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 features assays employing a beta-lactamase reporter system, an HCV replicon enhanced cell, and/or a chimeric HCV replicon containing a 3? UTR based on the HCV-1a 3? UTR. These features can be employed alone or together, and are preferably combined together to measure HCV replicon activity and the affect of compounds on such activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunogenic composition. More particularly, the present invention is a composition directed to eliciting an immune response to at least one binding site of Cyclophilin A on the HIV capsid protein. (SEQ ID NOS: 2, 4, and 6) The present invention contemplates three categories of embodiments: protein or protein fragments (SEQ ID NOS: 2, 4, and 6), messenger RNA, or DNA/RNA. DNA/RNA compositions (SEQ ID NOS 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11) may be either naked or recombinant. The present invention further contemplates use with a variety of immune stimulants.

Abstract: There are provided a polynucleotide encoding HCV epitopes, an immunogenic composition including same, and a method of inducing an HCV-specific immune response using same.

Abstract: The present invention relates an efficiently replicating a modified hepatitis virus (HCV) mutant, and a modified HCV further comprising reporter gene, a method of preparing HCV vaccine using the same, and a method of screening anti-HCV material using the same. The present invention is to overcome the defect that the conventional HCV cell culture systems are unable to produce a sufficient amount of virus, thereby causing it difficult to efficiently induce or measure HCV infection. Because the present invention can allow production of HCV in a large amount an efficiently observing HCV infection in a living cell, it can make it possible to achieve many studies that were previously highly challenging, including studies on infection routes, and assembly and release of HCV. In addition, the present invention contributes to studies for searching anti-HCV agents being inhibiting all stages of the HCV life cycle, not being limited to HCV replication.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polynucleotide molecules that comprise a DNA sequence encoding an infectious RNA sequence encoding a genetically-modified North American PRRS virus, wherein the polynucleotide molecule lacks at least one detectable antigenic epitope of North American PRRS virus. The invention also provides vaccines comprising genetically modified North American PRRS virus, RNA molecules, plasmids and viral vectors comprising the isolated polynucleotide molecules. Also provided are isolated polynucleotide molecules further comprising at least one nucleotide sequence that encodes a detectable heterologous antigenic epitope, and vaccines comprising North American PRRS virus, RNA molecules, plasmids and viral vectors comprising such isolated polynucleotide molecules.

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: Compositions comprising osteogenic factors fused with membrane transduction domains of viral proteins are provided. Also provided are methods of expression and use of such compositions. Further, the methods of making such compositions are also provided. The methods involve transfecting the cells with an isolated nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a LIM mineralization protein operably linked to a promoter and optionally a membrane transduction domain of a viral protein. Transfection may be accomplished ex vivo or in vivo by direct injection of virus or naked DNA, or by a nonviral vector such as a plasmid. Methods for treating disc disease associated with trauma or disc degeneration are also described.

Abstract: A Unique Solenopsis invicta virus (SINV 3) has been identified and its genome sequenced. Oligonucleotide primers have been developed using the isolated nucleic acid sequences of the SINV 3. The virus is used as a biocontrol agent for control of fire ants.

Abstract: The present inventors succeeded in producing non-replicating SeV vectors whose genomic RNAs lack all genes for the NP, P, and L proteins, which are RNP-constituting proteins. The present inventors confirmed that the NP/P/L-deficient SeV vectors carrying a marker gene such as GFP provide high productivity, and high transfer and expression efficiencies of foreign genes (high MOI infection is essential for achieving high expression levels). By lacking the L gene or two or more of the NP, P, and L genes, the vectors of the present invention enable lowering the level of virus-derived proteins expressed in host cells, thereby reducing the immunogenicity upon in vivo administration.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include the construction and generation of a multi-use adenoviral vaccine platform applicable to biodefense, and emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. Adenoviral vaccines of the invention will elicit an immune response against pathogenic organisms that cause such infectious diseases. In certain aspects of the invention, the pathogenic organisms include, but are not limited to EEEV and Y. pestis. Further embodiments of the invention include compositions and methods related to such adenoviral vaccines.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for detecting small target RNAs where the target RNA may be single-stranded or double-stranded and may be contained in a mixture of RNAs of different types and sizes. The methods and compositions utilize a p19 fusion protein that is capable of binding double-stranded RNA in a size-specific but sequence-independent manner and is further capable of binding to a matrix such as beads or plastic microwell plates. By labeling the p19 fusion protein or the target RNA in a polynucleotide duplex either directly or indirectly, low levels of target RNA including microRNAs can be detected from cells. This can be applied to diagnosis of pathological conditions.

