Abstract: The present invention is directed to enhancing the immune response of a human in need of protection against 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. The present invention is further directed to enhancing the immune response of a human in need of protection against IV infection by administering, in vivo, into a tissue of the human, at least one IV protein or a fragment, a variant, or derivative thereof. The IV protein can be, for example, in purified form or can be an inactivated IV, such as those present in inactivated IV vaccines. 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.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the field of phage therapy for the treatment and control of bacterial infections. In particular, the present invention is directed to the novel bacteriophages F1245/05, F168/08, F170/08, F770/05, F197/08, F86/06, F87s/06 and F91a/06, isolated polypeptides thereof, compositions comprising one or more of the novel bacteriophages and/or isolated polypeptides and methods for the treatment and prevention of bacterial infection, either alone or in combination with other antibacterial therapies, e.g., antibiotics or other phage therapies.

Abstract: Improved anti-HPV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed. Immunogens disclosed include those having consensus HPV 6, HPV 11, HPV 33 and HPV58 E6 and E7. Pharmaceutical composition, recombinant vaccines comprising and live attenuated vaccines are disclosed as well methods of inducing an immune response in an individual against HPV are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the intersection of the fields of immunology and protein engineering, and particularly to antigens and vaccines useful in prevention of infection by influenza virus. Provided are recombinant protein antigens, compositions, and methods for the production and use of such antigens and vaccine compositions.

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: The present invention is directed to enhancing the immune response of a human in need of protection against 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. The present invention is further directed to enhancing the immune response of a human in need of protection against IV infection by administering, in vivo, into a tissue of the human, at least one IV protein or a fragment, a variant, or derivative thereof. The IV protein can be, for example, in purified form or can be an inactivated IV, such as those present in inactivated IV vaccines. 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.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods for researching poultry viruses, particularly for researching infectious bronchitis viruses in poultry. Also provided are materials and methods useful for reducing the economic impact that infectious bronchitis disease has on poultry production. In one aspect of the invention, there are provided nucleic acids, amino acids and related materials and compositions useful for combating infectious bronchitis virus in poultry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified HIV-1 envelope proteins where one or more N-glycosylation sites have been deleted or modified, which produce a broadly cross reactive neutralizing response, their methods of use and antibodies which bind to these proteins. The invention also provides for nucleic acids, vectors, antibodies and pharmaceutical compositions that comprise said modified HIV-1 envelope proteins.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to proteins derived from white spot syndrome virus, nucleic acid sequences encoding them, and their use in the manufacture of a vaccine for prophylaxis and/or treatment of white spot syndrome in crustaceans.

Abstract: An isolated selected Picornavirus capable of lytically infecting or killing a cell substantially in the absence of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1).

