Abstract: The invention relates to the field of virology. The invention provides an isolated plant virus named Tomato Marchitez virus (ToMarV), and components thereof. The invention further relates to methods of producing a ToMarV-resistant plant comprising the steps of identifying a ToMarV-resistant donor plant, crossing said ToMarV-resistant donor plant with a recipient plant, and selecting from an offspring plant a resistant plant.

Abstract: A process for detecting human rhinovirus nucleic acid in a biological sample, includes producing an amplification product by amplifying an human bocavirus nucleotide sequence using a forward primer of SEQ ID NO: 1, and a reverse primer of SEQ ID NO: 2, and measuring said amplification product to detect human rhinovirus in said biological sample. Also provided are reagents and methods for detecting and distinguishing human rhinovirus from other viruses. A kit is provided for detecting and quantifying human rhinovirus in a biological sample.

Abstract: The present application relates to recombinant adenoviruses, more in particular those that encounter low levels of pre-existing neutralizing activity in hosts that are in need of treatment or vaccination. Particularly, the invention relates to recombinant vectors derived from two subgroup D adenoviruses: Ad26 and Ad48.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated mammalian negative strand RNA virus, metapneumovirus (MPV), within the sub-family Pneumoviridae, of the family Paramyxoviridae. The invention also provides isolated mammalian negative strand RNA viruses identifiable as phylogenetically corresponding or relating to the genus Metapneumovirus and components thereof. In particular the invention provides a mammalian MPV, subgroups and variants thereof. The invention relates to genomic nucleotide sequences of different isolates of mammalian metapneumoviruses, in particular human metapneumoviruses. The invention relates to the use of the sequence information of different isolates of mammalian metapneumoviruses for diagnostic and therapeutic methods. The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences encoding the genome of a metapneumovirus or a portion thereof, including both mammalian and avian metapneumovirus. The invention further encompasses chimeric or recombinant viruses encoded by said nucleotide sequences.

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 present invention relates to chimeric pestiviruses having utility as immunogenic compositions and vaccines. Also described herein are methods and kits for treating or preventing the spread of bovine viral diarrhea virus infection, as well as methods and kits for differentiating between vaccinated and wild-type infected animals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a genetically modified PRRS virus, methods to make it and related polypeptides, polynucleotides and various components. Vaccines comprising the genetically modified virus and polynucleotides are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides the use of nucleic acid sequences and/or amino acid sequences in the preparation of a vaccine for the protection of fish against infectious salmon anaemia virus. Specifically, such vaccines contain at least one nucleic acid sequence which is derived from ISAV or synthetically prepared analogues thereof, or substantially homologous sequences. These nucleic acid sequences are transcripted and translated into peptide sequences which are incorporated into a vaccination strategy to induce and immune response to the surface antigens of ISAV and therefore ISAV itself. Therefore both the use of a vaccine against ISAV, and the incorporation of peptide sequences is herein described.

Abstract: The invention relates to live attenuated VDV1 (VERO-Derived Dengue serotype 1 virus) strains which have been derived from the wild-type dengue-1 strain 16007 by passaging on PDK and sanitization on Vero cells and nucleic acids thereof. The invention further relates to a vaccine composition which comprises a VDV1 strain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polynucleic acid composition comprising or consisting of at least one polynucleic acid containing 8 or more contiguous nucleotides corresponding to a nucleotide sequence from the region spanning positions 417 to 957 of the Core/E1 region of HCV type 3; and/or the region spanning positions 4664 to 4730 of the NS3 region of HCV type 3; and/or the region spanning positions 4892 to 5292 of the NS3/4 region of HCV type 3; and/or the region spanning positions 8023 to 8235 of the NS5 region of the BR36 subgroup of HCV type 3a; and/or the coding region of HCV type 4a starting at nucleotide 379 in the core region; and/or the coding region of HCV type 4; and/or the coding region of HCV type 5, with said nucleotide numbering being with respect to the numbering of HCV nucleic acids as shown in Table 1, and with said polynucleic acids containing at least one nucleotide difference with known HCV type 1, and/or HCV type 2 genomes in the above-indicated regions, or the complement thereof.

Abstract: The present invention features Ad6 vectors and a nucleic acid encoding a Met-NS3-NS4A-NS4B-NS5A-NS5B polypeptide containing an inactive NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase region. The nucleic acid is particularly useful as a component of an adenovector or DNA plasmid vaccine providing a broad range of antigens for generating an HCV specific cell mediated immune (CMI) response against HCV.

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

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

Abstract: A process of the production of a product of interest in an F1 seed obtained by a hybridization of a first and a second transgenic parental plant, said hybridization generating a genetic endowment in said F1 seed for said production by combining in said F1 seed first and second partial genetic endowments of said first and second transgenic parental plants, followed by isolating said product of interest from said F1 seed or a seedling thereof.

