stimulating local mucosal and systemic immunity by intranasal vaccine delivery.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of producing vaccines directed against microorganisms, with the methods comprising culturing, harvesting and/or suspending the microorganism in the presence of a radiation-protective composition and irradiating the bacteria or viruses with a dose of radiation sufficient to render the microorganism replication-deficient and/or non-infective. The radiation-protective compositions used in the methods of the present invention comprise at least one nucleoside, at least one antioxidant and at least one small peptide. The invention also provides methods of rendering bacteria in culture resistant to ionizing radiation (IR), with these methods comprising culturing the bacteria in the presence of a radiation-protective composition.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of producing vaccines directed against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), with the methods comprising culturing, harvesting and/or suspending the MRSA or VEEV in the presence of a radiation-protective composition and irradiating the MRSA with a dose of radiation sufficient to render the MRSA or VEEV replication-deficient and/or non-infective. The radiation-protective compositions used in the methods of the present invention comprise at least one nucleoside, at least one antioxidant and at least one small peptide.

Abstract: The methods of this invention involve preventing the formation of a complex between adenine and riboflavin by reducing the amount of adenine in a solution containing blood or blood components to be pathogen reduced.

Abstract: The invention involves inactivation of viral populations by treating the viral populations with a compound to crosslink proteins in the viral membrane, UV irradiation and further inactivation of the viruses using detergent(s). According to the invention, this method preserves the native structure of viral epitopes so that the inactivated viral preparations can be used in immunological compositions that will inhibit and/or prevent viral infection when administered to an animal.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of producing vaccines directed against microorganisms, with the methods comprising culturing, harvesting and/or suspending the microorganism in the presence of a radiation-protective composition and irradiating the bacteria or viruses with a dose of radiation sufficient to render the microorganism replication-deficient and/or non-infective. The radiation-protective compositions used in the methods of the present invention comprise at least one nucleoside, at least one antioxidant and at least one small peptide. The invention also provides methods of rendering bacteria in culture resistant to ionizing radiation (IR), with these methods comprising culturing the bacteria in the presence of a radiation-protective composition.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) capable of viral inactivation of liquid media includes at least one coaxial cylinder (110) constructed of an outer cylinder (120) and an inner cylinder (130), a liquid media inlet (140), at least one emitter of type C ultraviolet radiation (145), and a liquid media outlet (150). The inner cylinder has an outer diameter adapted to form a gap (160) between the outer diameter of the inner cylinder and the inner diameter of the outer cylinder. The media flows in a substantially cyclonic flow path along the gap. The at least one emitter of type C ultraviolet radiation is placed inside the inner cylinder. The outlet is connected to the outer cylinder at, or proximal to, an end of the outer cylinder opposite the inlet.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a composition comprising an agent selected from the group comprising HCMV virions, HCMV dense bodies and HCMV NIEP, whereby the composition is capable of elucidating an immune response while the virions, the NIEP and/or the dense bodies being non-fusiogenic.

Abstract: Azido-diarylpyrimidine (azido-DAPY) compounds, and compositions containing such compounds, are provided. In addition, methods of using azido-diarylpyrimidines to inactivate reverse transcriptases, prepare inactivated viruses, and treat or prevent viral infections are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for the photo-inactivation of microorganisms. More specifically, the present invention is directed towards the photo-inactivation of microorganisms, such as viruses, using at least one furanocoumarin and broad spectrum pulsed light. For example, an aspect of the present invention includes a method for inactivating a herpesvirus, such as herpes B virus or herpes virus papio 2 using a psoralen and broad spectrum pulsed light.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions of inactivated influenza virus that can be used as vaccines and immunological compositions useful for inhibiting, preventing and treating influenza.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions of inactivated viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites and tumor cells that can be used as vaccines. Methods for making such inactivated viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites and tumor cells are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for methods, systems and apparatus for monochromatic UV light sterilization of container systems and/or container-packaged products. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for improved methods, systems and apparatus for monochromatic UV light sterilization of liquid and/or solid products/solutions and/or packaging/container systems for liquid and/or solid products/solutions (e.g., parenteral pharmaceutical products/solutions and/or packaging/container systems for parenteral pharmaceutical products/solutions).

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems to increase selective thermomechanical damage to a biological body, such as a cancer cell or cell associated with a pathophysiological condition. The biological body or cancer cell is specifically targeted with nanoparticulates comprising one or more targeting moieties which form nanoparticulate clusters thereon or therewithin. Pulsed electromagnetic radiation, e.g., optical radiation, having a wavelength spectrum selected for a peak wavelength near to or matching a peak absorption wavelength of the nanoparticulates selectively heats the nanoparticulates thereby generating vapor microbubbles around the clusters causing damage to the targets without affecting any surrounding medium or normal cells or tissues. Also provided are methods for treating leukemia and for selectively and thermomechanically causing damage to cells associated with a pathophysiological condition using the methods and system described herein.