Abstract: Improved anti-HCV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed. Immunogens disclosed include those having consensus HCV genotype 1 a/1 b NS3 and NS4A. Pharmaceutical composition, recombinant vaccines comprising and live attenuated vaccines are disclosed as well methods of inducing an immune response in an individual against HCV are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are antigens that include a target epitope that is defined by atomic coordinates of those amino acids of the antigen that contact an antibody of interest that specifically binds the antigen. The disclosed antigens have between about 10% and about 90% of surface exposed amino acid residues located exterior of the target epitope substituted as compared to a wild-type antigen and less than about 10% of the non-surface exposed amino acid residues substituted as compared to a wild-type antigen. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding these antigens and methods of producing these antigens. Methods for generating an immune response in a subject are also disclosed. In some embodiments, the method is a method for treating or preventing a human immunodeficiency type 1 (HIV-1) infection in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated infectious polynucleotides, such as infectious clones, having a nucleotide sequence with identity to PRRS viruses such as VR-2332, Lelystad, or others, and optionally further including a deletion in a region of ORF1 that encodes the nsp2 polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modified poxvirus vector that allows for the generation of recombinant poxviruses by a single recombination event. A modified poxvirus vector comprising at least one reporter gene located between two flanking sequences for homologous recombination is disclosed. Furthermore, a host cell comprising said vector and a method for the generation of recombinant poxviruses using said vector are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides HSV antigens that are useful for the prevention and treatment of HSV infection. Disclosed herein are epitopes confirmed to be recognized by T-cells derived from herpetic lesions. T-cells having specificity for antigens of the invention have demonstrated cytotoxic activity against cells loaded with virally-encoded peptide epitopes, and in many cases, against cells infected with HSV, The identification of immunogenic antigens responsible for T-cell specificity provides improved anti-viral therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. Compositions containing antigens or polynucleotides encoding antigens of the invention provide effectively targeted vaccines for prevention and treatment of HSV infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Ljungan virus with improved replication characteristic and the use of this Ljungan virus, amongst other thing, in the production of a vaccine.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid molecule is disclosed, including a nucleotide sequence selected from the nucleotide sequence of (a) Ljungan virus 87-012, (b) Ljungan virus 145SL, (c) Ljungan virus 174F, and (d) a fragment of nucleotide sequences (a)-(c). Also disclosed are polypeptides encoded by the isolated nucleic acid, which are useful in preparing vaccines and antibodies to prevent or inhibit conditions caused by Ljungan virus, including diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel adenovirus strains with an improved sero-prevalence. In one aspect, the present invention relates to isolated polypeptides of adenoviral capsid proteins such as hexon, penton and fiber protein and fragments thereof and polynucleotides encoding the same. Also provided is a vector comprising the isolated polynucleotide according to the invention and adenoviruses comprising the isolated polynucleotides or polypeptides according to the invention and a pharmaceutical composition comprising said vector, adenovirus, polypeptide and/or polynucleotide. The invention also relates to the use of the isolated polynucleotides, the isolated polypeptides, the vector, the adenoviruses and/or the pharmaceutical composition for the therapy or prophylaxis of a disease.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a DNA vaccine for immunization against HIV. The invention comprises a DNA molecule that has a sequence encoding a plurality of viral proteins capable of stimulating an immune response against HIV. The DNA molecule is rendered safe for use as a vaccine by the disruption of genes encoding reverse transcriptase, integrase, and Vif. The DNA molecule is further rendered safe by at least a partial deletion of the 3? LTR.

Abstract: Vectors and methods for the production of influenza viruses suitable as recombinant influenza vaccines in cell culture are provided. Bi-directional expression vectors for use in a multi-plasmid influenza virus expression system 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: Recombinant viral vectors, especially parvovirus vectors such as adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors; capable of enhanced expression of heterologous sequences, and methods for their construction and use, are provided. The vectors have a structure, or are capable of rapidly adopting a structure, which involves intrastrand base pairing of at least one region in a heterologous sequence.

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: Methods and compositions concerning mutant flaviviruses with host-range phenotypes are provided. Nucleotide sequences that encode mutant flavivirus proteins are also provided. In certain aspects, viruses comprising these sequences display reduced replication in mammalian cells. In further aspects of the invention, flavivirus vaccine compositions and methods for vaccination against flavivirus infection are provided.

Abstract: The present inventors used the previously developed H77/JFH1T27OOC,A4O8OT (1a/2a), J4/JFH1T2996C,A4827T,?HVRI (1b/2a), J6/JFH1?HVRI (2a/2a), J8/JFH1?HVRI (2b/2a), S52/JFH1T27i8G,?7i6oc (3a/2a), SA13/JFH1C34O5G,A3696G (5a/2a) and HK6a/JFH1T1389c,A1590G (6a/2a) constructs for the deletion of Hypervariable Region 1 (HVR1) to construct viable, JFH1 (geno-type 2a) based, genomes. The present inventors serially passaged the viruses in cell culture obtaining relatively high HCV RNA titers and infectivity titers. Sequence analysis of the viruses identified mutations adapting H77/JFH1T27OOC,A4O8OT,?HVR1 (1a/2a), J8/JFH1?HVR1 (2b/2a), S52/JFH1T2718G,T716OC,?HVR1 (3a/2a) and J4/JFH1T2996C,A4827T,?HVR1 (1b/2a) to the HVR1 deletion.

Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods for the prevention or treatment of one or more strains of Chikungunya virus, as well as other alphavirus-mediated diseases.

