Abstract: The present invention discloses a chimeric Chikungunya virus comprising a heterologous alphavirus cDNA fragment and a Chikungunya virus cDNA fragment. The heterologous alphavirus may include but is not limited to Sindbis virus, Eastern equine encephalitis virus or Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. The present invention also discloses the use of this chimeric Chikungunya virus as vaccines and in serological and diagnostic assays.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for systemic immune activation which is effective for eliciting both a systemic, non-antigen specific immune response and a strong antigen-specific immune response in a mammal. The method is particularly effective for protecting a mammal from herpes simplex virus. Also disclosed are therapeutic compositions useful in such a method.

Abstract: Stabilized forms of gp120 polypeptide, nucleic acids encoding these stabilized forms, vectors comprising these nucleic acids, and methods of using these polypeptides, nucleic acids, vectors and host cells are disclosed. Crystal structures and computer systems including atomic coordinates for stabilized forms of gp120, and gp120 with an extended V3 loop, and methods of using these structures and computer systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for systemic immune activation which is effective for eliciting both a systemic, non-antigen specific immune response and a strong antigen-specific immune response in a mammal. The method is particularly effective for protecting a mammal from herpes simplex virus. Also disclosed are therapeutic compositions useful in such a method.

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

Abstract: A novel astrovirus designated chicken astrovirus type 3 has been isolated and characterized. Nucleotide sequences and polypeptide sequences of this astrovirus are provided with uses of the same and the isolated astrovirus in assay kits and vaccines.

Abstract: The invention is related to a dengue virus or chimeric dengue virus that contains a mutation in the 3? untranslated region (3?-UTR) comprising a ?30 mutation that removes the TL-2 homologous structure in each of the dengue virus serotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4, and nucleotides additional to the ?30 mutation deleted from the 3?-UTR that removes sequence in the 5? direction as far as the 5? boundary of the TL-3 homologous structure in each of the dengue virus serotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4, or a replacement of the 3?-UTR of a dengue virus of a first serotype with the 3?-UTR of a dengue virus of a second serotype, optionally containing the ?30 mutation and nucleotides additional to the ?30 mutation deleted from the 3?-UTR; and immunogenic compositions, methods of inducing an immune response, and methods of producing a dengue virus or chimeric dengue virus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an attenuated, recombinant viral vaccine against yellow fever which expresses heterologous sequences of a lentivirus and is used as an immunisation agent to induce an immune response to lentivirus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel nucleotide and amino acid sequences of Torque teno virus (“TTV”), including novel genotypes thereof, all of which are useful in the preparation of vaccines for treating and preventing diseases in swine and other animals. Vaccines provided according to the practice of the invention are effective against multiple swine TTV genotypes and isolates. Diagnostic and therapeutic polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies are also a feature of the present invention, as are infectious clones useful in the propagation of the virus and in the preparation of vaccines. Particularly important aspects of the invention include vaccines that provide TTV ORF1 protein, or peptide fragments thereof, as antigen.

Abstract: Provided herein is a vaccine which is safe and effective against malarial infection and a vector which is used in the manufacture of this vaccine and to provide a bivalent vaccine which exhibits an excellent preventive effect against measles virus and malarial infection and which eliminates complexity at the time of inoculation. Also provided is a recombinant measles virus in which is inserted a gene which encodes a protein involved in preventing malarial infection in the measles virus genome. The present invention also provides a bivalent vaccine against measles and malarial infection which contains the recombinant measles virus.

Abstract: The invention provides antisense antiviral compounds and methods of their use and production in inhibition of growth of viruses of the Flaviviridae, Picornoviridae, Caliciviridae, Togaviridae, Arteriviridae, Coronaviridae, Astroviridae and Hepeviridae families in the treatment of a viral infection. The antisense antiviral compounds are substantially uncharged morpholino oligonucleotides having a sequence of 12-40 subunits, including at least 12 subunits having a targeting sequence that is complementary to a region associated with stem-loop secondary structure within the 5?-terminal end 40 bases of the positive-sense RNA strand of the virus.

Abstract: We have generated novel molecularly marked FMDV A24LL3DYR and A24LL3BPVKV3DYR vaccine candidates. The mutant viruses contain a deletion of the leader coding region (LL) rendering the virus attenuated in vivo and negative antigenic markers introduced in one or both of the viral non-structural 3Dpol and 3B proteins. The vaccine platform includes unique restriction endonuclease sites for easy swapping of capsid proteins for different FMDV subtypes and serotypes. The mutant viruses produced no signs of FMD and no shedding of virulent virus in cattle. No clinical signs of disease or fever were observed and no transmission to in-contact animals was detected in pigs inoculated with live A24LL3DYR. Cattle immunized with chemically inactivated vaccine candidates showed an efficacy comparable to a polyvalent commercial FMDV vaccine. These vaccine candidates used in conjunction with a cELISA provide a suitable target for DIVA companion tests.

