Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods of production of viral antigen on a culture of adherent cells bound to a microcarrier, wherein the methods provide for increased viral antigen yield per culture medium volume. The invention is also directed to a cell culture biomass of adherent cells having increased cell density and microcarrier concentration compared to the respective confluent cell culture.

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

Abstract: Immunogenic preparations and vaccines, in particular which are inactivated, effective against feline calicivirosis, based on an FCV virus strain 431 as deposited at the CNCM under the accession number CNCM I-2166, or one of its equivalents, in a veterinarily acceptable vehicle or excipient, preferably combined with FCV virus obtained from another FCV strain, in particular strain G1 as deposited at the CNCM under the accession number CNCM I-2167.

Abstract: The present invention provides vaccine compositions of attenuated dengue-2 virus. More specifically, the attenuated virus is produced by serial passage in PDK cells. The invention also provides methods for stimulating the immune system of an individual to induce protection against dengue-2 virus by administration of attenuated dengue-2 virus.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for identifying and assaying candidate HCV entry factor(s), methods for identifying and assaying candidate modulators of HCV entry, methods for identifying permissive cell lines and methods for identifying cellular factors affecting entry/fusion, as well as to the modulators/factors themselves.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotide molecules provide RSV genome and antigenomes, including that of human, bovine or murine RSV or RSV-like viruses, and chimera thereof. The recombinant genome or antigenome can be expressed with a nucleocapsid (N) protein, a nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (P), a large (L) polymerase protein, and an RNA polymerase elongation factor to produce isolated infectious RSV particles. The recombinant RSV genome and antigenome can be modified to produce desired phenotypic changes, such as attenuated viruses for vaccine use.

Abstract: A live hepatitis A virus adapted to growth in MRC-5 cells, which HAV is preferably characterized by suitable attenuation for effective vaccine administration to humans and animals without inactivation, methods for adapting HAV to growth in MRC-5, vaccine compositions and method of vaccinating humans against HAV infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for culturing circovirus and in particular, porcine circovirus. The present invention provides compositions and methods for culturing porcine circovirus in mammalian cells expressing mammalian adenovirus E1 function.

Abstract: The present invention provides experimentally-generated cold-adapted equine influenza viruses, and reassortant influenza A viruses comprising at least one genome segment of such an equine influenza virus, wherein the equine influenza virus genome segment confers at least one identifying phenotype of the cold-adapted equine influenza virus, such as cold-adaptation, temperature sensitivity, dominant interference, or attenuation. Such viruses are formulated into therapeutic compositions to protect animals from diseases caused by influenza A viruses, and in particular, to protect horses from disease caused by equine influenza virus. The present invention also includes methods to protect animals from diseases caused by influenza A virus utilizing the claimed therapeutic compositions.

Abstract: A live hepatitis A virus adapted to growth in MRC-5 cells, which HAV is preferably characterized by suitable attenuation for effective vaccine administration to humans and animals without inactivation, methods for adapting HAV to growth in MRC-5, vaccine compositions and method of vaccinating humans against HAV infection.

Abstract: A vaccine comprises a non-cytopathogenic strain of bovine viral diarrhea virus, grown in a bovine derived cell line such as MDBK and killed, for example with &bgr;-propiolactone. The adjuvant is Quil A.

Abstract: The present invention relates to avian cell lines which efficiently support the growth and productive infection of Marek's Disease Virus at high titers. The present invention also relates to avian cell lines which have been engineered to support the growth and productive infection of recombinant Marek's Disease Virus at high titers. The present invention relates a process for the preparation of Marek's Disease Virus in quantities suitable for vaccine purposes.

Abstract: An attenuated Japanese encephalitis virus adapted to Vero cell by passages on Vero cell is disclosed. A Japanese encephalitis vaccine comprising said attenuated virus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated, attenuated viral strains of human parainfluenza virus 2 (HPIV-2), which are useful in live vaccine preparations. These strains exhibit a temperature sensitive and cold adapted phenotype useful for stimulating a protective immune response in an inoculated mammal without producing severe symptoms.

Abstract: A vaccine comprises a non-cytopathogenic strain of bovine viral diarrhoea virus, grown in a bovine derived cell line such as MDBK and killed, for example with &bgr;-propiolactone. The adjuvant is Quil A.

