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: Polypeptides, polynucleotides, methods, compositions, and vaccines comprising influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants are provided.

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 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 present invention discloses compounds of Formula (I), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, or prodrugs thereof: Q-G-A-L-B—W??(I), which inhibit RNA-containing virus, particularly the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Consequently, the compounds of the present invention interfere with the life cycle of the hepatitis C virus and are also useful as antiviral agents. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the aforementioned compounds for administration to a subject suffering from HCV infection. The invention also relates to methods of treating an HCV infection in a subject by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compounds of the present invention.

Abstract: Two recently characterized live attenuated HPIV1 vaccine candidates, rHPIV1-CR84G/?170HNT553ALY942A and rHPIV1-CR84G/?170HN-T553AL?1710-11, which contain temperature sensitive (ts) attenuating (att) and non-ts att mutations, were evaluated in a Human Airway Epithelium (HAE) model culture system and in vivo in African Green monkeys (AGM). The vaccine candidates were highly restricted in growth in HAE at permissive (32° C.) and restrictive (37° C.) temperatures. The viruses grew slightly better at 37° C. than at 32° C., and rHPIV1-CR84G/?170HNT553A-LY942A was less attenuated than rHPIV1-CR84G/?170HNT553AL?1710-11. The level of replication in HAE correlated with that observed in African Green monkeys, suggesting that the HAE model is useful as a tool for pre-clinical evaluation of HPIV1 vaccines.

Abstract: The invention is related to polynucleotide-based cytomegalovirus vaccines. In particular, the invention is plasmids operably encoding HCMV antigens, in which the naturally-occurring coding regions for the HCMV antigens have been modified for improved translation in human or other mammalian cells through codon optimization. HCMV antigens which are useful in the invention include, but are not limited to pp65, glycoprotein B (gB), IE1, and fragments, variants or derivatives of either of these antigens. In certain embodiments, sequences have been deleted, e.g., the Arg435-Lys438 putative kinase in pp65 and the membrane anchor and endocellular domains in gB. The invention is further directed to methods to induce an immune response to HCMV in a mammal, for example, a human, comprising delivering a plasmid encoding a codon-optimized HCMV antigen as described above.

Abstract: Novel compositions useful as influenza immunogens are provided. The compositions enable a host response to immunogen sites normally not recognized by a host.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of vaccinating a subject against a Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infection and disorders and symptoms associated with same, and impeding, inhibiting, reducing the incidence of, and suppressing HSV infection, neuronal viral spread, formation of zosteriform lesions, herpetic ocular disease, herpes-mediated encephalitis, and genital ulcer disease in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a mutant strain of the HSV, containing an inactivating mutation in a gene encoding a gE, gl, Us9, or other proteins.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a chimeric Chikungunya virus comprising a heterologous alphavirus cDNA fragment and a Chikungunya virus cDNA fragment. The heterologous alphavirus may include but is not limited to Sindbis virus, Eastern equine encephalitis virus or Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. The present invention also discloses the use of this chimeric Chikungunya virus as vaccines and in serological and diagnostic assays.

Abstract: The invention comprises a viral cap-leader sequence which comprises at least three bases complementary to the 3?-ultimate residues of a (?)ssRNA virus template sequence. Preferably said consensus sequence is represented by the general formula 7mG(N)6-10-(A/U/G)?A/U?AGC, more preferably 7mG(N)7-8-(A/U/G)?A/U?AGC. Further comprised are modified cap-leader sequences that are able to block elongation by the viral polymerase or cleavage by the viral endonuclase. Such modified cap-leader sequences comprise a 3?-terminal phosphate group, one or more phosphorothioate or phosphorodiamidate bonds or one ore more morpholino rings. Also pharmaceutical products comprising such a modified cap-leader sequence are disclosed. Further, the invention comprises methods for inhibiting virus transcription, especially for influenza virus, using such a modified cap-leader sequence or pharmaceutical product.

Abstract: A composition comprising an isolated fowl adenovirus (FAdV), wherein the FAdV is a strain selected from FAdV-2, FAdV-7, FAdv-8a, FAdV-8b, FAdV-8a/8b or FAdV-11 serotype strains; and a suitable carrier and methods for inducing protective immunity in a subject and/or its progeny.

