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 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 invention relates to a method for producing flu virus according to which: a) immunizing a hen by administering a flu vaccine to the hen, b) triggering embryogenesis in one or more eggs of the immunized hen, c) infecting the one or more embryonated eggs by inoculating a flu virus into the allantoic cavity of the eggs, d) incubating the one or more infected embryonated eggs under temperature and humidity conditions that allow replication of the virus, and e) harvesting the allantoic fluid of the one or more incubated eggs containing the virus.

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

Abstract: The present invention discloses compounds of Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, or prodrugs thereof: 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: The invention provides self replicating infectious recombinant paramyxoviruses where the P and C genes are separated rated. The recombinant paramyxoviruses preferably have one or more attenuating mutations and/or at least one temperature sensitive mutation and one non-temperature sensitive mutation. In some embodiments, the recombinant paramyxovirus has a separate variant polynucleotide encoding a C protein and a separate monocistronic polynucleotide encoding a P protein. Also provided are compositions and methods for using the recombinant paramyxoviruses as described herein.

Abstract: Introduction of immunomodulatory T3SS polypeptides (IT3SSP's) into cells stimulates a response mediated by NLRC4 intracellularly. Introduction of said IT3SSP into the cells of a subject evoke an innate immune response in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides an influenza B virus M gene with a modification of at least one nucleotide proximate to the N-terminus of the M gene, more specifically at any one of nucleotide positions 265 to 294 of the M gene as well as an influenza B virus comprising said modified M gene. Further, its use for the preparation of a vaccine and methods for preparing said modified influenza virus are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for treating cancer cells is provided comprising directly or systemically administering a therapeutically effective dose of an attenuated measles virus. In one embodiment, the therapeutically effective dose is from about 103 pfus to about 1012 pfus and is delivered by direct injection into a group of cancer cells or via intravenous injection.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of purifying encapsidated virus, e.g., viral particles comprising viral nucleic acid, from compositions comprising encapsidated viral nucleic acid and viral particles that lack viral nucleic acid; methods for reducing the particle:genome ratio in a preparation of encapsidated viral nucleic acid; and methods for selectively inactivating viral particles that lack viral nucleic acid in a liquid composition comprising encapsidated viral nucleic acid and the viral particles that lack viral nucleic acid. The methods generally involve subjecting the composition to hydrostatic pressure such that the viral particles lacking viral nucleic acid are selectively inactivated.

Abstract: The invention provides West Nile (WN) viruses and chimeric WN viruses having one or more mutations in the 3? terminal stem loop secondary structure (3?SL) that results in decreased neurovirulence, methods of making such WN viruses, and methods for using these WN viruses to prevent or treat WN virus infection.

Abstract: Chimeric respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and vaccine compositions thereof are produced by introducing one or more heterologous gene(s) or gene segment(s) from one RSV subgroup or strain into a recipient RSV backround of a different subgroup or strain. The resulting chimeric RSV virus or subviral particle is infectious and attenuated, preferably by introduction of selected mutations specifying attenuated phenotypes into a chimeric genome or antigenome to yield, for example, temperature sensitive (ts) and/or cold adapted (ca) vaccine strains. Alternatively, chimeric RSV and vaccine compositions thereof incorporate other mutations specifying desired structural and/or phenotypic characteristics in an infectious chimeric RSV. Such chimeric RSV incorporate desired mutations specified by insertion, deletion, substitution or rearrangement of one or more selected nucleotide sequence(s), gene(s), or gene segment(s) in a chimeric RSV clone.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated canine influenza virus of subtype H3N8 comprising an HA having SEQ ID NO: 4 or an amino acid sequence that is greater than 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 4, with the proviso that the amino acids at positions 94 and 233 are identical to SEQ ID NO: 4; a composition comprising attenuated or inactivated virus; isolated or purified HA, NM, NP, M1, NS1, PA, PB1, and PB2 proteins and fragments thereof and compositions comprising same or nucleic acids, optionally as part of a vector, encoding same; and a method of inducing an immune response to canine influenza virus in an animal comprising administering to the animal an aforementioned composition.

