Abstract: The present invention encompasses recombinant Newcastle Disease Virus-Herpesvirus vaccines or compositions. The invention encompasses recombinant NDV vectors encoding and expressing herpesvirus pathogen, antigens, proteins, epitopes or immunogens. Such vaccines or compositions can be used to protect animals against disease.

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 invention provides a composition useful to prepare influenza viruses, e.g., in the absence of helper virus, using vectors which include tandem transcription cassettes containing PolI and/or PolII promoters.

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: The present invention is directed to Herpes simplex-2 viruses that may be used in vaccines to immunize patients against genital herpes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to kits and methods for efficiently generating 5? capped RNA having a modified cap nucleotide and for use of such modified-nucleotide-capped RNA molecules. In particular, the present invention provides kits and methods for capping RNA using a modified cap nucleotide and a capping enzyme system, such as poxvirus capping enzyme. The present invention finds use for in vitro production of 5?-capped RNA having a modified cap nucleotide and for in vitro or in vivo production of polypeptides by in vitro or in vivo translation of such modified-nucleotide-capped RNA. The invention also provides methods and kits for capturing or isolating uncapped RNA comprising primary RNA transcripts or RNA having a 5?-diphosphate, and methods and kits for using a capping enzyme system and modified cap nucleotides for labeling uncapped RNA comprising primary RNA transcripts or RNA having a 5?-diphosphate with detectable dye or enzyme moieties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for producing an immune response or reaction, as well as to vaccines, kits, processes, cells and uses thereof. This invention more particularly relates to compositions and methods of using a synthetic viral particle to produce, modify or regulate an immune response in a subject. In a more preferred embodiment, the invention is based, generally, on compositions using synthetic viral particles as an adjuvant and/or vehicle to raise an immune response against selected antigen(s) or epitopes, in particular a cellular and/or a humoral immune response.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant replication-defective adenoviral vectors derived from chimpanzee adenoviruses and methods for generating recombinant adenoviruses in human E1-expressing cell lines. The invention also provides compositions and methods suitable for use for the delivery and expression of transgenes encoding immunogens against which a boosted immune response is desired. The invention further provides methods of generating clinical grade vector stocks suitable for use in humans. In a particular embodiment the invention contemplates the use of vectors comprising transgenes which encode tumor associated antigens in vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions for the prevention and treatment of cancer.

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: The invention relates to infectious clones of parvovirus B19, methods of cloning infectious B19 clones, and methods of cloning viral genomes that have secondary DNA structures that are unstable in bacterial cells. A B19 infectious clone and methods of producing B19 infectious clones are useful for producing infectious virus. Infectious virus is useful for identifying and developing therapeutically effective compositions for treatment and/or prevention of human parvovirus B19 infections.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the detection of virus variations. Disclosed also is a method for the treatment of virus infection in a subject based on the detection of virus variations. Additionally, a kit is provided for the detection of virus variations.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel apathogenic viral strain useful in the treatment of viral hepatitis infections. The preferred viral strain of Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV) is specifically characterized in terms of structure and biological activities. The invention also provides recombinant IBDV viral vectors for the inclusion of exogenous nucleic acid sequences enhancing the viral replication inhibitory effect of the virus of the invention. Preferably, the viral vector comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a cytokine. A method of treating viral hepatitis in a host comprising administering an anti-hepatitis effective amount of the IBDV strain of the present invention also provided.

Abstract: Improved anti-HPV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed. Immunogens disclosed include those having consensus HPV 18 E6 and E7. Pharmaceutical composition, recombinant vaccines comprising and live attenuated vaccines are disclosed as well methods of inducing an immune response in an individual against HPV are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a replicon RNA comprising a nucleotide sequence at least containing the 5? untranslated region, the nucleotide sequence encoding NS3 protein, NS4A protein, NS4B protein, NS5A protein and NS5B protein, and the 3? untranslated region on the genomic RNA of hepatitis C virus of genotype 2a.

