Abstract: This invention relates to the isolation and uses of novel avian astroviruses. The present invention also relates to vaccines, kits and methods for detection of a novel astrovirus. The present invention further relates to vaccination of avians, prevention and/or treatment of avian infections associated with astrovirus. Infections of poultry by this novel astrovirus are associated with runt stunting syndromes.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to human monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV, epitopes bound by the bodies as well as to methods for use thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel unique strains avian reoviridae that were isolated from severe cases of Runting Stunting Syndrome. The present invention also relates to the isolation and uses of novel unique avian reoviridae, diagnostic assays using nucleotide or amino acid specific components of such viruses, such as the sequence encoding Sigma C capsid protein and to vaccines that protect birds from diseases caused by such viruses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of arbovirosis caused by Chikungunya virus (CHIK). The present invention specifically concerns anti-CHIK monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), and more specifically anti-CHIK.E2 MAbs and their use as diagnostic products in methods for detecting the presence or absence of a CHIK strain.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical antibody formulations, in particular liquid pharmaceutical formulations comprising anti-rabies virus antibodies. The formulations can be used in the post exposure prophylaxis of rabies.

Abstract: The invention relates to neutralising antibodies which are specific for human cytomegalovirus and bind with high affinity as well as immortalised B cells that produce such antibodies. The invention also relates to the epitopes that the antibodies bind to as well as the use of the antibodies and the epitopes in screening methods as well as the diagnosis and therapy of disease.

Abstract: A device for detecting or quantifying influenza viruses in a sample, which comprises a detection region having a human anti-influenza virus nucleoprotein antibody immobilized onto a support, a sample supply region, and a sample-migrating region; and a kit for detecting or quantifying influenza viruses, which comprises a solid phase in which a human anti-influenza virus nucleoprotein antibody is fixed onto a carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to neutralizing antibodies and antibody fragments having high potency in neutralizing hCMV, wherein said antibodies and antibody fragments are specific for a combination of hCMV proteins UL130 and UL131A, or for a combination of hCMV proteins UL128, UL130 and UL131A. The invention relates also to immortalized B cells that produce, and to epitopes that bind to, such antibodies and antibody fragments. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the antibodies, antibody fragments, and epitopes in screening methods as well as in the diagnosis and therapy of disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for inhibiting the entry of viruses, such as herpesviruses into a host cell. A conserved viral integrin-binding gB disintegrin-like domain has been identified that engages integrins and facilitates viral internalization into the host cell. Therefore, methods and compositions, such as antiviral agents encompassing the conserved gB disintegrin-like domain and antibodies thereto are described. These active agents interfere with the interaction between virions and cellular integrins, thereby inhibiting viral infection of a host cell.

Abstract: Provided is a use of a recombinant chimaeric protein as an immunogen in a process for producing a monoclonal antibody, wherein the recombinant chimaeric protein is assembled into a virus-like particles, and includes a foreign protein or peptide or a fragment thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-associated coronavirus, resulting from a sample collected in Hanoi (Vietnam), reference number 031589, nucleic acid molecules originating from the genome of same, proteins and peptides coded by said nucleic acid molecules and, more specifically, protein N and the applications thereof, for example, as diagnostic reagents and/or as a vaccine.

Abstract: A method of immunoassay of H5 subtype influenza A virus by which the virus can be accurately assayed even in cases where a certain level of mutation has occurred in the H5 subtype influenza A virus, and a kit therefor, and a novel anti-H5 subtype influenza A virus monoclonal antibody which can be used for the immunoassay are disclosed. The antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention undergoes antigen-antibody reaction with hemagglutinin of H5 subtype influenza A virus, and the corresponding epitope of the antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof is located in a region other than the receptor subdomain (excluding C-terminal region thereof consisting of 11 amino acids), which antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof does not have neutralizing activity against the influenza A virus.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies and related binding proteins specific to influenza H5 subtype HA protein can be used in serological diagnosis of influenza H5 infection in mammalian and avian serum samples, including human serum samples. Each antibody reacts strongly with a wide variety of strains of H5 subtype and does not show cross-reactivity with non-H5 influenza subtypes.