Abstract: The invention provides an inactivated varicella zoster virus (VZV), and compositions and vaccines comprising said inactivated VZV, wherein the infectivity of the VZV is undetectable and wherein the inactivated VZV induces an immune response against VZV when administered to a patient. In embodiments of the compositions described herein, the VZV is inactivated with gamma radiation. The invention also provides a method of preparing an inactivated VZV vaccine, the method comprising gamma irradiating a sample comprising a VZV using from about 5 kGy to about 50 kGy of gamma radiation. Also provided by the invention herein is a method of treatment of or immunization against HZ or other disease associated with the reactivation of VZV, the method comprising administering to a subject a vaccine or pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an inactivated VZV and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the VZV is inactivated by gamma irradiation.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for the concentration and lysis of cells or viruses and a method of concentrating and lysing cells or viruses using the microfluidic device include: magnetic beads, a reaction chamber in which the magnetic beads are accommodated and a laser source. The reaction chamber includes a plurality of electrodes which cross each other and are separated by a dielectric to generate an electric field and a vibrating part agitating the magnetic beads in the chamber. The laser source radiates a laser onto the magnetic beads in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoparamunity inducers based on paramunizing viruses or viral components of a myxomavirus strain from rabbits with typically generalizing disease, to a method for the production thereof and to the use thereof as medicaments for the regulatory optimization of the paramunizing activities for the prophylaxis and therapy of various dysfunctions in humans and animals.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the interfacing of microchips to various types of modules are disclosed. The technology disclosed can be used as sample preparation and analysis systems for various applications, such as DNA sequencing and genotyping, proteomics, pathogen detection, diagnostics and biodefense.

Abstract: The invention involves inactivation of viral populations by treating the viral populations with a compound to crosslink proteins in the viral membrane, UV irradiation and further inactivation of the viruses using detergent(s). According to the invention, this method preserves the native structure of viral epitopes so that the inactivated viral preparations can be used in immunological compositions that will inhibit and/or prevent viral infection when administered to an animal.

Abstract: The invention describes a way to target and trap a specific particle (atom, molecule, bacterium, photon, ion, virus, etc.) that can be extracted from a moving fluid flow. Since every particle has a unique and identifiable shape and/or electromagnetic signature, a trap can be built to target it. The fluid is assumed to be moving and the trap is to be placed in the flow to capture the specific particle. Other particles would not be captured unless specifically targeted. Once trapped, the particle can be returned to the flow or be pulled out, the trap cleaned and replaced to catch a new particle. This can be used to remove specific particles from the fluid flow for mining purposes or to clean the fluid (EG. removing sodium molecules from flowing water or removing a virus from the blood stream).

Abstract: The present invention is related to a composition comprising an agent selected from the group comprising HCMV virions, HCMV dense bodies and HCMV NIEP, whereby the composition is capable of elucidating an immune response while the virions, the NIEP and/or the dense bodies being non-fusiogenic.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a process for reducing transfusion related complications in a recipient of an allogeneic blood transfusion by adding to the blood to be transfused a photosensitizer comprising riboflavin, irradiating the blood and riboflavin with light, transfusing the irradiated blood into a recipient, and reducing a transfusion related complication by the recipient to cells in the donor blood. The invention is also directed towards a process for preventing rejection of a donor organ by a recipient comprising the steps of transfusing the recipient of the donor organ with treated platelets; and transplanting the donor organ into the recipient.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions of inactivated influenza virus that can be used as vaccines and immunological compositions useful for inhibiting, preventing and treating influenza.

Abstract: The invention concerns an adenovirus fiber modified by mutation of one or several residues of the region included between residues 491 and 505 of SEQ ID NO: 1, the viral particles or pseudo-particles comprising such a fiber and their uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the process of selectively exposing matter to a specific wavelength of electromagnetic energy in sufficient flux density per wavelength to cause or promote a desired effect. The process includes, but is not limited to, destroying, disinfecting, denaturing, disinfesting, disrupting, or dehydration of one or more of the substances present. More specifically, present invention relates to subjecting matter, which may contain a mixture of substances, to electromagnetic energy, in concurrence with its spectral properties to exploit the spectral differences within the substance or within a mixture of substances. Energies are applied to cause wavelength-dependent reactions resulting from differential absorption; this additional applied energy manifests itself in changes, or quantum transitions, in the vibrational, rotational, magnetic, and electronic states of the molecules.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for photo-processing of fluids, particularly complex fluids, such as blood products, pharmaceuticals, injectables and vaccines, are provided. The disclosed methods and systems employ non-laser light source(s) to generate monochromatic light energy, preferably in the range of 260 nm to 310 nm, for fluid treatment. Advantageous processing regimens and/or adjunct additives and/or agents may also be used to achieve desired and/or enhanced results, e.g., inactivation of pathogens, bacteria and/or viruses, modulation of immune response, and/or leukoreduction. Particularly preferred embodiments include specific wavelengths, novel temperature control systems and geometric/structural arrangements that provide enhanced processing results and/or efficiencies.