Abstract: Provided herein are influenza hemagglutinin stem domain polypeptides, compositions comprising the same, vaccines comprising the same and methods of their use.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is the production of recombinant virus through the cloning and expression of sequences of coding nucleotides of the whole or part of heterolog proteins, through the following method: (a) modification of the heterolog nucleotides sequences in such way they when cloned and expressed in the vector virus, they present in the 5? region, nucleotides present in the 5? edge of the gene NS1 of this vector virus or of other virus or equivalent functional sequences, and in its 3? region, the correspondent genome region in the whole or part of the spheres of the steam and anchor of the protein E of this vector virus or equivalent functional sequences, and not compromising the structure and the replication of the mention vector virus; (b) insertion of the modified heterolog sequences in (a) in the intergene region at the structural protein E level and of on structural NS1 vector virus; (c) obtention of the non pathogenic recombinant virus and owner of the immunologic properties, having

Abstract: NS4B is one of the non-structural proteins of classical swine fever virus. By using functional genetics, we have discovered, in the predicted amino acid sequence of NS4B of CSFV strain Brescia, a motif that resembles those found in the toll-like receptor (TLR) proteins, a group of host cell proteins involved in the development of anti-viral mechanisms. We have located the TLR motif in two groups of amino acid triplets at amino acid positions 2531-3 (residues IYK) and 2566-8 (residues VGI) of the CSFV NS4B glycoprotein. We have constructed a recombinant CSFV (derived from an infectious clone containing the genetic information of the highly virulent strain Brescia) containing amino acid substitutions in the three amino acid residues at positions 2566, 2567 and 2568, where the VGI triplet has been replaced by an AAA triplet inside the NS4B glycoprotein. The obtained virus, named NS4B-VGIv, was completely attenuated in swine, showing a limited ability in spreading during the infection in vivo.

Abstract: A composition for treating or preventing virus-induced infections is described, along with a process of producing the composition and methods of the composition's use. The composition comprises viral pathogen-infected cell or tissue, or malignantly or immunologically aberrant cells or tissues which has been reduced and/or denatured. The preferred composition is administered across a mucosal surface of an animal suffering or about suffer from infection. The composition is administered as preventive or therapeutic vaccine.

Abstract: An attenuated rabies virus for use as a live vaccine. The attenuated rabies virus expresses an immune factor that enhances immune response upon administration of the live vaccine.

Abstract: A recombinant vector comprises simian adenovirus SAdV-31 sequences and a heterologous gene under the control of regulatory sequences. A cell line which expresses simian adenovirus SAdV-31 gene(s) is also disclosed. Methods of using the vectors and cell lines are provided.

Abstract: An attenuated herpes virus which lacks a functional vhs gene or a functional equivalent thereof, but which has a functional UL43 gene or functional equivalent thereof, stimulates an immune response when dendritic cells are infected with the virus.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods related to the structure and function of the cellular polyadenylation and specificity factor 30 (CPSF30) binding site on the surface of the influenza A non-structural protein 1 (NS1). Specifically, critical biochemical reagents, conditions for crystallization and NMR analysis, assays, and general processes are described for (i) discovering, designing, and optimizing small molecule inhibitors of influenza A (avian flu) viruses and (ii) creating attenuated influenza virus strains suitable for avian and human flu vaccine development.

Abstract: The present invention relates, to novel methods and substrates for the propagation of viruses. The invention relates to IFN-deficient substrates and methods for propagating viruses in these unconventional substrates. In particular, the invention relates to methods of propagating viruses in immature embryonated eggs, preferably six- to nine-day-old chicken eggs. The methods of the invention are particularly attractive for growing viruses suitable for use in vaccine and pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods for targeted inactivation of viral genomes. In one embodiment, zinc-finger proteins in which DNA binding sites are altered such that they recognize and bind different, desired DNA sequences contained in hepatitis B virus (HBV) and that include nuclease domains are used for inactivation. Other embodiments for targeted inactivation of viral genomes use small nucleic acid molecules, such as short micro-RNA molecules or short hairpin RNA molecules capable of mediating RNA interference (RNAi) against the hepatitis B virus.

Abstract: Marek's disease virus (MDV), the etiologic agent of Marek's disease, is a potent oncogenic herpesvirus. MDV is highly contagious and elicits a rapid onset of malignant T-cell lymphomas in chickens within weeks after infection. MDV codes for an oncoprotein, Meq, that shares resemblance with the Jun/Fos family of b-ZIP transcription factors. Earlier studies showed that Meq is responsible for development for T-cell lymphomas in chicken. In order to identify specific regions within the Meq gene, a series of recombinant MDV were generated in which a mutated gene was introduced in place of parental Meq gene. Various mutations were introduced at the phosphorylation sites, basic region, leucine zipper region and transactivation regions of the Meq gene. Several of these mutations have been shown to have an attenuated phenotype in chickens. In one embodiment, the present invention contemplates exploiting these mutations to develop MDV vaccines that are able to protect against challenge with highly virulent MDV strains.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for treating textiles comprising applying to the textile an enzyme having a specific activity towards the textile, under conditions such that there is substantially no mechanical agitation.