Abstract: The invention provides human scFv antibodies and monoclonal antibodies that neutralize influenza virus. Also provided are methods of treating and/or preventing a influenza related disease or disorder such bird flu The invention also provides methods of vaccinating a patient against influenza. Also provided are methods of diagnosing influenza-related diseases or disorders and methods of detecting the presence of a influenza in a sample.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of producing neutralizing monoclonal antibodies, by cyclical immunization, that cross-react with strains of Influenza virus of the same subtype or different subtypes. Also provided herein are compositions comprising such antibodies and methods of using such antibodies to diagnose, prevent or treat Influenza virus disease.

Abstract: A panel of IgG1 human monoclonal antibodies (HMAbs) identified by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay has been produced from peripheral B cells of an individual immunized with prototype H5N1 vaccine. Sequence analysis of antibody clones showed three clusters of different HMAbs as represented by HMAbs designated as BF1-1, BF1-19 and BF1-10. BF1-1 and BF1-10 have distinct CDR 1, 2 and 3 regions of both heavy and light chains. BF1-19 has the same heavy chain as BF1-1 but the light chain of BF1-10. Antibody binding affinity, KD, studies showed all three HMAbs ranging from at least about 10?8 to at least about 10?9. In vivo protection studies showed that these antibodies afforded significant protection against infection. These findings demonstrate that the antibodies of the invention are cross-neutralizing and therapeutic.

Abstract: The invention provides modified hepatitis C virus (HCV) E2 glycoproteins comprising the HCV-E2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) including the HVR1, HVR2 and igVR variable regions wherein in at least one of said variable regions at least a part of the variable region is replaced with a flexible linker sequence. The invention also provides vaccine compositions comprising the modified glycoproteins as well as methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies directed against the influenza A virus are described, which have the advantageous and unpredicted property of being able to bind a plurality of subtypes of the influenza A virus. One preferred embodiment is the antibody designated as Fab28, which displays a neutralizing activity against a plurality of subtypes of the influenza A virus. Anti-idiotype antibodies directed against the monoclonal antibodies of the invention, immunogenic or vaccine compositions comprising the monoclonal antibodies of the invention are also described, as well as therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic applications for the monoclonal antibodies of the invention. The monoclonal antibodies of the invention can also be used for testing antibody preparations to be used as vaccines.

Abstract: Provided herein are a hybridoma cell line producing monoclonal antibody against foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), the monoclonal antibody therefrom, reagent and kit for ELISA, and immunoassay method. The hybridoma cell line is produced by cell fusion of a parental cell and a myeloma cell line and has the same characteristics as the cell line whose strain designation is CmA40 and deposition number is ATCC (To be Provided). The parental cell is a splenocyte isolated from the spleen of a mouse immunized by an antigen derived from a 3ABC non-structural protein (NSP) of FMDV. The antigen used here is expressed by a prokaryotic cell. The monoclonal antibody produced by the hybridoma cell line can specifically recognize a 3ABC polypeptide and does not cross-react with an antiserum of swine vesicular disease virus.

Abstract: An anti-HBs monoclonal antibody is described herein. This antibody can bind to the following: (i) a wild type HBsAg; (ii) at least one mutant HBsAg selected from the group consisting of a first mutant HBsAg and a second mutant HBsAg; and (iii) at least one mutant HBsAg selected from the group consisting of a third mutant HBsAg and a fourth mutant HBsAg. The first mutant HBsAg has a mutation at position 120. The second mutant HBsAg has a mutation at position 141. The third mutant HBsAg has a substitution to a lysine at position 118. The fourth mutant HBsAg has only one mutation at position 144 and an amino acid at the position 144 is substituted by a glutamic acid.

Abstract: Human monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to rabies virus, antigen binding portions thereof, and methods of making and using such antibodies and antigen binding portions thereof for treating rabies virus in a subject, are provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to particular human monoclonal antibodies and fragments thereof that find use in the detection, prevention and treatment of respiratory syncytial virus infections. In particular, these antibodies may neutralize RSV. Also disclosed are improved methods for producing monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: The invention provides monoclonal antibodies and related binding proteins that bind specifically to the envelope glycoprotein of H5 subtypes of avian influenza virus (“AIV”). The monoclonal antibodies and related binding proteins are useful for the detection of H5 subtypes of AIV, including the pathogenic H5N1 subtypes. Virus may be detected in formalin preserved, paraffin embeded specimens as well as frozen specimens and biological fluids. Accordingly, the invention provides means for the diagnosis and surveillance of dangerous viral infections.

