Abstract: Provided is antitumor therapy using oncolytic viruses which exhibits an excellent antitumor effect and has reduced adverse effects. An antitumor agent, comprising a combination of an oncolytic virus and an anticancer agent selected from the group consisting of oxaliplatin, an anticancer plant alkaloid, and an antimetabolite.

Abstract: Oncolytic viral vectors that incorporate one or more of the following features: viral replication restriction by insertion of microRNA (miRNA) target sequences into the viral genome; disruption of oncogenic miRNA function; cancer microenvironment remodeling; and cancer cell targeting by incorporation of protease-activated antibodies into the viral particle. Such viral vectors can be used for the treatment and prevention of cancer.

Abstract: Combining viral vector with surfactant preserves vector infectivity, and surfactant provided an unexpected benefit by protecting viral vector from damage due to transient elevated temperature.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an animal cell with improved proliferation ability and survival rate, a method for producing the animal cell, and a method for producing a target protein formed of the animal cell. According to the present invention, there is provided an animal cell having a gene encoding a target protein and a foreign gene encoding an isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase, in which the isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase is overexpressed.

Abstract: Reported herein are presumptively de-attenuating mutations that are useful, either individually or in combinations that may include other known mutations, in producing recombinant strains of human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) exhibiting attenuation phenotypes. Also described herein is a novel RSV construct, Min_L-NPM2-1(N88K)L, which exhibits an attenuated phenotype, is stable and is as immunogenic as wild type RSV. The recombinant RSV strains described here are suitable for use as live-attenuated RSV vaccines. Exemplary vaccine candidates are described. Also provided are polynucleotide sequences capable of encoding the described viruses, as well as methods for producing and using the viruses.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to compositions and methods for stabilizing Flaviviruses. In certain embodiments, compositions and methods disclosed herein concern stabilizing live, attenuated or unattenuated (e.g. live whole) flaviviruses. Other embodiments relate to compositions and methods for reducing degradation of live, attenuated or unattenuated flaviviruses. Other embodiments relate to improved formulations for prolonging stabilization of live attenuated or unattenuated Flaviviruses during manufacturing, storage, accelerated storage and transport. Yet other embodiments relate to uses of compositions disclosed herein in kits for transportable applications and methods.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adapted Madin-Darby canine kidney cell line capable of suspension culture in the absence of serum, and a chemically-defined medium for culture of the adapted MDCK cell line. Further disclosed are culture methods for growing the adapted MDCK cell line and methods for producing a vaccine from the adapted MDCK cell line grown in the chemically-defined medium.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods of inactivating virus in product feedstream in a manufacturing process of a therapeutic polypeptide using an environmentally compatible detergent. The environmentally compatible detergent does not adversely affect product quality while effectively inactivating virus in the feedstream.

Abstract: Methods of thermally inactivating a rotavirus are provided according to the present invention which include exposing the rotavirus to a temperature in the range of about 50° C.-80° C., inclusive, for an incubation time sufficient to render the rotavirus incapable of replication or infection. The thermally inactivated rotavirus is antigenic and retains a substantially intact rotavirus particle structure. Vaccine compositions and methods of vaccinating a subject against rotavirus are provided which include generation and use of thermally inactivated rotavirus.

Abstract: Attenuated G9P[6] rotavirus is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions are disclosed that include an attenuated G9P[6] rotavirus, or a component thereof. These compositions can be used to induce an immune response, such as a protective immune response, to a rotavirus. The compositions can be used as vaccines, such as for children (infants), for example in a prime boost strategy.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an attenuated recombinant alphavirus that is incapable of replicating in mosquito cells and of transmission by mosquito vectors. These attenuated alphavirus may include but is not limited to Western Equine Encephalitis virus, Eastern equine encephalitis virus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus or Chikungunya virus. The present invention also discloses the method of generating such alphaviruses and their use as immunogenic compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vaccines comprising at least one mRNA encoding at least one antigen for use in the treatment of a disease in newborns and/or infants, preferably exhibiting an age of not more than 2 years, preferably of not more than 1 year, more preferably of not more than 9 months or even 6 months, wherein the treatment comprises vaccination of the newborn or infant and eliciting an immune response in said newborn or infant. The present invention is furthermore directed to kits and kits of parts comprising such a vaccine and/or its components and to methods applying such a vaccine or kit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a particle comprising a polypeptide and at least one antigen, and a composition comprising thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel replication deficient influenza virus comprising a modified NS1 segment coding for a NS1 protein lacking a functional RNA binding domain and functional effector domain and having a heterologous sequence inserted between the splice donor site and the splice acceptor site of the NS gene segment. The virus can be used as vector for expression of various proteins like chemokines, cytokines or antigenic structures and to produce vaccines. A fusion peptide comprising part of the N-terminus of an NS1 protein and a signal sequence fused to the C-terminus of said NS1 peptide is also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), comprising a recombinant human adenovirus of serotype 26 that comprises nucleic acid encoding a RSV F protein or immunologically active part thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides self replicating infectious recombinant paramyxoviruses. The recombinant paramyxovirus preferably have one or more attenuating mutations. In some embodiments, the recombinant paramyxovirus has a separate variant polynucleotide encoding a P protein and a separate monocistronic polynucleotide encoding a V protein. In some embodiments, recombinant paramyxovirus have at least one temperature sensitive mutation and one non-temperature sensitive mutation. Also provided are compositions and methods for using the recombinant paramyxoviruses as described herein.

