Abstract: The invention provides isolated polynucleotide molecules, including plasmids; viral vectors; and transfected host cells that comprise a DNA sequence encoding an infectious RNA sequence encoding a North American PRRS virus; and also North American PRRS viruses encoded thereby. The invention further provides isolated infectious RNA molecules encoding a North American PRRS virus. The invention also provides isolated polynucleotide molecules, infectious RNA molecules, viral vectors, and transfected host cells encoding genetically-modified North American PRRS viruses; and genetically-modified North American PRRS viruses encoded thereby. The invention also provides vaccines comprising such plasmids, RNA molecules, viral vectors, and North American PRRS viruses, and methods of using these vaccines in swine and in other animals. Also provided are isolated polynucleotide molecules, viral vectors, and transfected host cells that comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a peptide of a North American PRRS virus.

Abstract: The subject application provides various compositions of matter directed to West Nile virus (WNV) polypeptides and fragments thereof and polynucleotides, vectors and transformed host cells that encode, direct the expression of, or produce WNV polypeptides as set forth herein. Methods of using the polypeptides and polynucleotides for the production of immune responses in individuals or detecting the presence of WNV specific or neutralizing antibodies are also provided herein.

Abstract: The disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to sequences of a novel mutant or variant of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and methods for detecting this genome and protein variant, and antibodies directed against it, from patients' samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel chimeric nucleic acid molecule of porcine circovirus (PCV2Gen-1Rep) that embraces a nucleic acid molecule encoding porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) which contains a nucleic acid sequence encoding a Rep protein of porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1), particularly wherein the nucleic acid sequence encoding the Rep protein of PCV1 GO is an open reading frame (ORF) gene and, more particularly, wherein the ORF Rep gene is ORF1. A highly desirable chimeric nucleic acid molecule is constructed by replacing the ORF1 Rep gene of PCV2 by the ORF1 Rep gene of PCV1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a genetically modified PRRS virus which has been modified such that the conserved cysteine in the E protein has been deleted or changed to a non-cysteine residue and polynucleotides that encode it. Vaccines comprising the genetically modified virus and polynucleotides are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for assessing HPV infection. Gene expression levels are used to assess the progression of HPV infection from benign to malignant growth. Also provided are kits for carrying out the methods of this invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a synthetic plant-optimized nucleic acid molecule having a Norwalk virus capsid protein coding nucleotide sequence, and nucleic acid constructs, host cells, expression systems, and plants having the plant-optimized Norwalk virus nucleic acid molecule. The present invention also relates to a method of producing Norwalk virus capsid protein virus-like particles in a transgenic plant or transgenic plant seed transformed with a plant-optimized nucleic acid molecule encoding Norwalk virus capsid protein. The plant or a component thereof can be administered to a subject under conditions effective to immunize the subject against disease resulting from infection by a Norovirus, including Norwalk virus. An oral vaccine for immunization of a subject against Norwalk virus infection is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel mycovirus that suppresses phytopathogenic fungi and a novel method for controlling plant diseases. A novel mycovirus that is present endogenously in a predetermined rice blast fungus, has four types of double-stranded RNAs of 2.8 to 3.6 kb, and suppresses a phytopathogenic fungus has been found. This virus suppresses phytopathogenic fungi such as rice blast fungus.

Abstract: The goal of the invention is to increase the therapeutical activity of oncolytic NDV. This issue is solved by a Newcastle Disease Virus comprising a recombinant nucleic acid, wherein the nucleic acid codes for a binding protein that has a therapeutic activity when expressed by the virus-infected tumor cell. Binding proteins belong to the following group: A natural ligand or a genetically modified ligand, a recombinant soluble domain of a natural receptor or a modified version of it, a peptide-ligand, an antibody molecule and derivatives thereof or antibody-like molecules like ankyrin repeat molecules or derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Human endogenous retroviruses of the HML-2 family show up-regulated expression in prostate tumors. This finding can be used in prostate cancer screening, diagnosis and therapy.

Abstract: The present inventors developed 5a/2a intergenotypic recombinants in which the JFH1 structural genes (Core, E1 and E2), p7 and all of or part of NS2 were replaced by the corresponding genes of the genotype 5a reference strain SA13. Compared to the J6/JFH control virus, after transfection of in vitro transcripts in Huh7.5 cells, production of infectious viruses was delayed. However, in subsequent viral passages efficient spread of infection and HCV RNA titers as high as for J6/JFH were obtained. Infectivity titers were at all time points analyzed comparable to J6/JFH control virus. Sequence analysis of recovered 5a/2a recombinants from 2 serial passages and subsequent reverse genetic studies revealed adaptive mutations in p7, NS2 and/or NS3. Infectivity of the 5a/2a viruses was CD81 and SR-BI dependant, and the recombinant viruses could be neutralized by chronic phase sera from patients infected with genotype 5a.