Abstract: Disclosed is an attenuated flavivirus live vaccine comprising a flavivirus mutant, characterised in that the flavivirus mutant has a deletion in the capsid protein of at least more than 4 successive amino acids, wherein the carboxy-terminal hydrophobic region is not affected by the deletion.

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 neuraminidase 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 invention provides for immunogenic compositions against West Nile Virus. The immunogenic compositions, in alternate embodiments, also include other equine pathogens. The West Nile Virus composition of the present invention advantageously provides for protection against North American Dominant West Nile Virus strains or isolates.

Abstract: Described in this application are attenuated strains of avian influenza virus containing temperature sensitive mutations in addition to a genetic tag in the PB1 gene. The attenuated viruses are useful as avian and mammalian vaccine for protective immunity against homologous and heterologous lethal challenges with influenza virus. A genetically modified avian influenza virus backbone is described which can be used as a master donor strain for the generation of live attenuated vaccines for epidemic and pandemic influenza.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods useful to prepare segmented, negative strand RNA viruses, e.g., orthomyxoviruses such as influenza A viruses, entirely from cloned cDNAs and in the absence of helper virus.

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: The present invention provides recombinant bicistronic flaviviruses, particularly live attenuated recombinant bicistronic flavivirus, which comprise, in order from 5? to 3?, a viral 5?UTR, an ORF encoding all viral proteins, an internal ribosome entry site, an exogenous nucleotide sequence that encodes an exogenous polypeptide, and a viral 3?UTR. Infection of a host cell with a recombinant flavivirus provides for expression of the exogenous nucleic acid in a host cell. Such recombinant flavivirus are useful for delivering a protein to a mammalian host; and for eliciting an immune response to the exogenous polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the method of making and using a novel, non-infective, paramyxovirus vaccine. Paramyxovirus structural proteins within a virus-like particle (VLP) comprise one example of such a vaccine. It is observed that the presence of matrix protein, alone, is sufficient and necessary to provide an effective VLP release. Co-expression of four paramyxovirus structural proteins, however, result in the release of non-infective VLPs with densities and efficiencies of release similar to that of infective particles. Representative diseases wherein a VLP vaccine might be useful include, but are not limited to, Newcastle disease, measles, respiratory syncytial virus infection, and parainfluenza 3 virus infection.

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 Ems 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 Ems glycoprotein by a deletion, insertion or substitution wherein such modification results in a non dimeric Ems glycoprotein.

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: The present invention provides an attenuated virus, which is derived from Modified Vaccinia Ankara virus, wherein the MVA-BN virus, or a derivative thereof, induces at least substantially the same level of immunity in vaccinia virus prime/vaccina virus boost regimes when compared to DNA prime/vaccinia virus boost regimes. It further describes recombinant viruses derived from this virus and the use of the virus, or its recombinants, as a medicament or vaccine. A method is provided for inducing an immune response in individuals who may be immune-compromised, receiving antiviral therapy, or have a pre-existing immunity to the vaccine virus.

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 provides materials and methods for researching poultry viruses, particularly for researching infectious bronchitis viruses in poultry. Also provided are materials and methods useful for reducing the economic impact that infectious bronchitis disease has on poultry production. In one aspect of the invention, there are provided nucleic acids, amino acids and related materials and compositions useful for combating infectious bronchitis virus in poultry.

Abstract: Bacteriophages in general and lambda phage in particular are powerful, flexible reagents who have yet to be exploited to their full potential. As discussed herein, the lambda phage head and/or genome comprises an easy to use and highly efficient delivery vehicle for delivering the expression products of a gene of interest systemically or to a particular tissue.

