Abstract: Infectious cDNA clones of North American Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) are provided. Further provided are cDNA clones comprising genetic mutations. Also provided are vaccines comprising cDNAs, including genetically and immunologically marked vaccines for North American PRRSV.

Abstract: Methods for treating cell proliferative disorders by administering virus to proliferating cells having an activated Ras-pathway are disclosed. The virus is administered so that it ultimately directly contacts proliferating cells having an activated Ras-pathway. Proliferative disorders include but are not limited to neoplasms. The virus is selected from modified adenovirus, modified HSV, modified vaccinia virus and modified parapoxvirus orf virus. Also disclosed are methods for treating cell proliferative disorders by further administering a immunosuppressive agent.

Abstract: Processes and systems for the high throughput directed evolution of peptides and proteins, particularly those that act in complex biological settings, are provided. The proteins and peptides include, but are not limited to, intracellular proteins, messenger/signaling/hormone proteins and viral proteins. Also provided is a rational method for generating protein variants and also a method for titering viruses.

Abstract: A novel bacteriophage RM 378 of Rhodothermus marinus, the nucleic acids of its genome, nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences of open reading frames (ORFs) of its genome, and polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acids, are described.

Abstract: There is provided a method and kit for rapid clinical diagnosis of HCV in which the amplimers are transcripts of a polyprotein gene of HCV. The amplicons are hybridized to a specific oligonucleotide probe, which allows the amplicons to be detected.

Abstract: Primers and probes derived from the HBV DNA polymerase gene which facilitate detection and/or quantification of all presently known genotypes of HBV. Disclosed sequences may be used in a variety of primer and probe constructs for detection of HBV nucleic acids.

Abstract: Viral material, in the isolated or purified state, in which the genome comprises a nucleotide sequence chosen from the group including sequences SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:51, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:53 and SEQ ID NO:56, their complementary sequences and their equivalent sequences, in particular nucleotide sequences displaying, for any succession of 100 contiguous monomers, at least 50% and preferably at least 70% homology with the said sequences SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:51, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:53 and SEQ ID NO:56, respectively, and their complementary sequences.

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: The invention provides novel compounds that enhance dimerization of the subunits of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase having mutations associated with resistance to nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). Such compounds inhibit HIV-1 reverse transcriptase activity and as such, inhibit HIV-1, in particular HIV-1 resistant to conventional NNRTIs. The invention provides a method of determining whether a compound enhances formation of a complex between a p66 and p51 subunit polypeptides of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, in which the p66 subunit has at least one or more mutations associated with resistance of HIV-1 to at least one NNRTI. The invention further provides methods of using a compound that enhances formation of a complex between a p66 subunit polypeptide having at least one mutation associated with resistance of HIV-1 to at least one NNRTI and a p51 subunit of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase.

Abstract: The inventive method of producing a eukaryotic viral vector comprises contacting a eukaryotic cell, which comprises a unique enzyme that nicks or cleaves a DNA molecule, with a recombinant phage vector, or contacting a eukaryotic cell, which does not comprise a unique enzyme that nicks or cleaves a DNA molecule, simultaneously or sequentially, in either order, with (i) a unique enzyme that nicks or cleaves a DNA molecule, and (ii) a recombinant phage vector. The recombinant phage vector comprises the DNA molecule comprising (a) a eukaryotic viral vector genome comprising a coding sequence, (b) a phage packaging site that is not contained within the eukaryotic viral vector genome, and (c) a promoter that is operably linked to the coding sequence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to foreign peptide sequences fused to recombinant plant viral structural proteins and a method of their production. Fusion proteins are economically synthesized in plants at high levels by biologically contained tobamoviruses. The fusion proteins of the invention have are useful as antigens for inducing the production of antibodies having desired binding properties, e.g., protective antibodies, or for use as vaccine antigens for the induction of protective immunity against the parvovirus. Feline parvovirus epitopes were fused to the N-terminus of the TMV coat protein, expressed in Nicotiana plants, extracted, purified, characterized and administered to animals, resulting in protective immunity.

Abstract: A novel bacteriophage RM 378 of Rhodothermus marinus, the nucleic acids of its genome, nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences of open reading frames (ORFs) of its genome, and polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acids, are described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a DNA coding for a peptide of a papilloma virus major capsid protein. Moreover, this invention deals with a papilloma virus genome containing such a DNA. Furthermore, this invention concerns proteins coded by the papilloma virus genome and virus-like particles as well as antibodies directed thereagainst and the use thereof for diagnosis, treatment and vaccination.