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 covalent binding site of myristate (SEQ ID NOS: 1-3) on the HIV matrix protein. The present invention contemplates three categories of embodiments: protein or protein fragments (SEQ ID NO: 1), messenger RNA, or DNA/RNA (SEQ ID NOS:2-3). DNA/RNA compositions may be either naked or recombinant. The present invention further contemplates use with a variety of immune stimulants.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adeno-associated virus 4 (AAV4) virus and vectors and particles derived therefrom. In addition, the present invention provides methods of delivering a nucleic acid to a cell using the AAV4 vectors and particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides vectors that contain and express in vivo the genes encoding VP2 and VP5 of African Horse Sickness Virus or an epitope thereof that elicits an immune response in a horse against African horse sickness virus, compositions comprising said vectors, methods of vaccination against African horse sickness virus, and kits for use with such methods and compositions.

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: An antigen-presenting system (APS) comprising one or more antigens in combination with a papaya mosaic virus (PapMV) or a virus like particle (VLP) derived from papaya mosaic virus is provided. Specifically an APS comprising one or more influenza virus antigens is provided. The APS can be used, for example, as a vaccine against influenza. 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). Conjugation can be, for example, by genetic fusion with the coat protein, or binding via covalent, non-covalent or affinity means.

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

Abstract: E2 is one of the three envelope glycoproteins of Classical Swine Fever Virus (CSFV). E2 is involved in several functions including virus attachment and entry to target cells, production of antibodies, induction of protective immune response in swine, and virulence. Seven putative glycosylation sites in E2 were modified by site directed mutagenesis of a CSFV Brescia infectious clone (BICv). A panel of virus mutants was obtained and used to investigate whether the removal of putative glycosylation sites in the E2 glycoprotein would affect viral virulence/pathogenesis in swine. We observed that rescue of viable virus was completely impaired by removal of all putative glycosylation sites in E2, but restored when mutation N185A reverted to wild-type asparagine produced viable virus that was attenuated in swine. Single mutations of each of the E2 glycosylation sites showed that amino acid N116 (N1v virus) was responsible for BICv attenuation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to HCV variants, particularly variants that are resistant to a protease inhibitors such as VX-950. Also provided are methods and compositions related to the HCV variants. Further provided are methods of isolating, identifying, and characterizing multiple viral variants from a patient.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and materials related to treating HPV infections (e.g., HPV infections of cutaneous and mucosal epithelial cells) and HPV-associated conditions (e.g., cervical dysplasia, HPV-associated cervical carcinomas, oral mucosal papilloma cancers, laryngeal papilloma cancers).

Abstract: The invention refers to a recombinant oncolytic RNA Newcastle Disease Virus for the treatment of a proliferative disease, comprising at least one transgene coding for an avian cytokine, wherein the recombinant oncolytic RNA Newcastle Disease Virus is obtainable from a velogenic or mesogenic oncolytic RNA Newcastle Disease Virus. Virus-mediated expression of the cytokine in the natural host cells leads to a reduced pathogenicity of the virus for avian species. Furthermore the virus genome can encode binding proteins, prodrug-converting enzymes or/and proteases. The selective expression of these molecules in virus-infected tumor cells increases the anti-tumor effect of the virus.

Abstract: The present inventors have developed a culture system for genotype 3a, which has a high prevalence worldwide. Since intergenotypic recombinant genomes exploiting the replication characteristics of JFH1 will be a valuable tool for the genotype specific study of the replaced genes and related therapeutics, the present inventors constructed a genotype 3a/2a (S52/JFH1) recombinant containing the structural genes (Core, E1, E2), p7 and NS2 of strain S52 and characterized it in Huh7.5 cells. S52/JFH1 and J6/JFH viruses passaged in cell culture had comparable growth kinetics and yielded similar peak HCV RNA titers and infectivity titers. Direct genome sequencing of cell culture derived S52/JFH1 viruses identified putative adaptive mutations in Core, E2, p7, NS3 and NS5A; clonal analysis revealed, that all genomes analyzed exhibited different combinations of these mutations.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for raising an immune response in a subject by administering an HIV antigen. The HIV antigens include HIV clade C polynucleotides and polypeptides. The invention also provides for recombinant HIV viral particles and compositions.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns materials and methods for providing genetically-engineered resistance in plants to geminivirus, such as, using polynucleotides containing all or a portion of a replication associated protein (Rep) gene of TYLCV and all or a portion of a Rep intergenic region (IR). Virus-resistant plants produced according to the present invention have horticulturally acceptable phenotypic traits. Methods of the invention comprise transforming a plant with a polynucleotide wherein when the polynucleotide is expressed in the plant, the transformed plant exhibits resistance to plant viral infections. An exemplified embodiment utilizes a polynucleotide comprising a Rep gene derived from a Florida isolate of TYLCV. The methods of the invention can be used to provide resistance to TYLCV infection in plants such as tomato and tobacco. The present invention also concerns transformed and transgenic plants and plant tissue that comprise a polynucleotide of the invention.

