Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a Severe Combined T-B-Immune Deficient (SCID) mouse engrafted with human immunocompetent cells (Hu-SCID-mouse) as an animal model for the evaluation of the effectiveness of an HIV vaccine. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for the evaluation of an HIV vaccine, wherein a Hu-SCID-mouse of the invention is inoculated with the HIV vaccine and thereafter challenged with HI-virus. The invention also relates to novel HIV vaccine compositions, which can be evaluated using the animal model.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lentiviral vector system having a higher titer, while sustaining an excellent retrograde transport ability, particularly, in the brain. The present invention also provides a kit for preparing a retrograde transport viral vector comprising: (1) a packaging plasmid containing the gag gene and the pol gene of HIV-1; (2) a packaging plasmid containing an accessory gene of HIV-1; (3) a transfer plasmid containing an target gene (a transgene); and (4) an envelope plasmid containing, as an envelope gene, a gene encoding a fused polypeptide comprising a fused extracellular domain consisting of the N-terminal region of an extracellular domain of rabies virus glycoprotein (RV-G) and the C-terminal region of an extracellular domain of vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSV-G), a transmembrane domain of RV-G or VSV-G, and an intracellular domain of VSV-G, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention also provides infectious DNA clones, biologically functional plasmid or viral vector containing the infectious nucleic acid genome molecule of Torque teno sus virus (TTsuV). The present invention also provides methods for diagnosing TTsuV infection via immunological methods, e.g., enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot using PTTV specific antigens for detecting serum PTTV specific antibodies which indicate infections TTsuV1, TTsuV2, and individual TTsuV1 genotypes.

Abstract: Provided are an N-terminal truncated L1 protein of the Human Papillomavirus Type 58, a coding sequence and preparation method thereof, and a virus-like particle comprising the protein. Uses of the protein and the virus-like particle in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition or a vaccine are further provided. The pharmaceutical composition or vaccine is used for prevention of HPV infection and a disease caused by HPV infection.

Abstract: Recombinant vectors comprise simian adenovirus A1302 (SAdV-A1302, SAdV-A1320, SAdV-A1331, and/or SAdV-A1337 sequences and a heterologous gene under the control of regulatory sequences. A cell line which expresses simian adenovirus SAdV-A1302, SAdV-A1320, SAdV-A1331, and/or SAdV-A1337 gene(s) is also disclosed. Methods of using the vectors and cell lines are provided.

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. The present invention also provides an influenza B virus comprising the modified M gene, the use of the modified M gene for the preparation of a vaccine and methods for preparing the modified influenza virus.

Abstract: This invention relates to chimeric flavivirus vectors that can be used, for example, in the prevention and treatment of influenza virus infection, compositions including such viral vectors, and methods employing the vectors.

Abstract: The present invention provides AAV capsid proteins comprising modification of one or a combination of the surface-exposed lysine, serine, threonine and/or tyrosine residues in the VP3 region. Also provided are rAAV virions comprising the AAV capsid proteins of the present invention, as well as nucleic acid molecules and rAAV vectors encoding the AAV capsid proteins of the present invention. Advantageously, the rAAV vectors and virions of the present invention have improved efficiency in transduction of a variety of cells, tissues and organs of interest, when compared to wild-type rAAV vectors and virions.

Abstract: This invention provides DNA vaccines for the treatment of patients undergoing anti-retroviral therapy. The vaccines are surprisingly effective at controlling viremia.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a polynucleotide comprising a viral base sequence, the viral base sequence containing: a first base sequence encoding a viral replication protein, and a second base sequence encoding a viral movement protein, the second base sequence being located downstream of the first base sequence and having a linking site for linking with an exogenous base sequence encoding a polypeptide to be expressed, the linking site being located downstream of the second base sequence, the second base sequence being obtained by modifying with a base sequence in a native sequence derived from a virus by insertion, substitution, or addition. By using this, a vector containing a viral base sequence is constructed, and a protein is efficiently produced without worsening growth of a host cell containing the vector.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptides comprising part or all of a conserved element within a Center-of-Tree (COT) sequence derived from a family of polypeptides encoded by naturally occurring variants of HIV. The invention also relates to immunogenic compositions and vaccines comprising said peptides. The invention also relates to methods for the identification of HIV controller patients based on the detection of the T cells of the patient to mount a cytotoxic T cell response against said peptides and to methods for the identification of immunogenic peptides within a family of variant polypeptides.

Abstract: A vaccine comprising an immunologically effective amount of recombinant modified vaccinia Ankara (rMVA) virus which is genetically stable after serial passage and produced by a) constructing a transfer plasmid vector comprising a modified H5 (mH5) promoter operably linked to a DNA sequence encoding a heterologous foreign protein antigen, wherein the expression of said DNA sequence is under the control of the mH5 promoter; b) generating rMVA virus by transfecting one or more plasmid vectors obtained from step a) into wild type MVA virus; c) identifying rMVA virus expressing one or more heterologous foreign protein antigens using one or more selection methods for serial passage; d) conducting serial passage; e) expanding an rMVA virus strain identified by step d); and f) purifying the rMVA viruses from step e) to form the vaccine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cDNA molecule which encodes the nucleotide sequence of the full length antigenomic (+)RNA strand of a measles virus (MV) originating from an approved vaccine strain. It also contains the preparation of immunogenic compositions using said cDNA.

