Abstract: A liquid or liquid-frozen composition comprising: a modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) virus or variant or derivative thereof and mannitol, wherein mannitol is the sole stabilization agent of the composition. The mannitol may provide a stabilizing effect at 0 to +10° C. or in a liquid-frozen composition, for example between ?10° C. and ?30° C. or between ?20° C. and ?23.5° C. The MVA may be used as a vaccine or for use in gene therapy, virotherapy, immunotherapy, or cancer therapy in a mammal, preferably a human.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to vectors for regulating gene expression having at least one gene expressing cassette and at least one gene suppressing cassette, wherein the gene expression cassette encodes a polypeptide of interest, and wherein the gene suppressing cassette encodes a short interfering RNA (siRNA) molecule that reduces expression of a target gene by RNA interference. The present invention further includes vectors that contain suppressor cassettes in conjunction with cassettes upregulating gene expression regulated by either a constitutive promoter, such as a general CMV promoter, or a tissue specific promoter. The present invention further includes vectors that contain Dengue virus gene suppression cassettes. The present invention further includes pharmaceutical compositions containing such vectors, methods of modulating the expression of genes in a host using such vectors, and method of producing such vectors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant raccoon poxvirus vectors that express the rabies virus glycoprotein gene at the hemagglutinin (ha) locus of the poxvirus genome or express the glycoprotein gene of the same or different rabies strains at the thymidine kinase (tk) and the hemagglutinin (ha) loci of the poxvirus genome, and their use as adjuvant-free vaccines. The raccoon poxvirus vector comprises the nucleic acid molecules encoding the glycoprotein of a Challenge Virus Standard rabies strain inserted and expressed at the tk locus of the poxvirus genome and of a Pasteur-Paris rabies strain inserted and expressed at the ha locus of the poxvirus genome. The vaccine may optionally contain a mixture of additional feline and canine antigens for immunization of animals. Also disclosed are methods for inducing an immune response to rabies in a mammal by administering to the mammal an effective immunizing amount of the vaccine of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to live attenuated VDV2 (VERO-Derived Vaccine Dengue serotype 2) strains which have been derived from the wild-type dengue-2 strain 16681 by passaging on PDK and Vero cells and nucleic acids thereof. The invention further relates to a vaccine composition which comprises a VDV2 strain.

Abstract: A method for enhancing infectivity of HCMV virus particles is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for inducing an immune response that confers dual protection against infections by either or both of a rabies virus and a filovirus, and/or which can be used therapeutically for an existing infection with rabies virus and/or a filovirus to treat at least one symptom thereof and/or to neutralize or clear the infecting agents. In particular, the present invention provides a recombinant rabies virus vector omprising a nucleotide sequence encoding at least one filovirus glycoprotein or an immunogenic fragment thereof, as well as pharmaceutical compostions comprising the vaccine vectors.

Abstract: This invention relates to the isolation and uses of novel avian astroviruses. The present invention also relates to vaccines, kits and methods for detection of a novel astrovirus. The present invention further relates to vaccination of avians, prevention and/or treatment of avian infections associated with astrovirus. Infections of poultry by this novel astrovirus are associated with runt stunting syndromes.

Abstract: Provided are nucleic acid translators capable of carrying out logic operations with improved efficiency, maximized output and reduced off-target effects, in particular in a biological system. Methods of using these translators to transduce signal are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides TC-83 VEE-derived replicons, alphaviral replicon particles and immunogenic compositions containing TC-83 alphaviral replicon particles which direct the expression of at least one antigen when introduced into a suitable host cell. The TC-83 VEE-derived ARPs described herein are improved in that they are subject to a lower vector-specific immune response than prior art ARPs.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated H3 equine influenza A virus, as well as methods of preparing and using the virus, and genes or proteins thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to viral variants exhibiting reduced sensitivity to particular agents and/or reduced interactivity with immunological reagents. More particularly, the present invention is directed to hepatitis B virus (HBV) variants exhibiting complete or partial resistance to nucleoside or nucleotide analogs and/or reduced interactivity with antibodies to viral surface components including reduced sensitivity to these antibodies. The present invention further contemplates assays for detecting such viral variants, which assays are useful in monitoring anti-viral therapeutic regimens and in developing new or modified vaccines directed against viral agents and in particular HBV variants. The present invention also contemplates the use of the viral variants to screen for and/or develop or design agents capable of inhibiting infection, replication and/or release of the virus.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a novel conditionally replicating adenovirus and a reagent comprising the same for cancer cell detection or for cancer diagnosis. The present invention provides a polynucleotide, which comprises human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) promoter, E1A gene, IRES sequence and E1B gene in this order and which comprises a target sequence of a first miRNA. The present invention also provides a recombinant adenovirus, which comprises a replication cassette comprising the above polynucleotide, wherein the replication cassette is integrated into the E1 region of the adenovirus genome.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the treatment or prevention of RSV disease by modulating RSV infection and immunity. In particular, amino acid sequences in the RSV G glycoprotein, containing the chemokine motif defined as C-X-X-X-C (or CX3C), are identified that are essential in causing RSV infection and disease. The chemokine motif is biologically active and participates in virus binding to and infection of susceptible cells. The prevention or treatment of RSV infection is achieved by interfering with the motif, such as by administering a vaccine in which the motif is altered or by administration or induction of blocking molecules that inhibit the biological activity of the motif.

