Abstract: The present invention discloses compositions and methods for treating, preventing and/or monitoring viral, bacterial, eukaryotic protist and/or fungal infections. In some embodiments, these compositions and methods involve human polyclonal antibodies affinity purified from human blood using certain viral, bacterial, eukaryotic protist and/or fungal antigens as described herein. Methods of making the antigenic preparations and the affinity-purified human polyclonal antibodies for passive immunization are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof and to cocktails of antibodies and antigen binding fragments that neutralize dengue virus infection without contributing to antibody-dependent enhancement of dengue virus infection. The invention also relates to immortalized B cells that produce, and to epitopes that bind to, such antibodies and antigen binding fragments. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the antibodies, antigen binding fragments, and epitopes in screening methods as well as in the diagnosis and therapy of dengue virus infection.

Abstract: Provided herein are monoclonal antibodies specific to dengue virus as well as their antigen-binding fragments, and functional variants. Also disclosed are uses thereof for treating or diagnosing dengue virus infection.

Abstract: The disclosure relates at least in part to embodiments of compositions and methods including vaccines for protection against multiple serologically distinct strains of influenza virus. This disclosure provides significant advances and addresses important needs in the influenza vaccine field.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to anti-HCV core protein monoclonal antibodies, methods of making them, and their uses in the prevention, diagnosis, and/or treatment of disease including HCV infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid comprises a 5? untranslated region, an NS3 protein coding region, an NS4A protein coding region, an NS4B protein coding region, an NS5A protein coding region, an NS5B protein coding region, and a 3? untranslated region of a hepatitis C virus genome, wherein the nucleic acid has nucleotide substitutions causing one or more amino acid substitutions selected from the group consisting of M(1205)K, F(1548)L, C(1615)W, T(1652)N, A(2196)T, A(2218)S, H(2223)Q, Q(2281)R, K(2520)N, and G(2374)S, as defined using the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 6 in the Sequence Listing as a reference sequence, in the NS3 protein coding region, the NS5A protein coding region, or the NS5B protein coding region.

Abstract: Provided is a human antibody having a neutralization activity against a human influenza virus. More specifically, provided is a human antibody which recognizes a highly conserved region in a human influenza A virus subtype H3N2 or a human influenza B virus and has a neutralization activity against the virus. The human antibody is a human anti-human influenza virus antibody, which has a neutralization activity against a human influenza A virus subtype H3N2 and binds to a hemagglutinin HA1 region of the human influenza A virus subtype H3N2, or which has a neutralization activity against a human influenza B virus, and includes, as a base sequence of a DNA encoding a variable region of the antibody, a sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 5 to 12.

Abstract: Described are single-stranded new sequences of TT viruses, rearranged TTV sequences and hybrid molecules of a specific TT virus sequence and host cell DNA that are capable of replicating autonomously for use in diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases like cancer and autoimmunity. In addition, it relates to the use of such molecules as gene vectors and artificial chromosomes.

Abstract: The invention provides new conformational antibodies, and more particular conformational monoclonal antibodies and fragments thereof, that are directed against HCV. Also provided are compositions of particles that are recognized by such antibodies, and pharmaceutical compositions containing these particles. Also described are HCV enveloped subviral particles and purified HCV enveloped complete viral particles, as well as processes for their preparation.

Abstract: Provided are polypeptides, including antibodies and fragments thereof, useful for preventing or treating new or recurring infection of hepatitis C virus, as well as methods of preventing or treating new or recurring hepatitis C viral infection. Also provided are modified E1 and E2 polypeptides.

Abstract: Antibodies against influenza neuraminidase, compositions containing the antibodies, and methods of using the antibodies are provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new group of Ljungan viruses, proteins expressed by the viruses, antibodies to the viruses and proteins, vaccines against the viruses, diagnostic kits for detecting the viruses, uses of the viruses, proteins, antibodies and vaccines in therapy, uses of the viruses, proteins, antibodies and vaccines in treating diseases caused by the viruses and methods of treatment for treating diseases caused by the viruses.