Abstract: This invention encompasses an env nucleic acid product produced by a process comprising providing a sample containing HIV-1 nucleic acid and amplifying the nucleic acid using primer pairs.

Abstract: Chimeric respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) polypeptide antigens are provided. The disclosed polypeptides include in an N-terminal to C-terminal direction: a first F protein polypeptide domain; a G protein polypeptide domain; and a second F protein polypeptide domain. The disclosure also provides nucleic acids that encode, and pharmaceutical compositions that contain, the chimeric RSV polypeptides, as well as methods for their production and use.

Abstract: The invention relates to inhibitory nucleotide signal sequences or “INS” sequences in the genomes of lentiviruses. In particular the invention relates to the AGG motif present in all viral genomes. The AGG motif may have an inhibitory effect on a virus, for example by reducing the levels of, or maintaining low steady-state levels of, viral RNAs in host cells, and inducing and/or maintaining in viral latency. In one aspect, the invention provides vaccines that contain, or are produced from, viral nucleic acids in which the AGG sequences have been mutated. In another aspect, the invention provides methods and compositions for affecting the function of the AGG motif, and methods for identifying other INS sequences in viral genomes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel antimicrobial protein derived from bacteriophage having killing activity specific to Staphylococcus aureus, more precisely an antimicrobial protein originated from Podoviridae bacteriophage having killing activity specific to Staphylococcus aureus which is the causing agent of infectious disease in human and animals, a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention and treatment of infectious disease caused by Staphylococcus aureus, an antibiotic and a disinfectant containing the bacteriophage-originated antimicrobial protein as an active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a structural protein of a parvovirus with an amino acid insertion at the insertion site I-453, a library comprising the protein, a multimeric structure comprising the protein, a nucleic acid encoding the protein, a vector, virus or cell comprising the nucleic acid, a process for the preparation of the protein, a medicament comprising the protein, nucleic acid or multimeric structure as well as methods and uses involving the protein, nucleic acid or multimeric structure.

Abstract: Silencing of HCV RNA can be achieved by siDNA. These are oligodeoxynucleotides consisting of an antisense strand homologous to the viral RNA and a second strand, partially complementary to the antisense-strand. The two strands are preferentially linked by a linker (eg 4 thymidines). Triple-helix formation is a preferred effect. The siDNA is superior to siRNA because the formation of RNA-DNA hybrids is preferred over double-stranded DNA or double-stranded RNA, which forms as tertiary structures in RNA genomes. Also the induction of interferon is less likely. siDNA is easier to synthesize and it is more stable. It can be combined with siRNA.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods of inducing an immune response for the prevention or treatment of HIV-1 infection by using a nucleic acid vaccine in conjunction with a recombinant viral vaccine, e.g., a poxvirus vaccine, to potentiate and broaden the immune response. The present invention further provides a particularly effective vaccine regimen comprising a DNA vaccine used in combination with a poxvirus virus, especially NYVAC or ALVAC.