Abstract: The invention relates in a first embodiment to a method for increasing the yield of replication-incompetent adenoviruses having at least a partial deletion in the E1-region, wherein said adenoviruses are generated in a production cell, the method comprising the steps of: (a) expressing in said production cell an adenoviral pIX polypeptide from a nucleic acid sequence encoding said adenoviral pIX polypeptide under the control of (i) at least a minimal endogenous pIX promoter and a heterologous promoter; or (ii) a heterologous promoter; and (b) expressing in said production cell the elements necessary for the production and assembly of said adenoviruses from corresponding coding sequences, thereby increasing the yield of said adenoviruses generated in said production cell in comparison to the yield of replication-incompetent adenoviruses having at least a partial deletion in the E1-region generated in said production cell in the absence of said nucleic acid sequence encoding said adenoviral pIX polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of achieving directed evolution of viruses by in vivo screening or “panning” to identify viruses comprising scrambled AAV capsids having characteristics of interest, e.g., tropism profile and/or neutralization profile (e.g., ability to evade neutralizing antibodies). The invention also provides scrambled AAV capsids and virus particles comprising the same.

Abstract: Provided herein are recombinant respiratory syncytial viruses that contain mutations that make the disclosed viruses attractive vaccine candidates. The viruses disclosed contain attenuating mutations designed to have increased genetic and phenotypic stability. Desired combinations of these mutations can be made to achieve desired levels of attenation. Exemplary vaccine candidates are described. Also provided are polynucleotides capable of encoding the described viruses, as wells as methods for producing the viruses and methods of use.

Abstract: The invention is related to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a polynucleotide encoding a modified filovirus glycoprotein (GP) having at least one amino acid change located in a relatively conserved region of said GP that decreases in vitro cytotoxicity and retains immunogenicity when compared to in vitro cytotoxicity and immunogenicity of a wild type filovirus GP, and related modified filovirus GPs, plasmid DNAs, recombinant viruses, adenoviruses, pharmaceutical compositions, vaccine compositions, antibodies that are specifically reactive with the modified filovirus GPs, and related methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The present invention features live, attenuated respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV) useful as vaccines against RSV infection and/or the development of severe RSV-associated illnesses. The disclosed viruses are attenuated to the extent of being nonpathogenic when administered to a subject but substantially retain the antigenic and immunogenic properties of wild-type RSV.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for generating an avian cell line of duck origin by a process comprising: —cultivating embryonic avian cells in cell culture medium, preferably comprising fetal calf serum (FBS) for more than 40 passages while reducing the concentration of FBS to 1-2% vol/vol FBS, —transferring passaged cells into cell culture medium having 0% FBS, —resulting in the generation of a non-embryonic avian cell line suitable for non-adherent growth, i.e. for growth in suspended culture.

Abstract: A method for extracting and distinguishing infectious norovirus from inactive norovirus using a solid support conjugated with a glycoprotein moiety capable of binding infectious norovirus wherein the presence of infectious norovirus is determined using RT-PCR after elution of the infectious norovirus from the solid support.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method of increasing production of virus-like particles comprising expressing an avian influenza matrix protein. The invention also comprises methods of making and using said VLPs.

Abstract: The invention provides expression vectors and virus-like particles (VLPs) containing Newcastle Disease Virus Sequences in combination with sequences encoding proteins of interest. The vectors are useful in, for example, generating virus-like particles (VLPs) that contain proteins of interest. In one embodiment, the expressed VLPs elicit an immune response by an animal host against the protein. The invention's VLPs are useful as, for example, vaccines.

Abstract: A menu of mutations was developed that is useful in fine-tuning the attenuation and growth characteristics of dengue virus vaccines.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to isolated influenza virus that is capable of infecting canids and causing respiratory disease in the canid. The subject invention also pertains to compositions and methods for inducing an immune response against an influenza virus of the present invention. The subject invention also pertains to compositions and methods for identifying a virus of the invention and diagnosing infection of an animal with a virus of the invention.

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: 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 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 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: 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: Viruses having weakened ability to establish and/or maintain latency and their use as live vaccines are described. The vaccines have one or more alterations in genes that provide continued virus replication but that inhibit latency. The vaccine materials and methods for their construction are exemplified with the varicella zoster virus. Deletion of a significant portion from both copies of the varicella zoster gene ORF63 was shown to inhibit establishment of a latent infection from a live vaccine form of the virus. Insertion of an additional ORF62 gene which is partially truncated with the ORF63 deletion inhibited establishment of latency and allowed normal growth of the virus. Other desirable viral antigen encoding sequence(s) and/or cytokine genes advantageously may replace deleted genetic material to enhance a desired immunological response. Aspects of the discovery pertain to live vaccines of other viruses, and can provide a variety of vaccines having greater safety.