Abstract: A poxvirus other than NYVAC but comprising a defective F4L and/or I4L gene and compositions comprising such poxvirus are useful for therapeutic purposes, and more particularly for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention comprises rugged, inexpensive, reliable, and sensitive laboratory assays of antibody-based viral neutralization activity and antibody-based viral adherence inhibition activity. The assays use inactivated, fluorescently-labeled virus, allowing the tests to be performed without extensive safety precautions. The interaction of the labeled virus with target cells is monitored using flow cytometric methods. A preferred embodiment uses simple and inexpensive flow cytometry methodologies and equipment, such as bead array readers used as simplified flow cytometers. The assays are rapid, taking no longer than a few hours and are readily conducted by a trained technician. The assays are sensitive because they use labeled viruses at low concentrations and determine neutralizing and blocking capacity of sera and antibody at low concentrations. The methods are appropriate for high-throughput screening of large panels of samples.

Abstract: There is provided an HSV complex which comprises an avirulent HSV and a targeting agent which allows the HSV particle to infect and lyse a specific targeted cell. The inventors have found a way in which avirulent HSV can be targeted to disease cells, e.g. cancer cells, by incorporating an antibody binding domain into one or more viral glycoproteins.

Abstract: Bacteriophage strains and their use in the production of preparations for use in the treatment of bacterial infections, particularly by strains of drug-resistant bacteria of the genus Stenotrophomonas, particularly those belonging to the species Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

Abstract: Compositions and methods for delivering tumor associated antigens and immune modulatory molecules to result in a therapeutic effect are disclosed. The compositions and methods use stably integrating lentiviral delivery systems. The methods are useful for therapeutically and prophylactically treating cancer such as colon cancer.

Abstract: Hepatitis C reporter viruses containing Core through NS2 of prototype isolates of all major HCV genotypes and the remaining genes of isolate JFH1, by insertion of reporter genes in domain III of HCV NS5A were developed. A deletion upstream of the inserted reporter gene sequence conferred favorable growth kinetics in Huh7.5 cells to these viruses. These reporter viruses can be used for high throughput analysis of drug and vaccine candidates as well as patient samples. JFH1-based intergenotypic recombinants with genotype specific homotypic 5?UTR, or heterotypic 5?UTR (either of genotype 1a (strain H77) or of genotype 3a (strain S52)) were also developed. The present inventors additionally developed J6/JFH1 recombinants with the 5?UTR of genotypes 1-6. These recombinants with different 5?UTRs are a useful to study the function of the 5?UTR in a genotype specific manner.

Abstract: Improved anti-HIV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed. Immunogens disclosed include those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype A Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype B Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype C Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype D Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype B consensus Nef-Rev protein, and those having consensus sequences form HIV Gag protein subtypes A, B, C and D. Improved anti-HPV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; improved anti-HCV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; improved hTERT immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; and improved anti-Influenza immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed as well methods of inducing an immune response in an individual against HIV, HPV, HCV, hTERT and Influenza are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides for modified reovirus nucleic acid sequences and modified reovirus polypeptide sequences as well as reoviruses containing such modified nucleic acid or polypeptide sequences. The invention also provides for pharmaceutical compositions that include reoviruses having a modified sequence as well as methods of making and using such reoviruses.

Abstract: Described are methods for determining the permissiveness of a cell for a virus that is a member of the family Arteriviridae or Coronaviridae or Asfarviridae, in particular, for Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV). Further described are methods and compositions related to the generation of host cells permissive for a virus that is a member of the family Arteriviridae or Coronaviridae or Asfarviridae, in particular, for PRRSV. Methods of utilzing the cells thus identified or thus generated, in preparing a culture of a virus that is a member of the family Arteriviridae or Coronaviridae or Asfarviridae, as well as the use of the virus for the purpose of vaccine production or diagnosis, are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to modified bacteriophage useful for the delivery of macromolecular biopolymers and nanoparticles to target cells, e.g., disease cells, and their use in cell-selective identification and imaging, as well as the treatment and prevention of diseases and other medical conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides processes for the producing compositions comprising (i) a virus-like particle, wherein said virus-like particle is a virus-like particle of an RNA bacteriophage, and (ii) an oligonucleotide, wherein said oligonucleotide is packaged into said virus-like particle. The invention further provides processes for producing nucleotide compositions comprising oligonucleotides suitable to be used in the processes mentioned before. The invention further provides nucleotide compositions obtainable by the processes of the invention and uses thereof. The invention further provides compositions comprising (i) a virus-like particle, wherein said virus-like particle is a virus-like particle of an RNA bacteriophage, and (ii) an oligonucleotide, wherein said oligonucleotide is packaged into said virus-like particle, wherein said compositions are obtainable by the processes of the invention and wherein said compositions preferably comprises a purity of at least 98%, most preferably of at least 99%.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for use in treating HSV-related conditions and diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides adenoviral vectors comprising an adenoviral genome comprising heterologous antigen-encoding nucleic acid sequences, such as Plasmodium nucleic acid sequences, operably linked to promoters. The invention further provides a method of inducing an immune response against malaria in a mammal comprising administering the adenoviral vectors to the mammal.