Abstract: The invention describes the preparation of an inactivated bluetongue virus (BTV) composition, and in particular a vaccine, using an attenuated live BTV vaccine strain as masterseed. The vaccine can be administered to an animal to prevent bluetongue disease by eliciting an immune response against the bluetongue virus serotype(s) included in the composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides an attenuated virus, which is derived from Modified Vaccinia Ankara virus, wherein the MVA-BN virus, or a derivative thereof, induces at least substantially the same level of immunity in vaccinia virus prime/vaccina virus boost regimes when compared to DNA prime/vaccinia virus boost regimes. It further describes recombinant viruses derived from this virus and the use of the virus, or its recombinants, as a medicament or vaccine. A method is provided for inducing an immune response in individuals who may be immune-compromised, receiving antiviral therapy, or have a pre-existing immunity to the vaccine virus.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated attenuated recombinant influenza virus comprising a gene segment comprising a mutant NS2 protein gene, wherein the NS2 protein has at least two substitutions that do not substantially alter the in vitro replication of the virus but are associated with attenuation of the virus in vivo, wherein at least one of the substitutions is a substitution for glutamate.

Abstract: Recombinant human parainfluenza virus type 2 (HPIV2) viruses and related immunogenic compositions and methods are provided. The recombinant HPIV2 viruses, including HPIV2 chimeric and chimeric vector viruses, provided according to the invention are infectious and attenuated in permissive mammalian subjects, including humans, and are useful in immunogenic compositions for eliciting an immune responses against one or more PIVs, against one or more non-PIV pathogens, or against a PIV and a non-PIV pathogen. Also provided are isolated polynucleotide molecules and vectors incorporating a recombinant HPIV2 genome or antigenome.

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: Virus inactivation is performed with a specific microwave frequency to induce a collective vibration of virus through microwave resonant absorption (MRA).

Abstract: The invention provides viral vectors (e.g., herpes viral vectors) and methods of using these vectors to treat disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enveloped virus particles providing a modified composition of their envelope, methods for exogenously modifying the envelope composition of an enveloped viral particle making use of compounds consisting of a hydrophilic target domain and a lipophilic membrane anchor domain, wherein the lipophilic membrane anchor domain becomes anchored into the lipid double layer of the envelope and wherein the hydrophilic target domain becomes exposed to the surrounding incubation fluid. The invention further relates to methods and means to use said modified viral vectors and to pharmaceutical compositions containing such envelope modified viral vectors.

Abstract: NS1 variant polypeptides, proteins or functional fragments thereof are described which have useful properties for increasing viral protein synthesis, IFN induction, and IFN resistance. The NS1 variant polypeptides, proteins or functional fragments comprise a substitution in the amino acid sequence of the wild type NS1 protein at a position corresponding to Asp-2, Val-23, Leu-98, Phe-103, Ser-103, Met-106, Met-124, Asp-125, Val-180, Val-226 or Arg-227, or combinations thereof expressed alone or in infectious virus.

Abstract: The invention provides a recombinant rabies viruses comprising three copies of a mutated G gene wherein each G gene encodes a rabies virus glycoprotein having the amino acid 194 mutated to a serine and the amino acid 333 is mutated to a glutamic acid. The recombinant rabies virus is nonpathogenic in immunodeficient mammals and can be used in a vaccine to induce an immune response protect mammals from infection by rabies virus as well as clear a pre-existing rabies virus infection from neural tissues.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of virosome-like-particles. The invention provides a method for producing a virosome-like-particle comprising contacting an enveloped virus with a solution containing a short-chain phospholipid allowing solubilisation of the viral envelope of said virus further comprising removing short-chain phospholipid from said solution allowing formation of a functionally reconstituted viral envelope.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods, compositions and kits for use in preparing a medicament and vaccine for measles virus comprising an Attenuated Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara (MVA) strain encoding hemagglutinin protein, fusion protein, and nucleoprotein of measles virus (MVA-Measles). The recombinant virus induced superior cellular and humoral responses to the measles virus when compared to Measles vaccine Rouvax®. Both T cell and B cell immune responses to the recombinant MVA were observed not only in adult animals, but also in newborn and juvenile animals. Results in adult humans showed that MVA-Measles induces a strong immune response, is safe and well tolerated.