Abstract: Recombinant antibodies, including chimeric antibodies, specific for hepatitis C (HCV) antigenic proteins are provided. The recombinant antibodies specifically bind to diagnostically relevant regions of HCV proteins and are thus suitable for use, for example, as diagnostic reagents for the detection of HCV, and/or as standardization reagents or positive control reagents in assays for the detection of HCV. The recombinant antibodies can also be used in the treatment or prevention of a HCV infection.

Abstract: A new group of picornaviruses is disclosed. The picornaviruses of the invention comprise in the non-coding region of their viral genome a nucleotide sequence which corresponds to cDNA sequence (I) or homologous sequences having at least 75% homology to the SEQ ID NO:1, and they cause mammalian disease. Further aspects of the invention comprise a protein corresponding to a protein of the picornaviruses, antiserum or antibody directed against a protein of the picornaviruses, antigen comprising a protein of the picornaviruses, diagnostic kits, vaccines, use of the picornaviruses in medicaments, particularly for the treatment or prevention of Myocarditis, Cardiomyopathia, Guillain Barré Syndrome, and Diabetes Mellitus, Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Myasthenia Gravis, Amyothrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Dermatomyositis, Polymyositis, Spontaneous Abortion, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and methods of treatment of diseases caused by the picornaviruses.

Abstract: In particular aspects, the invention provides a novel approach for the systematic analysis and identification of biologically relevant epitopes (SABRE). SABRE-identified polypeptides have diagnostic (e.g., polypeptide arrays, etc.) and/or therapeutic (e.g., vaccines, etc.) utility, and utility for developing monoclonal antibodies having diagnostic and/or therapeutic utility (e.g. for detecting and/or preventing orthopoxvirus infection). Preferred aspects provide high-throughput assays for detecting specific orthopoxvirus infection, for detecting orthopoxvirus-specific immune response, or for dual (parallel) determination of both orthopoxvirus immune response and orthopoxvirus infection. Additional preferred and surprising aspects provide novel high-throughput methods for detecting ‘protective immunity’ against orthopoxviruses (e.g., for detecting protective immunity against smallpox virus and monkeypox virus), based on anti-vaccinia virus serum antibody levels.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for the treatment and prevention of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection and methods of screening for antiviral agents against HCV infection and/or production. A method of using compositions of certain apolipoprotein-specific monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies to inhibit HCV infectivity is disclosed. Further, methods of using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) specific to apolipoproteins for treating and/or preventing HCV infection are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of using siRNAs specific and/or small molecule inhibitors to certain lipoprotein biosynthetic genes and of using recombinant apolipoprotein E and/or their forms of lipoproteins to treat and/or prevent HCV infections.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies and related binding proteins that are specific for conformational epitopes of avian influenza virus K5 subtype hemagglutinin glycoprotein are provided. The antibodies can be used for the detection and treatment of H5 subtype AIV in specimens.

Abstract: Individual monoclonal antibodies and fragments that bind a conserved epitope of the G protein of RSV and which are minimally immunogenic when administered to a human subject, are useful in treating RSV infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rapid and sensitive method for the detection of a West Nile virus (WNV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) and Dengue virus (DENV) and antibodies directed against thereof involving contacting a biological specimen suspected of being infected with WNV, JE, SLE or DEN with a substantially purified and isolated WNV E glycoprotein or subfragment thereof having a native conformation wherein the E glycoprotein or subfragment thereof has a reactivity with antibodies against WNV and a cross-reactivity with antibodies against JEV, SLEV and DENV. The instant invention further provides a rapid, sensitive, and consistent method for the specific detection of WNV by employing diagnostic assays having the antigen NS5 which is specifically reactive with anti-WNV antibodies but not cross-reactive with antibodies against other flaviviruses such as JEV, SLEV, or DENV.