Abstract: A method for measuring heterodimerization of HIV RT, which comprises the steps of:

Abstract: The present invention relates to a real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method for the detection and quantification of variants of nucleic acid sequences, which differ in the probe-binding site. The method is based on the complete and/or partial amplification of the same region of the variants and the addition of two or more oligonucleotide probes to the same PCR mixture, each probe being specific for the prob-binding site of at least one variant. The method can be applied e.g. to estimate the viral load in a sample, to differentiate between subgroups, subtypes isolates or clades of a viral species or to estimate the impact of the viral load on tumorgenesis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a DNA coding for a peptide of a papilloma virus major capsid protein. Moreover, this invention deals with a papilloma virus genome containing such a DNA. Furthermore, this invention concerns proteins coded by the papilloma virus genome and virus-like particles as well as antibodies directed thereagainst and the use thereof for diagnosis, treatment and vaccination.

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: A viral DNA construct, and virus encoded thereby, is provided having one or more tumor specific transcription factor binding sites in place of one or more wild type transcription factor binding sites operatively positioned in the promoter region which controls expression of early genes responsible for viral nucleic acid replication. Preferred constructs place the tumor specific transcription factor binding sites in operative relation to DNA polymerase, DNA terminal protein and/or DNA binding protein. Compositions and constructs contained therein are provided, particularly for use in therapy. Methods of treating patients for neoplasms are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel isolated avian hepatitis E virus having a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or its complementary strand. The invention further concerns immunogenic compositions comprising this new virus or a recombinant products such as the nucleic acid and vaccines that protect an avian or mammalian species from viral infection or hepatitis-splenomegaly syndrome caused by the hepatitis E virus. Also included in the scope of the invention is a method for propagating, inactivating or attenuating a hepatitis E virus comprising inoculating an embryonated chicken egg with a live, pathogenic hepatitis E virus and recovering the virus or serially passing the pathogenic virus through additional embryonated chicken eggs until the virus is rendered inactivated or attenuated.

Abstract: A poxvirus protein designated A41L binds to leukocyte common-antigen-related protein (LAR). A41L is a secreted protein that can be purified from the culture supernatant of cells infected with certain poxviruses, or produced using recombinant DNA techniques. A41L polypeptides and LAR polypeptides, and nucleic acids encoding them, are provided herein. Also provided are methods of using such polypeptides and nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that a specific pentamer peptide amide, which corresponds to a viral capsid sequence, can be used to inhibit viral infection, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. More specifically, medicaments comprising said pentamer peptide amide and methods of using said compounds for the prevention and treatment of viral infection, such as HIV infection, are provided.

Abstract: A determination of the nucleotide sequence for the genome of Equine rhinovirus 1 (ERhV1), a horse-respiratory pathogen of heretofor uncertain taxonomic status, reveals a structure and predicted amino acid sequence that are more similar to those of foot-and-mouth disease viruses, the only members of the aphthovirus genus, than of other picornaviruses. These insights inform an understanding of ERhV1 virion proteins and virus-like particles, as well as the design of probes, primers, antigens, vectors, diagnostics and tests of relevance to ERhV1.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods directed to detecting antibodies that specifically bind to a varicella zoster polypeptide, detecting the presence of a varicella zoster virus in an animal, diagnosing a disease caused by varicella zoster virus, and detecting a varicella zoster virus having a single nucleotide polymorphism in ORF68. The present invention also provides a vaccine composition, a method for producing a modified attenuated varicella zoster virus, isolated polynucleotides, and isolated polypeptides, and viruses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for infecting equines with an equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) in order to reproduce a natural infection challenge model. More specifically, the invention provides a multiple low dose equine EIA challenge model comprising administering at least 1 median horse infective dose to an equine using an intravenous route of administration. It is preferable that the EIAV be administered on a repeated basis. The multiple low dose EIA challenge model described herein can be used for testing efficacy of vaccines, treatments and diagnostic tests.

Abstract: Methods of identifying compounds that disrupt aggregation of aggregation-disposed polypeptides, such as huntingtin or beta-amyloid protein, are disclosed. Furthermore, an artificial polypeptide that contains an extended polyglutamine region and DNA that encodes the polypeptide are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a recombinant attenuated coxsackievirus B4 virion which is engineered to contain a heterologous nucleic acid within the open reading frame of its genome, wherein the heterologous nucleic acid encodes a heterologous polypeptide which is expressed by the virion. Specific examples of attenuated coxsackievirus B4 virions suitable for use in the present invention are CB4-P and JVB. In one embodiment the heterologous nucleic acid is inserted into the P1 region of the genome such that the heterologous polypeptide is expressed as a fusion of a viral capsid protein. Methods of use of the recombinant attenuated coxsackievirus B4 virion include inducing an immune response in an individual to the heterologous polypeptide contained therein.

