Abstract: Flavivirus virus-like particles (VLPs) are provided that display on their surfaces antigenic flavivirus proteins. The VLPs include at least one flavivirus structural protein and at least one non-structural flavivirus protein. A DNA construct that includes sequences encoding flavivirus viral proteins used to assemble the flavivirus VLP is also provided. A method of producing flavivirus VLPs by introducing one or more the DNA constructs into a host cell is also provided. An immunogenic composition that includes the flavivirus VLP is also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are variant adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid proteins having one or more modifications in amino acid sequence relative to a parental AAV capsid protein, which, when present in an AAV virion, confer increased infectivity of one or more types of retinal cells as compared to the infectivity of the retinal cells by an AA V virion comprising the unmodified parental AAV capsid protein. Also provided are recombinant AAV virions and pharmaceutical compositions thereof comprising a variant AAV capsid protein as described herein, methods of making these rAAV capsid proteins and virions, and methods for using these rAAV capsid proteins and virions in research and in clinical practice, for example in, e.g., the delivery of nucleic acid sequences to one or more cells of the retina for the treatment of retinal disorders and diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are mosaic conserved region HIV polypeptides and immunogenic polypeptides including one or more of the mosaic conserved region polypeptides. In some embodiments, the immunogenic polypeptides are included in an immunogenic composition, such as a polyvalent immunogenic composition. Also disclosed herein are methods for treating or inhibiting HIV in a subject including administering one or more of the disclosed immunogenic polypeptides or compositions to a subject having or at risk of HIV infection. In some embodiments, the methods include inducing an immune response in a subject comprising administering to the subject at least one of the disclosed immunogenic polypeptides or a nucleic acid encoding at least one of the immunogenic polypeptides.

Abstract: Isolated peptides comprising one or more antigenic sites of filovirus glycoprotein and methods of their use and production are disclosed. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the peptides are also provided. In several embodiments, the peptides can be used to induce an immune response to filovirus glycoprotein, such as Zaire ebolavirus glycoprotein, in a subject, for example, to treat or prevent infection of the subject with the virus.

Abstract: The invention is based on an expression enhancer sequence derived from the RNA-2 genome segment of a bipartite RNA virus, in which a target initiation site in the RNA-2 genome segment has been mutated. Deletion of appropriate start codons upstream of the main RNA2 translation initiation can greatly increase in foreign protein accumulation without the need for viral replication. Also provided are methods, vectors and systems, including the ‘hyper-translatable’ Cowpea Mosaic Virus (“CPMV-HT”) based protein expression system.

Abstract: Multiple DIVA vaccines effective against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) are disclosed. The DIVA vaccines may be negative DIVAs or positive DIVAs. The DIVA vaccines may be produced by modifying the nsp2 region of a modified live virus vaccine. The modification may be one or more deletions only (negative DIVAs) or a deletion with an insertion (positive DIVAs). The insertion may be of an epitope tag, such as a V5, S-Tag, or FLAG tag. Produced DIVA vaccines may be stable through multiple passes and thus may be effective for production and vaccination of animals.

Abstract: An expression enhancer comprising, in series, a CPMV 5?UTR nucleotide sequence comprising nucleotides 1-160 of SEQ ID NO:1, or comprising a nucleotide sequence comprising from about with 80% to 100% sequence similarity with SEQ ID NO:1, and a stuffer fragment is provided. The stuffer fragment comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding an incomplete M protein and one or more kozak sequence active in a plant. Plants and plant matter comprising the expression enhancer and methods using the expression enhancer are also described.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to vectors containing bacterial nucleic acid sequences and a paramyxovirus gene. Typically, the expression vector comprises a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC), and a nucleic acid sequence comprising a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) gene in operable combination with a regulatory element and optionally a reporter gene.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for use in killing and/or inhibiting the growth and/or proliferation of a microorganism in a subject in need thereof, or for treating a subject afflicted with a microbial infection is disclosed. The composition comprises: (a) an effective amount of an isolated peptide, wherein the peptide comprises the arginine-rich carboxy-terminal region of hepatitis B virus core protein (HBc) and exhibits an antimicrobial activity; and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The peptide exhibits an activity against Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, and/or fungi.

