Abstract: The present invention provides a method for restoring budding capability to GP64null baculoviruses including gp64null AcMNPV by expressing therein a portion of the VSV G protein gene or a truncated “stem” portion of the GP64 gene. Other embodiments provide methods to use portions of the G-stem or GP64 protein to target foreign proteins for display on virions.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to engineered bacteriophages expressing antimicrobial peptides or lytic enzymes or fragments thereof for targeting a broad spectrum of bacterial hosts, and for the long-term suppression of bacterial phage resistance for reducing bacterial infections. In some embodiments, bacteriophages express antimicrobial peptides or antimicrobial polypeptides (e.g. phage lytic enzymes) which are secreted from the host bacteria, or alternatively released upon lysis of the bacterial host cell. Aspects of the present invention also relate to the use of the engineered bacteriophages for the reduction of bacterial infections, both in a subject or for bioremediation purposes, in clinical settings and wound healing.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions relating to alphavirus-based virus-like particles (VLPs) and methods for making and using the described VLPs. The described compositions include VLPs and vectors and cells used to produce the VLPs. Also included are related methods to produce the VLPs, to transduce cells using the VLPs, and to produce a protein or polynucleotide of interest in a target cell using the VLPs. Also described are alphavirus-based replicons that allow for expression of proteins or polynucleotides of interest in a target cell without a cytopathic effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lentiviral particles which have been pseudotyped with Nipah virus (NiV) fusion (F) and attachment (G) glycoproteins (NiVpp-F/G). Additionally, the present invention relates to truncated NiV-F glycoproteins useful in producing such NiVpp lentiviral particles, as well as to additional variant peptides which enhance activity. Further, the present invention relates to methods of using such lentiviral particles or sequences, for example in the treatment of cancer or CNS disorders.

Abstract: A new coronavirus is disclosed herein with a tropism that includes humans. Means and methods are provided for diagnosing subjects (previously) infected with the virus. Also provided are among others vaccines, medicaments, nucleic acids and specific binding members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel immunogens based on overlapping peptides (OLPs) and peptides derived therefrom useful for the prevention and treatment of AIDS and its related opportunistic diseases. The invention also relates to isolated nucleic acids, vectors and host cells expressing these immunogens as well as vaccines including the immunogens.

Abstract: Vaccines comprising TRAP polypeptides and Salmonella enteritidis vectors comprising TRAP polypeptides are provided. The vaccines may also include a CD154 polypeptide capable of binding to CD40. Also provided are methods of enhancing an immune response against Apicomplexan parasites and methods of reducing morbidity associated with infection with Apicomplexan parasites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a target-specific probe containing T7 bacteriophage with a targeting antibody, and a detection method or a detection kit for a biomarker using the target-specific probe. The biomarker can be detected by using the genetically-modified T7 bacteriophage expressing various heterogeneous proteins and peptides on its surface and antibody-antigen specific reaction which can make the probe targeted to a biomarker or bacteria; and a detectable labeling agent, for example a quantum dot.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are purified bacteriophage preparations that effectively lyse a plurality of C. perfringens strains. In one embodiment, a purified bacteriophage preparation includes four or more C. perfringens-specific bacteriophage, wherein each bacteriophage has lytic activity against at least five Clostridium species strains. In another embodiment, the purified bacteriophage preparation includes five or more C. perfringens-specific bacteriophage.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the use of recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAV) for gene delivery and more specifically to the use of rAAV to deliver genes encoding human immunodeficiency virus entry inhibitors to target cells in mammals.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of reducing or decreasing a size of a tumor or eliminating a tumor or inhibiting, decreasing, or reducing neo-vascularization or angiogenesis in a tumor in a patient by administering an adenovirus comprising a nucleic acid construct comprising a FAS-chimera gene operably linked to an endothelial cell-specific promoter. Also provided is a homogeneous population of an adenovirus comprising a FAS-chimera gene operably linked to an endothelial cell-specific promoter and its uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the insertion of a promoter sequence from an MHC class I gene promoter into a lentiviral vector in order to direct the transcription of a transgene, which preferably encodes an immunogenic polypeptide to be expressed in a mammalian cell host, preferably APC (DCs). The invention encompasses these vectors, methods of making the vectors, and methods of using them, including medicinal uses.

Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims virus like particles (VLPs) that express and/or contains seasonal influenza virus proteins, avian influenza virus proteins and/or influenza virus proteins from viruses with pandemic potential. The invention includes vector constructs comprising said proteins, cells comprising said constructs, formulations and vaccines comprising VLPs of the inventions. The invention also includes methods of making and administrating VLPs to vertebrates, including methods of inducing substantial immunity to either seasonal and avian influenza, or at least one symptom thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides trans-complementation systems for expressing gene products in plants. In general, the invention provides systems including a carrier vector and a producer vector, both based on plant viruses. The producer vector is defective for at least one function needed for successful systemic infection of a plant, e.g., replication, cell-to-cell movement, or long distance movement. The carrier vector supplies the missing function in trans. Certain producer vectors lack a functional coat protein coding sequence, in which case the corresponding producer vector supplies coat protein in trans. The invention also provides novel plant viral vectors and methods of use, e.g., to produce polypeptides or active RNAs in plants.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an adenovirus expressing a first protein which is selected from the group comprising an E1B protein and an E4 protein, prior to a second protein which is selected from the group comprising an E1A protein.

Abstract: Methods of using viruses labeled with alkyne-modified biomolecules, such as fatty acids, carbohydrates and lipids, to treat a plant, an insect or an animal infected with a virus or to increase the infectivity of a virus, such as the human immunodeficiency virus, are provided. Also provided are methods of labeling a virus, such as human immunodeficiency virus, with an alkyne-modified biomolecule, such as a fatty acid, a carbohydrate, or an isoprenoid lipid. The viruses labeled with alkyne-modified biomolecules may be combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient to produce a pharmaceutical composition, optionally containing another anti-viral agent and/or a delivery agent, such as a liposome.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing retroviruses or viral vectors with enhanced infectivity. The methods entail transfecting a retroviral vector into a packaging cell that has suppressed expression or inhibited enzymatic activity of a parvulin prolyl peptidyl isomerase (parvulin PPIase), and culturing the transfected packaging cell to allow production of viral particles. The invention also provides methods for enhancing efficiency of gene transfer with a recombinant retrovirus. These methods involve constructing a recombinant retroviral vector expressing a target gene, transfecting into a packaging cell that has suppressed expression or inhibited enzymatic activity of a parvulin prolyl peptidyl isomerase (parvulin PPIase), culturing the transfected packaging cell to allow production of recombinant retroviral particles, harvesting recombinant retroviral particles from supernatant of the cultured cell, and transducing the recombinant retroviral particles into a target cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel Listeria bacteriophage designated ProCC P825. In particular, the present invention relates to the endolysin PlyP825 encoded by the novel phage ProCC P825 and uses of the novel endolysin PlyP825 for controlling Listeria contamination and infection.

Abstract: Baboon Adenovirus (BaAdV)-2/4 and BaAdV-3 are disclosed herein. BaAdV-2/4 and BaAdV-3 polynucleotide, polypeptides and antibodies that specifically bind BaAdV-2/4 and/or BaAdV-3 are disclosed. Methods are disclosed for detecting BaAdV-2/4 and BaAdV-3. Methods are also disclosed for treating, preventing, and inducing an immune response to BaAdV-2/4 and/or BaAdV-3. Kits are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for characterizing, diagnosing, and treating cancer. In particular the invention provides the means and methods for the diagnosis, characterization, prognosis and treatment of cancer and specifically targeting cancer stem cells. The present invention provides an antibody that specifically binds to a non-ligand binding membrane proximal region of the extracellular domain of a human Notch receptor and inhibits tumor growth. The present invention further provides a method of treating cancer, the method comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody that specifically binds to a non-ligand binding membrane proximal region of the extracellular domain of a human Notch receptor protein and inhibits tumor growth.

Abstract: A robust and genetically stable cell culture system for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) genotype 3a is provided. A genotype 3a/2a (S52/JFH1) recombinant containing the structural genes (Core, E1, E2), p7 and NS2 of strain S52 was constructed and characterized in Huh7.5 cells. S52/JFH1 and J6/JFH viruses passaged in cell culture had comparable growth kinetics and yielded similar peak HCV RNA titers and infectivity titers. Direct genome sequencing of cell culture derived S52/JFH1 viruses identified putative adaptive mutations in Core, E2, p7, NS3, and NS5A; clonal analysis revealed that all genomes analyzed exhibited different combinations of these mutations. Finally, viruses resulting from transfection with RNA transcripts of five S52/JFH1 recombinants containing these combinations of putative adaptive mutations performed as efficiently as J6/JFH viruses in Huh7.5 cells and were all genetically stable after viral passage.