Abstract: A method for producing a refolded, inactive form of recombinantly produced NS2/3 protease which comprises the steps of: a) purifying the protease from inclusion bodies in the presence of a chaotropic agent; and b) refolding the purified protease by contacting it with a reducing agent and lauryldiethylamine oxide (LDAO) in the presence of reduced concentration of chaotropic agent or polar additive. The invention further comprises a method for activating this refolded inactive NS2/3 protease by adding an activation detergent. This method produces large amounts of the active NS2/3 protease to allow small molecules and ligands to be screened as potential inhibitors of NS2/3 protease, which may be useful as therapeutic agents against HCV.

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: This invention relates to antiviral drug susceptibility and resistance tests to be used in identifying effective drug regimens for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and further relates to the means and methods of monitoring the clinical progression of HIV infection and its response to antiretroviral therapy, particularly nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor therapy using phenotypic susceptibility assays or genotypic assays.

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: Accessory functions capable of supporting efficient recombinant AAV (rAAV) virion production in a suitable host cell are provided. The accessory functions are in the form of one or more vectors that are capable of being transferred between cells. Methods of producing rAAV virions are also provided. The methods can be practiced to produce commercially significant levels of rAAV particles without also generating significant levels of infectious helper virus or other contaminating by-products.

Abstract: Provided is a cell culture apparatus for culturing cells, and optionally, for performing magnetic separation of cells desired to be cultured. The cell culture apparatus preferably comprises a frame; two membranes, preferably each being gas permeable, which are securedly sealed in a leak-proof selaing to a frame in forming a culture chamber there-between; and at least one resealable aperture to allow substances to be introduced into, or withdrawn from, the culture chamber.

Abstract: The invention concerns adenoviral vectors having the characteristic of containing a region essential for heterologous packaging with respect to the adenoviral genome from which they are derived. The invention also concern a method for making a viral preparation containing said adenoviral vectors, a cell, a pharmaceutical composition or material comprising them and their therapeutic or prophylactic use. Finally, the invention concerns an adenoviral genome of animal origin having attenuated packaging properties with respect tot he native genome from which it is derived.

Abstract: This invention provides transcriptionally-activated AAV ITRs (inverted terminal repeats) which are small and transcriptionally active and uses thereof to optimize the expression of relatively large transgenes packaged in recombinant AAV vectors.

Abstract: H-2 class I negative, HLA-A2.1 transgenic HHD mice were used for a comparative evaluation of the immunogenicity of HLA-A2.1 restricted human tumor-associated CTL epitopes and HIV 1-derived epitopes. A hierarchy was established among these epitopic peptides injected into mice in IFA which correlates globally with their capacity to bind and stabilize HLA-A2.1 molecules. A tyrosine substitution in position 1 of the HIV 1-derived epitopic peptides, which increases both their affinity for and their HLA-A2.1 molecule stabilizing capacity, was introduced in a significant proportion of them. DNA immunizations were performed using a construct comprising nucleic acids encoding the epitopes inserted into the pre-S2 segment of the hepatitis B middle glycoprotein. CTL responses against most of the inserted epitopes could be elicited simultaneously in a single animal.

Abstract: The invention features two methods for making eucaryotic trans-dominant suppressor genes encoding polypeptide translation products capable of suppressing the activity of a growth factor that requires an oligomeric state for function, suppressor genes made by the methods, protein products of the suppressor genes, and methods for using these genes and protein products.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for inhibiting fusion of HIV-1 to CD4+ cells which comprise contacting CD4+ cells with a non-chemokine agent capable of binding to a chemokine receptor in an amount and under conditions such that fusion of HIV-1 to the CD4+ cells is inhibited. This invention also provides methods for inhibiting HIV-1 infection of CD4+ cells which comprise contacting CD4+ cells with a non-chemokine agent capable of binding to a chemokine receptor in an amount and under conditions such that fusion of HIV-1 to the CD4+ cells is inhibited, thereby inhibiting the HIV-1 infection. This invention provides non-chemokine agents capable of binding to the chemokine receptor and inhibiting fusion of HIV-1 to CD4+ cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of inactivating and removing infectious agents from tissues of use in bioprosthetic devices. The methods include the removal and blockage of binding sites on the tissues for the infectious agents. Also provided are methods for blocking a site on an infectious agent that binds to a site on the tissue. The invention also provides a method for preventing or reducing the calcification of a bioprosthetic tissue. The method includes removing or blocking a phospholipid calcium nucleation site from the tissue.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing the effect of vaccines in animals, such as domestic, sport, or pet species, and humans are disclosed. More particularly, vaccine compositions comprising ribavirin and an antigen, preferably an antigen that has an epitope present in Hepatitis C virus (HCV), are disclosed for use in treating and preventing disease, preferably HCV infection.