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

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 genetically engineered recombinant respiratory syncytial viruses and viral vectors which contain deletions of various viral accessory gene(s) either singly or in combination. In accordance with the present invention, the recombinant respiratory syncytial viral vectors and viruses are engineered to contain complete deletions of the M2-2, NS1, NS2, or SH viral accessory genes or various combinations thereof. In addition, the present invention relates to the attenuation of respiratory syncytial virus by mutagenisis of the M2-1 gene.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the sterilization of a biological preparation comprising desired viable biological entities. The method comprises irradiating a dried (e.g. freeze-dried) biological preparation with ionizing or UV radiation at an intensity and for a duration sufficient to reduce the amount or activity of living-matter contaminants in the biological preparation, the intensity and duration selected such that at least part of the desired biological entities in the sample remains viable. The method of the invention is particularly suitable for the reduction of the amount or activity of contaminants such as bacteria or viruses from biological preparations comprising red blood cells or platelets.

Abstract: The invention relates inter alia to a method for inducing a long-term protection in an animal against foreign antigens and tumor antigens comprising the step of administering to the animal at least one factor selected from type I interferons and Flt-3, and to a method for inducing a long-term increase of the number of dendritic cells in an animal comprising the step of administering to the animal a factor selected from type I interferon and Flt-3 and to a method of inducing or enhancing the maturation and/or for the activation of the immune system of an animal comprising the step of administering to the animal a factor selected from type I interferon and Flt-3.

Abstract: E2 is one of the three envelope glycoproteins of Classical Swine Fever Virus (CSFV). E2 is involved in several functions including virus attachment and entry to target cells, production of antibodies, induction of protective immune response in swine, and virulence. Seven putative glycosylation sites in E2 were modified by site directed mutagenesis of a CSFV Brescia infectious clone (BICv). A panel of virus mutants was obtained and used to investigate whether the removal of putative glycosylation sites in the E2 glycoprotein would affect viral virulence/pathogenesis in swine. We observed that rescue of viable virus was completely impaired by removal of all putative glycosylation sites in E2, but restored when mutation N185A reverted to wild-type asparagine produced viable virus that was attenuated in swine. Single mutations of each of the E2 glycosylation sites showed that amino acid N116 (N1v virus) was responsible for BICv attenuation.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an anaerobic digestion of animal manures, energy crops and similar organic substrates. The process is capable of refining nutrients comprised in the digested biomass to fertilizers of commercial quality. The invention also provides a method for oprocessing animal carcasses or fractions thereof including meat and bone meal etc., with the objective of providing an alternative means for processing the organic waste material of animal origin while at the same time facilitating the production of fertilizers. The risk of spreading BSE prions or any other prions to animals or humans is thus substantially reduced if not eliminated. The biogas and slurry separation system according to the present invention is preferably integrated with the operations of animal husbandries into a total concept in which the internal and external performances of animal husbandries are optimised.

Abstract: Provided is a process for the production of poliovirus, comprising the steps of: a) providing a serum-free suspension culture of cells, which are primary human retina (HER) cells that have been immortalized by expression of adenovirus E1 sequences, b) infecting the cells with poliovirus, at a cell density of between 2×106 cells/ml and 150×106 cells/ml, and c) harvesting poliovirus at a time of between 12 and 48 hours after infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a genetically modified PRRS virus which has been modified such that the conserved cysteine in the E protein has been deleted or changed to a non-cysteine residue and polynucleotides that encode it. Vaccines comprising the genetically modified virus and polynucleotides are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing new vaccines and treatments for the diseases related to canine influenza virus. It discloses influenza viral antigens, and methods of presenting these antigens to canines, especially dogs. It relates to attenuated and killed vaccines. The present invention relates to experimentally generated canine and equine influenza viruses. invention also includes influenza A, including H3, N8, H3N8, H7N7 and viruses which contain at least one genome segment from an canine or equine influenza virus. The present invention also relates to the use of these viruses in therapeutic compositions to protect canines, dogs in particular, from diseases caused by influenza viruses.

Abstract: The present inventors improved methods for inactivating Japanese encephalitis virus vaccines, and assessed the safety of vaccines produced by combining multiple vaccines. The present inventors successfully produced safer Japanese encephalitis vaccines by cell culture, which can be stored more stably over a long period than conventional Japanese encephalitis vaccines. Furthermore, it is also expected that the production methods can be used to produce other viral vaccines with excellent storage stability.

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.