Abstract: Ultra high affinity antibodies with binding affinities in the range of 1010 M?1, and even 1011 M?1 are disclosed. Such antibodies include antibodies having novel high affinity complementarity determining regions (CDRs), especially those with framework and constant regions derived from either humans or mice. Methods of preparing and screening such antibodies, as well as methods of using them to prevent and/or treat disease, especially virus-induced diseases, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monoclonal antibody against hemagglutinin of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus subtype H5 or functional fragment thereof, a hybridoma producing the monoclonal antibody, and a composition comprising the monoclonal antibody or functional fragment thereof. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for preventing or treating influenza virus infection by administering the composition to a subject, and an assay kit for influenza virus comprising the monoclonal antibody or functional fragment thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting a virulent strain of influenza virus in a specific, rapid and simple manner, and an assay device therefor. A method for detecting a virulent strain of influenza A virus is provided, which comprises providing a first antibody that is reactive with all influenza A virus subtypes and a second antibody that is not reactive with a virulent strain of influenza A virus but is reactive with all influenza A virus subtypes other than the virulent strain, and conducting an immunoassay to detect an antigen that shows a positive response in a reaction with the first antibody and shows a negative response in a reaction with the second antibody.

Abstract: Humanized monoclonal antibodies against the vaccinia virus B5R surface antigen. The antibodies are effective in treating smallpox infection. Also disclosed are nucleic acids that encode the heavy and light chains of such antibodies and cells that express them.

Abstract: A chemoenzymatic method for the preparation of a homogeneous glycoprotein or glycopeptide, including (a) providing an acceptor selected from the group consisting of GlcNAc-protein and GlcNAc-peptide; and (b) reacting the acceptor with a donor substrate including an activated oligosaccharide moiety, in the presence of a catalyst comprising endoglycosidase (ENGase), to transfer the oligosaccharide moiety to the acceptor and yield the homogeneous glycoprotein or glycopeptide. The donor substrate includes, in a specific implementation, a synthetic oligosaccharide oxazoline. A related method of glycoprotein or glycopeptide remodeling with a predetermined natural N-glycan or a tailor-made oligosaccharide moiety, and a method of remodeling an antibody including a heterogeneous sugar chain, are also described. The disclosed methodology enables glycoprotein drugs to be modified for prolonged half-life in vivo, reduced immunogenicity, and enhanced in vivo activity, and for targeting and drug delivery.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to enable to accurately quantify HBs antigen in the samples for which measured values are low or false-negative results by the conventional assaying method of HBs antigen. In the method of assaying HBs antigen according to the present invention, at least one inner capture probe that binds to a first inner region peptide consisting of 26th to 80th amino acid residues of HBs antigen and at least one outer capture probe that binds to a second outer region peptide consisting of 98th to 156th amino acid residues of HBs antigen are used as capture probes; and at least one inner detection probe which binds to the first inner region and at least one outer detection probe which binds to the second outer region are used as detection probes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new class of peptides related to rapid replication and high human mortality, and their use in diagnosing, preventing and treating disease including vaccines and therapeutics for emerging viral diseases and methods of identifying the new class of peptides and related structures.

Abstract: The present invention provides antibodies and antibody fragments directed against extracellular domains of the EBV LMP proteins, including LMP1, LMP2A and LMP2B. The invention also provides methods of treating EBV-associated malignancies using these LMP specific antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides liquid formulations of SYNAGIS® or an antigen-binding fragment thereof that immunospecifically bind to a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antigen, which formulations exhibit stability, low to undetectable levels of aggregation, and very little to no loss of the biological activities of SYNAGIS® or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, even during long periods of storage. In particular, the present invention provides liquid formulations of SYNAGIS® or an antigen-binding fragment thereof which immunospecifically binds to a RSV antigen, which formulations are substantially free of surfactant, inorganic salts, and/or other common excipients. Furthermore, the invention provides method of preventing, treating or ameliorating symptoms associated with RSV infection utilizing liquid formulations of the present invention.

Abstract: Humanized recombinant and monoclonal antibodies specific for the ectodomain of the influenza virus M2 ion channel protein are disclosed. The antibodies of the invention have anti-viral activity and may be useful as anti-viral therapeutics and/or prophylactic/vaccine agents for inhibiting influenza virus replication and for treating individuals infected with influenza.

Abstract: Provided are binding molecules that specifically bind to rabies virus and are capable of neutralizing the virus. Further provided are nucleic acid molecules encoding the binding molecules, compositions comprising the binding molecules and methods of identifying or producing the binding molecules. The binding molecules can be used in the diagnosis, prophylaxis and/or treatment of a condition resulting from rabies virus. In certain embodiments, they can be used in the post-exposure prophylaxis of rabies.