Abstract: A system for expression of a heterologous polypeptide in a transgenic host cell is disclosed. The system is based upon a transgene comprising a eukaryotic promoter operably linked to a DNA sequence comprising, in the 5? to 3? direction, a DNA sequence complementary to a sequence encoding a heterologous polypeptide, a DNA sequence complementary to an internal ribosome entry site, and a DNA sequence corresponding to a 3? untranslated region of a positive strand single-stranded RNA virus. Following introduction of a stimulus, the host cell synthesizes an RNA molecule complementary to a recombinant RNA encoded by the transgene. The stimulus can be a positive strand single-stranded RNA virus or a nucleic acid thereof. Because the complement of the recombinant RNA comprises an internal ribosome entry site and a sequence encoding a heterologous polypeptide, the host cell can synthesize the heterologous polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention provides chimeric flavivirus vaccines against West Nile virus and methods of using these vaccines to prevent or treat West Nile virus infection.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to the use of the hemagglutinin (HA) of African swine fever virus (ASFV) as an adjuvant to enhance the immune response against an antigen in a subject. The invention provides a gene construct comprising all or part of the encoding sequence of said HA fused to the encoding sequence of an antigen. The invention is applicable in human and animal health.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated novel virus causing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in humans (“hSARS virus”). The hSARS virus is identified to be morphologically and phylogenetically similar to known member of Coronaviridae. The present invention provides the complete genomic sequence of the hSARS virus. Furthermore, the invention provides the nucleic acids and peptides encoded by and/or derived from the hSARS virus and their use in diagnostic methods and therapeutic methods, including vaccines. In addition, the invention provides chimeric or recombinant viruses encoded by said nucleotide sequences and antibodies immunospecific to the polypeptides encoded by the nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: The present invention provides porcine adenovirus sequence essential for encapsidation and provides adenovirus vectors comprising such sequences. The present invention provides host cells and composition comprising adenovirus vectors comprising porcine adenovirus sequence essential for encapsidation as well as methods for making and using such adenovirus vectors. The present invention discloses porcine adenovirus sequence for E1 transcriptional control and provides porcine adenovirus vectors comprising a modification(s) in the E1 transcriptional control region.

Abstract: The invention relates to the method for evaluating the potential of a chemical entity, such as an antibody, to bind to a peptide epitope derived from the divalent sialoside binding site of hemagglutinin protein of influenza virus. The invention also provides peptide epitopes 5 for use in the prevention and/or treatment of influenza or for the development of such treatment or vaccine against influenza.

Abstract: H5 hemagglutinin (HA) polypeptides are provided that are adapted to humans through mutations that change receptor specificity in the H1 serotype, and related polynucleotides, methods, compositions, and vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated polynucleotide comprising or consisting of the nucleotide sequence encoding the G protein of human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), wherein the nucleotide sequence is codon optimised for expression in mammalian cells and wherein the polynucleotide provides increased expression of the G protein in mammalian cells relative to expression of the wildtype RSV-G gene. Preferably, the polynucleotide comprises or consists of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2. Further aspects of the invention provide pharmaceutical compositions, in particular vaccines, for use in methods of immunising a subject against RSV infection.

Abstract: This invention uses our knowledge of the mechanisms by which antigen is recognized by T cells to develop epitope-based vaccines directed towards HBV. More specifically, this application communicates our discovery of pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use in the prevention and treatment of HBV infection.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include nucleic acid sequences, which encode hepatitis C virus of strain HC-TN, genotype 1a, proteins and polypeptides and fragments thereof. Use of these compositions, and diagnostics for HCV and in the development of screening assays for the identification of antiviral agents for HCV are also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention provides infectious recombinant Hepatitis C Viruses (HCV), and vectors, cells and animals comprising the same. The present invention provides methods of producing infectious recombinant HCV, and their use in identifying anti-HCV therapeutic agents, as well as sequences of HCV associated with HCV pathogenesis.