Abstract: The document provides nucleic acids, polypeptides, and viruses containing nucleic acids and/or polypeptides. The document also provides methods for using viruses to treat cancer patients. Specifically, the document provides nucleic acid molecules encoding viral hemagglutinin (H) polypeptides, viral H polypeptides, and viruses containing nucleic acids and/or H polypeptides. Such viruses are useful for vaccinations and for treating cancer patients as the viruses are not shed.

Abstract: Foot and mouth disease (FMD) viruses which are able to grow on BHK-21 cells in suspension are described herein. The new viruses are recombinant chimeric viruses formed by replacing the outer capsid coding region of a first FMDV strain, which has previously been shown to be an effective vaccine strain, with the outer capsid coding region of a second FMDV strain. The outer capsid coding region of the second FMDV strain is also modified to introduce a heparan sulphate proteoglycan (HSPG) binding site. The chimeric viruses are then used as seed viruses in the production of inactivated vaccine antigens which have been tailored for specific outbreak situations or locality. The invention also relates to the product of expression of the chimeric FMD viruses and to uses therefor, such as to form antigenic, immunological or vaccine compositions for prevention of FMD.

Abstract: The invention provides chimeric flavivirus vectors including foreign peptides inserted into the envelope proteins of the vectors and methods of using these vectors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant replicable viral vectors and viruses which are modified with IL23. This IL23 modified virus is highly immunogenic and attenuated for neurotropic pathology found in the wild type viruses. These viruses and vectors can be used for treatment of a variety of cancers and for vaccination against many viral, bacterial, or parasitic diseases.

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 a system for the heterologous expression of a viral protein or a fragment thereof, said system comprising a) a ciliate host cell, b) at least one cDNA encoding for a viral protein, or a fragment thereof, and c) a promoter operably linked to said cDNA

Abstract: The invention is related to a nucleic acid comprising an adenoviral nucleic acid, which also comprises a nucleic acid sequence coding for YB-1.

Abstract: The invention provides self replicating infectious recombinant paramyxoviruses where the P and C genes are separated rated. The recombinant paramyxoviruses preferably have one or more attenuating mutations and/or at least one temperature sensitive mutation and one non-temperature sensitive mutation. In some embodiments, the recombinant paramyxovirus has a separate variant polynucleotide encoding a C protein and a separate monocistronic polynucleotide encoding a P protein. Also provided are compositions and methods for using the recombinant paramyxoviruses as described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are are polynucleotides which may be used to calibrate or standardize quantitative nucleic acid assays. As disclosed, the polynucleotides comprise a sequence derived from a plant viroid polynucleotide or a bacterial or chloroplast Type II intron polynucleotide. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the polynucleotides.

Abstract: A nucleic acid sequence encoding a fragment of the adenovirus fiber capsid protein, a DNA construct including a replicable expression vector and at least one heterologous nucleic acid, and recombinant protein including fragment of the adenovirus fiber cpasid protein. The fragment comprises the C-terminal knob and part of the shaft domain of the fiber protein of these adenoviruses. The use of recombinant proteins as an active ingredient in vaccinating compositions for conferring to an animal immunity against a pathogenic infection by an adenovirus, and methods for vaccinating a domestic bird against a pathogenic adenoviral infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modified paramyxovirus containing a reduced amount of receptor-binding protein compared with the wild type; a method of preparing a modified paramyxovirus, comprising the following steps: (1) a step for introducing a nucleic acid that suppresses the expression of a receptor-binding protein of a paramyxovirus into an animal cell, (2) a step for infecting the paramyxovirus to the cell, and (3) a step for isolating paramyxovirus particles replicated in the cell; and a modified paramyxovirus prepared by the method of preparation mentioned above.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a new synthetic, codon-optimized Puumala virus (PUUV) full-length M gene open reading frame (ORF) that encodes a unique consensus amino acid sequence. The PUUV ORF was cloned into a plasmid to form the first stable PUUV full-length M gene that elicits neutralizing antibodies. The gene can be engineered into a molecular vaccine system, and is useful to protect mammals against infection with Puumala virus.

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: The present invention provides an influenza B virus M gene with a modification of at least one nucleotide proximate to the N-terminus of the M gene, more specifically at any one of nucleotide positions 265 to 294 of the M gene as well as an influenza B virus comprising said modified M gene. Further, its use for the preparation of a vaccine and methods for preparing said modified influenza virus are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mutant virus of the family flaviviridae, comprising a deletion in the capsid protein of at least 20 successive amino acids, without any further deletion, substitution or insertion mutation except of the amino acids next to the deletion, which may be substituted.