Abstract: The invention provides a vaccine comprising an effective amount of an isolated recombinant influenza virus comprising a mutant M gene segment that is mutated so that upon viral replication the mutant M gene expresses a functional M1 protein and a mutant M2 protein with a deletion of the cytoplasmic tail and either lacking a transmembrane domain or having a mutated transmembrane domain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a genetically modified Paramyxovirus, a pharmaceutical composition comprising this paramyxovirus, the use of a genetically modified Paramyxovirus for the therapeutic and/or prophylactic treatment of a tumor disease, and a method for the production of a pharmaceutical composition for the therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of a tumor disease.

Abstract: Unique Avian Nephritis Virus (ANV) nucleic acid sequences have been determined. Primers and probes have been developed using the isolated nucleic acid sequences and a reverse transcription PCR has been developed to detect the presence of ANV in commercial flocks. Furthermore, use of the nucleic acid sequences and amino acids sequences encoded therefrom and antibodies to said amino acids is discussed.

Abstract: This invention provides vaccines for inducing an immune response and protection against filovirus infection for use as a preventative vaccine in humans. In particular, the invention provides chimpanzee adenoviral vectors expressing filovirus proteins from different strains of Ebola virus (EBOV) or Marburg virus (MARV).

Abstract: A method to prepare recombinant influenza viruses comprising a mutant M2 protein which has a deletion of two or more residues in the cytoplasmic tail and is attenuated in vivo, is provided, as well the resulting virus and vaccines with the virus.

Abstract: Chimeric alphavirus particles and alphavirus replicon RNAs are provided including methods of making and using same. The alphavirus replicon RNAs comprise deletions in one or more nonstructural proteins. Methods of making, using, and therapeutic preparations containing the chimeric alphavirus particle are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is related to polynucleotide-based cytomegalovirus vaccines. In particular, the invention is plasmids operably encoding HCMV antigens, in which the naturally-occurring coding regions for the HCMV antigens have been modified for improved translation in human or other mammalian cells through codon optimization. HCMV antigens which are useful in the invention include, but are not limited to pp65, glycoprotein B (gB), IE1, and fragments, variants or derivatives of either of these antigens. In certain embodiments, sequences have been deleted, e.g., the Arg435-Lys438 putative kinase in pp65 and the membrane anchor and endocellular domains in gB. The invention is further directed to methods to induce an immune response to HCMV in a mammal, for example, a human, comprising delivering a plasmid encoding a codon-optimized HCMV antigen as described above.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified hepatitis C virus genomic RNA, comprising nucleotide sequences of genomic RNA portions of two or more types of hepatitis C viruses, which comprises a 5? untranslated region, a core protein coding sequence, an E1 protein coding sequence, a p7 protein coding sequence, an E2 protein coding sequence, an NS2 protein coding sequence, an NS3 protein coding sequence, an NS4A protein coding sequence, an NS4B protein coding sequence, an NS5A protein coding sequence, an NS5B protein coding sequence, and a 3? untranslated region, and which can be autonomously replicated. In particular, the present invention relates to modified hepatitis C virus genomic RNA, which can be autonomously replicated by substitution of the RNA sequence portion encoding NS3, NS4, NS5A, and NS5B proteins of hepatitis C virus genomic RNA with a partial RNA sequence encoding NS3, NS4, NS5A, and NS5B proteins of a JFH1 strain shown in SEQ ID NO: 1.

Abstract: An improved method for recovering the protein expressed by open reading frame 2 from porcine circovirus type 2 is provided. Also provided is recombinant PCV2ORF2 protein, and immunogenic compositions comprising PCV2ORF2 protein. Moreover, multivalent combination vaccines are provided which include an immunological agent effective for reducing the incidence of or lessening the severity of PCV2 infection, preferably PCV2ORF2 protein, or an immunogenic composition comprising PCV2ORF2 protein, and at least one immunogenic active component of another disease-causing organism in swine.