Abstract: The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract disease in infants and children throughout the world. RSV is a major cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants under one year of age, and is a major cause of fatal respiratory tract disease in these infants. The treatment and prevention of RSV infection has been problematic. However, the present invention addresses some of these concerns by providing attenuated RSV strains that are suitable for inclusion in immunizing compositions. Specifically, the present invention is directed toward the introduction of growth restriction mutations into incompletely attenuated host range-restricted cold-passaged respiratory syncytial virus (cpRSV) strains by further passage of the strains at increasingly reduced temperatures to produce derivative strains which are more satisfactorily attenuated.

Abstract: The present invention for the first time discloses a health problem in broilers at about 3-5 weeks, resulting in significant production losses, and demonstrates that these production losses can be prevented by a live attenuated CAA vaccine for mucosal administration.

Abstract: Small RNA viruses and virus-like particles (VLPs) have altered or substituted Ig-like domains so as to modify host cell tropism. The invention also relates to the use of such small RNA viruses and VLPs in insecticidal and medicinal applications.

Abstract: The invention includes a vaccine and sera for treatment of Mystery Swine Disease (MSD), a method for producing the vaccine, methods for diagnosis of MSD, a viral agent that will mimic “mystery swine disease” and antibodies to the viral agent useful in diagnosis and treatment of MSD. The serum contains mammalian antibodies which are effective in treating MSD.

Abstract: Compositions are provided for improving the stability of live virus vaccines containing, e.g., live varicella zoster, measles, mumps, and rubella viruses. Such improved stabilizers are aqueous solutions containing recombinant human serum albumin (rHA) as a component at from 1-100 g/l. Live virus vaccines as well as methods of preparing live virus vaccines containing the stabilizers are also provided.

Abstract: A live hepatitis A virus (HAV) adapted to grow in MRC-5 cells is described, the HAV preferably characterized by suitable attenuation for effective vaccine administration to humans and animals without inactivation. Methods for adapting HAV to grow in MRC-5 cells, vaccine compositions comprising the attenuated HAV, and methods of vaccinating humans against HAV infection are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides experimentally-generated cold-adapted equine influenza viruses, and reassortant influenza A viruses comprising at least one genome segment of such an equine influenza virus, wherein the equine influenza virus genome segment confers at least one identifying phenotype of the cold-adapted equine influenza virus, such as cold-adaptation, temperature sensitivity, dominant interference, or attenuation. Such viruses are formulated into therapeutic compositions to protect animals from diseases caused by influenza A viruses, and in particular, to protect horses from disease caused by equine influenza virus. The present invention also includes methods to protect animals from diseases caused by influenza A virus utilizing the claimed therapeutic compositions.

Abstract: A method of making retrovirus vectors having selected characteristics, in particular an increased ability to infect a particular target cell, comprises subjecting a starting retrovirus or retroviral vector to a selection process in vitro which involves a plurality of rounds of infection of a host cell during which the retrovirus or retroviral vector evolves to attain the selected characteristics. Components of the evolved retrovirus or retroviral vector can be used in retroviral vector production systems for producing retroviral vectors having the selected characteristics. The invention is particularly useful for preparing retroviral vectors suitable for gene therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for the isolation and purification of high-titer recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) compositions. Also disclosed are methods for reducing or eliminating the concentration of helper adenovirus in rAAV samples. Methods are disclosed that provide highly-purified rAAV stocks having titers up to about 10.sup.13 particles/ml at particle-to-infectivity ratios of less than 100 in processes that are accomplished about 24 hours or less.

Abstract: Viruses from the family Orthomyxoviridae, particularly influenza virus, can grown in monkey kidney cells, particularly Vero Cells, after passaging the cells in a serum-free or protein-free medium. The use of a proteolytic enzyme, especially trypsin, also aids in the propagation of the virus. The method allows for the virus to be produced to be used in a vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a substantially pure preparation of the simian hepatitis A viral isolate AGM-27; a substantially pure preparation of the genomic DNA of simian hepatitis A viral isolate AGM-27; a pharmaceutical composition comprising the simian hepatitis A viral isolate AGM-27; a method of preventing hepatitis A in an animal; and a vaccine comprising the simian hepatitis A viral isolate AGM-27.

