Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided which employ chimeric polypeptides having at least one heterologous epitope for a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) neutralizing antibody. These chimeric polypeptides behave as molecular scaffolds which are capable of presenting the various heterologous HIV-1 epitopes. The invention demonstrates that a heterologous epitope recognized by the HIV-1 neutralizing antibody can be more fully exposed to neutralizing antibodies when presented within the backbone of the chimeric polypeptide than when the epitope is presented within the context of an HIV-1 backbone. Polynucleotides encoding these chimeric polypeptides are also provided. Immunogenic compositions are provided which comprise a chimeric polypeptide having at least one heterologous epitope that interacts with an HIV-1 neutralizing antibody. Immuno genie compositions comprising chimeric polynucleotides encoding the chimeric polypeptides of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies that bind or neutralize Orthopoxviruses. The invention provides such antibodies, fragments of such antibodies retaining B5 or A33 binding ability, fully human antibodies retaining B5 or A33 binding ability, and pharmaceutical compositions including such antibodies. The invention further provides for isolated nucleic acids encoding the antibodies of the invention and host cells transformed therewith. Additionally, the invention provides for prophylactic, therapeutic, and diagnostic methods employing the antibodies and nucleic acids of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing hyaluronic acid including (1) a step of transforming a plant cell using an expression recombinant vector including (i) a DNA encoding hyaluronic acid synthase or (ii) a DNA encoding a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence having one or more amino acid deletions, substitutions, additions or insertions in an amino acid sequence of the hyaluronic acid synthase and having an activity of synthesizing the hyaluronic acid, (2) a step of growing a transformant obtained by transformation, and (3) a step of separating the hyaluronic acid produced by the transformant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-throughput diagnostic assay for the virus causing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in humans (“hSARS virus”). In particular, the invention relates to a high-throughput reverse transcription-PCR diagnostic test for SARS associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). The present assay is a rapid, reliable assay which can be used for diagnosis and monitoring the spread of SARS and is based on the nucleotide sequences of the N (nucleocapsid)-gene of the hSARS virus. The present method eliminates false negative results and provides increased sensitivity for the assay. The invention also discloses the S (spike)-gene of the hSARS virus. The invention further relates to the deduced amino acid sequences of the N-gene and S-gene products of the hSARS virus and to the use of the N-gene and S-gene products in diagnostic methods. The invention further encompasses diagnostic assays and kits comprising antibodies generated against the N-gene or S-gene product.

Abstract: The present invention relates virus-like particle vaccine containing dengue virus recombinant replicon as its core and its preparation method. Such vaccine can efficiently express antigen in the infected tells. Because dengue virus can infect dendritic cells, it can efficiently present antigen and has immunity effects. Further, different dengue virus types can be used to repeatedly produce efficient immune response, which strengthen body's immune response against the pathogen containing such antigen. Such vaccine can prevent and cure cancer and viral diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a peptide domain required for interaction between the envelope of a virus pertaining to the HERV-W interference group and a hASCT receptor, comprising an N end point and a C end point. Said peptide domain is defined, at the N end point thereof, by a pattern formed by the amino acids L (Z)-proline-cysteine-X-cysteine in which Z is any amino acid, is a whole number between 2 and 30, and X is any amino acid, and at the C end point thereof, by a pattern formed by the amino acids serine-aspartic acid-Xa-Xb-Xc-Xd-Xe-aspartic acid-Xf-Xg-(Z) in which Xa, Xb, Xc, Xd, Xe, Xf, Xg are any amino acids, Z is any amino acid, B is a whole number between 15 and 25, preferably 20.

Abstract: Described is a method of identifying an immunologically active antigen of a virus that attacks skin, as well as a method of enriching a population of lymphocytes for T lymphocytes that are specific to a virus that attacks skin. Also provided are HSV antigens and epitopes that are useful for the prevention and treatment of HSV infection that have been identified via the methods of the invention. 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 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: Nucleic acid oligomeric sequences and in vitro nucleic acid amplification and detection methods for detecting the presence of HAV RNA sequences in samples are disclosed. Kits comprising nucleic acid oligomers for amplifying and detecting HAV nucleic acid sequences are disclosed.