Abstract: Polypeptides, polynucleotides, methods, compositions, and vaccines comprising (avian pandemic) influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants are provided.

Abstract: We have generated novel molecularly marked FMDV A24LL3DYR and A24LL3BPVKV3DYR vaccine candidates. The mutant viruses contain a deletion of the leader coding region (LL) rendering the virus attenuated in vivo and negative antigenic markers introduced in one or both of the viral non-structural 3Dpol and 3B proteins. The vaccine platform includes unique restriction endonuclease sites for easy swapping of capsid proteins for different FMDV subtypes and serotypes. The mutant viruses produced no signs of FMD and no shedding of virulent virus in cattle. No clinical signs of disease or fever were observed and no transmission to in-contact animals was detected in pigs inoculated with live A24LL3DYR. Cattle immunized with chemically inactivated vaccine candidates showed an efficacy comparable to a polyvalent commercial FMDV vaccine. These vaccine candidates used in conjunction with a cELISA provide a suitable target for DIVA companion tests.

Abstract: The embodiment of the invention is a virus-like particle vector, a process for the manufacture thereof, use of the virus-like particle vector and a pharmaceutical composition, which contains the virus-like particle vector. The vector is intended for the delivery of therapeutic agents into specific mammalian tissues, especially low molecular weight agents, in particular low molecular weight anti-cancer drugs into cancer tissues. More specifically, the invention relates to the virus-like particle vector, which constitutes an adenoviral dodecahedron with the therapeutic substance encapsulated or covalently linked.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a genetic variant of CMV, said genetic variant lacking intron 2 of the IE region of CMV (CMV IE?i2) The present invention also relates to various uses of this genetic variant as well as RNA splice variants transcribed therefrom, and proteins expressed from the RNA splice variants, such as in the diagnosis of a CMV related cancer disease, and identification of individuals at risk of developing cancer or risk of transferring the CMV IE?i2 virus with a human sample and prevention and treatment through targeting of unique CMV IE proteins for immunotherapy and vaccination.

Abstract: Described herein are iDNA vectors and vaccines and methods for using the same. The iDNA generates live attenuated vaccines in eukaryotic cells in vitro or in vivo for pathogenic RNA viruses, particularly yellow fever virus and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. When iDNA is injected into the vaccine recipient, RNA of live attenuated virus is generated by in vivo transcription in the recipient's tissues. This initiates production of progeny attenuated viruses in the tissues of the vaccine recipient, as well as elicitation of an effective immune response protecting against wild-type, non-attenuated virus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mammalian cells capable of propagating Arterivirus, to such cells infected with Arterivirus, to cell cultures comprising such cells and to methods for the propagation of an Arterivirus in such cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of dense bodies (DB) and to a pharmaceutical composition containing DB.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel nucleotides sequences, protein sequences, immunogenic compositions, vaccines, and methods that relate to making and using new porcine parvovirus 5A (PPV5A) that infects, inter alia, domestic swine. The compositions and methods provide for the detection of infections by said new virus, monitoring genetic changes in the viral sequences in wild and domestic animals and herds, and making and using novel vaccines for protecting animals from infection by the virus.