Abstract: Disclosed are live hepatitis A virus deletion mutants having a deletion mutation in the 5' nontranslated region of the viral genome. The deletion mutation may be selected from the group consisting of (a) pY1 deletion mutations that cause the virus to retain the ability to replicate in monkey kidney cells; and (b) deletion mutations between nucleotides 140 and 144 that render the virus temperature sensitive. Advantageously, the deletion mutation may be an attenuating mutation. Pharmaceutical formulations containing such viruses are disclosed, along with the use thereof to produce antibodies useful for diagnostic purposes and for imparting protective immunity against hepatitis A virus.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with Infectious bursitis virus (IBDV) vaccines containing IBDV antigen material which is derived from a mammalian cell line infected with IBDV.

Abstract: A live hepatitis A virus adapted to growth in MRC-5 cells, which HAV is preferably characterized by suitable attenuation for effective vaccine administration to humans and animals without inactivation, methods for adapting HAV to growth in MRC-5, vaccine compositions and method of vaccinating humans against HAV infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vaccine which protects pigs from a virus and/or an infectious agent causing a porcine respiratory and reproductive disease, a method of protecting a pig from a disease caused by a virus and/or an infectious agent which causes a respiratory and reproductive disease, a method of producing a vaccine against a virus and/or an infectious agent causing a porcine reproductive and respiratory disease, and a biologically pure sample of a virus and/or infectious agent associated with a porcine respiratory and reproductive disease, particularly the Iowa strain of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), and an isolated polynucleotide which is at least 90% homologous with a polynucleotide obtained from the genome of a virus and/or infectious agent which causes a porcine respiratory and reproductive disease.

Abstract: The invention includes a vaccine and sera for treatment of Mystery Swine Disease (MSD), a method for producing the vaccine, methods for diagnosis of MSD, a viral agent that will mimic "mystery swine disease" and antibodies to the viral agent useful in diagnosis and treatment of MSD. The serum contains mammalian antibodies which are effective in treating MSD.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) serotype and to attenuated IBV strains derived therefrom, and also to live or inactivated vaccines made using such IB virus. This invention also relates to a method for protecting poultry against IBV using these vaccines.

Abstract: The invention includes a vaccine and sera for treatment of Mystery Swine Disease (MSD), a method for producing the vaccine, methods for diagnosis of MSD, a viral agent that will mimic "mystery swine disease" and antibodies to the viral agent useful in diagnosis and treatment of MSD. The serum contains mammalian antibodies which are effective in treating MSD.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for destroying blood borne pathogens is disclosed which utilizes a low intensity direct current to generate positive particles from various metals which destroy viral pathogens. A first electrode comprised of a metal such as silver is inserted into a patient's venous system. Then, a second electrode is placed on the patient's exterior in the vicinity of the first electrode. A low intensity direct current is applied to the first metal electrode which releases silver cations to be bonded to the virus, resulting in the denaturing of the virus. The first electrode is placed in the venous system of the infected patient via a catheter.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new immunogenic composition for Herpes Simplex comprising a whole live HSV-2 virus having the oncogene deleted. Methods of using the vaccine composition are also included.

Abstract: A novel Plutella xylostella baculovirus (PxMNPV) which is useful for the control of insect pests has been isolated. A variety of insect pests may be controlled by application of an insecticidally effective amount of the baculovirus to the locus or vicinity of the target insect.

Abstract: A substantially avirulent vaccine against Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is provided, which effectively immunizes swine against the U.S. and European forms of the disease, together with a method of growing the viral agent in vitro, and a method of attenuating the virus for vaccine preparation.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are nucleotides for genes encoding the canine herpesvirus (CHV) gB, gC and gD homologues. These genes encode polypeptides of 879, 459 and 345 amino acids, respectively, which are also disclosed and claimed. The genes are useful as DNA probes or, for preparing PCR primers. The polypeptides are useful in antigenic, immunological or vaccine compositions. The nucleotides can be expressed in any suitable vector system, allowing for production of the polypeptides. Additionally, the vector system containing any or any combination of the nucleotides can be employed in an antigenic, immunological or vaccine composition, such as a poxvirus vector system, e.g., a CHV-vaccinia or avipox virus recombinant, as can the products from expression, i.e., the gB, gC and gD glycoproteins. Antibodies elicited by the glycoproteins or from expression of the vector containing the nucleotide(s) are also useful. Methods for making and using the composition are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of selecting virus vaccine candidates by selecting virus variants that do not bind to brain membrane receptor preparations, comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a brain membrane receptor preparation; (b) mixing an amount of a virus of interest with an amount of said membrane receptor preparation containing excess membrane receptors to form a virus-membrane receptor preparation suspension; (c) centrifuging said suspension to form a supernatant; (d) determining residual virus infectivity in said supernatant; and (e) isolating individual membrane receptor preparation binding-resistant virus variants which are useful as virus vaccine candidates.