Abstract: The present application discloses and claims polynucleic acids relating to and/or containing HCV polynucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and, in particular, to HIV-I envelope (Env) immunogens.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a recombinant human parainfluenza virus expressing the enhanced green fluorescent protein. Methods of making and methods of using a recombinant human parainfluenza virus expressing the enhanced green fluorescent protein are also disclosed. A recombinant human parainfluenza virus expressing the enhanced green fluorescent protein was rescued and evaluated for its use in antiviral assays. Without limiting the invention, in one example, there is provided a cDNA clone of SEQ ID NO: 1.

Abstract: An antigen-presenting system (APS) comprising one or more enterobacterial antigens in combination with a papaya mosaic virus (PapMV) or a virus like particle (VLP) derived from papaya mosaic virus is provided. The PapMV or VLP included in the APS is capable of potentiating an immune response against said one or more enterobacterial antigens. The APS can be used, for example, as a vaccine against enterobacterial disease, such as typhoid fever. The one or more antigens comprised by the APS can be conjugated to a coat protein of the PapMV or PapMV VLP, or they may be non-conjugated (i.e. separate from the PapMV or PapMV VLP), or the APS can comprise both conjugated and non-conjugated antigens. Conjugation can be, for example, by genetic fusion with the coat protein, or binding via covalent, non-covalent or affinity means.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein concern attenuated, St. Louis Encephalitis Virus/dengue virus type 4 antigenic chimeric viruses, which can be used to prepare immunogenic compositions, vaccines, and diagnostic reagents. Methods of making and using the foregoing are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides cell lines for the production of E1-deleted adenovirus (rAd) vectors that complement E1A and E1B functions. The present invention also provides cell lines for the production of E1- and E2-deleted adenovirus vectors that complement E1A, E1B and E2B polymerase functions. The invention provides particular cell lines that complement E1A function by insertion of an E1A sequence containing mutations in the 243R and 289R proteins and an E1B sequence comprising the E1B-55K gene. Production yields in the resulting producer cell lines, designated SL0003 and SL0006, were similar to those obtained from 293 cells without generation of detectable recombinant replication competent adenovirus (“RCA”).

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated RNA molecule comprising: a) an alphavirus 5? replication recognition sequence, wherein at least one initiation codon has been removed from the 5? replication recognition sequence; b) a nucleotide sequence encoding an alphavirus structural protein; and c) an alphavirus 3? replication recognition sequence, with the proviso that the RNA molecule does not contain a promoter that directs transcription of the nucleotide sequence of (b), and wherein the alphavirus 5? and 3? replication recognition sequences of (a) and (c) direct replication of the RNA molecule in the presence of alphavirus nonstructural proteins.

Abstract: A recombinant double stranded RNA (dsRNA) nucleocapsid useful for the expression of dsRNA expression cassettes encoding passenger genes, such as, but not restricted to, vaccine antigens, bioactive proteins, immunoregulatory proteins, antisense RNAs, and catalytic RNAs, replicates in bacterial hosts and includes a P8 protein shell and three dsRNA segments where one of the segments includes a cap independent translation enhancer (CITE) operationally linked to a passenger gene.

Abstract: The invention relates to a truncated form of the HIV-1 p17 protein, designated as AT96, which consists of the residues from 1 to 96 of the full-length p17 protein, as well as the corresponding nucleic acid sequences. The truncated AT96 protein has the same immunological features as the full-length p17 protein but at the same time is devoid of the typical detrimental biological activities of the HIV-1 p17 protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides adeno-associated virus (AAV) materials and methods which are useful for DNA delivery to cells. More particularly, the invention provides recombinant AAV (rAAV) genomes, methods for packaging rAAV genomes, stable host cell lines producing rAAV and methods for delivering genes of interest to cells utilizing the rAAV. Particularly disclosed are rAAV useful in generating immunity to human immunodeficiency virus-1 and in therapeutic gene delivery for treatment of neurological disorders.

Abstract: The described binary vector with containing the expression cassette of the S-HBsAg protein under the control of the constitutive 35S promoter as well as the method of transforming lettuce using a strain of Agrobacterium tumefaciens containing the vector, facilitate the production of plant material for the manufacture of an oral HepB vaccine.

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: Disclosed are compositions comprising a recombinant nucleic acid vector including a nucleotide sequence encoding a syncytium-inducing polypeptide expressible on a eukaryotic cell surface, and a host cell containing the recombinant vector and expressing the syncytium inducing polypeptide on its cell surface, the vectors and resultant host cells expressing the syncytium inducing polypeptide being useful for selective elimination of unwanted cells.