Abstract: The invention concerns a nucleic material, in isolated or purified state, and a nucleotide fragment comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting in (i) the sequences SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO:114, SEQ ID NO: 117, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO. 124, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 141 and SEQ ID NO: 142, (ii) the complementary sequences of sequences (i); and (iii) the sequences equivalent to sequences (ii) and (iii), in particular the sequence having for every series of 100 contiguous monomers, at least 50%, preferably 70% homology with sequences (i) and (ii) respectively. The invention also concerns their uses for detecting a retrovirus associated with multiple sclerosis and/or rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure encompasses virus-like particles, methods of making virus-like particles, including expression vectors, wherein the virus-like particles may comprise enhanced levels of capsid-bound a chimeric HN-Env polypeptide compared to VLPs derived from unmodified HIV-env polypeptides. Embodiments of the virus-like particle may have Env-specific epitopes exposed on the outer surface thereof. In one embodiment, the Env-specific epitopes exposed on the outer surface of the virus-like particle may specifically bind with an anti-HIV-Env specific antibody. Embodiments of the disclosure further includes methods of generating an antibody specific to an epitope of an HIV-Env polypeptide, comprising delivering to an animal or a human an effective amount of a suspension of virus-like particles comprising a chimeric HIV-Eny polypeptide, thereby inducing the formation of an antibody specific to an epitope of an HIV-1 eny polypeptide.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions and broad-spectrum vaccines containing newly identified isolates of canine distemper virus (CDV) collected from a geographic area are provided. The newly identified isolates exhibit attributes of both European wildlife lineage CDV and one or both of Arctic and American-2 lineage CDV. Therefore, the vaccines are broadly protective against infection with European wildlife lineage CDV and either Arctic lineage CDV or American-2 lineage CDV, or both Arctic and American-2 lineage CDV.

Abstract: A persistently infective virus vector is produced by using a gene so modified as to encode an amino acid sequence including a valine substituted for an amino acid residue at position-1618 in the amino acid sequence for an L protein of a persistently non-infective Sendai virus. A non-transmissible, persistently infective virus vector is also produced by defecting or deleting at least one of M gene, F gene, and HN gene. These virus vectors have no cytotoxicity, can achieve the sustained gene expression over a long period of time, is safe, and is therefore useful.

Abstract: A variant of a LAV virus, designated LAVMAL and capable of causing AIDS. The cDNA and antigens of the LAVMAL virus can be used for the diagnosis of AIDS and pre-AIDS.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the formation of inter-molecular disulphide bonds, including (poly)peptides/proteins, nucleic acids, vectors, host cells and bacteriophages used in these methods. Furthermore the invention relates to the use of this method for the improved display of (poly)peptides/proteins on the surface of bacteriophage particles.

Abstract: Improved anti-HPV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed. Immunogens disclosed include those having consensus HPV 18 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 genome sequences and the nucleotide sequences coding for the PWD circovirus polypeptides, such as the circovirus structural and non-structural polypeptides, vectors including the sequences, and cells and animals transformed by the vectors are provided. Methods for detecting the nucleic acids or polypeptides, and kits for diagnosing infection by a PWD circovirus, also are provided. Method for selecting compounds capable of modulating the viral infection are further provided. Pharmaceutical, including vaccine, compositions for preventing and/or treating viral infections caused by PWD circovirus and the use of vectors for preventing and/or treating diseases also are provided.

Abstract: A method for identifying a motif or a combination of motifs having a Boolean state of predetermined mutations in a set of sequences including a) aligning a set of sequences of ordered motifs represented by a single-character code, b) comparing a reference sequence with the set of sequences aligned in step (a), c) identifying motifs not having mutated simultaneously or motifs having mutated simultaneously at least once on at least one sequence of the set and not having mutated on another sequence of the set.

Abstract: A novel method for generating vaccine sequences is disclosed herein that preserves contiguous epitope length stretches of amino acids or nucleotides from an input pool of sequences. The method generates continuous, stepwise epitope consensus that together provides for a single globally optimized sequence. The end sequences are designed to maximize overlap between any potential epitope length sequence extract from a natural antigen sequence. The disclosed method, thus, allows one to maximize the number of potential natural epitopes that are mimicked in a resultant vaccine sequence. Various representative HIV vaccine sequences have been generated and are disclosed herein.

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 non-structural proteins.

Abstract: The invention provides viral vectors, such as chimeric flavivirus vectors, including foreign peptides inserted into the target proteins of the vectors, methods of making and using these vectors, and compositions including the vectors.

Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptide fragments of HIV-1, HIV-2, and SIV, antibodies that bind to the polypeptides of the invention, methods of using the antibodies, and kits containing the antibodies. The invention also relates to polynucleotides that encode the polypeptide fragments of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for inhibiting myostatin, a regulator of muscle mass, for muscle enhancement (including inducing hypertrophy and/or hyperplasia) as well as improving muscle function (including decreasing atrophy and/or increasing endurance, force and/or strength). The methods involve delivering genes to cells using gene delivery in order to inhibit myostatin. Examples of genes to be delivered are genes encoding’ proteins such as Follistatin, Follistatin-related gene-1 (FLRG-I), growth differentiation factor associated protein-1 (GASP-I) and myostatin precursor propeptide. The genes are delivered using a recombinant Adeno-associated virus (rAAV) lacking rep and cap DNA capable of infecting the cells. Following introduction, the genes are expressed in the cell body of the infected cell and the encoded proteins are secreted systemically.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hepatitis C virus gene, a replicon RNA derived from the gene, a replicon-replicating cell into which the replicon RNA is introduced, and a method for screening a drug using the replicon-replicating cell.

Abstract: Method for producing adenovirus vectors for gene therapy and auxiliary vectors used therefor. The method is based on the multiplication of gutless adenoviruses that lack adenovirus-coding sequences by cotransfecting them with an auxiliary or helper adenovirus that has an attB sequence of the &phis;C31 bacteriophage inserted between the adenovirus packaging signal and the ITR closest to it and/or utilizing the delay arising at the time of packaging the helper adenovirus with respect to that of the gutless adenovirus owing to the presence of the atttB sequence in order to recover the gutless adenovirus from the culture before the helper adenovirus completes its viral cycle. This gives rise to high gutless adenovirus titres that are essentially free from helper adenovirus, thereby allowing them to be used in gene therapy, minimizing the likelihood of the appearance of a cellular immune response on the part of the treated individual against cells transduced by the adenovirus vector produced.

Abstract: The invention relates to live attenuated VDV2 (VERO-Derived Vaccine Dengue serotype 2) strains which have been derived from the wild-type dengue-2 strain 16681 by passaging on PDK and Vero cells and nucleic acids thereof. The invention further relates to a vaccine composition which comprises a VDV2 strain.

Abstract: A nucleic acid molecule containing nucleotide sequences that encode the capsid protein, pre-membrane protein and non-structural protein of Japanese encephalitis virus, and a nucleotide sequence that encodes the envelop protein of a second flavivirus, wherein the nucleotide sequence(s) that encode(s) the pre-membrane protein and/or non-structural protein of Japanese encephalitis virus contain(s) nucleotide mutations that produce one or more amino acid mutations that attenuate the virus.

Abstract: An isolated recombinant vaccinia virus complement control protein (hrVCP) polypeptide comprises a modified amino acid sequence comprising one or more amino acid substitutions to an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2. The hrVCP polypeptide exhibits a complement activation regulatory activity greater than a complement activation regulatory activity of a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2. The one or more amino acid substitutions are selected from the group consisting of H98Y, E102K, E108K, E120K, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved strains of mammalian negative strand RNA virus, metapneumovirus (MPV), within the sub-family Pneumoviridae, of the family Paramyxoviridae. The invention further relates to methods for propagating mammalian MPV in the absence of trypsin. The methods and compositions of the invention can be used for the preparation of vaccines against, e.g., MPV infections.

Abstract: The present inventors devised a protein expression system with coexisting MiniSeV and SeV particles, and assessed the system for the ability to transfer a gene(s) of interest into target cells, and to express the gene(s) in the target cells. It was shown that the expression system of the present invention had a high ability to transfer a gene(s) of interest into target cells, and a high ability to express the gene(s) in the target cells.

