Abstract: The present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding viruses; isolated polypeptides comprising amino acid sequences of the virus; vectors comprising the viral nucleic acid sequences; cells comprising the vectors; antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof which have binding specificity for the virus; methods of detecting or screening for the virus (e.g., in an individual); methods of identifying agents that inhibit the virus; methods of inducing an immune response to the virus; methods of treating disease associated with the presence of XMRV in an individual (e.g., cancer such as prostate cancer); methods of detecting asymptomatic cancer (e.g., prostate cancer); methods of identifying an individual at risk for developing cancer (e.g., prostate cancer); and kits for detecting the virus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotides encoding immunogenic HIV polypeptides. Uses of the polynucleotides in applications including immunization, generation of packaging cell lines, and production of HIV polypeptides are also described. Polynucleotides encoding antigenic HIV polypeptides are described, as are uses of these polynucleotides and polypeptide products therefrom, including formulations of immunogenic compositions and uses thereof.

Abstract: Immunogens and compositions are provided that encode a protein comprising an influenza A subtype H1 hemagglutinin glycan-shielded receptor binding domain A (RBD A) region and at least one influenza A subtype H1 hemagglutinin antigenic site wherein the antigenic site is not within the RBD-A region. Also provided are immunogens and compositions that encode an immunogenic protein comprising at least one epitope of the RBD-A region of a pandemic influenza A subtype H1 hemagglutinin antigen. Also provided are such proteins, nucleic acids that encode such proteins, and antibodies against such proteins. Also provided are methods to use such immunogens and compositions to elicit a neutralizing antibody immune response against influenza A subtype H1 virus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to consensus nucleotide and protein sequences for HIV-1 Clade A antigens, and to nucleotide and protein sequences for Clade A antigens from circulating HIV-1 field isolates wherein the antigen sequences are closely related to the these consensus sequences. Advantageously, the present invention relates to HIV-1 Clade A transgenes that are derived from such sequences, and that encode either HIV-1 Clade A Gag, Pol (RT and Int), and Nef (collectively “GRIN”), HIV-1 Clade A Gag, RT, and Nef (collectively “GRN”), or HIV-1 Clade A Env. The invention also relates to vectors containing such transgenes, including adenovirus vectors containing such transgenes. The invention also relates to immunogenic compositions comprising the HIV-1 Clade A antigens, nucleotide sequences, vectors, or transgenes of the invention, and to methods of generating an immune response against HIV in a subject by administering an effective amount of such immunogenic compositions.

Abstract: Described herein are baculovirus vectors, host cells containing the baculovirus vectors, methods of using the baculovirus vectors for cloning genes, and kits containing the baculovirus vectors.

Abstract: The present invention is related to improved modified live PRRS vaccines containing new PRRSV European strains of PRRSV and methods of use and manufacture of such vaccines.

Abstract: An isolated polynucleotide is disclosed which comprises a nucleic acid sequence of a Brucella phage, the nucleic acid sequence being specific to the Brucella phage and comprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 387-393. An exemplary polyncucleotide sequence is one which comprises at least 100 consecutive nucleotides of a nucleic acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 396. Uses of such sequences are further disclosed.

Abstract: A polypeptide comprising the contiguous amino acids 1-198 of SEQ ID NO: 2; a polypeptide, which comprises a contiguous amino acid sequence that is at least about 95% identical to the contiguous amino acids 1-198 of SEQ ID NO: 2, an epitope that is immunoreactive with an antibody that specifically binds to the core protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV), and an epitope that is immunoreactive with an antibody that specifically binds to the NS4 region of HCV; a nucleic acid encoding such a polypeptide; a host cell comprising such a nucleic acid; an immunodiagnostic reagent comprising such a polypeptide; a kit comprising such an immunodiagnostic reagent; and a method of determining the presence, amount, or concentration of anti-HCV antibodies in a test sample.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with the provision of a polynucleotide encoding an AAV capsid polypeptide comprising an inserted peptide and a vector comprising said polynucleotide. Moreover, contemplated is a host cell comprising said polynucleotide or vector, a method for the manufacture of said capsid polypeptide as well as said polypeptide. Further included is an antibody specifically binding to said polypeptide and a medicament comprising said polynucleotide, vector, polypeptide, or antibody. Also contemplated are the use of said polynucleotide, vector, polypeptide, or antibody for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of vascular disease and a method for the identification of a compound binding to said polypeptide.