Abstract: A recombinant herpes virus showing high antitumor activity is provided. In particular, a recombinant herpes simplex virus that expresses an ICP6 gene under control of a tumor-specific promoter or tissue-specific promoter on the genome of the virus is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for characterizing, diagnosing, and treating cancer. In particular the invention provides the means and methods for the diagnosis, characterization, prognosis and treatment of cancer and specifically targeting cancer stem cells. The present invention provides an antibody that specifically binds to a non-ligand binding membrane proximal region of the extracellular domain of a human Notch receptor and inhibits tumor growth. The present invention further provides a method of treating cancer, the method comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody that specifically binds to a non-ligand binding membrane proximal region of the extracellular domain of a human Notch receptor protein and inhibits tumor growth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Notch-binding agents and Notch antagonists and methods of using the agents and/or antagonists for treating diseases such as cancer. The present invention provides antibodies that specifically bind to a non-ligand binding region of the extracellular domain of one or more human Notch receptor, such as Notch2 and/or Notch3, and inhibit tumor growth. The present invention further provides methods of treating cancer, the methods comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody that specifically binds to a non-ligand binding region of the extracellular domain of a human Notch receptor protein and inhibits tumor growth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and pharmaceutical compositions comprising poxviruses and more particularly extracellular enveloped viruses. The present invention also relates to a process for producing poxviruses and poxviruses obtained thereof. Moreover, the present invention also relates to the use of said poxvirus and said composition for the preparation of a medicament.

Abstract: The invention provides mutants of GAS57 (Spy0416) which are unable to cleave IL-8 and similar substrates but which still maintain the ability to induce protection against S. pyogenes. The invention also provides antibodies which specifically bind to GAS57 and which inhibit its ability to cleave IL-8 and similar substrates. The mutants are useful, inter alia, in vaccine compositions to induce protection against S. pyogenes. The antibodies are useful, e.g., as therapeutics for treating S. pyogenes infections.

Abstract: The present teachings disclose nucleic acid cassettes for expressing in an insect cell a plurality of polypeptides encoded by a gene comprising overlapping open reading frames (ORFs). A cassette comprises, in 5? to 3? order, a) a first insect cell-operable promoter, b) a 5? portion of a gene comprising a first ORF of the gene, c) an intron comprising a second insect cell-operable promoter, and d) a 3? portion of the gene comprising at least one additional ORF. Vectors and insect cells comprising the cassettes are also disclosed, as well as methods for production of recombinant adeno-associated virus in insect cells using the cassettes.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the development of improved methods for quantifying antigen in a vaccine composition in the absence of available antigen standards. More specifically, the disclosure provides fast and robust methods of separating antigens from vaccine compositions, comprising the steps of solubilizing antigen without detergent and without alkylation, using acidification to prevent antigen subtypes from binding again, isolating antigen subtypes with chromatography, and quantifying the eluted antigen with amino acid analysis. The methods of the disclosure are applicable for use with a variety of antigens, thereby providing an improved method in the art of vaccine manufacturing to date.

Abstract: The invention is directed to immunogenic compositions and methods for their use in the formulation and administration of therapeutic and prophylactic pharmaceutical agents. In particular, the invention provides immunogenic compositions and methods for preventing, treating, and/or ameliorating the symptoms of one or more microbial infections, including, for example, influenza.

Abstract: The invention provides flavivirus vaccines and methods of making and using these vaccines.

Abstract: An isolated DNA molecule comprising a fragment of the gene encoding the feline NIS is disclosed as well as methods of use thereof. Also provided are methods for rational diet design of food composition suitable for administration to feline companion animals afflicted with hyperthyroidism, comprising (a) accessing at least one database that comprises a first data set relating functional gene profile of a biofluid or tissue sample from an animal to physiological condition of the animal, where the functional gene profile is that of the feline NIS gene; (b) accessing at least one database that comprises a second data set relating effects of bioactive dietary components on the functional gene profile; (c) using an algorithm drawing on these data sets, processing input data defining physiological condition to derive a nutritional formula promoting wellness of a feline companion animal afflicted with hyperthyroidism; and (d) preparing a food composition based on the nutritional formula.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition useful to prepare high titer influenza viruses, e.g., in the absence of helper virus, which includes internal genes from an influenza virus vaccine strain or isolate, e.g., one that is safe in humans, for instance, one that does not result in significant disease, that confer enhanced growth in cells in culture, such as MDCK cells, or in eggs.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for retargeting adenovirus to a cell using chemical dimers are described. In particular, a recombinant adenovirus comprising a nucleic acid comprising a capsid-dimerizing agent binder conjugate and a ligand-dimerizing agent binder conjugate is provided.

Abstract: Methods of using viruses labeled with alkyne-modified biomolecules, such as fatty acids, carbohydrates and lipids, to treat a plant, an insect or an animal infected with a virus or to increase the infectivity of a virus, such as the human immunodeficiency virus, are provided. Also provided are methods of labeling a virus, such as human immunodeficiency virus, with an alkyne-modified biomolecule, such as a fatty acid, a carbohydrate, or an isoprenoid lipid. The viruses labeled with alkyne-modified biomolecules may be combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient to produce a pharmaceutical composition, optionally containing another anti-viral agent and/or a delivery agent, such as a liposome.