Abstract: A novel immunogenic HIV-1 Env, particularly gp120, DNA construct is disclosed in which either the V1/V2 loop and the V4 loop, or all three variable loops, including V3, are replaced with a V3 sequence each of which is from a different viral isolate. Preferably, each replacement V3 loop is a consensus sequence of V3 of a different clade. Such constructs are useful as immunogens as each presents three independent V3 epitopes, so that the immunized subject generates a more broadly reactive neutralizing antibody response than with conventional gp120 or V3 DNA or polypeptide immunogens. Also disclosed are methods of using the DNA construct to immunize a mammal, preferably a human, particularly in a priming regiment in which the DNA immunogen is followed by administration of a V3 fusion protein boosting immunogen.

Abstract: Polypeptides comprising non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) amino acid sequences. Over 2500 specific NTHi proteins are disclosed. The invention also provides related polypeptides, nucleic acids, antibodies and methods. These can all be used in medicine for treating or preventing disease and/or infection caused by H. influenzae, such as otitis media.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and, in particular, to methods of effecting local and systemic immunization against HIV while protecting cells (e.g., mucosal dendritic and epithelial cells) from viral challenge. The invention further relates to compounds (e.g., nucleic acids encoding polypeptides that can elicit an immune response and/or protect cells against viral challenge) and compositions suitable for use in such methods.

Abstract: Chimeric human-bovine respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are infectious and attenuated in humans and other mammals and useful in vaccine formulations for eliciting an anti-RSV immune response. Also provided are isolated polynucleotide molecules and vectors incorporating a chimeric RSV genome or antigenome which includes a partial or complete human or bovine RSV “background” genome or antigenome combined or integrated with one or more heterologous gene(s) or genome segment(s) of a different RSV strain. In preferred aspects of the invention, chimeric RSV incorporate a partial or complete bovine RSV background genome or antigenome combined with one or more heterologous gene(s) or genome segment(s) from a human RSV. A variety of additional mutations and nucleotide modifications are provided within the human-bovine chimeric RSV of the invention to yield desired phenotypic and structural effects.

Abstract: The present invention provides cell fusogenic vectors having replicative ability, whose protease-dependent tropism has been modified. M gene-deficient viral vectors encoding modified F proteins, in which the cleavage site of the F protein of paramyxovirus is modified to be cleaved by different proteases, were produced. In cells transfected with these vectors, the genomic RNA present in the vectors is replicated, and cell fusogenic infection spreads to neighboring cells depending on the presence of other proteases; however, no viral particles are released. The vectors of this invention, encoding the F proteins which are cleaved by proteases whose activity is enhanced in cancer, show cancer growth suppressive effect in vivo.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for preventing or treating human rhinovirus infection.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for identifying a parvovirus mutated structural protein capable of specifically binding to a binder for an antigen, a parvovirus mutated structural protein which comprises at least one B-cell epitope heterologous to the parvovirus, a multimeric structure comprising the protein, a nucleic acid encoding the protein, a virus or cell comprising the protein, a method of preparing the protein, a medicament comprising the protein, nucleic acid or multimeric structure and its use.

Abstract: NS4B is one of the non-structural proteins of classical swine fever virus. By using functional genetics, we have discovered, in the predicted amino acid sequence of NS4B of CSFV strain Brescia, a motif that resembles those found in the toll-like receptor (TLR) proteins, a group of host cell proteins involved in the development of anti-viral mechanisms. We have located the TLR motif in two groups of amino acid triplets at amino acid positions 2531-3 (residues IYK) and 2566-8 (residues VGI) of the CSFV NS4B glycoprotein. We have constructed a recombinant CSFV (derived from an infectious clone containing the genetic information of the highly virulent strain Brescia) containing amino acid substitutions in the three amino acid residues at positions 2566, 2567 and 2568, where the VGI triplet has been replaced by an AAA triplet inside the NS4B glycoprotein. The obtained virus, named NS4B-VGIv, was completely attenuated in swine, showing a limited ability in spreading during the infection in vivo.

Abstract: This disclosure provides recombinant respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antigens and methods for making and using them, including immunogenic compositions (e.g., vaccines) for the treatment and/or prevention of RSV infection.

Abstract: The invention provides truncated HCV NS5 polypeptides and fusion proteins comprising the truncated NS5 polypeptides, fused to at least one other HCV epitope derived from another region of the HCV polyprotein. The fusions can be used in methods of stimulating an immune response to HCV, for example a cellular immune response to HCV, such as activating hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific T cells, including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. The method can be used in model systems to develop HCV-specific immunogenic compositions, as well as to immunize a mammal against HCV.

Abstract: The invention relates to a truncated L1 protein of the Human Papillomavirus Type 11, a virus-like particle consisting of the protein, a vaccine comprising said virus-like particle, and the use of the vaccine in the prevention of condyloma acuminatum or HPV infections.