Abstract: The present invention provides immunogens that protect against RSV infection. The present invention also provides antibody proteins that protect against RSV infection. Such immunogens and antibody proteins are produced based on three-dimensional models also included in the invention. One model is of a complex between motavizumab and its antibody-binding domain on RSV fusion (F) protein. A second model is of a complex between 10 IF antibody and its antibody-binding domain on RSV F protein. The immunogens disclosed herein have been modified to elicit a humoral response against RSV F protein without eliciting a significant cell-mediated response against RSV. Such immunogens can comprise a scaffold into which RSV contact residues are embedded. The present invention also includes methods that utilize the disclosed three-dimensional models to produce immunogens and antibody proteins of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of lymphadenopathy virus. This invention relates to a diagnostic means and method of detecting lymphadenopathy associated virus or related viruses or DNA pro-viruses with cloned DNA sequences which are hybridizable to genomic RNA and DNA of lymphadenopathy associated virus. It further relates to the cloned DNA sequences and a process for their preparation.

Abstract: There is provided a method of detecting the presence of oseltamivir-resistant Influenza A virus in a sample, the method comprising detecting the presence of an amplicon, a fragment and/or a derivative thereof, wherein the amplicon, fragment and/or derivative thereof (a) is amplified by a primer (SEQ ID NO:1), a fragment, or derivative therefore and/or a primer (SEQ ID NO:2), a fragment, or derivative thereof. There are also provided primer(s) and/or probe as well as kit for the detection of the presence of Influenza A in a sample and/or in a subject.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a previously unrecognized clade of HCV genotypes as well as to diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic applications of nucleic acids, proteins, and antibodies to said protein, derived of or based on the newly characterized hepatitis C viruses.

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

Abstract: The invention is based on the identification of the minimum region of the avian Orthoreovirus muNS protein which is capable of forming inclusions as well as on the identification of specific regions of the muNS protein showing capacity to associate with the inclusions formed by muNS. The identification of said regions allows developing methods for purifying recombinant polypeptides as well as methods for detecting the interaction between two polypeptides of interest.

Abstract: Pandemic A(H1N1) continues its global spread, and vaccine production is a serious problem. Protection by current vaccines is limited by the mutational differences that rapidly accumulate in the circulating strains, especially in the virus surface proteins. New vaccine strategies are focusing at conserved regions of the viral internal proteins to produce T cell epitope-based vaccines. T cell responses have been shown to reduce morbidity and promote recovery in mouse models of influenza challenge. We previously reported 54 highly conserved sequences of NP, M1 and the polymerases of all human H1N1, H3N2, H1N2, and H5N1, and avian subtypes over the past 30 years. Sixty-three T cell epitopes elicited responses in HLA transgenic mice (A2, A24, B7, DR2, DR3 and DR4). These epitopes were compared to the 2007-2009 human H1N1 sequences to identify conserved and variant residues.

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: Provided is a lentiviral vector system which sustains a high-frequency retrograde transportation ability in animal brain and has a higher titer. A kit for preparing a retrograde transport viral vector, which comprises: (1) a packaging plasmid containing the gag gene and pol gene of HIV-1; (2) a packaging plasmid containing an accessory gene of HIV-1; (3) a transfer plasmid containing a target gene; and (4) an envelope plasmid containing, as an envelope gene, a gene encoding a fused polypeptide comprising the extracellular domain of rabies virus glycoprotein (RV-G), the transmembrane domain of rabies virus glycoprotein (RV-G) or vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSV-G) and the intracellular domain of vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSV-G).

Abstract: The invention provides a new type of a capsid protein VP1 of human enterovirus 71, named as MEL701-VP1 and functional/structural variants thereof, which is used for protection against enterovirus. The transgenic animal producing the protein, the composition comprising the protein and the method for production thereof are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides recombinant flavivirus vaccines that can be used in the prevention and treatment of flavivirus infection. The vaccines of the invention contain recombinant flaviviruses including attenuating mutations.

Abstract: Provided are newly identified pneumoviruses that can infect mammals, including dogs cats and potentially humans. Isolated polynucleotides and proteins of the viruses, as well as the isolated viruses themselves are provided. The invention includes compositions and methods for detecting the viruses, methods and compositions for prophylaxis and/or therapy of disease signs that are positively correlated with the presence of the viruses, and isolated cells comprising the viruses. Intact virions, viral proteins, and fragments thereof are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein is a nucleic acid comprising consensus amino acid sequence of foot-and-mouth disease FMDV VP1-4 coat proteins of FMDV subtypes A, Asia 1, C, O, SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3 as well as plasmids and vaccines expressing the sequences. Also provided herein is methods for generating an immune response against one or more FMDV subtypes using the vaccine as described above as well as methods for deciphering between vaccinated mammals with the vaccine and those that are infected with FMDV.