Abstract: Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) antigens that elicit an HSV-specific immune response and can be used to treat or prevent HSV infection are provided. Nucleic acid sequences, polypeptides, vectors, and compositions, as well as methods to induce an immune response against HSV, treat or prevent HSV disease, induce a T cell response against HSV, and induce an antibody response against HSV also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid for vaccine that has undergone codon optimization for expression in Bombyx mori, a vector comprising the nucleic acid, Bombyx mori comprising the vector, and a method for producing a vaccine in which they are used.

Abstract: Intermolecular disulfide stabilized foldon polypeptides are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides AAV capsid proteins comprising modification of one or a combination of the surface-exposed lysine, serine, threonine and/or tyrosine residues in the VP3 region. Also provided are rAAV virions comprising the AAV capsid proteins of the present invention, as well as nucleic acid molecules and rAAV vectors encoding the AAV capsid proteins of the present invention. Advantageously, the rAAV vectors and virions of the present invention have improved efficiency in transduction of a variety of cells, tissues and organs of interest, when compared to wild-type rAAV vectors and virions.

Abstract: Provided are antigenic polypeptides of HIV envelope glycoproteins which are constructed based on amino acid mutation of attenuated live vaccine of Equine Infectious Anemia Virus, DNA constructions and recombinant virus vectors comprising polynucleotides encoding said polypeptides, antibodies against said polypeptides as well as uses thereof in preventing and treating HIV infection. Said antigenic polypeptides and vaccines can induce high titer neutralization antibodies against HIV in organism.

Abstract: Provided herein are flu hemagglutinin polypeptides, including chimeric influenza virus hemagglutinin polypeptides, and flu hemagglutinin polypeptides comprising modified glycosylation sites and non-naturally glycosylation sites, compositions comprising the same, vaccines comprising the same and methods of their use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of the measure of anelloviral load for the determination of immunosuppression. More precisely, the present invention provides a method for characterizing the immunosuppressed or non-immunosuppressed status of a subject, comprising the steps of determining the anelloviral load from a biological sample of the said subject, and determining from the said comparison the immunosuppressed or non-immunosuppressed status. The determination of the immunosuppressed status of the subject can then be used to design or adapt a therapeutic treatment.

Abstract: Described are (a) parvovirus variants capable of propagating and spreading through human tumor cells which is obtainable by serially passaging a rodent parvovirus as starting strain in semi-permissive human tumor cells, and (b) parvovirus variants capable of propagating and spreading through human tumor cells characterized by particular amino acid deletions and/or substitutions, e.g. a deletion of several amino acids in the C-terminus of NS1/middle exon of NS2. A pharmaceutical composition containing such parvoviruses as well as their use for the treatment of cancer, preferably a glioblastoma, is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of achieving directed evolution of viruses by in vivo screening or “panning” to identify viruses comprising scrambled AAV capsids having characteristics of interest, e.g., tropism profile and/or neutralization profile (e.g., ability to evade neutralizing antibodies). The invention also provides scrambled AAV capsids and virus particles comprising the same.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a novel non-diffusing plant virus vector wherein virus vector infection and proliferation are possible only in a recombinant plant transformed with a gene necessary for viral proliferation, thereby enabling avoidance of unintended diffusion of a recombinant virus, a selective and specific expression system therefor, and a method of expression thereof which comprises combining a non-diffusing virus vector lacking a gene involved in intercellular movement of a cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) genome and a transgenic plant transformed with the lacked gene involved in intercellular movement for the non-diffusing virus vector to establish infection and proliferation selectively and specifically in the transgenic plant.

Abstract: Chimeric therapeutics are disclosed that include a modified viral core protein comprising at least one mutation or modification in an immunogenic epitope and a therapeutic agent. The therapeutic agent may be associated with the modified viral core protein and may be a nucleic acid, a protein, or a small molecule. Also disclosed are particles and compositions that include the disclosed chimeric therapeutics.

Abstract: The technology relates in part to modified influenza viruses useful for vaccine development. Polypeptides, polynucleotides, methods, compositions, and vaccines comprising influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants are provided.