Abstract: A human CD2 cytoplasmic tail binding protein, CD2BP2, is described, as well as the nucleic acids encoding the protein. Also described are expression vectors and recombinant host cells comprising nucleic acids encoding the CD2BP2 protein, and methods of use for the CD2BP2 protein and nucleic acids encoding the CD2BP2 protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for analyzing the phenotypic characteristics shown by certain virus strains, particularly human immnunodeficiency viruses, involving the construction of a recombinant virus obtained by homologous recombination.

Abstract: Immunologically active peptides which are derived from a novel immunodeficiency virus which has the designation MVP5180/91 are described. A diagnostic composition containing such a peptide and methods of detecting an antibody against a retrovirus that causes immune deficiency using such diagnostic composition are also described. A kit containing the immunologically active peptides is also described. An immunogen and method of immunizing a mammal against HIV infection using the immunologically active peptides is described. DNA encoding the peptides and methods of detecting nucleic acids encoding HIV viruses are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a treatment for animals having canine distemper by administering a composition comprising an attenuated canine distemper virus a sub-vaccine virus level effective to alleviate symptoms canine distemper. The invention also provides a treatment for animals having canine distemper by administering a composition comprising an attenuated canine measles virus a sub-vaccine virus level effective to alleviate symptoms canine distemper.

Abstract: The present invention provides vaccine adjuvants comprising the Epstein Barr Virus glycoprotein 350/220 or naturally occurring variants thereof, a fusion protein comprising EBV Gp350/220 sequence which binds to the CR2 receptor, or a synthetically-derived fragment of Gp350/220 which retains the ability to bind to the CR2 receptor. The present invention further provides immunostimulatory compositions comprising an EBV Gp350/220 adjuvant sequence that binds the CR2 complex and at least one antigen of interest other than Gp350/220. Co-administration of the adjuvant with an antigen of interest, other than an antigen comprising EBV 350/220 sequence, enhances the immunogenicitiy of the antigen. In a preferred embodiment, the adjuvant is directly or indirectly covalently bound to an antigen of interest to form an immunogenic composition. In a most preferred embodiment of the composition, antibodies are elicited against at least one Gp350/220 epitope and against at least one epitope of the antigen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for recombinantly preparing picornavirus particles, in particular hepatitis A virus particles, their precursors and particles which are derived therefrom, with a structural protein precursor molecule (P1-2A or P1) and the corresponding P3 region (3ABCD) being coexpressed in cis or in trans.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a recombinant adenoviral vector derived from an adenovirus genome in which at least a part of the E3 region is deleted or is non functional, wherein said adenoviral vector retains E3 sequences encoding a functional 14.7K protein, a functional 14.5K protein, and/or a functional 10.4K protein. The present invention further relates to the use of a polynucleotide comprising at least one or more gene(s) of an E3 region of an adenovirus, taken individually or in combination, to protect from an inflammatory reaction in a host cell, tissue or organism. The present invention additionally concerns a viral particle, a host cell and a composition comprising said recombinant adenoviral vector or said polynucleotide, as well as their use for therapeutic or prophylactic purpose.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of predicting those individuals likely to develop persistent infection after exposure to a virus such as the hepatitis virus, particularly the hepatitis B virus. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining whether the subject carries one or more alleles associated with altered clearance of the virus. In another embodiment, the method comprises determining whether the subject carries one or more alleles associated with altered secretion of a cytokine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modified adenovirus comprising genomic adenoviral DNA which has been modified so that (i) the only gene product of the early region (E4) that is expressed is open reading frame 6 (ORF-6), (ii) neither the gene product of the E1A region nor the gene product of the E1B region is expressed, and (iii) no other early or late gene products are expressed. The present invention also provides methods of inhibiting repair of breaks in double-stranded DNA in a cell, preventing concatamerization of linear wild-type adenoviral DNA, inhibiting V(D)J recombination of nucleic acid sequences encoding immunoglobulins, preventing apoptosis, and preventing and treating cancer.

Abstract: Lentiviral vectors modified at the 5′ LTR or both the 5′ and 3′ LTR's are useful in the production of recombinant lentivirus vectors. Such vectors can be produced in the absence of a functional tat gene. Multiple transformation of the host cell with the vector carrying the transgene enhances virus production.

Abstract: This invention relates to a methodology for assessing the sensitivity of an HIV-1 sample to zidovudine and to diagnostic assays for use in such assessment.