Abstract: The present invention provides viral vector compositions of high titre and purity, as well as methods for production of said compositions. The methods of the invention incorporate multiple features, such as production of viral vector particles in serum free media and multiple harvesting steps following transduction of the producer cell which provides for enhanced production of said viral vectors. The viral vector compositions of the invention, by virtue of their high titre and purity, minimize the deleterious phenotypic changes that typically occur following transduction of target cells, such as loss of a sub-populations of transduced cells, and effects on proliferation, differentiation, reprogramming or functionality of transduced cells.

Abstract: Therapeutic methods and microorganisms therefor are provided. The microorganisms are designed to accumulate in immunoprivileged tissues and cells, such as in tumors and other proliferating tissue and in inflamed tissues, compared to other tissues, cells and organs, so that they exhibit relatively low toxicity to host organisms. The microorganisms also are designed or modified to result in leaky cell membranes of cells in which they accumulate, resulting in production of antibodies reactive against proteins and other cellular products and also permitting exploitation of proferating proliferating tissues, particularly tumors, to produce selected proteins and other products. Vaccines containing the microorganisms are provided. Combinations of the microorganisms and anti-cancer agents and uses thereof for treating cancer also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel strains of avian reovirus that were isolated from severe cases of Runting Stunting Syndrome in young broiler chickens in southeast United States. The invention is directed to avian reoviruses that impair digestion in poultry, diagnostic assays using nucleotide- or amino acid-specific components of such viruses, and to vaccines that protect chickens from disease caused by such viruses. Nucleotide sequences for the S1 gene, encoding the sigma C minor outer capsid protein, were amplified, and the nucleotide and predicted amino acid sequences were compared with sequences from other recently isolated reovirus field isolates and vaccine strains. Antigenic and molecular characterization of the newly isolated reoviruses revealed a lack of homogeneity with current U.S. isolates, with less than 60% percent amino acid similarity across the sigma C protein.

Abstract: A method for producing a chimaeric human papillomavirus (HPV) L1 polypeptide containing a heterologous peptide, and in particular, a HPV L2 peptide comprising the steps of introducing a DNA sequence coding for the heterologous peptide into a DNA sequence coding for the L1 polypeptide; introducing the DNA sequence including the sequences for the L1 polypeptide and heterologous peptide into a host cell in which the DNA sequence can be expressed; causing expression of the DNA sequence; and recovering the resulting chimaeric L1 polypeptide which includes the heterologous peptide. The invention also describes a vector for use in the method, a host cell containing the vector, and a vaccine including the chimaeric HPV L1 polypeptide produced according to the method.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for generating clonal root lines, clonal root cell lines, clonal plant cell lines, and clonal plants and for expressing gene products in such cell lines and plants. In some embodiments, a viral vector containing a polynucleotide of interest operably linked to a promoter is introduced into a plant or portion thereof to generate clonal root lines, clonal root cell lines, clonal plant cell lines, and clonal plants. According to certain inventive methods, a viral vector containing a polynucleotide of interest operably linked to a promoter is introduced into cells of a plant cell line that is maintained in culture to generate clonal plant cell lines and clonal plants. The invention provides clonal root lines, clonal root cell lines, clonal plant cell lines, and clonal plants generated using inventive methods.

Abstract: The invention concerns a non-integrative and non-replicative recombinant lentivirus as well as its uses, in particular for preparing a composition for transferring genes in vitro, ex vivo or in vivo. The invention is useful for transferring genes in any mammal organism, for example in liver, muscle, pancreas or central nervous system (including the ocular sphere) tissues or cells, and in particular for treating disorders or pathologies such as, for example, central nervous system, including the ocular sphere, disorders.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition useful to prepare influenza viruses, e.g., in the absence of helper virus, using vectors which include tandem transcription cassettes containing PolI and/or PolII promoters.