Abstract: Systems for pathotropic (disease-seeking) targeted gene delivery are provided, including viral particles with extremely high titers. In particular, the viral particles are engineered to specifically deliver therapeutic or diagnostic agents to a disease site, such as cancer metastic sites. Personalized dosing regimens are also provided to treat diseases such as cancer efficaciously with reduced adverse side effects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recombinant measles virus expressing a heterologous amino acid sequence derived from an antigen of a determined RNA virus, the recombinant measles virus being capable of eliciting a humoral and/or cellular immune response against measles virus or against the RNA virus or against both measles virus and against the RNA virus. It also relates to the use of the recombinant measles virus for the preparation of immunogenic compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acids encoding mosaic clade M HIV-1 Env polypeptides and to compositions and vectors comprising same. The nucleic acids of the invention are suitable for use in inducing an immune response to HIV-1 in a human.

Abstract: The present invention features live, attenuated respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV) useful as vaccines against RSV infection and/or the development of severe RSV-associated illnesses. The disclosed viruses are attenuated to the extent of being nonpathogenic when administered to a subject but substantially retain the antigenic and immunogenic properties of wild-type RSV.

Abstract: The invention is related to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a polynucleotide encoding a modified filovirus glycoprotein (GP) having at least one amino acid change located in a relatively conserved region of said GP that decreases in vitro cytotoxicity and retains immunogenicity when compared to in vitro cytotoxicity and immunogenicity of a wild type filovirus GP, and related modified filovirus GPs, plasmid DNAs, recombinant viruses, adenoviruses, pharmaceutical compositions, vaccine compositions, antibodies that are specifically reactive with the modified filovirus GPs, and related methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to molecular approaches to the production of nucleic acid sequences, which comprises the genome of infectious hepatitis C virus. In particular, the invention provides nucleic acid sequences which comprise the genomes of infectious hepatitis C viruses of either genotype 3a (strain S52) or genotype 4a (strain ED43). The invention therefore relates to the use of the nucleic acid sequences and polypeptides encoded by all or part of the sequences in the development of vaccines and diagnostic assays for HCV and in the development of screening assays for the identification of antiviral agents for HCV. The invention therefore also relates to the use of viral particles derived from laboratory animals infected with S52 and ED43 viruses.

Abstract: A method of producing a virus like particle (VLP) in a plant is provided. The method comprises introducing a first nucleic acid and a second nucleic acid into the plant, or portion of the plant. The first nucleic acid comprises a first regulatory region active in the plant and operatively linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding a structural virus protein. The second nucleic acid comprises a second regulatory region active in the plant and operatively linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding a channel protein, for example but not limited to a proton channel protein. The plant or portion of the plant is incubated under conditions that permit the expression of the nucleic acids, thereby producing the VLP.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions relating to Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV), and vaccines for treatment and prevention thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a modified mRNA that is stabilised by sequence modifications and optimised for translation. The pharmaceutical composition according to the invention is particularly well suited for use as an inoculating agent, as well as a therapeutic agent for tissue regeneration. In addition, a process is described for determining sequence modifications that promote stabilisation and translational efficiency of modified mRNA of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lentiviral vector system having a higher titer, while sustaining an excellent retrograde transport ability, particularly, in the brain. The present invention also provides a kit for preparing a retrograde transport viral vector comprising: (1) a packaging plasmid containing the gag gene and the pol gene of HIV-1; (2) a packaging plasmid containing an accessory gene of HIV-1; (3) a transfer plasmid containing an target gene (a transgene); and (4) an envelope plasmid containing, as an envelope gene, a gene encoding a fused polypeptide comprising a fused extracellular domain consisting of the N-terminal region of an extracellular domain of rabies virus glycoprotein (RV-G) and the C-terminal region of an extracellular domain of vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSV-G), a transmembrane domain of RV-G or VSV-G, and an intracellular domain of VSV-G, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cDNA molecule which encodes the nucleotide sequence of the full length antigenomic (+)RNA strand of a measles virus (MV) originating from an approved vaccine strain, for example, the Schwarz strain. It also concerns the preparation of infectious recombinant viruses and immunogenic compositions using the cDNA.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cDNA molecule which encodes the nucleotide sequence of the full length antigenomic (+)RNA strand of a measles virus (MV) originating from an approved vaccine strain. It also contains the preparation of immunogenic compositions using said cDNA.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to materials and methods for detecting, preventing and treating retroviral infections in humans and other animals susceptible to infection by retrovirus. It has been discovered that FIV can be transmitted from cats to humans and that the FIV can infect human cells in vivo and that antibodies generated by the infected person cross-react with HIV antigens. Thus, the methods and compositions of the subject invention can be used to detect, prevent and treat FIV infection in humans and other non-feline animals that are susceptible to FIV infection. The methods and compositions of the invention can also be used to prevent and treat infection by HIV in humans.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for identifying flavivirus cross-reactive epitopes. Also provided are flavivirus E-glycoprotein cross-reactive epitopes and flavivirus E-glycoprotein cross-reactive epitopes having reduced or ablated cross-reactivity (and polypeptides comprising such epitopes), as well as methods of using these molecules to elicit an immune response against a flavivirus and to detect a flaviviral infection.