Abstract: A mutant virus is provided which contains a mutation at a phosphorylation site in one or more of the proteins of the virus, which mutation causes the virus to be attenuated, and therefore, an improved vaccine composition can be produced therewith. The invention also relates to vaccine compositions which contain the mutant virus, as well as to methods of inducing an immune response, and of protecting mammals from infection by rabies virus. Also included in the invention are methods of producing the mutant virus and mutant viral proteins, including producing the mutant virus in a host cell which produces or even overproduces a wild-type counterpart of the mutant viral protein, which complements the other viral proteins such that production of the mutant viral particle is optimized.

Abstract: The successful identification of epitope peptides specific to adenovirus belonging to subgroup B and epitope peptides exhibiting specificity to all adenoviruses using hexon proteins which exhibit the highest homology among genes of adenoviruses of various subgroups is herein described. The peptides have a function capable of efficiently inducing adenovirus-specific cytotoxic T cells (CTLs). Thus, the peptides disclosed herein find utility as vaccines for active immunization. Furthermore, CTLs induced by such peptides find utility as passive immunotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, microarrays and kits for detecting one or more human astrovirus serotypes in a sample (e.g., a fecal sample) from an individual. The method includes amplifying nucleic acid molecules of the sample with one or more primers, to thereby obtain an amplified nucleic acid product; contacting the amplified nucleic acid product with one or more serotype specific probes having a nucleic acid sequence that is specific for only one astrovirus serotype in the group of astroviruses being assessed, wherein the nucleic acid sequence includes between about 9 and 25 nucleic acid bases (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 5-24); and detecting the hybridization complex. The presence of hybridization complexes with a serotype specific probe indicates the presence of one or more specific astrovirus serotypes, and the absence of hybridization complexes with a serotype specific probe indicates the absence of the specific astrovirus serotype.

Abstract: This invention provides: 1) methods for the identification of broad-spectrum holins with a high level of nonenzymatic activity in membranes; 2) conditions required for maintaining and increasing the anti-microbial and anti-pest efficacy of holins in gene fusions; 3) a method for effective targeting of holins expressed in plants through use of a leader peptide to direct the holin protein to the plant apoplast and xylem; 4) methods for the control of bacterial and fungal diseases of plants and control of insect and nematode pests that attack plants by expression of gene fusions involving holins, C-terminal additions and leader peptides, and optionally, endolysins; 5) methods for increasing the shelf-life of cut flowers, and 6) transgenic plants useful for the production of novel antimicrobial proteins based upon holins.

Abstract: The invention relates to immunogenic peptides from EBV type I and II latency antigens, comprising at least one T CD4+ epitope which can be recognized by the majority of individuals in the Caucasian population. The invention also relates to the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of same.

Abstract: A method for monitoring ARV resistance, to determine viral fitness, and to forecast possible drug failure utilizes two nucleic acid sequences. One nucleic acid includes a retroviral nucleic acid devoid of at least a majority of the sequence for one of the two long terminal repeat regions. A second nucleic acid, includes a retroviral nucleic acid sequence devoid of the sequences encoding an envelope gene and the second long terminal repeat region of the retrovirus. The method allows the rapid cloning of an amplicon into an HIV-1 genome vector through recombination/gap repair in organisms such as yeast. The vectors can be directly passed to a mammalian cell line which has been specifically engineered to produce replication competent HIV-1 particles. The susceptibility of an isolate to any of several ARVs, i.e. PRIs, NRTIs, NNRTIs, T20, as well as entry and integrase inhibitors in developmentlclinical trials, may be tested.