Abstract: Level of fatigue that accompanies everyday life or a disease can be simply, easily, and quantitatively assessed by obtaining a body fluid from a test subject and measuring the amount of human herpesvirus in the body fluid. Furthermore, the anti-fatigue potency of anti-fatigue substances and anti-fatigue food products can be measured.

Abstract: A recombinant vector for delivering A3G genes into human cells comprising (i) a gene expression block including an A3G gene selected from a wild type A3G gene represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 and a mutant A3G gene and (ii) a group of elements from a modified lentiviral vector including lentiviral regions of packaging signal (?, psi), LTRs, RRE, and PBS; wherein said A3G gene is operably linked to the packaging signal (?, psi), LTRs, RRE, and PBS.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated attenuated influenza virus strain and a live vaccine comprising the same. The isolated attenuated influenza virus strain is prepared by cold-adaptation of a mother strain which carries 6 internal genomes of A/PR/8/34(H1N1) and two surface antigens HA and NA of A/Aichi/2/68(H3N2). The attenuated influenza virus strain and the live vaccine of the present invention are useful for prevention of seasonal influenza episodes and sudden outbreak of influenza pandemics of predicted or unknown identity, since they have safety, efficacy, high production yield, immediate protection against variety of influenza subtypes and prolonged protection against specific influenza subtype.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel method of vaccination of an animal of the felidae family against feline leukemia. The FeLV recombinant vaccine based on viral vector with the aid of a liquid jet needle-free injector can result in distribution of the vaccine essentially in the dermis and the hypodermis of the animal.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of detecting a virus in an avian tissue sample wherein genetic material derived from feathers is tested for the presence of genetic material from the virus.

Abstract: The invention comprises novel polynucleotides, and related vectors, host cells, methods, and compositions, containing transcriptional enhancers providing very high levels of expression of operably-linked expressible nucleic acid sequences in eukaryotic cells. Advantageously the enhancers may be used in combination with their naturally-associated promoters and/or other genetic elements that increase transcription. The invention comprises eukaryotic expression vectors that are capable of providing increased levels of expression in many cell types over that obtainable from human or murine CMV IE enhancer/promoter elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gene derived from a novel fulminant hepatitis C virus strain, an HCV replicon RNA with a high replication efficiency obtained using the gene, and an HCV replicon-replicating cell transfected with the replicon RNA. When the HCV replicon RNA and the HCV replicon-replicating cell of the present invention are used, HCV proteins can be continuously produced in a large amount.

Abstract: Snow Mountain Virus (SMV) belongs to the Norovirus genus of the Caliciviridae family. SMV is a genogroup II (GII) reference strain of human enteric caliciviruses associated with epidemic gastroenteritis. The positive sense RNA genome sequence of SMV was determined to be 7,537 nucleotides in length excluding the 3? polyadenylated tract. The genome is organized into three open reading frames. Pairwise sequence alignments showed SMV ORF1 is highly conserved with other GII noroviruses, and most closely related to GII strains Melksham and Hawaii viruses. Comparative sequence analyses showed the SMV is a recombinant norovirus. VP1/NP2 proteins assembled into virus-like particles (VLPs) when expressed in insect cells by a recombinant baculovirus. Characterization of one clone that expressed VP1 but failed to assemble into VLPs, identified histidine residue 91 as important for particle assembly.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to compositions and methods for stimulating immune responses in vivo against a tolerogen. Novel biotechnological tools, pharmaceuticals, therapeutics and prophylactics, which concern chimeric or conjugated virus-like particles, and methods of use of the foregoing are provided for the study of B cell tolerance and the treatment or prevention of human diseases, which involve the onset of B cell tolerance, such as chronic viral infection, chronic inflammatory disease, and neoplasia.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a screening method for identifying novel viral proteins with interferon antagonizing function using a transfection-based assay, and the use of such proteins in isolating various types of attenuated viruses for the development of vaccine and pharmaceutical formulations. The invention also relates to the use of viral interferon antagonists in screening assays to identify potential anti-viral agents. The invention further relates to protocols utilizing interferon antagonists, e.g., NS1, to enhance gene therapy or DNA vaccination based on their ability to increase gene expression.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for detecting the presence of an enterovirus in a clinical sample. The invention additionally discloses a method for typing an enterovirus in a clinical sample. Both methods employ a set of primer oligonucleotides for reverse transcription and amplification that hybridize to conserved regions of the enterovirus genome, and that provide amplicons that include significant portions of the VP1 region that are characteristic of the various serotypes. In the typing method, the invention further provides a database consisting of nucleotide sequences from prototypical enteroviral serotypes, which is used to type the clinical sample by comparing the sequence of its amplicon with each prototypical sequence in the database. The invention additionally provides mixtures of primer oligonucleotides, and a kit for use in conducting the typing method that includes a mixture of the primer oligonucleotides.