Abstract: If pathogen factors such as meningococcal NMB 1870 or flaviviral NS1 are able to sequester factor H in the blood then its inhibitory effect on complement may be disturbed, thereby permitting C3 to initiate a dramatic attack on host endothelial tissue. In combination with a strong inflammatory response, this attack can result in sever damage to the endothelium, with resulting hemorrhagic syndrome. Blocking the interaction between pathogen factors and factor H may thus be used to treat and/or prevent these pathogen-induced hemorrhagic syndromes. The interaction may, for instance, be blocked by antibodies, either delivered endogenously (passive immunisation) or produced by a patient's immune system (active immunisation).

Abstract: The invention is an assay for detection of Watermelon silver mottle virus (WSMoV)-serogroup tospoviruses using a monoclonal antibody and a method for preparing the monoclonal antibody. A hybridoma cell line that produces a monoclonal antibody against the NSs proteins of WSMoV-serogroup tospoviruses was produced. The hybridoma cell line produces a monoclonal antibody binding with peptide SEQ ID No. 19.

Abstract: The invention refers to a human antibody, or its functional fragments, directed against the HCV E2 glycoprotein, able to have a neutralizing activity in vivo; a composition for anti-HCV therapy comprising in a therapeutically effective amount the antibody; a composition for topical use in gel, creme, ointment and ovule formulations; the use of the antibody for validating anti-HCV vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies including human antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof that specifically bind to human SARS-CoV S protein, and that function to neutralize SARS-CoV. The invention also relates to antibodies that are bispecific, derivatized, single chain antibodies or portions of fusion proteins. The invention also relates to isolated heavy and light chain immunoglobulins derived from human anti-SARS-CoV S protein antibodies and nucleic acid molecules encoding such immunoglobulins. The present invention also relates to methods of using the antibodies and compositions for diagnosis and treatment. The invention also provides gene therapy methods using nucleic acid molecules encoding the heavy and/or light immunoglobulin molecules that comprise the human anti-SARS-CoV S protein antibodies. The invention also relates to transgenic animals or plants comprising nucleic acid molecules of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a monoclonal antibody capable of neutralizing EV71 infection.

Abstract: Peptides of influenza virus hemagglutinin protein and Plasmodium falciparum malaria antigen, antibodies specific for the peptides, influenza vaccines, malaria vaccines and methods of stimulating the immune response of a subject to produce antibodies to influenza virus or malaria are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for formulating vaccines for influenza virus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel HIV gene comprising a set of open reading frames encoded with the template as the plus strand of the proviral DNA, and located in the region of HIV-1 long terminal repeat. The genes encode a set of antisense proteins, (HAPs) as well as smaller proteins, related to, and containing structural motif resembling that of chemokine proteins. Depending upon the ribosomal frameshift, a plurality of proteins may be translated from the antisense RNA. The smaller proteins have similarity with chemokine SDF-1 and may play a role as a cofactor with gp120 in the binding to and entry of HIV to a target cell.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel HIV gene comprising a set of open reading frames encoded with the template as the plus strand of the proviral DNA, and located in the region of HIV-1 long terminal repeat. The genes encode a set of antisense proteins, (HAPs) as well as smaller proteins, related to, and containing structural motif resembling that of chemokine proteins. Depending upon the ribosomal frameshift, a plurality of proteins may be translated from the antisense RNA. The smaller proteins have similarity with chemokine SDF-1 and may play a role as a cofactor with gp120 in the binding to and entry of HIV to a target cell.

Abstract: High potency antibodies, including immunologically active fragments thereof, having high kinetic association rate constants and optional high affinities are disclosed, along with methods for producing such antibodies. The high potency antibodies disclosed herein are of either the neutralizing or non-neutralizing type and have specificity for antigens displayed by microorganisms, especially viruses, as well as antigenic sites present on cancer cells and on various types of toxins, and the products of toxins. Processes for producing high potency neutralizing antibodies and increasing the potency of already existing neutralizing antibodies are also described. Methods of using said antibodies in the prevention and/or treatment of diseases, especially diseases induced or caused by viruses, are disclosed.