Abstract: Methods of introducing genetic material into cells of an individual and compositions and kits for practicing the same are disclosed. The methods comprise the steps of contacting cells of an individual with a polynucleotide function enhancer and administering to the cells, a nucleic acid molecule that is free of retroviral particles. The nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence that encodes a protein that comprises at least one epitope that is identical or substantially similar to an epitope of a pathogen antigen or an antigen associated with a hyperproliferative or autoimmune disease, a protein otherwise missing from the individual due to a missing, non-functional or partially functioning gene, or a protein that produces a therapeutic effect on an individual. Methods of prophylactically and therapeutically immunizing an individual against HIV am disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and kits for practicing methods of the present invention are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides various reverse genetics systems for producing segmented RNA viruses, wherein the systems do not require bacteria for propagation of all of their expression constructs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the efficient expression of HIV polypeptides in a variety of cell types, including, but not limited to, mammalian, insect, and plant cells. Synthetic expression cassettes encoding the HIV Gag-containing polypeptides are described, as are uses of the expression cassettes in applications including DNA immunization, generation of packaging cell lines, and production of Env-, tat- or Gag-containing proteins. The invention provides methods of producing Virus-Like Particles (VLPs), as well as, uses of the VLPs including, but not limited to, vehicles for the presentation of antigens and stimulation of immune response in subjects to whom the VLPs are administered.

Abstract: An immunogenically-enhanced Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus latency-associated nuclear antigen 1 (“KSHV LANA1”) polypeptide and related methods of eliciting an immune response to KSHV LANA1 are provided. Also described herein is a novel polypeptide capable of inhibiting degradation of a protein or retarding synthesis of a protein when attached to or incorporated within that protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptide compositions for use in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions against hepatitis C virus, as well as corresponding methods.

Abstract: A DNA polynucleotide is described herein having a modified sequence of a target gene, wherein any one type of nucleotide in the target gene sequence has been chemically modified to another type of nucleotide; and a complementary sequence of the unmodified target gene; wherein either one of the modified sequence or the complementary sequence is in a reverse orientation to the other sequence; and wherein the RNA sequence transcribed from the DNA polynucleotide forms a duplex between the modified sequence and the complementary sequence so that a long double stranded RNA (IdsRNA) duplex forms between the modified and complementary sequences with base pair mismatches where the nucleotides have been modified, the IdsRNA duplex being capable of inhibiting expression of the target gene. RNA polynucleotides and IdsRNA duplexes transcribed by the DNA polynucleotide are also described, as is a method for producing the IdsRNA duplexes. These IdsRNA duplexes can be used in gene silencing.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of directing evolution of a target polynucleotide of interest for obtaining variants of this target polynucleotide, as well as a method to generate genetic variability by preparing a cell library. This invention also relates to a method to isolate or to screen variants of a polynucleotide or variants of a protein able to impact the phenotype of a cell or to confer a desired phenotype to target cells, and to identify theses polynucleotide variants or protein variants responsible for this phenotype.

Abstract: Neuroinvasive and neurovirulent strain of the West Nile virus, named IS-98-ST1, nucleic acid molecules derived from its genome, proteins and peptides encoded by said nucleic acid molecules, and uses thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein is a vaccine which is safe and effective against Nipah virus infection and a vector which is used in the manufacture of this vaccine and to provide a bivalent vaccine which exhibits an excellent preventive effect against measles virus and Nipah virus infection and which eliminates complexity at the time of inoculation. Also provided is a recombinant measles virus in which is inserted a gene which encodes a protein involved in preventing Nipah infection into the measles virus genome. The protein involved in preventing Nipah virus infection is preferably G protein or F protein which is a membrane protein. Also provided is a bivalent vaccine against measles and Nipah virus infection which contains the recombinant measles virus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic gag and gagpol genes optimized for high level expression via codon optimization and the uses thereof for the efficient generation of vector particles. The invention further relates to the generation of packaging cells and vaccines based on the synthetic gag and gagpol genes.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to attenuated negative-strand RNA viruses having an impaired ability to antagonize the cellular interferon (IFN) response, and the use of such attenuated viruses in vaccine and pharmaceutical formulations. The invention also relates to the development and use of IFN-deficient systems for selection of such attenuated viruses. In particular, the invention relates to attenuated influenza viruses having modifications to the NS1 gene that diminish or eliminate the ability of the NS1 gene product to antagonize the cellular IFN response. The mutant viruses replicate in vivo but demonstrate reduced pathogenicity, and therefore are well suited for live virus vaccines, and pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: There is provided a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs:1, 2 and 3 or a functional fragment thereof, or comprising an amino acid sequence at least 65% identical to any one of SEQ ID NOs:1, 2 or 3. There is also provided a method of rapidly vaccinating an animal against infection by a pestivirus comprising administering to the animal an effective amount of a polypeptide comprising an E2 epitope polypeptide and/or an NS3 epitope polypeptide; the E2 epitope polypeptide may be SEQ ID NO:1 and the NS3 epitope polypeptide may be SEQ ID NO:2 or 3, or functional fragments thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides new adeno-associated virus (AAV) viruses and vectors, and particles derived therefrom. In addition, the present invention provides methods of delivering a nucleic acid to a cell using the AAV vectors and particles.