Abstract: Disclosed is an antibody produced using an ostrich. Also disclosed is a method for producing the antibody. By using an ostrich, it becomes possible to produce antibodies (particularly antibodies for medical use), which have been hardly produced by using the mammals such as the mouse and the rat, homogeneously in a single body, in large quantities and in a simple manner. The method can overcome a disadvantage of lot-to-lot variation which may occur in the production of polyclonal antibodies using other animals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a platform technology for production of antigen binding polypeptides having specificity for a desired target antigen which is based on the conventional antibody repertoire of species in the family Camelidae, and to antigen binding polypeptides obtained using this technology platform. In particular, the invention provides an antigen binding polypeptide comprising a VH domain and a VL domain, wherein at least one hypervariable loop or complementarity determining region (CDR) in the VH domain or the VL domain is obtained from a VH or VL domain of a species in the family Camelidae.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel form of core+1 protein of Hepatitis C virus (HCV), designated shorter form core+1 protein. The shorter form core+1 protein of Hepatitis C virus is the product of translation of a coding sequence consisting of all or part of a nucleotide sequence extending from nucleotide 598 to nucleotide 920 within the core+1 ORF of HCV represented on FIG. 3B. The invention also provides methods for detecting infection by Hepatitis C virus in biological samples, methods of screening compounds which interact with viral propagation in HCV infected cells or screening of compounds impaction on the expression of shorter form core+1 protein and uses of these compounds for the preparation of compositions useful for their anti-viral activities.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibodies, and antigen binding fragments thereof, that specifically bind to an epitope in the stem region of an influenza A hemagglutinin trimer and neutralize a group 1 subtype and a group 2 subtype of influenza A virus. The invention also relates to nucleic acids that encode, immortalized B cells and cultured single plasma 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, treatment and prevention of influenza A virus infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to neutralizing antibodies, and antibody fragments thereof, having high potency in neutralizing hCMV, wherein said antibodies and antibody fragments are specific for one, or a combination of two or more, hCMV gene UL products. The invention also relates 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, prevention, and therapy of disease.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated peptide encoded by a nucleic acid which is at least 30 nucleotides in length and has a sequence which uniquely defines a herpesvirus associated with Kaposis' sarcoma, which herpesvirus is present in and recoverable from the HBL-6 cell line (ATCC Accession No. CRL 11762).

Abstract: There is provided an isolated immunoglobulin comprising two heavy polypeptide chains sufficient for the formation of a complete antigen binding site or several antigen binding sites, wherein the immunoglobulin is further devoid of light polypeptide chains.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and products for the diagnosis, surveillance, prevention, and treatment of influenza A virus infections in animals and humans. More particularly, the invention relates to antibodies and related binding proteins for the detection, prevention and treatment of influenza A viruses. The monoclonal antibodies and related binding proteins of the invention are useful for the treatment of the highly pathogenic H5 subtypes of avian influenza virus (AIV).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preventing and treating chronic hepatitis and other liver diseases comprising administering a blocker of Light, LT?1?2, LT?2?1 or LT?R, and the use of such blockers in said prevention and treatment and in the manufacture of medicaments for preventing and treating chronic hepatitis and other liver diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof that neutralize HIV-1 infection. The invention also relates to nucleic acids that encode, immortalized B cells and cultured plasma 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, treatment and prevention of HIV-1 infection.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an antiviral agent against animal viruses. The antiviral agent contains a protein or a nucleic acid sequence encoding the protein, as an active ingredient, the protein having binding ability and degrading ability to foreign nucleic acid chains invaded in an animal cell and that has no cytotoxicity to the animal cell itself. Disclosed herein is further an antiviral animal cell containing the protein according to the present invention, or the nucleic acid sequence encoding the protein. The antiviral agent and antiviral animal cell exhibit advantageous effects in that they selectively degrade foreign nucleic acid chains invaded in an animal cell and have no cytotoxicity to the animal cell, thus causing no death of the animal cell.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel polyclonal antibodies, which target respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as well as novel high affinity antibody molecules reactive with RSV. The polyclonal antibodies may comprise antibody molecules which are reactive with both RSV protein F and RSV protein G, and preferably the polyclonal antibodies target a variety of epitopes on these proteins. The antibody molecules of the invention have shown superior efficacy in vitro and/or in vivo. Also disclosed are methods of producing the antibodies of the invention as well as methods of their use in treatment or prevention of RSV infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a full length Large T tumor antigen of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCV) as a therapeutic target in Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC).