Abstract: A polynucleotide encoding the amino acid shown in SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO: 5, or encoding an amino acid sequence having not less than 98% identity thereto; preferably a polynucleotide comprising replacement of the amino acid corresponding to glutamic acid at position 1202 of SEQ ID NO:2 (position 177 of SEQ ID NO:5) with glycine, replacement of the amino acid corresponding to glutamic acid at position 1056 (position 31 of SEQ ID NO:5) with valine, and replacement of the amino acid corresponding to alanine at position 2199 (position 1174 of SEQ ID NO:5) with threonine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for structure-based prediction of properties of peptides and peptide analogs in complex with major histocompatibility (MHC) class I and class II molecules. The said properties mainly relate to the three-dimensional structure of an MHC/peptide complex and the binding affinity of a peptide for an MHC receptor. The invention further relates to a computer program and a device therefor. The invention further relates to data produced by a method of the invention. The invention further relates to peptides and peptide analogs predicted to bind to target-MHC molecules. The present invention thus relates to the field of immunology, with possible applications in manufacture of vaccinates, de-immunization of proteins, and manufacture of therapeutic agents, especially immuno-therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Vaccines preparations against canine parvovirus are provided. The vaccines include a novel canine parvovirus-2 isolated from a raccoon, and related nucleic acids and proteins.

Abstract: BIV packaging constructs, BIV packaging cell lines, methods of making BIV packaging cells and methods of making BIV producer cells are described.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses isolated nucleic acids containing transcriptional units which encode a signal sequence of one flavivirus and an immunogenic flavivirus antigen of a second flavivirus. The invention further encompasses a nucleic acid and protein vaccine and the use of the vaccine to immunize a subject against flavivirus infection. The invention also provides antigens encoded by nucleic acids of the invention, antibodies elicited in response to the antigens and use of the antigens and/or antibodies in detecting flavivirus or diagnosing flavivirus infection.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing chimeric influenza virus-like particles (VLPs) within a plant or a portion of a plant is provided. The method involves expression of chimeric influenza HA in a plant or a portion of a plant. The invention is also directed towards a VLP comprising chimeric influenza HA protein and plants lipids. The invention is also directed to a nucleic acid encoding chimeric influenza HA as well as vectors. The VLPs may be used to formulate influenza vaccines, or may be used to enrich existing vaccines.

Abstract: Mutated viral ENV proteins having mutations in the immunosuppressive domain (ISU) of the transmembrane subunit (TM) have decreased immunosuppressive activity with respect to the wild-type ENV protein. Pharmaceutical compositions that include the protein and nucleic acids coding for the protein are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel simian adenovirus 41 and two isolates thereof are described. Various uses of these isolates, including construction of a recombinant vector which comprises simian adenovirus 41 sequences and a heterologous gene under the control of regulatory sequences are provided. A cell line which expresses simian adenovirus 41 gene(s) is also disclosed. Methods of using the vectors and cell lines are provided.

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, 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: The present disclosure provides an attenuated live vaccine strain and the formulations thereof, for preventing pigs from infection of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS). The preparation methods for the vaccines and the formulations are also provided. The attenuated live vaccine strain provided herein offers significant immunological protection to pigs against PRRS. The vaccine formulations of the present disclosure also have advantages in long shelf lives as well as good stability during storage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of modulating development of a cell. The method includes the step of introducing into the cell a nucleic acid with the capacity to modulate development of the cell, the nucleic acid including a target site for binding of a microRNA, wherein the activity and/or concentration of the microRNA in the cell results in a level of activity and/or concentration of the nucleic acid in the cell sufficient to modulate development of the cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to Dengue chimeric viruses which are less prone to accumulate point mutations and genetic variations. In these Dengue chimeric viruses, the NS5 gene, which encodes polymerase, has been replaced by the corresponding NS5 sequence of a Yellow Fever virus.

Abstract: The invention generally features the use of Yaba monkey tumor virus nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides for the treatment or prevention of immunoinflammatory disorders.

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: The present invention relates generally to the detection and identification of caliciviruses and provides methods, compositions and kits useful for this purpose when combined, for example, with molecular mass or base composition analysis.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions and kits for treating and or preventing an HIV infection. For example, HIV envelope-like polypeptides (wild-type HIV polypeptides and mimotopes) may be administered to an individual so as to induce a protective immune response to HIV. Alternatively, antibodies directed to the HIV envelope-like polypeptides may be administered to an individual to treat or prevent an HIV infection and/or one or more symptoms associated with the infection (e.g., AIDS).