Abstract: The present invention concerns wild-strains of Chikungunya virus isolated from patients exhibiting severe forms of infection and stemming from a human arbovirosis epidemy. The present invention also concerns polypeptide sequences and fragment thereof derived from their genome, the polynucleotide encoding same and their use as diagnostic products, as vaccine and/or as immunogenic compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides recombinant Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) nucleic acids and host cells that are permissive for their growth and replication. The recombinant Hepatitis A Virus nucleic acids not particularly limited, except that they incorporate at least one heterologous nucleic acid fragment. The heterologous nucleic acid can encode a selectable marker gene and such recombinant HAV nucleic acids are useful for selecting cells that are permissive for growth and replication of wild type HAV. Alternatively, the heterologous nucleic acid may encode a vaccine antigen or other expression product that is desirable to express in a cell harboring the recombinant HAV nucleic acid. The invention further provides cell lines permissive for growth and replication of wild type HAV or HAV having minimal mutations for growth in cell culture. The invention further provides methods for producing HAV vaccines and for monitoring environmental and patient samples for the presence of HAV.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vector for expressing an NC protein of HIV and a method for producing an NC protein using the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a vector for expressing an NC protein of HIV, in which an intron sequence and an mRNA stability element in the downstream of NC gene are sequentially linked, and a method for producing an NC protein using the same. The vector for expressing an NC protein of HIV of the present invention, in which an intron sequence and an mRNA stability element in the downstream of NC gene are sequentially linked, can express a wild type NC protein in animal cells, and has an effect of improving the expression efficiency, as compared to a known art.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and kits for detecting the nucleic acids of HIV-1, HIV-2, or the combination of HIV-1 and HIV-2. Particularly described are oligonucleotides that are useful as hybridization probes and amplification primers, including cross-reacting hybridization probes and cross-reacting amplification primers, for detecting very low levels of viral nucleic acids.

Abstract: The construction of recombinant respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) strains deleted of the region of G protein most likely to induce unwanted type 2 T cell responses in susceptible recipients is disclosed. Using reverse genetics, recombinant RSV strains were engineered with deletions of amino acids 151-221 and 178-219. Both RSV strains replicated in the respiratory tract of BALB/c mice and elicited serum neutralization and anti-F protein IgG titers that were equivalent to cp-RSV and contributed to a 3.9 log10 reduction in RSV A2 four days after challenge. Importantly, pulmonary eosinophilia was significantly diminished in BALB/c mice primed with native G protein and challenged with either recombinant RSV strain. These findings are important for the development of immunogenic compositions against RSV.

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

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of genetic modification of a TGB-3 wild type viral sequence for reducing or suppressing the possible deleterious effects of the agronomic properties of a transformed plant or plant cell by said TGB-3 viral sequence. The invention further relates to genetically modified TGB-3 viral sequences suitable to induce gene silencing. In particular hairpin constructs based on such sequences proved highly efficient to induce a PTGS mechanism and degradation of the whole of RNA2 thereby. When plants are transformed accordingly the spread of the virus in the plant is significantly reduced or blocked.

Abstract: This invention pertains to BIV constructs encompassing BIV combination vectors, BIV vectors and BIV packaging vectors and particularly the invention pertains to a three vector system comprising: a) a BIV vector construct including a DNA segment from a BIV genome, a packaging sequence to package RNA into virions; a promoter operably linked to the DNA segment; and a transgene operably linked to a second promoter; b) a BIV packaging vector construct comprising a BIV DNA sequence fragment comprising at least a gag gene or pol gene of BIV; a promoter operably linked to the BIV DNA fragment; and a polyadenylation sequence located downstream of the BIV DNA fragment; and c) an expression vector construct comprising a gene encoding a viral surface protein. Also provided is a method for transferring a gene of interest into a mammalian cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel isolated avian hepatitis E virus having a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 or its complementary strand. The invention further concerns immunogenic compositions comprising this new virus or recombinant products such as the nucleic acid and vaccines that protect an avian or mammalian species from viral infection or hepatitis-splenomegaly syndrome caused by the hepatitis E virus. Also included in the scope of the invention is a method for propagating, inactivating or attenuating a hepatitis E virus comprising inoculating an embryonated chicken egg with a live, pathogenic hepatitis E virus and recovering the virus or serially passing the pathogenic virus through additional embryonated chicken eggs until the virus is rendered inactivated or attenuated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and means for the evaluation of HIV replicative capacity in a given environment. In particular, the invention provides a growth competition assay that can determine relative viral fitness using a recombinant tagged HIV-1 virus system. The methods rely on plasmid vectors, amplicons, primers and probes, and the generation of replication-competent viruses therefrom. Said methods and materials may find use in multiple fields including diagnostics, drug screening, pharmacogenetics and drug development.

Abstract: Polynucleotide sequences are provided for the diagnosis of the presence of retroviral infection in a human host associated with lymphadenopathy syndrome and/or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, for expression of polypeptides and use of the polypeptides to prepare antibodies, where both the polypeptides and antibodies may be employed as diagnostic reagents or in therapy, e.g., vaccines and passive immunization. The sequences provide detection of the viral infectious agents associated with the indicated syndromes and can be used for expression of antigenic polypeptides.