Abstract: A composition for preventing or treating cervical cancer comprising a human papillomavirus plasmodium and an immunity enhancer is provided. A fusion protein including a fusion polypeptide recombined to transform a 3D structure of E6 and E7, which are antigens against types 16 and 18 human papillomavirus (HPV), a signal peptide for secreting the fusion polypeptide outside the cells and an immunity enhancer peptide present in an individual is also provided. The fusion protein may be useful in treating HPV-triggered tumors by inducing an immune response specific to the antigens against the HPV types 16 and 18.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid sequence, comprising or coding for a coding region, encoding at least one peptide or protein comprising a pathogenic antigen or a fragment, variant or derivative thereof, at least one histone stem-loop and a poly(A) sequence or a polyadenylation signal. Furthermore the present invention provides the use of the nucleic acid for increasing the expression of said encoded peptide or protein. It also discloses its use for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition, especially a vaccine, e.g. for use in the treatment of infectious diseases. The present invention further describes a method for increasing the expression of a peptide or protein comprising a pathogenic antigen or a fragment, variant or derivative thereof, using the nucleic acid comprising or coding for a histone stem-loop and a poly(A) sequence or a polyadenylation signal.

Abstract: Vaccination methods to control PCV2 infection with different PCV2 subtypes are disclosed. Specifically, a PCV2 subtype b (PCV2b) ORF2 proteins or immunogenic compositions comprising a PCV2b ORF2 protein are used in a method for the treatment or prevention of an infection with PCV2 of the same PCV2b and/or different subtype; the reduction, prevention or treatment of clinical signs caused by an infection with PCV2 of the same PCV2b or a different subtype; and/or the prevention or treatment of a disease caused by an infection with PCV2 of the same PCV2b and/or a different subtype. The present invention in particular relates to PCV2 subtype b (PCV2b) ORF2 proteins characterized in that they contain at least one mutation in the BC loop that such that the expressed protein is preferably expressed in a higher amount compared to a PCV2 ORF2 protein that does not contain such mutation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a isolated a canine circoviruses associated with canine respiratory and gastrointestinal disease, and isolated nucleic acids sequences and polypeptides thereof. The invention also relates to antibodies against antigens from canine circoviruses. The invention also relates to iRNAs which target nucleic acid sequences of the canine circovirus. The invention is related to methods for detecting the presence or absence of canine circoviruses in an animal. The invention is also related to immunogenic compositions for inducing an immune response against canine circoviruses in an animal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are computationally optimized broadly reactive dengue virus E polypeptide sequences for DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4. Also disclosed are dengue virus E protein fragments (such as the E protein ectodomain and DIII domain) fused to the molecular adjuvant P28. The disclosed nucleic acid and polypeptide sequences can be used as vaccines for immunization against dengue virus infection. In some cases, the vaccine includes a virus-like particle containing the universal dengue virus E protein, or fragment thereof, or the vaccine is a DNA molecule encoding the VLP.

Abstract: Described herein are viral amplicon-based protein expression systems and methods useful for producing heterologous proteins, such as enzymes, by agroinfiltration. The methods involve producing an Agrobacterium with a Ti plasmid encoding a heterologous protein, infecting plant cells with the Agrobacterium, allowing expression of the heterologous protein, and recovering the heterologous protein from the plant cells. In one embodiment, the protein produced is an endoglucanase.