Abstract: The present invention provides vectors that contain and express in vivo or in vitro FeLV antigens that elicit an immune response in animal or human against FeLV, compositions comprising said vectors and/or FeLV polypeptides, methods of vaccination against FeLV, and kits for use with such methods and compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the detection and identification of arenaviruses and provides methods, compositions and kits useful for this purpose when combined, for example, with molecular mass or base composition analysis.

Abstract: Immunostimulatory compositions include an isolated nucleic acid molecule that includes one or more nucleotide sequences from 5?- or 3?-terminal regions of positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus genomes and/or or nucleotide sequences from a 5?-terminal regions of negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus genomes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chimaeric coronavirus S protein which is based on an S protein from a coronavirus strain with restricted tissue tropism, but which comprises at least part of the S2 subunit from a coronavirus strain with extended tissue tropism, such that a virus comprising the chimaeric S protein has extended tissue tropism. The present invention also provides a virus comprising such a chimaeric S protein.

Abstract: Provided are peptide vaccines including the signal peptide domain of selected target antigens of intracellular pathogens. The peptide vaccines of the invention contain multiple class II and class I-restricted epitopes and are recognized and presented by the majority of the vaccinated human population. Further provided, in particular, are anti tuberculosis vaccines. Also further provided are compositions including the vaccines as well as their use to treat or prevent infection.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides adeno-associated virus (AAV) virions with altered capsid protein, where the AAV virions exhibit greater infectivity of retinal cells compared to wild-type AAV. The present disclosure further provides methods of delivering a gene product to a retinal cell in an individual, and methods of treating ocular disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) strain. The invention also relates to immunogenic compositions containing the novel PCV2 strain, PCV2 test kits, and applications of the novel PCV2 strain.

Abstract: Provided herein are Cocal vesiculovirus envelope pseudotyped retroviral vectors that exhibit high titers, broad species and cell-type tropism, and improved serum stability. Disclosed Cocal vesiculovirus envelope pseudotyped retroviral vectors may be suitably employed for gene therapy applications and, in particular, for the ex vivo and in vivo delivery of a gene of interest to a wide variety of target cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are recombinant bacteriophage constructs and related heterologous peptide sequences for contraception in animals. The disclosed recombinant phage constructs bind to antibodies against gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and can be administered to an animal to generate an immune response against GnRH, including generating anti-GnRH antibodies. The disclosed recombinant phage may comprise an amino acid sequence of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), epitopic fragments, variants, or functional mimics thereof. Also disclosed are methods for making and selecting such recombinant phage constructs and compositions that comprise such constructs (e.g., compositions for inducing an immune response against GnRH including pharmaceutical or veterinary compositions used as vaccines). Also disclosed are recombinant polynucleotides comprising genomic nucleic acid of the recombinant phage constructs disclosed herein.

Abstract: A recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid comprising a human herpes simplex virus (HSV) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) having a heterologous DNA integrated therein wherein the heterologous DNA encodes a polypeptide comprising a RING-finger domain; a recombinant virus comprising such, a viral vaccine and methods of immunization are provided.

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: Antigenic peptides are provided that can be used to induce global neutralizing antibodies, or antibodies reactive against a wide range of influenza A virus strains. The antigenic peptide can correspond to SEQ ID NO: 34 (EKEVLVLWG), SEQ ID NO: 2 (KFDKLYIWG), SEQ ID NO: 71(QEDLLVLWG), SEQ ID NO: 51 (EGRINYYWTLLEP), SEQ ID NO: 3 (PSRISIYWTIVKP), and/or SEQ ID NO: 82 (SGRMEFFWTILKP).

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of influenza vaccine production. Influenza vaccines have been produced in embryonated hens' eggs for over 50 years, but recently there have been considerable efforts to develop cell culture systems for vaccine production. In one embodiment, the invention provides a nucleic acid comprising an influenza gene segment and a bacteriophage polymerase promoter or a complementary strand of said nucleic acid, and a cell comprising such a nucleic acid capable of producing desired influenza virus. In another embodiment, the invention provides a composition comprising a cell or material derived from a cell according to the invention and a virus or material derived from a viral particle according to the invention.