Abstract: Disclosed are plasmids that contain and express in vivo in a feline host cell nucleic acid molecules. The plasmid can include nucleic molecule(s) having sequence(s) encoding infectious peritonitis virus M; feline immunodeficiency virus env, or gag, or pro, or gag and pro, or env and gag and pro; rabies G; or feline leukemia virus env and/or gag. Compositions containing such plasmids, methods of use employing such plasmids, and kits involving such plasmids, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a DNA construct which includes a modified DNA molecule with a nucleotide sequence which is at least 80%, but less than 100%, homologous to two or more desired trait DNA molecules and which imparts the desired trait to plants transformed with the DNA construct. Each of the desired trait DNA molecules relative to the modified nucleic acid molecule have nucleotide sequence similarity values which differ by no more than 3 percentage points. The DNA construct may further include either a silencer or a plurality of modified DNA molecules. The present invention also relates to host cells, plant cells, transgenic plants, and transgenic plant seeds containing such DNA constructs.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns materials and methods for providing genetically-engineered resistance in plants to tomato yellow leaf curl geminivirus using a truncated version of the replication associated protein (Rep) gene of TYLCV. 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 truncated Rep gene derived from a Florida isolate of TYLCV-Is. 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 express a polynucleotide comprising a truncated Rep gene of TYLCV.

Abstract: Murine leukemia virus (MLV) and lentivirus vectors have been used previously to deliver genes to hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in human gene therapy trials. However, these vectors integrate randomly into the host genome, leading to disruption or inactivation of vital host genes. The present invention discloses a novel lentiviral vector system that overcomes this problem by integrating into a host genome in a site-specific manner.

Abstract: Methods and compositions concerning mutant flaviviruses with reduced virulence. In some embodiments the invention concerns nucleotide sequences that encode mutant flaviviral proteins. Viruses comprising mutant NS1 and NS4B genes display reduced virulence are provided. In further aspects of the invention, flavivirus vaccine compositions such as West Nile virus vaccines are provided. In another embodiment the invention provides methods for vaccination against flavivirus infection.

Abstract: A disulfide trap, comprising an antigen peptide covalently attached to an MHC class I heavy chain molecule by a disulfide bond extending between two cysteines, is disclosed. In some configurations, a disulfide trap, such as a disulfide trap single chain trimer (dtSCT), can comprise a single contiguous polypeptide chain. Upon synthesis in a cell, a disulfide trap oxidizes properly in the ER, and can be recognized by T cells. In some configurations, a peptide moiety of a disulfide trap is not displaced by high-affinity competitor peptides, even if the peptide binds the heavy chain relatively weakly. In various configurations, a disulfide trap can be used for vaccination, to elicit CD8 T cells, and in multivalent MHC/peptide reagents for the enumeration and tracking of T cells. Also disclosed are nucleic acids comprising a sequence encoding a disulfide trap. Such nucleic acids, which can be DNA vectors, can be used as vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant respiratory syncytial viruses that have an attenuated phenotype and that comprise one or more mutations in the viral P, M2-1 and/or M2-2 proteins, as well as live attenuated vaccines comprising such viruses and nucleic acids encoding such viruses. Recombinant RSV P, M2-1 and M2-2 proteins are described. Methods of producing attenuated recombinant RSV, and methods of quantitating neutralizing antibodies that utilize recombinant viruses of family Paramyxoviridae, are also provided.

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.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to stabilized forms of the HIV gp120 envelope protein in complex with the broadly neutralizing CD4-binding site antibody b12, to crystalline forms of the stabilized forms of the HIV gp120 envelope protein in complex with the broadly neutralizing CD4-binding site antibody b12, and to the high resolution structure obtained from these crystals by X-ray diffraction methods. Methods for identifying immunogenic polypeptides based on these structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A recombinant poxvirus lacking a functional gene corresponding to BI4R in the WR strain of VACV for use as a medicament especially as a vaccine against a disease caused by a poxvirus or another pathogenic agent or for use as a medicament against a disease associated with aberrant cells. An isolated nucleotide or polypeptide encoding a poxvirus sequence corresponding to the sequence of B14 in the WR strain of VACV especially for use as a medicament against undesirable inflammation, immune activation or NF-?B activation. Related compositions and methods.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the construction of dengue virus subgenomic replicons containing large deletions in the structural region (C-preM-E) of the genome, which replicons are useful as vaccines to protect against dengue virus infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel vaccines against malaria infections, based on recombinant viral vectors, such as alpha viruses, adenoviruses or vaccinia viruses. The recombinant viral-based vaccines can be used to immunize against different Plasmodium infections, such as infections by P. falciparum or P. yoelii. Novel codon-optimized circumsporozoite genes are disclosed. Preferably, replication-defective adenoviruses are used, derived from serotypes that encounter low titers of neutralizing antibodies. The invention, therefore, also relates to the use of different adenoviral serotypes that are administered to elicit a strong immune response, either in single vaccination set-ups or in prime-boost set-ups in which compositions based on different serotypes can be applied.