Abstract: A method of preparing an antibody suitable for use in a canine is provided. Also provided are caninised antibodies which specifically bind to canine neuronal growth factor (NGF) and neutralise the ability of canine NGF to bind to the p75 or TrkA canine NGF receptor. The invention extends to nucleic acids encoding same and to methods of treating pain and arthritis in a canine using said antibodies and/or nucleic acids.

Abstract: Compositions that include a fusion protein comprising flagellin and at least one antigen that has an isoelectric point greater than about 7.0 and that is fused to at least one domain 3 of the flagellin activate Toll-like Receptor 5. Methods of stimulating an immune response, in particular, a protective immune response include administering a composition that includes an antigen fused to a loop of domain 3 of flagellin.

Abstract: Recombinant multivalent non-pathogenic Marek's Disease virus constructs that encode and express both Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus and Newcastle Disease virus protein antigens, and methods of their use in poultry vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the selective purification of bacterial cells and/or cell components, whereby the purification is performed by means of a solid support.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides humanized antibodies, including antibodies comprising an ultralong CDR3 (e.g. bovine) and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically modified cells useful for viral replication and the production of viral vaccines.

Abstract: The invention relates to engineered Herpes simplex virus (HSV) particles that are targeted to one or more specific binding pair members, such as receptors. Also, recombinant vectors for producing such HSV particles are provided. By reducing the affinity of HSV for its natural receptor(s) and increasing the affinity for a selected receptor, the HSV particles of the invention are useful for targeting cells that express the selected receptor, which itself may be a product of genetic engineering. The ability to selectively target cells render the HSV particles. particularly useful in selectively diagnosing, treating, and imaging cells bearing the selected binding pair member, such as a receptor. The invention also provides for polynucleotide-based therapy to cells bearing the selected binding pair member such as a receptor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel nucleotide and amino acid sequences of Torque teno virus (“TTV”), including novel genotypes thereof, all of which are useful in the preparation of vaccines for treating and preventing diseases in swine and other animals. Vaccines provided according to the practice of the invention are effective against multiple swine TTV genotypes and isolates. Diagnostic and therapeutic polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies are also a feature of the present invention, as are infectious clones useful in the propagation of the virus and in the preparation of vaccines. Particularly important aspects of the invention include vaccines that provide TTV ORF1 protein, or peptide fragments thereof, as antigen.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described to modify Family B DNA polymerases that contain residual exonuclease activity that interferes with sequencing techniques and with detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms. The compositions are mutant proteins with reduced exonuclease activity compared with presently available “exo?” polymerases, and a sensitive screening assay that enables an assessment of exonuclease activity of any synthetic DNA polymerase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a replication-deficient adenoviral vector comprising two or more nucleic acid sequences encoding Dengue virus antigens and a chimeric hexon protein. The chimeric hexon protein comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion comprises at least 10 contiguous amino acid residues from a first adenovirus serotype (e.g., serotype 5 adenovirus hexon protein), optionally with one amino acid substitution. The second portion comprises (a) at least one hypervariable region (HVR) of a hexon protein of an adenovirus of a second adenovirus serotype, or (b) at least one synthetic hypervariable region (HVR) that is not present in the hexon protein of the wild-type adenovirus of the first adenovirus serotype.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described to modify Family B DNA polymerases that contain residual exonuclease activity that interferes with sequencing techniques and with detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms. The compositions are mutant proteins with reduced exonuclease activity compared with presently available “exo?” polymerases, and a sensitive screening assay that enables an assessment of exonuclease activity of any synthetic DNA polymerase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chimeric RSV-F polypeptide and lentivirus or alpha-retrovirus GAG-based virus-like particles (VLPs). The present invention also includes methods of making and using such chimeric VLPs. In certain embodiments, the GAG polypeptide of the chimeric VLPs comprises an HIV or ALV GAG polypeptide.

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 provides a method for producing pH-stable enveloped viruses wherein said viruses are used for infection of host cells under low pH conditions and for incubation with cell culture cells under conditions of low pH, as well as influenza viruses obtainable by this method which exhibit a high growth rate in cell culture, increased pH and temperature stability and which have human receptor specificity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to adenoviruses for use in cancer therapy which comprise one or more heterologous nucleic acid sequences encoding a tumor antigen, whereby the adenovirus expresses the tumor antigen(s) on its surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bacteriophage having bactericidal activity against Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. Bacteriophage PA1? can infect Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and kill the same bacteria and is characterized by the genome of 34,553 by represented by SEQ ID NO: 1.