Abstract: Methods for aiding in the diagnosis of disorders including, but not limited to, PDDs (Pervasive Development Disorders), Dysautonomic disorders, Parkinson's disease and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). In one aspect, a diagnosis method comprises analyzing a stool sample of an individual for the presence of a biological marker (or marker compound) comprising one or more pathogens, which provides an indication of whether the individual has, or can develop, a disorder including, but not limited to, a PDD, Dysautonomia, Parkinsons disease and SIDS. Preferably, the presence of one or more pathogens is determined using a stool immunoassay to determine the presence of antigens in a stool sample, wherein such antigens are associated with one or more pathogens including, but not limited to, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, E. histolytica, C. difficile, Adenovirus, Rotavirus or H. pylori.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant poxviruses, such as vaccinia virus, that contain an integrated exogenous sequence, such as a foreign gene, encoding a prodrug converting polypeptide that can convert a prodrug to a drug that prevents virus replication or is otherwise toxic to the virus. The recombinant poxviruses can be suitable for use as vaccines. The invention also provides, among other things, methods of inhibiting virus replication, methods of vaccination and methods of treating vaccinated subjects showing signs or otherwise at risk for of vaccination-induced disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel RNA picornavirus that is called Seneca Valley virus (“SVV”). The invention provides isolated SVV nucleic acids and proteins encoded by these nucleic acids. Further, the invention provides antibodies that are raised against the SVV proteins. Because SVV has the ability to selectively kill some types of tumors, the invention provides methods of using SVV and SVV polypeptides to treat cancer. Because SVV specifically targets certain tumors, the invention provides methods of using SVV nucleic acids and proteins to detect cancer. Additionally, due to the information provided by the tumor-specific mechanisms of SVV, the invention provides methods of making new oncolytic virus derivatives and of altering viruses to have tumor-specific tropisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a replicon RNA comprising a nucleotide sequence at least containing the 5? untranslated region, the nucleotide sequence encoding NS3 protein, NS4A protein, NS4B protein, NS5A protein and NS5B protein, and the 3? untranslated region on the genomic RNA of hepatitis C virus of genotype 2a.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods comprising one or more recombinant influenza viruses. Recombinant influenza viruses with mutated polymerases and/or rearranged genomes are disclosed. Constructs comprising different influenza nucleic acid sequences are also provided. Methods of inducing protecting immunity with the recombinant influenza viruses are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of plasmid-free production of influenza virus comprising amplicons comprising one or more of influenza genes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to engineered enzymatically active bacteriophages that are both capable of killing the bacteria by lysis and dispersing the bacterial biofilm because they have been also engineered to express biofilm-degrading enzymes, particularly dispersin B (DspB), an enzyme that hydrolyzes ?-1,6-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, a crucial adhesion molecule needed for biofilm formation and integrity in Staphylococcus and E. coli, including E. coli K-12, as well as clinical isolates.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides targeting peptides and vectors containing a sequence that encodes targeting peptides that deliver agents to the brain.

Abstract: Provided herein are embodiments relating to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus, compositions comprising the virus, and methods of using the virus. The virus may be used to immunize a mammal, including swine. Methods for generating an immune response against PRRS virus in swine by administering a composition comprising the virus are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to mutant channelrhodopsins having improved properties, nucleic acid constructs encoding same, expression vectors carrying the nucleic acid construct, cells comprising said nucleic acid construct or expression vector, and their respective uses.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved method to manufacture virus for use in vaccine by culturing infected cells that have been modified to overexpress miR-144. The invention is also directed to manipulating the activity or level of miR-144 in subjects in order to modulate the antiviral and immune response systems.

Abstract: Substantially avirulent forms of atypical porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus and corresponding vaccines are provided which result from cell culture passaging of virulent forms of PRRS. The resultant avirulent atypical PRRS virus is useful as a vaccine in that PRRS specific antibody response is elicited by inoculation of host animals, thereby conferring effective immunity against both previously known strains of PRRS virus and newly isolated atypical PRRS virus strains. The preferred passaging technique ensures that the virus remains in a logarithmic growth phase substantially throughout the process, which minimizes the time required to achieve attenuation. The present invention also provides diagnostic testing methods which can differentiate between animals infected with field strains and attenuated strains of PRRSV.

Abstract: A polypeptide comprising a preS1 region of hepatitis B virus (HBV), or a fragment thereof, and/or the preS2 region of HBV or a fragment thereof, and methods of use to inhibit virus infection are disclosed. A lentivirus comprising hepatitis B virus (HBV) envelope proteins, or a fragment thereof, and/or the L envelope protein of HBV and/or the M envelope protein of HBV or a fragment thereof, and/or the S envelope protein of HBV or a fragment thereof, and methods of use of this lentivirus HBV pseudovirus as a gene therapy to target hepatocytes for the administration of therapeutic agents are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to replication-competent Arteriviruses having a decreased DUB/deISGylating activity due to a mutation in the PLP2 domain of the non-structural protein nsp2, to their use as a medicament, their use as a vaccine and in prophylaxis, to vaccines comprising such Arteriviruses and to Arteriviral PLP2-ubiquitin complexes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to non-laboratory virus strains, for example of herpes viruses such as HSV, with improved oncolytic and/or gene delivery capabilities as compared to laboratory virus strains.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a diacylglycerol acyltransferase. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the diacylglycerol acyltransferase, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the diacylglycerol acyltransferase in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a herpes virus with improved oncolytic properties which comprises a gene encoding an immunomodulatory cytokine and which lacks a functional ICP34.5 gene and a functional ICP47 encoding gene.