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: [Problems] To provide a phage display vector which can be fused in the inside of pIII and a phage display method using the vector. [Means for Solving Problems] Disclosed is a phage display method which is characterized by using a mutant pIII protein having an amino acid residue inserted between a proline residue at position 11 and a histidine residue at position 12 in an M13 phage pIII protein as depicted in SEQ ID NO:1. The method enables to produce a random peptide with high efficiency and to provide a novel source in peptide conformation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule encoding a middle Hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface protein, a vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule, a host cell comprising the vector, and a composition comprising the expression products of this vector, which may comprise middle HBV surface protein, or a mixture of middle HBV surface protein and small HBV surface protein. The compositions of the invention may be useful for expressing a middle HBV surface protein, or a mixture of small and middle HBV surface proteins in defined ratios, determining the binding of an antibody to a middle or small HBV surface protein, determining the quality of an anti-middle or an anti-small HBV surface protein antibody, or determining the quality of a kit containing anti-middle or anti-small HBV surface protein antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for gene therapy, especially to adenovirus-based gene therapy, and related cell lines and compositions. In particular, novel nucleic acid constructs and packaging cell lines are disclosed, for use in facilitating the development of high-capacity and targeted vectors. The invention also discloses a variety of high-capacity adenovirus vectors and related compositions and kits including the disclosed cell lines and vectors. Finally, the invention discloses methods of preparing and using the disclosed vectors, cell lines and kits.

Abstract: A method for the simultaneous detection of adenoviruses of subgenera A, B, C, D, E and F in a sample comprising contacting said sample with at least one forward primer and at least one reverse primer for a hexon gene of an adenovirus of subgenera A, B, C, D, E and F and subjecting the sample contacted with said primers to a nucleic acid amplification technique.

Abstract: The present invention provides a purified preparation containing a polynucleic acid encoding at least one polypeptide selected from the group consisting of proteins encoded by one or more open reading frames (ORF's) of an Iowa strain of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), proteins at least 80% but less than 100% homologous with those encoded by one or more of ORF 2, ORF 3, ORF 4 and ORF 5 of an Iowa strain of PRRSV, proteins at least 97% but less than 100% homologous with proteins encoded by one or both of ORF 6 and ORF 7 of an Iowa strain of PRRSV, antigenic regions of such proteins which are at least 5 amino acids in length and which effectively stimulate immunological protection in a porcine host against a subsequent challenge with a PRRSV isolate, and combinations thereof, in which amino acids non-essential for antigenicity may be conservatively substituted.

Abstract: A novel astrovirus designated chicken astrovirus type 3 has been isolated and characterised. Nucleotide sequences and polypeptide sequences of this astrovirus are provided with uses of the same and the isolated astrovirus in assay kits and vaccines.

Abstract: This invention provides a new approach to the design of a virus with a defective replication cycle, which can be rescued by wild type virus co-infection, and which expresses foreign antigenic epitopes that contribute to the elimination of virus infected cells and then to viral clearance. The vector of the invention, by expression of epitopes derived from common pathogens, by-passes existing tolerance of virus specific T cell responses. The vector will only replicate in virus infected cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel peptide compositions. In particular, the invention relates to a peptide composition comprising 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 inventive compositions can be used, in particular, in the preparation of active pharmaceutical compositions against the hepatitis C virus.