Abstract: Compositions and methods including and related to the Ebola Bundibugyo virus (EboBun) are provided. Compositions are provided that are operable as immunogens to elicit and immune response or protection from EboBun challenge in a subject such as a primate. Inventive methods are directed to detection and treatment of EboBun infection.

Abstract: Described herein are modified influenza virus NS gene segments and nucleic acid sequences encoding such modified influenza virus NS gene segments. In certain embodiments, a modified influenza virus NS gene segment described herein comprises an influenza virus NS 1 open reading frame (ORF) lacking a stop codon, a heterologous nucleotide sequence, a 2A autoproteolytic cleavage site or another cleavage site, an NEP ORF, wherein the gene segment has one or more mutations in either the splice acceptor site, splice donor site, or both the splice acceptor and splice donor sites that prevents splicing of mRNA. Also described herein are recombinant influenza viruses comprising a modified influenza virus NS gene segment and the use of such viruses. The recombinant influenza viruses may be use in the prevention and/or treatment of influenza virus disease or as a delivery vector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising hepatitis B virus (HBV) component(s), and which may be either nucleic acid- or polypeptide-based as well as nucleic acid molecules and vectors encoding such HBV component(s). It also relates to infectious viral particles and host cells comprising such nucleic acid molecules or vectors. It also provides composition and kits of parts comprising such nucleic acid molecules, vectors, infectious viral particles or host cells and the therapeutic use thereof for preventing or treating HBV infections.

Abstract: New polymorphisms in the nucleic acid sequences of the DNA polymerase/reverse transcriptase open reading frame and viral surface antigen open reading frame of the hepatitis B virus are reported. In particular, the present invention relates to the mutation YMDD?YSDD in the HBV reverse transcriptase domain and to the W196V mutation in the small HBV viral surface antigen. Said polymorphisms are affecting the detection of drug resistance mutations by genotypic methods and diagnostic kits based thereon. The present invention relates to methods and diagnostic kits for detection of a HBV virus comprising said nucleic acid polymorphisms. In particular, those methods utilizing oligonucleotides capable of hybridizing to said HBV nucleic acid polymorphisms are envisaged.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel canine pol I regulatory nucleic acid sequences useful for the expression of nucleic acid sequences in canine cells such as MDCK cells. The invention further provides expression vectors and cells comprising such nucleic acids as well as methods of using such nucleic acids to make influenza viruses, including infectious influenza viruses.

Abstract: Polypeptides, polynucleotides, methods, compositions, and vaccines comprising influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants are provided.

Abstract: Described herein are chimeric influenza virus gene segments and nucleic acid sequences encoding such chimeric influenza virus gene segments. A chimeric influenza virus gene segment described herein comprises packaging signals found in the non-coding and coding regions of one type of influenza virus gene segment and an open reading frame of a different type of influenza virus gene segment or fragment thereof. Also described herein are recombinant influenza viruses comprising two or more chimeric influenza virus gene segments and the use of such viruses in the prevention and/or treatment of influenza virus disease.

Abstract: A modified peptide derived from matrix protein 2 (hereinafter also referred to as “M2”), one of surface layer proteins of influenza virus, and a method for utilization of the modified peptide are provided. A peptide (hereinafter also referred to as “M2eC peptide”) that is made up by inserting cysteine residue(s) into a peptide (hereinafter also referred to as “M2e”) consisting of 23 amino acid residues of from positions No. 2 to No.

Abstract: The application relates to a pestivirus, designated PMC virus, that is associated with porcine myocarditis syndrome, and the gene and protein sequences derived therefrom. The application further relates to detection methods, vaccine therapeutics, and diagnostic methods using the PMC virus or gene/protein sequences derived therefrom.

Abstract: Provided are a full genome DNA of a human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) strain JHC isolated from Korean patients and open reading frames (ORFS) thereof and, more particularly, UL1, UL119 and RL6.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vectors, methods and systems for polypeptide display and selection. Specifically, the present invention relates to vectors, methods, and systems for multivalent phage display using pIX protein of filamentous phage and helper phage.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to an immunogenic composition (e.g., a vaccine) and, in particular, to a polyvalent immunogenic composition, such as a polyvalent HIV vaccine, and to methods of using same. The invention further relates to methods that use a genetic algorithm to create sets of polyvalent antigens suitable for use, for example, in vaccination strategies.