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a method which enables efficient removal of impurities such as the host proteins from an influenza virus culture liquid by a simple operation, allowing separation and purification of an influenza virus antigen. The method of the present invention for producing a purified influenza virus antigen comprises the step of treating a sample containing an influenza virus with a surfactant, the step of bringing the sample after the treatment into contact with hydroxyapatite in the presence of the surfactant, and the step of recovering a hydroxyapatite-non-adsorbed fraction.

Abstract: Provided herein is a novel human polyomavirus, its nucleic acid sequence, as well as methods to detect and diagnosis the presence of the polyomavirus.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods and compositions for generating an antibody response against HPV epitopes using multi-component vaccines. One such multi-component vaccine requires a T cell helper component and a toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist. In one embodiment, the inventors described a lipopeptide composition comprising an HPV L2 epitope.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel antibodies sequences that bind human cytomegalovirus (hCMV) and neutralize hCMV infection. The novel sequences can be used for the medical management of hCMV infections, in particular for preparing pharmaceutical compositions to be used in the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of hCMV infections.

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: The present invention is directed to the induction and characterization of a humoral immune response targeting “entry-relevant” gp41 structures. In its broadest aspect, the present invention is directed to methods of raising a neutralizing antibody response to a broad spectrum of HIV strains and isolates. The present invention targets particular molecular conformations or structures that occur at the cell surface of HIV during viral entry into host cells. Such a humoral response can be generated in vivo as a prophylactic measure in individuals to reduce or inhibit the ability of HIV to infect uninfected cells in the individual's body. Such a response can also be employed to raise antibodies against “entry relevant” gp41 structures. These antibodies can be employed for therapeutic uses, and as tools for further illuminating the mechanism of HIV cell entry.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a family of membrane fusion protein and polynucleotides encoding the proteins have been identified. The proteins and nucleotides are derived from the family Reoviridae. Two membrane fusion proteins have been isolated from reoviruses isolated from poikilothermic hosts: the p14 protein from reptilian reovirus (RRV) isolated from python, and the p16 protein from aquareovirus (AQV) isolated from salmon. The genes encoding these proteins have been cloned and sequenced. Analysis of the amino acid sequences of these proteins show that both lack the typical fusion peptide motif found in other membrane fusion proteins. Expression of these proteins in cells results in cell-cell fusion.

Abstract: Provided are the expression method of influenza virus polymerase PAc-PB1N complex, the co-crystallization method of the complex and the three-dimendional structure of the crystal of PAc-PB1N complex. Also provided are the compounds binding to the influenza virus polymerase PAc and the expression method of influenza virus polymerase PAN. The three-dimensional structure of the crystal of PAc-PB1N complex can be used for screening and designing the drug for the treatment of influenza.

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: The characterization of a new strain of human rhinovirus of genetic group C(HRV-C) as well as methods and kits for detecting the presence of HRV-C by PCR amplification are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fields of veterinary virology and immunology. In particular the invention relates to a novel avian Astrovirus; to antibodies or fragments thereof against the novel virus; to antigenic preparations, proteins, and DNA molecules of the novel avian Astrovirus; to vaccines of the novel virus or its antigenic preparations, protein, or DNA; to methods for the manufacture of such vaccines, and to diagnostic kits.

Abstract: To gain a better understanding of tumor angiogenesis endothelial cells (ECs) were isolated and gene expression patterns were evaluated. When transcripts from ECs derived from normal and malignant colorectal tissues were compared with transcripts from non-endothelial cells, over 170 genes predominantly expressed in the endothelium were identified. Comparison between normal- and tumor-derived endothelium revealed differentially expressed genes, including many that were specifically elevated in tumor-associated endothelium. Experiments with representative genes from this group demonstrated that most were similarly expressed in the endothelium of primary lung, breast, brain, and pancreatic cancers as well as in metastatic lesions of the liver. These results demonstrate that neoplastic and normal endothelium in humans are distinct at the molecular level.

Abstract: Isolated HCY E2 kinase phospho-peptides that contain one or more immunogenic fragments of a HCV E2 kinase motif and antibodies which are cross-reactive with the isolated HCV E2 kinase phospho-peptides are provided. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions and/or methods to passively and/or actively immunize against HCV using the isolated HCY E2 kinase phospho-peptides and antibodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antibody, antibody fragment or derivative thereof which specifically recognizes a prion protein and which comprises a complementarity determining region (CDR), a retro-inverso D-peptide of said CDR and/or an anti-idiotypic antibody, antibody fragment or derivative thereof which recognizes said CDR. The invention further concerns a nucleic acid molecule encoding said antibody, antibody fragment or derivative thereof as well as a method for generating an antibody, antibody fragment or derivative thereof that specifically recognizes a prion protein, wherein an antibody that recognizes a specific domain of the prion protein is generated, an antigen-specific amino acid sequence is isolated from said antibody, and an anti-idiotypic antibody, antibody fragment or derivative thereof, which recognizes said antigen-specific amino acid sequence, is generated.