Abstract: The genome sequences and the nucleotide sequences coding for the PWD circovirus polypeptides, such as the circovirus structural and non-strucutral polypeptides, vectors including the sequences, and cells and animals transformed by the vectors are provided. Methods for detecting the nucleic acids or polypeptides, and kits for diagnosing infection by a PWD circovirus, also are provided. Method for selecting compounds capable of modulating the viral infection are further provided. Pharmaceutical, including vaccines, compositions for preventing and/or treating viral infections caused by PWD circovirus and the use of vectors for preventing and/or treating diseases also are provided.

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: Unique Solenopsis invicta viruses (SINV) have been identified and their genome sequenced. Oligonucleotide primers have been developed using the isolated nucleic acid sequences of the SINV. The viruses are used as a biocontrol agent for control of fire ants.

Abstract: Recombinant poxvirus are disclosed comprising in the viral genome at least two expression cassettes, each comprising a cowpox ATI promoter according to SEQ ID NO:1, a polynucleotide sequence in which not more than 6 nucleotides are substituted, deleted, and/or inserted into SEQ ID NO:1 and still active as an ATI promoter, or a polynucleotide comprising at least 10 nucleotides including nucleotides 22 to 29 of SEQ ID NO: 1 and still active as an ATI promoter and a coding sequence, wherein the expression of the coding sequence is regulated by said promoter or said polynucleotides. The recombinant poxviruses are useful as pharmaceutically active ingredients in the preparation of vaccines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a scleroprotein of an adeno-associated virus which contains at least one mutation. Said mutation causes the chromatographic properties to be modified. The invention also relates to the production of said scleroprotein and the use thereof.

Abstract: An improved process for recovery of virus from allantoic fluid of virus-infected chick embryos. Virus associated with granular and fibrous debris in the allantoic fluid can be disassociated from the debris and recovered, thereby increasing viral yield. Dissociation can be achieved by subjecting the virus-debris complex to conditions of increased salt concentrations, e.g., 0.5 M or greater.

Abstract: The present invention provides chimeric nucleic acids, preferably contained on an expression vector, that encode chimeric immunogenic polypeptides. The nucleic acids encode at least site III of a lyssavirus glycoprotein, which has been found to improve the immunogenicity of lyssavirus epitopes for protection from rabies. The chimeric nucleic acids and proteins can also contain antigenic determinants for epitopes other than those of lyssavirus. Thus, the invention provides chimeric nucleic acids and polypeptides that elicit a strong immune response to multiple antigens. Use of the methods of the present invention permits DNA vaccination without the need to supply multiple antigens on separate DNA molecules.