Abstract: The present invention features helper-dependent adenoviral vector elements, and helper adenoviral elements, that enhance the production and isolation of helper-dependent adenoviral vectors. Such elements include a modified packaging signal having low homology to, and preferably less activity than, a wild-type packaging signal, an E4 non-coding segment directly joined to the 5? ITR that confers a selective advantage, and stuffer region(s) that provide a helper-dependent adenoviral vector with a GC content of about 50% to about 60%. The modified packaging signal is preferably used in a helper virus to decrease recombination and generation of the virus. The E4 non-coding segment and the stuffer region(s) are preferably used in a helper-dependent adenoviral vector to provide the vector with a growth advantage over a helper virus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for inactivation of microorganisms in fluids or on surfaces. Preferably the fluids contain blood or blood products and comprise biologically active proteins. Preferred methods include the steps of adding an effective, non-toxic amount of a photosensitizer to a fluid and exposing the fluid to photoradiation sufficient to activate the photosensitizer whereby microorganisms are inactivated.

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 endonuclease sites 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 applications, including as vectors for use in a variety of applications, including gene therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a phage display system in which the molecules to be displayed (i.e., molecules of interest) are bound to dispensable capsid polypeptides such as SOC (small outer capsid) and HOC (highly antigenic outer capsid) polypeptides that are, in turn, bound to a surface lattice protein, such as those on the surface of a virion or polyhead. Also disclosed are methods of displaying a molecule of interest, methods of immunizing a patient by administering a displayed antigen, and methods of treating a patient who has a disorder associated with aberrent expression or activity of a biological molecule. In the latter instance, the method includes administering a displayed polypeptide, such as an immunoglobulin molecule or an enzyme, that is capable of specifically interacting with the aberrent biological molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to particles, comprising: a protein envelope with a fusion protein, which comprises a virus protein, a cell permeability-mediating peptide and a heterologous cell-specific binding site; and a nucleic acid present in the protein envelope, which comprises the sequence for a virus-specific packaging signal and a structural gene. The invention further relates to methods for the preparation of such particles and means suitable for this purpose, as well as the use of the particles in gene therapy.

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

Abstract: The present invention is based on the development of a dual promoter system (preferably a RNA pol I-pol II system) for the efficient intracellular synthesis of viral RNA. The resultant minimal plasmid-based system may be used to synthesize any RNA virus, preferably viruses with a negative single stranded RNA genome. The viral product of the system is produced when the plasmids of the system are introduced into a suitable host cell. One application of the system is production of attenuated, reassortant influenza viruses for use as antigens in vaccines. The reassortant viruses generated by cotransfection of plasmids may comprise genes encoding the surface glycoproteins hemagglutinin and neuramimidase from an influenza virus currently infecting the population and the internal genes from an attenuated influenza virus. An advantageous property of the present invention is its versatility; the system may be quickly and easily adapted to synthesize an attenuated version of any RNA virus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hepatitis A vaccine, especially to a lyophilized attenuated hepatitis A vaccine which can be stored at ambient temperature for extended periods of time, and to a method for producing the same. The present invention further relates to a stabilizer for lyophilized live vaccine and its use in improving thermostability of lyophilized live vaccine during lyophilization processing and storage period after lyophilization.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immunoassays, binding assays, solid phase substrates (12) and other devices with an antigen or antibody or ligand or receptor (11) embedded into a solid phase substrate (12). The antigen or antibody is mixed with a molten thermoplastic and formed into the solid phase substrate (12).

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: A vaccine for protecting a horse against diseases associated with EHV-1 and/or EHV-4 is provided. The vaccine commonly includes inactivated EHV-1 (e.g., chemically inactivated EHV-1 KyA virus) and an adjuvant. The adjuvant can include a cross-linked olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid polymer which may have bioadhesive properties. The vaccine may also include antigens against other equine pathogens such as inactivated EHV-4 and inactivated A1 and/or A2 strains of equine influenza virus. Methods for protecting horses against diseases associated with EHV-1 and/or EHV-4 and methods of producing the equine herpesvirus vaccine are also provided.