Abstract: Recombinant viruses, isolated nucleic acids and methods of generating same encoding for a Rhabdoviral G stem polypeptide are disclosed. Methods, compounds and compositions for target cell fusion potentiation mediated by Rhabdoviral G stem polypeptides, and applications of same are provided.

Abstract: A single base change in the Bn-FAE1.1 gene in the A genome and a two-base deletion in the Bn-FAE1.2 gene in the C genome produce the nearly zero content of erucic acid observed in canola. A BAC clone anchoring Bn-FAE1.1 from a B. rapa BAC library and a BAC clone anchoring Bn-FAE1.2 from a B. oleracea BAC library were used in this research. After sequencing the gene flanking regions, it was found that the dissimilarity of the flanking sequences of these two FAE1 homologs facilitated the design of genome specific primers that could amplify the corresponding genome in allotetraploid B. napus. The two-base deletion in the C genome gene was detected as a sequence characterized sequence region (SCAR) marker. To increase the throughput, one genome specific primer was labeled with four fluorescence dyes and combined with 20 different primers to produce PCR products with different fragment sizes.

Abstract: The present invention refers to Tat as the active principle for a prophylactic and/or therapeutic vaccine against HIV infection, the progression towards AIDS and the development of tumors and other syndromes and symptoms in subjects infected by HIV. Tat is in biologically active form either as recombinant protein or peptide or as DNA. More particularly, the invention refers to a vaccine based on HIV-1 Tat as immunogen, inoculated as DNA and/or recombinant protein or as peptides, alone or in combination with other genes or viral gene products (Nef, Rev, Gag) or parts thereof, or in combination with various immuno modulant cytokines (IL-12, IL-15) or with the gene coding for an immuno modulant cytokine or part thereof. Tat, Nef, Rev, Gag and the immuno modulant cytokines are administrated both as a mixture of recombinant proteins, peptides or fusion proteins (Tat/Nef, Tat/Rev, Tat/Gag, Tat/IL-12, Tat/IL-15) or as plasmid DNA.

Abstract: Expression cassettes are provided comprising a promoter operably linked to a nucleic acid molecule which, when transcribed in vivo, forms double-stranded RNA that induces the production of interferon. Expression cassettes also are provided comprising a promoter operably linked to a ribozyme or antisense nucleic acid molecule which, when transcribed in vivo, forms a ribozyme or antisense RNA molecule that stimulates an immune response. In addition, expression cassettes are provided comprising a promoter operably linked to a ribozyme or antisense nucleic acid molecule which, when transcribed in vivo, stimulates apoptosis. Finally, gene delivery vectors are provided which contain such expression cassettes, host cells containing the gene delivery vectors, and methods of utilizing the expression cassettes, gene delivery vectors, and host cells.

Abstract: The present inventors developed three 4a/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 4a reference strain ED43. The 4a/2a junction in NS2 was placed after the first transmembrane domain (a), in the cytoplasmic part (?) or at the NS2/NS3 cleavage site (y). Following transfection of Huh7.5 cells with RNA transcripts, infectious viruses were produced in the ED43/JFH1-? and -y cultures only. Compared to the 2a control virus, production of infectious viruses was significantly delayed. However, in subsequent passages efficient spread of infection and high HCV RNA titers were obtained. Infectivity titers were approximately 10-fold lower than for the 2a control virus. Sequence analysis of recovered 4a/2a recombinants from 3 serial passages and subsequent reverse genetic studies revealed a vital dependence on a mutation in the NS2 4a part. ED43/JFH1-? further depended on a second NS2 mutation.

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: 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: 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: Treatment of picornavirus infection by inhibiting miR-141 activity. Also disclosed herein are a method for identify miR-141 inhibitory compounds and a method for identifying a target viral infection to be treated by anti-miR-141 therapy.

Abstract: Fusion proteins of recombinant SARS coronavirus structural proteins, their production and uses are provided. An optimized SARS coronavirus S protein gene which can be highly expressed in the mammalian cell strains and SARS coronavirus S protein variants comprising deletion, modification or mutation amino acids 318-510 corresponding to SARS coronavirus S protein are also provided.