Abstract: The present inventors developed hepatitis C reporter viruses containing Core through NS2 of prototype isolates of all major HCV genotypes and the remaining genes of isolate JFH1, by insertion of reporter genes in domain III of HCV NS5A. The inventors have identified a deletion upstream of the inserted reporter gene sequence, which conferred favourable growth kinetics in Huh7.5 cells to these viruses. These reporter viruses can be used for high throughput analysis of drug and vaccine candidates as well as patient samples. Drugs could be evaluated for their potential to prevent infection or cure infected cells. The neutralizing capacity of antibodies induced by vaccine candidates could be evaluated in order to define successful vaccination strategies. Broadly neutralizing antibodies could be identified testing engineered antibodies and antibodies derived from serum of HCV infected individuals; thus this technique could contribute to the development of immunotherapy.

Abstract: An isolated polynucleotide having a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of (a) SEQ ID NO: 21, (b) the full-length sequences encoding a polypeptide having a peptide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 25 and 26, and (c) the full-length complementary sequences to the sequences set forth in (a) or (b).

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising the sequence of a human cytomegalovirus microRNA. In another embodiment, the invention relates to single stranded DNA virus microRNA molecules comprising the sequence of a human cytomegalovirus microRNA. The invention also relates to the anti-DNA virus microRNA molecules.

Abstract: The present application concerns mutant proteins of the fusion protein (F protein) of the parainfluenza virus (PIV) which are currently indexed as type 5 PIV (PIV-5 or PIV5) and type 2 PIV (PIV-2 or PIV2). The present application concerns products deriving therefrom, such as: nucleic acids, vectors, cells, fusion inhibitors of the antibody, aptamer, interfering RNA type; myelomas, hybridomas; stem and progenitor cells. The present application also concerns mutant proteins and products derived therefrom for use in medical and biotechnological applications.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for the differential detection of high risk forms of HPV from a urine sample provided by a patient. Specifically, the invention provides primers and probes that specifically recognize and bind sequences within the E1 gene of HPV. Detection of high risk forms of HPV identify individuals at risk of developing or in the early stages of cervical carcinoma.

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 present invention is directed to self-folding, soluble, stable RSV G and F polypeptides that contain a neutralizing epitope. Fusion proteins and immunogenic conjugates containing the RSV G and F polypeptides, along with recombinant transgenes and vectors, and host cells suitable for expression of such genetic constructs are also disclosed. Use of the RSV G and F polypeptides, fusion proteins, immunogenic conjugates, or a pharmaceutical composition containing the same, is contemplated for inducing a protective immune response against RSV.

Abstract: This invention features polypeptides, variants thereof, and fragments thereof useful in eliciting an immune response (e.g., neutralizing antibodies) against abroad spectrum of HIV-I isolates. The polypeptides, variants, and fragments include a portion of the gp120 V2 domain of HIV-I. The polypeptides, variants, and fragments display an epitope that is recognized by at least one antibody which neutralizes at least one HIV-I primary isolate. This invention also features nucleic acid sequences encoding those polypeptides. In addition, the invention provides methods of screening for inhibitors of HIV-I entry into cells, as well as methods of treatment using the inhibitors.

Abstract: Provided are novel strains of Xenotropic Murine Leukemia Virus-Related Virus (XMRV), or polynucleotides or polypeptides thereof. Identified herein are nucleic acid changes or amino acid changes identified in XMRV strains isolated from subjects. Also provided are methods of detecting such XMRV strains based at least in part on the identified nucleic acid changes or amino acid changes.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a modified polypeptide comprising three contiguous segments N, L and C represented by the formula N?L?C and comprising: a N-helix region of gp41 (N), a C-helix region of gp41 (C), and a connecting loop comprising a synthetic linker (L) between the N and C-helices, the linker replacing amino acids 593-617 of gp41, the numbering scheme being based upon the prototypic isolate HIV-1 HxB2 Clade B strain, said polypeptide comprising the calveolin-1 neutral izing and 98.6 D epitopes, but not 2F5 and 4E10 epitopes, not the fusion peptide, the polypeptide having a minimal immunogenic cross-reactivity with human interleukin 2 (IL2).

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to isolated influenza virus that is capable of infecting canids and causing respiratory disease in the canid. The subject invention also pertains to compositions and methods for inducing an immune response against an influenza virus of the present invention. The subject invention also pertains to compositions and methods for identifying a virus of the invention and diagnosing infection of an animal with a virus of the invention.