Abstract: The invention provides modified virus Ankara (MVA), a replication-deficient strain of vaccinia virus, expressing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) env, gag, and pol genes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cell system, as a host cell to be infected with an F gene-deficient virus, which can constitutively and stably express the F protein, and a method for producing an F gene-deficient virus by utilizing the cell. A non-proliferative human parainfluenza type 2 virus vector is produced by co-culturing an F gene-deficient human parainfluenza type 2 virus with a Vero cell having the F gene of human parainfluenza type 2 virus in such a manner that the F gene is non-inducibly expressed, and isolating viral particles from a culture supernatant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the generation of attenuated viruses or viral transcripts for the production of vaccines by incorporating microRNA binding sites within the viral target sequence of the pathogen.

Abstract: This application discloses immunoconjugates comprising antibodies against a particular target (such as cancer associated antigen or cancer specific antigen) that are conjugated with an immune enhancer, recruiter or solicitor. Also discloses are compositions and methods of using the inventive immunoconjugates to treat cancer.

Abstract: A novel and stable attenuated poliovirus is produced by engineering an indigenous replication element (cre), into the 5? non-translated genomic region (with inactivation of the native ere element located in the coding region of 2C (mono-crePV), and replacing the nucleic acid sequence of all or part of the capsid coding region (PI) with a substitute PI coding region having reduced codon pair bias. The stably attenuated poliovirus is effective for vaccines and immunization.

Abstract: This invention relates to attenuated pestiviruses characterized in that their enzymatic activity residing in glycoprotein ERNS is inactivated, as well as methods of preparing, using and detecting these pestiviruses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant attenuated pestiviruses, in particular to recombinant attenuated CSFV, BVDV, or BDV, wherein said recombinant attenuated pestivirus does not produce a dimeric Erns glycoprotein. The present invention also relates to immunogenic compositions comprising such a pestivirus as well to a method of attenuating a pestivirus comprising the step of modifying the Erns glycoprotein by a deletion, insertion or substitution wherein such modification results in a non dimeric Erns glycoprotein.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the compound of Formula I: Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound of Formula I, methods of using the compound of Formula I and/or compositions comprising the compound of Formula I for the treatment of HCV.

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 present invention relates, in general, to attenuated negative-strand RNA viruses having an impaired ability to antagonize the cellular interferon (IFN) response, and the use of such attenuated viruses in vaccine and pharmaceutical formulations. The invention also relates to the development and use of IFN-deficient systems for selection of such attenuated viruses. In particular, the invention relates to attenuated influenza viruses having modifications to the NS1 gene that diminish or eliminate the ability of the NS1 gene product to antagonize the cellular IFN response. The mutant viruses replicate in vivo but demonstrate reduced pathogenicity, and therefore are well suited for live virus vaccines, and pharmaceutical formulations.

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: The present invention relates generally to the field of prevention of diseases caused by enveloped viruses. More particularly, this invention concerns a composition for inactivating an enveloped virus comprising at least one non phospholipid Lipid Vesicle (nPLV) able to interact with said enveloped virus and an agent that enhances the lipid exchange between said nPLV and the membrane of said enveloped virus.

Abstract: Compositions, recombinant vaccines and live attenuated pathogens comprising one or more isolated nucleic acid molecules that encode an immunogen in combination with an isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes IL-28 or a functional fragment thereof are disclosed. Methods of inducing an immune response in an individual against an immunogen, using such compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a an inactive, non-replicating vaccine comprising whole virion, chemically inactivated Yellow Fever virus which is inactivated using a method that ensures preservation of critical, neutralizing epitopes. The Yellow Fever virus has been adapted to propagate in cells to higher yields than the unadapted virus. The invention also provides methods for preventing Yellow Fever viral infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the development of viral vectors expressing different immunogens from the West Nile Encephalitis Virus (WNV) or the Dengue virus which are able to induce protective humoral and cellular immune responses against WNV or Dengue virus infections. More specifically, the present invention relates to three (3) antigens from WNV (the secreted envelope glycoprotein (E), the heterodimer glycoproteins (pre-M-E) and the NSI protein) and from Dengue virus (the secreted envelope glycoprotein (e), the heterodimer glycoproteins (pre-m-e) and the nsl protein) and their use in vaccinal, therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Abstract: Influenza virus-like particles (VLPs) comprising the structural proteins HA, NA, M1 and M2 are described. VLPs are also generated containing M1 alone, as are VLPs with M1 and any one or two of HA, NA and M2. VLPs with HA from one influenza subtype and NA from a different influenza subtype are also described, as are VLPs in which a portion or all of HA or NA is replaced by a heterologous moiety not produced by influenza virus, so as to comprise chimeric VLPs.