Abstract: A new attenuated strain (CNCM Institut Pasteur I-1642) of the virus causing the swine disease known as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is described, along with an attenuation and replication procedure of the same by using a new clone obtained from MA-104 monkey kidney cells (CNCM Institut Pasteur I-1643). Because of the innocuousness on swine and the high immunogenic activity, the said new attenuated strain allows the obtaining of vaccines and diagnostic kits which make possible both the early diagnosis of PRRS and an efficient preventive treatment of such disease.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a new type of herpesvirus particle (e.g., HSV-1), herein designated pre-viral DNA replication enveloped particles (PREPS), and methods of preparing said particles. These particles are non-infectious and can be prepared reliably to a high ratio of HSV-1 PREPS to infectious virus of at least 10.sup.7 :1. PREPS can be produced under conditions wherein viral DNA replication is blocked through the use of suitable drugs (e.g., acyclovir [ACV]; cytosine-.beta.-D-arabinofuranoside [ara C]) or by using an HSV mutant defective in viral DNA synthesis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vaccine which is protective against avian polyomavirus infection in a bird which is classified as being a member of the Psittaciformes order which comprises an immunogenic amount of a modified live avian polyomavirus in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Methods are also provided for preventing avian polyomavirus infection in a bird, or in several different species of birds, classified as being a member of the Psittaciformes order, comprising administering a vaccine comprising an immunogenic amount of a modified live avian polyomavirus and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A preferred embodiment provides a modified live avian polyomavirus vaccine for prevention of wild-type infection in a Budgerigar, lovebird or Cockatiel.

Abstract: A substantially avirulent vaccine against Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is provided, which effectively immunizes swine against the U.S. and European forms of the disease, together with a method of growing the viral agent in vitro, and a method of attenuating the virus for vaccine preparation.

Abstract: Vaccines against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) have been produced by attenuation of wild type strains of the virus selected from the group of attenuated NADC-8, attenuated NADC-9 and attenuated NVSL-14. These vaccines are useful in monovalent, bivalent or polyvalent vaccines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making an inactivated vaccine of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae by inactivating the bacteria with Thimerosal. The resulting bacterin is mixed with an adjuvant of aluminum hydroxide and DEAE dextran and injected into pigs. The resulting bacterin and adjuvant mixture can also be mixed with other bacteria such as Bordetella and Pasteurella, for further adjuvant effect. Protective immunity against mycoplasmal pneumonia is elicited in swine using these vaccines.

Abstract: This invention provides cold adapted mutant RSV, specifically, mutant RSV of subgroup A and B. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the mutant RSV of this invention, and immunogenic polypeptides of these mutant RSV also are provided by this invention. Pharmaceutical compositions containing any of the above compositions are provided herein. These are especially useful as vaccines. Further provided by this invention are methods of vaccinating a subject against RSV infection using the pharmaceutical compositions described herein.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with European strains of the Porcine Reproductive Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) virus, having as a unique feature that they are non-infectious to macrophages, and to methods for the production of such strains. The invention also provides vaccines for the protection of pigs against PRRS, based on these strains, as well as methods for the production of such vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention provides vaccine compositions of attenuated respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). More particularly, the attenuated virus may be a derivative of RSV which has been incompletely attenuated by cold-passage or introduction of mutations which produce virus having a temperature sensitive (ts) or cold adapted (ca) phenotype. The invention also provides methods for stimulating the immune system of an individual to induce protection against respiratory syncytial virus by administration of attenuated RSV. The invention also provides pure cultures of attenuated RS virus, wherein the virus has been more completely attenuated by the further derivatization of previously identified incompletely attenuated ts or cp mutants.

Abstract: The present invention provides an attenuated hepatitis A virus useful as a vaccine.