Abstract: The present application concerns mutant proteins of the fusion protein (F protein) of the parainfluenza virus (PIV) which are currently indexed as type 5 PIV (PIV-5 or PIV5) and type 2 PIV (PIV-2 or PIV2). The present application concerns products deriving therefrom, such as: nucleic acids, vectors, cells, fusion inhibitors of the antibody, aptamer, interfering RNA type; myelomas, hybridomas; stem and progenitor cells. The present application also concerns mutant proteins and products derived therefrom for use in medical and biotechnological applications.

Abstract: The invention provides for a composition comprising a genetically engineered bacteriophage capable of guiding cell growth and polarization via signaling peptides and directionally aligned structures. The invention provides for modified bacteriophage and its uses thereof. The present invention also provides for genetically engineered phage capable of guiding cell growth, migration and/or alignment, providing essential biological effects including proliferation and/or differentiation, which can be performed by expressing specific biological motifs, such as the amino acid sequences RGD, IKVAV, DGEA and HPQ, on their coat proteins, on which functional DNA, proteins and cells can be conjugated and/or fixed thereon.

Abstract: Novel peptide compositions are described. In particular, peptide compositions are described which include at least two peptides which are selected from among the following peptides: a peptide A having at least the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO 1, a peptide B having at least the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO 45, a peptide C having at least the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO 127, and a peptide D having at least the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO 174. The compositions can be used, in particular, in the preparation of active pharmaceutical compositions against the hepatitis C virus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunogenic compositions comprising RSV F protein, methods for preparing compositions that contain RSV F protein ecto-domain polypeptides, and to certain engineered RSV F proteins and nucleic acids that encode the engineered RSV F proteins. Compositions prepared using the methods can contain RSV F protein ecto-domain polypeptides in a predominant or single desired form and conformation. The invention also relates to methods for inducing an immune response to RSV F.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolation and identification of two new strains of type 2B porcine circovirus. These two new strains of porcine circovirus may be used for the preparation of vaccine or immunogenic compositions for immunizing pigs against postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). Accordingly, the invention provides methods for eliciting a protective immune response against a pathogenic porcine circovirus by administering to a pig an immunogenically effective amount of a type 2B porcine circovirus vaccine or immunogenic composition comprising at least one of the porcine circoviruses having a nucleic acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 1 or 2, or at least one protein from at least one of the two new type 2B strains of porcine circovirus as described herein. The invention further relates to protection of a pig from any one or more of the symptoms or sequelae associated with PMWS.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating disorders associated with epithelial tissues.

Abstract: This application discloses self-replicating RNA molecules that contain modified nucleotides, compositions that contain the self-replicating RNA molecules, and methods for using the self-replicating RNA molecules, for example, to raise an immune response.

Abstract: Immunostimulatory sequence-specific RNA oligonucleotides corresponding to 3? terminal sequences of single-stranded minus-sense RNA genomic RNAs are provided. Also provided are compositions and methods relating to an immunostimulatory 4-mer RNA motif provided as 5?-C/U-U-G/U-U-3?. Incorporation of this short RNA motif is sufficient to confer new and altered immunostimulatory properties in new and existing oligonucleotides, including CpG oligodeoxynucleotides. Also provided are methods for use of the immunostimulatory RNA oligonucleotides and DNA:RNA chimeric oligonucleotides of the invention to induce an immune response in vitro and in vivo, as well as to treat allergy, asthma, infection, and cancer in a subject. Single-stranded oligoribonucleotides of the invention are believed to signal through a Toll-like receptor (TLR) chosen from TLR9, TLR8, TLR7, and TLR3. The oligoribonucleotides can also be used in a method to screen for TLR antagonists.

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: 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.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are presented for the administration of transposon based vectors to an animal or human to provide gene therapy to the animal or human.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to an immunogen and, in particular, to an immunogen for inducing antibodies that neutralizes a wide spectrum of HIV primary isolates and/or to an immunogen that induces a T cell immune response. The invention also relates to a method of inducing anti-HIV antibodies, and/or to a method of inducing a T cell immune response, using such an immunogen. The invention further relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding the present immunogens.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for the diagnosis or detection of active, latent, or prior infection with human herpesvirus 8 in a subject sample.