Abstract: One approach to treating individuals infected with HIV-1 is to administer to such individuals compounds that directly interfere with and intervene in the machinery by which HIV-1 replicates itself within human cells. Although the specific role of HIV-1 viral protein Vif in the viral life cycle is not known, the vif gene is essential for the pathogenic replication of lentiviruses in vivo. The present invention relates to a method for treating an individual exposed to or infected with HIV-1. Individuals identified as being exposed to or infected by HIV-1 are administered a therapeutically effective amount of one or more compounds that inhibit or prevent replication of said HIV-1 by interfering with the replicative or other essential functions of HIV-1 viral protein Vif by interactively blocking the multimerization domain of Vif, thereby preventing multimerization of Vif protein, which is important for Vif function in the lentivirus life cycle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a purified preparation containing a polynucleic acid encoding at least one polypeptide selected from the group consisting of proteins encoded by one or more open reading frames (ORF's) of an Iowa strain of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), proteins at least 80% but less than 100% homologous with those encoded by one or more of ORF 2, ORF 3, ORF 4 and ORF 5 of an Iowa strain of PRRSV, proteins at least 97% but less than 100% homologous with proteins encoded by one or both of ORF 6 and ORF 7 of an Iowa strain of PRRSV, antigenic regions of such proteins which are at least 5 amino acids in length and which effectively stimulate immunological protection in a porcine host against a subsequent challenge with a PRRSV isolate, and combinations thereof, in which amino acids non-essential for antigenicity may be conservatively substituted.

Abstract: Novel combined vaccine compositions are provided, comprising a herpes simplex virus (HSV) antigen and a HPV antigen and optionally in addition one or more of the following: an EBV antigen, a hepatitis A antigen or inactivated attenuated virus, a hepatitis B viral antigen, a VZV antigen, a HCMV antigen, Toxoplasma gondii antigen. The vaccine compositions are formulated with an adjuvant which is a preferential stimulator of TH1 cell response such as 3D-MPL and QS21.

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: Retroviral vector production systems for producing lentivirus-based vector particles which are capable of infecting and transducing non-dividing target cells, wherein one or more of the auxiliary genes such as vpr, vif, tat, and nef in the case of HIV-1 are absent from the system. The systems and resulting retrovirus vector particles have improved safety over existing systems and vectors.

Abstract: The invention provides a nodavirus RNA1 molecule modified to include a heterologous insertion which is downstream of its replicase ORF and, preferably, its B2 ORF. The insertion preferably comprises one or more protein-coding regions. The modified RNA1 may be packaged in a VLP, such as a papillomavirus VLP. The small size of nodavirus RNA1 makes it ideal for HPV packaging.

Abstract: The invention relates to post-transfusional non-A non-B hepatitis viral polypeptide, DNA sequences encoding such viral polypeptide, expression vectors containing such DNA sequences, and hosts transformed by such expression vectors. The invention also relates to the use of such polypeptides in diagnostic assays and vaccine formulations.

Abstract: The invention concerns DNA fragments derived from the genomic DNA of HPV-33. These fragments are selected from the group of fragments extending between the nucleotide extremities defined hereafter in relation to the nucleotide-numbering in FIGS. 1a and 1b respectively: 76–556 543–864 867–2811 2728–3808 3326–3575 3842–4079 4198–5611 5516–8091. The invention also relates to the use of these fragments as probes for the detection of HPV in tissue cultures.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for producing high titer, wild-type-free preparations of recombinant AAV (“rAAV”) virions. The compositions of the present invention include novel nucleic acids encoding AAV helper functions and AAV helper function vectors. The present invention also includes host cells transfected by the claimed nucleic acids, methods of using the claimed vectors, and rAAV virions produced by such methods.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to attenuated pestivirus mutants, which have a reduced ability to replicate as exhibited by a small plaque size. The mutations are in the 5? nontranslated region of the viral genome. These mutant viruses are useful as live vaccines in the control of bovine viral diarrhea, border disease and classical swine fever.

Abstract: The invention provides an equine infectious anemia (EIA) vaccine that provides immunity to mammals, especially equines, from infection with equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) and which allows differentiation between vaccinated and non-vaccinated, but exposed, mammals or equines. Preferably said vaccine encompasses at least one mutation in an EIAV which produces a non-functional gene in the vaccine virus that is always expressed in disease-producing wild-type EIA viruses. Additionally, said EIA vaccine virus cannot cause clinical disease in mammals or spread or shed to other mammals including equines.