Abstract: This invention relates to antibodies with altered binding to FcRn, and particularly antibodies having enhanced binding to FcRn and/or enhanced serum half-lives. The invention also relates to methods of using the antibodies and compositions comprising them in the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of diseases such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory disorders, and infectious disease.

Abstract: Provided herein are antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof that immunospecifically bind to the fusion (F) protein of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Also provided are methods for of prevention, treatment and diagnosis of viral infection and/or the treatment of one more symptoms of RSV-mediated disease. Methods of generating antibodies that immunospecifically bind RSV F protein also are provided.

Abstract: A variant phylogenetic group of HPIV-2, more particularly a novel variant phylogenetic sub-group of HPIV-2, and a means for diagnosing HPIV-2 which take into account this novel group and this novel sub-group.

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: Novel drug targets and antiviral agents are provided for the therapeutic intervention of lentiviral diseases, in particular AIDS.

Abstract: The application relates to antibodies and fragments capable of binding HIV-1 gp120 protein, nucleic acids encoding such proteins, to the use of such proteins to identify active compounds, and to the use of the compounds as vaccines.

Abstract: This invention provides infectious chimeric HCV particles that can be used for vaccines. This invention further provides a nucleic acid comprising a chimeric gene derived from the hepatitis C virus comprising regions each encoding Core protein, E1 protein, E2 protein and p7 protein derived from a hepatitis C virus strain other than JFH-1 strain; NS2 protein derived from JFH-1 strain or a hepatitis C virus strain other than JFH-1 strain, or a chimeric NS2 protein of NS2 protein derived from JFH-1 strain and NS2 protein derived from a hepatitis C virus strain other than JFH-1 strain; and NS3 protein, NS4A protein, NS4B protein, NS5A protein, and NS5B protein derived from JFH-1 strain in that order in 5? to 3? direction, wherein the 328th proline residue from the amino acid residue at N-terminus of the Core protein is substituted with an amino acid residue other than proline. This invention further provides chimeric HCV particles comprising such nucleic acid, and use of such HCV particles for vaccines.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for obtaining a broadly neutralizing antibody (bNab), including screening memory B cell cultures from a donor PBMC sample for neutralization activity against a plurality of HIV-1 species, cloning a memory B cell that exhibits broad neutralization activity; and rescuing a monoclonal antibody from that memory B cell culture. The resultant monoclonal antibodies are characterized by their ability to selectively bind epitopes from the Env proteins in native or monomeric form, as well as to inhibit infection of HIV-1 species from a plurality of clades. Compositions containing human monoclonal anti-HIV antibodies used for prophylaxis, diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection are provided. Methods for generating such antibodies by immunization using epitopes from conserved regions within the variable loops of gp120 are provided. Immunogens for generating anti-HIV1 bNAbs are also provided. Furthermore, methods for vaccination using suitable epitopes are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to reagents (antigenic and/or immunogenic reagents) and kits that are useful in a variety of in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo methods including, e.g., methods for inducing an immune response, or for generating an antibody, in a subject. The reagents described herein can be used in the treatment or prevention of HIV-1 infections. In addition, the disclosure provides methods and compositions useful for designing (or identifying) an agent that binds to an membrane proximal external region (MPER) of an HIV-1 gp160 polypeptide or an agent that inhibits the fusion of an HIV-1 particle to a cell.

Abstract: The present invention features methods and compositions for the treatment or inhibition of infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) in a subject by administering an agent (e.g., a small molecule or antibody) that binds the carboxy-terminal region of the HPV L2 protein and reduces or inhibits the binding of the L2 protein to an intracellular molecular motor protein (IMMP) or IMMP co-factor. The invention also features a method for treating or inhibiting an HPV infection by administering a nucleic acid molecule that, for example, decreases the expression of the HPV L2 protein.

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.