Abstract: Described are vaccines comprising recombinant vectors, such as recombinant adenoviruses. The vectors comprise heterologous nucleic acids encoding at least two antigens from one or more tuberculosis-causing bacilli. Also described is the use of specific protease recognition sites linking antigens through which the encoded antigens are separated upon cleavage. After cleavage, the antigens contribute to the immune response in a separate manner. The recombinant vectors may comprise a nucleic acid encoding the protease cleaving the linkers and separating the antigens. Also described is the use of genetic adjuvants encoded by the recombinant vectors, wherein such genetic adjuvants may also be cleaved through the presence of the cleavable linkers and the specific protease.

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: The invention is directed to novel live attenuated influenza virus (LAIV) vaccines comprising one or more microRNA (miRNA) Response Element(s) (MRE) within an influenza virus genome. The MREs useful for the present invention can be derived from any miRNA which is highly expressed in influenza-targeted cells of an animal in need of vaccination but are not expressed or are expressed at very low levels in species (e.g., embryonated chicken eggs) or cell lines used for a large-scale vaccine production. This allows efficient vaccine production but renders the vaccine virus susceptible to attenuation in the influenza-targeted cells of vaccinated animals expressing a cognate miRNA.

Abstract: The present invention features nucleic acid containing one or more adaptive mutations, and HCV replicon enhanced cells. Adaptive mutations are mutations that enhance HCV replicon activity. HCV replicon enhanced cells are cells having an increased ability to maintain an HCV replicon.

Abstract: Provided herein are sequences of the genomes and encoded proteins of a new human parvovirus, Bocavirus-2, and variants thereof. Also provided are methods of detecting the Bocavirus-2 and diagnosing Bocavirus-2 infection, methods of treating or preventing Bocavirus-2 infection, and methods for identifying anti-Bocavirus-2 compounds.

Abstract: A polynucleotide base sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 22, a vector containing the polynucleotide and a method of preparing a small round structure virus (SRSV) virus-like particle in insect cells with vector.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions that elicit immune responses against Norovirus and Sapovirus antigens are described. In particular, the invention relates to polynucleotides encoding one or more capsid proteins or other immunogenic viral polypeptides from one or more strains of Norovirus and/or Sapovirus, coexpression of such immunogenic viral polypeptides with adjuvants, and methods of using the polynucleotides in applications including immunization and production of immunogenic viral polypeptides and viral-like particles (VLPs). Methods for producing Norovirus- or Sapovirus-derived multiple epitope fusion antigens or polyproteins and immunogenic compositions comprising one or more immunogenic polypeptides, polynucleotides, VLPs, and/or adjuvants are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acids encoding the novel parvoviral protein “assembly activating protein” (AAP), the encoded polypeptides, methods of producing the polypeptides, antibodies specific for AAP, the use of the nucleic acids for the preparation of the polypeptides, the use of the nucleic acids or the polypeptides for the preparation of the parvoviral particle and methods of producing parvoviral particles essentially consisting of VP3 by providing in addition to the coding sequence of the parvoviral structural protein VP3 a sequence fragment Z/a nucleic acid encoding AAP in the cell and expressing VP3 and fragment Z under control of a rep-independent promoter. Furthermore, the present invention relates to parvoviral particles essentially consisting of VP3 and/or obtainable by the above method as well as expression cassettes comprising (i) a heterologous promoter and (ii) VP3 coding sequence and/or fragment Z.

Abstract: The invention provides oligonucleotide(s) derived from the gene sequence encoding the gag region of HIV-I for simple, specific and/or sensitive test(s) for the presence of HIV-I. In particular, the present invention provides oligonucleotide(s) for test(s) for HIV-I. Kit(s) comprising the oligonucleotide(s) for use as probe(s) and/or primer(s) useful in the test(s) are also provided.

Abstract: The invention in some aspects relates to recombinant adeno-associated viruses having distinct tissue targeting capabilities. In some aspects, the invention relates to gene transfer methods using the recombinant adeno-associate viruses. In some aspects, the invention relates to isolated AAV capsid proteins and isolated nucleic acids encoding the same.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for enhancing the immune response of a human in need of protection against influenza virus (IV) infection by administering in vivo, into a tissue of the human, at least one polynucleotide comprising one or more regions of nucleic acid encoding an IV protein or a fragment, a variant, or a derivative thereof, or a protein encoded thereby. The polynucleotide is incorporated into the cells of the human in vivo, and an immunologically effective amount of an immunogenic epitope of an IV, or a fragment, variant, or derivative thereof is produced in vivo. The IV protein (in purified form or in the form of an inactivated IV vaccine) is also administered in an immunologically effective amount.

Abstract: Replication-defective vaccine vectors against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are disclosed. Corresponding compositions and methods employing the vaccine vectors are also disclosed.