Abstract: Live attenuated Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) vaccines that outperform the PE-6 vaccine in mice aerosol challenged with >1,000×LD50. Candidates include four furin-cleavage deletion mutants and one E3 deletion mutant. Each vaccine provided protection in birds against antigenically distinct North and South American strains of EEE. The PE-6 vaccine does not provide protection against South American EEEs. Animals inoculated with each of the vaccines of the invention developed neutralizing antibodies to EEE.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of differentiating the infectivity and lethality of isolates of influenza virus and provides compounds for diagnosing, preventing, and treating outbreaks of influenza virus including compounds for diagnosing, preventing, and treating across different strains of influenza virus.

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: This invention provides an attenuated virus which comprises a modified viral genome containing nucleotide substitutions engineered in multiple locations in the genome, wherein the substitutions introduce synonymous deoptimized codons into the genome. The instant attenuated virus may be used in a vaccine composition for inducing a protective immune response in a subject. The invention also provides a method of synthesizing the instant attenuated virus. Further, this invention further provides a method for preventing a subject from becoming afflicted with a virus-associated disease comprising administering to the subject a prophylactically effective dose of a vaccine composition comprising the instant attenuated virus.

Abstract: The invention provides HSV antigens and epitopes that are useful for the prevention and treatment of HSV infection. T-cells having specificity for antigens of the invention have demonstrated cytotoxic activity against cells loaded with virally-encoded peptide epitopes, and in many cases, against cells infected with HSV. The identification of immunogenic antigens responsible for T-cell specificity provides improved anti-viral therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. Compositions containing antigens or polynucleotides encoding antigens of the invention provide effectively targeted vaccines for prevention and treatment of HSV infection.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a structural protein of a parvovirus with an amino acid insertion at the insertion site I-453, a library comprising the protein, a multimeric structure comprising the protein, a nucleic acid encoding the protein, a vector, virus or cell comprising the nucleic acid, a process for the preparation of the protein, a medicament comprising the protein, nucleic acid or multimeric structure as well as methods and uses involving the protein, nucleic acid or multimeric structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods of inducing an immune response for the prevention or treatment of HIV-1 infection by using a nucleic acid vaccine in conjunction with a recombinant viral vaccine, e.g., a poxvirus vaccine, to potentiate and broaden the immune response. The present invention further provides a particularly effective vaccine regimen comprising a DNA vaccine used in combination with a poxvirus virus, especially NYVAC or ALVAC.

Abstract: The invention relates to non-proteolysable oligopeptides that inhibit glycoprotein 41 of the AIDS virus. More specifically, the invention relates to the identification of oligopeptides, particularly hexapeptides, (D), (L) or mixed, preferably D-hexapeptides, which inhibit the binding of a retrovirus to a target cell, thereby providing novel therapies against infection from the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The invention also relates to the use of said D-hexapeptides in the form of single components or complex mixtures as prophylactic or therapeutic agents for retroviral infections, especially human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1).

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions and broad-spectrum vaccines containing newly identified isolates of canine distemper virus (CDV) collected from a geographic area are provided. The newly identified isolates exhibit attributes of both European wildlife lineage CDV and one or both of Arctic and American-2 lineage CDV. Therefore, the vaccines are broadly protective against infection with European wildlife lineage CDV and either Arctic lineage CDV or American-2 lineage CDV, or both Arctic and American-2 lineage CDV.

Abstract: A persistently infective virus vector is produced by using a gene so modified as to encode an amino acid sequence including a valine substituted for an amino acid residue at position-1618 in the amino acid sequence for an L protein of a persistently non-infective Sendai virus. A non-transmissible, persistently infective virus vector is also produced by defecting or deleting at least one of M gene, F gene, and HN gene. These virus vectors have no cytotoxicity, can achieve the sustained gene expression over a long period of time, is safe, and is therefore useful.

Abstract: Recombinant influenza virus proteins, including influenza capsomers, subviral particles, virus-like particles (VLP), VLP complexes, and/or any portions of thereof, are provided as a vaccine for influenza viruses. The invention is based on the combination of two vaccine technologies: (1) intrinsically safe recombinant vaccine technology, and (2) highly immunogenic, self-assembled protein macromolecules embedded in plasma membranes and comprised of multiple copies of influenza virus structural proteins exhibiting neutralizing epitopes in native conformations.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for inhibiting viral entry.