Abstract: A canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCV) that is present in the respiratory tract of dogs with canine infectious respiratory disease and which has a low level of homology to the enteric canine coronavirus, but which has a high level of homology to all bovine coronavirus strains (e.g., Quebec and LY138) and human coronavirus strain OC43.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant proteins or peptides comprising a mutated listeriolysin O (LLO) protein or fragment thereof, comprising a substitution or internal deletion of the cholesterol-binding domain or a portion thereof, fusion proteins or peptides comprising same, nucleotide molecules encoding same, and vaccine vectors comprising or encoding same. The present invention also provides methods of utilizing recombinant proteins, peptides, nucleotide molecules, and vaccine vectors of the present invention to induce an immune response to a peptide of interest.

Abstract: Attenuated, recombinant negative stranded RNA viruses suitable for vaccine use are produced from one or more isolated polynucleotide molecules encoding the virus. A recombinant genome or antigenome of the subject virus is modified to encode a mutation within a recombinant protein of the virus at one or more amino acid positions(s) corresponding to a site of an attenuating mutation in a heretologous, mutant negative stranded RNA virus. A similar attenuating mutation as identified in the heterologous negative stranded RNA virus is thus incorporated at a corresponding site within the recombinant virus to confer an attenuated phenotype on the recombinant virus. The attenuating mutation incorporated in the recombinant virus may be identical or conservative in relation to the attenuating mutation identified in the heterologous, mutant virus.

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 present invention relates to a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a retroviral gag protein, wherein the gag protein comprises a heterologous RNA binding domain capable of recognising a corresponding sequence in an RNA genome to facilitate packaging of the RNA genome into a retroviral vector particle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated influenza virus strains suitable for increased vaccine production for mammals. The influenza virus strains contain at least one modified influenza protein that results in increased production of the influenza virus from a mammalian host cell, such as a vero cell. The present invention also relates to the vaccines produced from the influenza virus strains. The present invention further relates to isolated modified influenza proteins and isolated nucleic acid molecules that encode for the modified influenza proteins.

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: Modified polynucleotide compositions providing enhanced gene expression and methods for preparing said compositions are disclosed. Methods of using the compositions, such as in screening assays, diagnostic tools, kits, etc. and for prevention and/or treatment of diseases and disorders are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a DNA vaccine for carps for inducing protective immunity against Koi herpesvirus (KHV). The DNA vaccine comprises a DNA comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding an immunogenic polypeptide against Koi herpesvirus (KHV) of carps, or an expression vector comprising the DNA as an active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to attenuated negative-strand RNA viruses having an impaired ability to antagonize the cellular interferon (IFN) response, and the use of such attenuated viruses in vaccine and pharmaceutical formulations. The invention also relates to the development and use of IFN-deficient systems for selection of such attenuated viruses. In particular, the invention relates to attenuated influenza viruses having modifications to the NS1 gene that diminish or eliminate the ability of the NS1 gene product to antagonize the cellular IFN response. The mutant viruses replicate in vivo but demonstrate reduced pathogenicity, and therefore are well suited for live virus vaccines, and pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for inducing immune responses against poxviruses are disclosed. The compositions include nucleic acids that encode modified vaccinia and variola antigens. Compositions that include recombinant vaccinia and variola polypeptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to virus-like particles (VLPs) of an RNA bacteriophage that (a) comprises a coat polypeptide of said phage modified by insertion of a heterologous peptide that is displayed on said VLP and (b) encapsidates said bacteriophage mRNA as well as populations of these VLPs, and their uses. The invention is further directed to VLPs that encapsidate heterologous substances, as well as populations of these VLPs and their uses.

Abstract: There is provided a bacteriophage capable of lysing a P. acnes bacterium and incapable of lysing a bacterium which is not P. acnes, and which is incapable of sustaining lysogeny in a bacterium. There is also provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising such a bacteriophage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to isolated bacteriophage having strong lytic activity against strains of Clostridium perfringens, and methods of using that bacteriophage, and/or progeny or derivatives derived therefrom, to control the growth of Clostridium perfringens in various settings.