Abstract: A compound of the formula I: wherein: X is CH or N; Y is O or S; Z is OH, NH2, NMeR3, NHR3; OR3 or 5- or 6-membered heterocycle, having 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from O, N and S, said heterocycle being optionally substituted with from 1 to 4 substituents; A is N, COR7 or CR5, wherein R5 is H, halogen, or (C1-6) alkyl and R7 is H or (C1-6 alkyl), with the proviso that X and A are not both N; R6 is H, halogen, (C1-6 alkyl) or OR7, wherein R7 is H or (C1-6 alkyl); R1 is selected from the group consisting of 5- or 6-membered heterocycle having 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from O, N, and S, phenyl, phenyl(C1-3)alkyl, (C2-6)alkenyl, phenyl(C2-6)alkenyl, (C3-6)cycloalkyl, (C1-6)alkyl, CF3, 9- or 10-membered heterobicycle having 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from O, N and S, wherein said heterocycle, phenyl, phenyl(C2-6)alkenyl and phenyl(C1-3)alkyl), alkenyl, cycloalkyl, (C1-6)alkyl, and heterobicycle are all optionally substituted with from 1 to 4 substituents; R2 is selected from (C1-6)alkyl, (C

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified fiber of an adenovirus, comprising at least one mutation at one or more residues within the region of said fiber stretching from pleated sheet A to pleated sheet B, and including loop AB.

Abstract: Polypeptides of adeno-associated virus (AAV) that bind to AAV antibodies or block binding of AAV to mammalian cells are described. Derivatives of peptides can be less immunogenic, enhance binding to cells, render a virus tissue specific and so on. The nucleic acid sequence encoding those derivatives can be incorporated into a capsid encoding sequence to enable a virus to express such a derivative and be less immunogenic, have enhanced transduction efficiency or be tissue specific.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant DNA molecules which encode bovine respiratory syncytial (BRS) virus proteins, to BRS virus proteins, and peptides and to recombinant BRS virus vaccines produced therefrom. It is based, in part, on the cloning of substantially full length cDNAs which encode the entire BRS virus G, F, and N proteins. According to particular embodiments of the invention, DNA encoding a BRS virus protein or peptide may be used to diagnose BRS virus infection, or, alternatively, may be inserted into an expression vector, including, but not limited to, vaccinia virus as well as bacterial, yeast, insect, or other vertebrate vectors. These expression vectors may be utilized to produce the BRS virus protein or peptide in quantity; the resulting substantially pure viral peptide or protein may be incorporated into subunit vaccine formulations or may be used to generate monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies which may be utilized in diagnosis of BRS virus infection or passive immunization.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying a target object having a plurality of surfaces, within a pulsed light sterilization chamber including a treatment zone within which pulsed sterilizing light is emitted, comprises: a transmissive carrier within the treatment zone detachably coupled to the target object, the transmissive carrier having a transmissivity of at least about 10% to light within the 250 to 350 nm wavelength range; and moving means coupled to the transmissive carrier for moving the target object on the transmissive carrier through the treatment zone, the plurality of surfaces of the target object being sterilized by the pulsed sterilizing light in the treatment zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant rabies virus mutants comprising a mutation in the viral genome, whereby said mutation comprises at least a substitution of the Arg333 codon in the gene encoding the G protein with a codon that differs by three nucleotides from said Arg333 codon. These rabies virus mutants have a glycoprotein G that comprises an amino acid at position 333 which is encoded by a codon that differs by all three nucleotides from the Arg codon in amino acid position 333 in the glycoprotein of the parental virus. Said recombinant rabies virus mutants are stable and non-pathogenic in immune competent animals and are suitable for use in a live, attenuated anti-rabis vaccine.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and kits for use in diagnosing flavivirus infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the adaptation of infectious bursal disease viruses (IBDV) to growth in CEF cell culture. Changing the codons for amino acid residues 253 (Gln) and 284 (Ala) to 253 (His) and 284 (Thr) allowed bursa adapted Classical and Variant-E IBDV to grow in CEF cell culture. For GLS IBDV only a change of the codon for amino acid residue 284 was necessary.

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 combined hepatitis A-measles live vaccine, its lyophilized formulations with enhanced storage stability and methods of preparing the same by mixing the viral stocks of hepatitis A virus and measles virus or by propagating the two viruses on same diploid cell substrate are disclosed. The combined live vaccine thus prepared is a useful vaccine for preventing the infections with hepatitis A and measles without causing any interference between antigenicity of the two viruses and any serious adverse events due to their mixing or co-culturing.

Abstract: A DNA characterized by coding for a single-stranded antibody capable of binding to a hepatitis B virus core protein: a single-stranded antibody coding for the DNA: a therapeutic agent for hepatitis B comprising the single-stranded antibody as the active ingredient; and a gene therapeutic agent containing the DNA as the active ingredient.