Abstract: The invention encompasses compositions and methods relating to viral polymerases having one or more substitutions of different amino acids at conserved regions of the polymerase yields enzymes with varying rates and fidelity of replication. A universally applicable, polymerase-mechanism-based strategy for production of attenuated viruses and anti-viral vaccines is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of polyoxyethylene (4-5) p-t-octyl phenol (t-Oct-C6H4—(OCH2CH2)x0H, x=˜5) or polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate in solvent/detergent viral inactivation of biological fluids for the preparation of a virally inactivated biological fluid having a high alpha 2-antiplasmin content.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting a retrovirus production, the method includes administering a retrovirus inhibitor selected from at least one of a TULA protein, a fragment of TULA containing a UBA domain, a UBA domain of TULA, a peptide mimicking TULA, a peptide mimicking a fragment of TULA containing a UBA domain, a peptide mimicking a UBA domain of TULA, a polynucleotide encoding TULA, a polynucleotide encoding a fragment of TULA containing a UBA domain, a polynucleotide encoding a UBA domain of TULA, a polynucleotide encoding a peptide mimicking TULA, a polynucleotide encoding a peptide mimicking a fragment of TULA containing a UBA domain, a polynucleotide encoding a peptide mimicking the UBA domain of TULA, fragments thereof, muteins thereof, variants and splice variants thereof, and combinations thereof to a cell or a tissue infected by a retrovirus.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the field of virology. More particularly, the present invention relates to 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). The invention further provides 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 Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV). Methods of using said 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 said virus for the purpose of vaccine production or diagnosis, are also provide by the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant adenoviral vectors based on adenoviruses that encounter pre-existing immunity in a minority of the human population and which harbor a chimeric capsid. The chimeric capsid comprises fiber proteins that have at least the knob domain of a human adenovirus that binds to the Coxsackievirus and Adenovirus Receptor (CAR) and a hexon protein from an adenovirus serotype that encounters pre-existing immunity in a low percentage of the human population.

Abstract: In this application are described filovirus-like particles for both Ebola and Marburg and their use as a diagnostic and therapeutic agent as well as a filovirus vaccine. Also described is the association of Ebola and Marburg with lipid rafts during assembly and budding, and the requirement of functional rafts for entry of filoviruses into cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a genetically modified PRRS virus, methods to make it and related polypeptides, polynucleotides and various components. Vaccines comprising the genetically modified virus and polynucleotides are also provided.

Abstract: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) comprising reverse transcriptase inactivated by photoinactivation. The inactivated virus may be more safely handled, stored, and analyzed, used in diagnostic procedures and kits, and may be used as an immunogen to evoke an immune response. The immune response may protect an individual from challenges with live virus. Alternatively, the inactivated HIV particles may be used to augment the immune response to HIV in an infected individual.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for replicating poxviruses such as vaccinia virus comprising the steps of inoculating avian embryonic stem cells with viral particles and culturing said cells in a basal medium until cells lysis occurs and newly produced viral particles are released in said medium.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions, methods and systems to isolate and characterize novel antiviral agents by contacting the antiviral agent with the F2F3 zinc fingers of a CPSF30 protein and an Influenza A NS1A protein; and determining whether the binding between the CPSF30 protein and the Influenza A NS1A protein is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated mammalian negative strand RNA virus, metapneumovirus (MPV), within the sub-family Pneumoviridae, of the family Paramyxoviridae. The invention also provides isolated mammalian negative strand RNA viruses identifiable as phylogenetically corresponding or relating to the genus Metapneumovirus and components thereof. In particular the invention provides a mammalian MPV, subgroups and variants thereof. The invention relates to genomic nucleotide sequences of different isolates of mammalian metapneumoviruses, in particular human metapneumoviruses. The invention relates to the use of the sequence information of different isolates of mammalian metapneumoviruses for diagnostic and therapeutic methods. The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences encoding the genome of a metapneumovirus or a portion thereof, including both mammalian and avian metapneumovirus. The invention further encompasses chimeric or recombinant viruses encoded by said nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel peptides, nucleic acids, vectors, compounds, compositions and methods for regulating nuclear import The present invention also relates to a lentiviral NLS, and methods of use thereof for inhibiting HIV pathogenesis and disease progression, and for gene delivery methods

Abstract: A prophylactic or therapeutic vaccine for use in protecting mammals such as humans or animals against Venezelan Equine Encephalitis virus (VEE) is described. In particular, the vaccine comprises a recombinant virus such as a recombinant vaccinia virus which is able to express the structural genes of VEE in attenuated form, which has been modified to increase the protective effect of the vaccine. This is achieved by modifying the sequence of the attenuated VEE strain and/or putting this under the control of modified promoter which increases expression from the vector. Formulations of the vaccine as well as methods of treatment using the vaccine are also described.