Abstract: This invention relates to bicistronic flavivirus vectors, methods of using such vectors in the prevention and treatment of disease, and methods of making such vectors.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector serotype, wherein the capsid protein of AAV serotypes is mutated at single or multiple sites. The disclosure further relates to an improved transduction efficiency of these mutant AAV serotypes. The AAV serotypes disclosed are AAV1, AAV2, AAV3, AAV4, AAV5, AAV6, AAV7, AAV8, AAV9, AAV10. The instant disclosure relates to nucleotide sequences, recombinant vector, methods and kit thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates nucleic acid constructs for the production of recombinant parvoviral (e.g. adeno-associated viral) vectors in insect cells, to insect cells comprising such constructs and to methods wherein the cells are used to produce recombinant parvoviral virions. The insect cells preferably comprise a first nucleotide sequence encoding the parvoviral rep proteins whereby the initiation codon for translation of the parvoviral Rep78 protein is a suboptimal initiation codon that effects partial exon skipping upon expression in insect cells. The insect cell further comprises a second nucleotide sequence comprising at least one parvoviral (AAV) inverted terminal repeat (ITR) nucleotide sequence and a third nucleotide sequence comprising a sequences coding for the parvoviral capsid proteins.

Abstract: Fusion proteins comprising CD4 minimal modules that bind to HIV Env polypeptides in a non-CD4 backbone are described. Also described are complexes of these fusion proteins with Env as well as methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention using the polynucleotides and polypeptides are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) vectors useful for expression of heterologous proteins in plants such as soybean. The BPMV vectors are also useful for virus-induced gene silencing. The vectors of the invention include modifications of BPMV RNA1 sequences so that infection with the vectors produces only moderate symptoms. The vectors also comprise novel RNA2 vectors which specifically provide for non-translated VIGS constructs and further which do not require in frame insertion of heterologous sequences to be expressed.

Abstract: The application relates to a pestivirus, designated PMC virus, that is associated with porcine myocarditis syndrome, and the gene and protein sequences derived therefrom. The application further relates to detection methods, vaccine therapeutics, and diagnostic methods using the PMC virus or gene/protein sequences derived therefrom.

Abstract: The present inventors developed hepatitis C virus 6a/2a intergenotypic recombinants in which the JFH1 structural genes (Core, E1 and E2), p7 and the complete NS2 were replaced by the corresponding genes of the genotype 6a reference strain HK6a. Sequence analysis of recovered 6a/2a recombinants from 2 transfection experiments and subsequent reverse genetic studies revealed adaptive mutations in E1 and E2. Conclusion: The developed 6a/2a viruses provide a robust in vitro tool for research in HCV genotype 6, including vaccine studies and functional analysis.

Abstract: The present inventors developed hepatitis C virus 1a/2a and 1b/2a intergenotypic recombinants in which the JFH1 structural genes (Core, E1 and E2), p7 and NS2 were replaced by the corresponding genes of the genotype Ia reference strain H77C or TN or the corresponding genes of the genotype Ib reference strain J4. Sequence analysis of recovered 1a/2a and 1b/2a recombinants from 2 serial passages and subsequent reverse genetic studies revealed adaptive mutations in e.g. p7, NS2 and/or NS3. In addition, the inventors demonstrate the possibility of using adaptive mutations identified for one HCV isolate in generating efficient cell culture systems for other isolates by transfer of mutations across isolates, subtypes or major genotypes. Furthermore neutralization studies showed that viruses of e.g. genotype 1 were efficiently neutralized by genotype Ia, 4a and 5a serum, an effect that could be utilized e.g. in vaccine development and immunological prophylaxis.

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: The present invention relates to diagnosis, prevention and treatment of Herpes simplex viruses and infection. In particular embodiments the present invention relates to methods and compositions for the prophylactic or therapeutic immunization against of infections of HSV. The present invention also relates to methods and compositions for diagnosis of the presence of and level of immunity to HSV. The invention also relates to peptide epitopes of HSV, in particular peptide epitopes of HSV2 glycoprotein D, to compositions thereof and to the use of such epitopes and compositions in methods for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of HSV.

Abstract: The present invention relates to efficient methods for providing antigen-specific lymphoid cells. These lymphoid cells may be used to provide antigen specific T cell receptors having a defined MHC restriction and to identify immunologically relevant T cell epitopes. Furthermore, the present invention relates to antigen-specific T cell receptors and T cell epitopes and their use in immunotherapy.

Abstract: The invention relates to chimeric polytropic viral envelope polypeptides and uses thereof, as well as to polynucleotides encoding said chimeric polypeptides and constructs comprising said polypeptides and/or polynucleotides. The invention also relates to chimeric retroviral envelope polypeptides, polynucleotides and vectors encoding said chimeric retroviral envelope polypeptides, virus particles and cells harboring said chimeric envelope polypeptides. Said chimeric polypeptide comprise an envelope polypeptide, or fragment thereof, and a polypeptide sequence of a receptor binding region, ligand or polypeptide sequence of a ligand binding region, and optionally a linker sequence. The invention include methods of targeting receptors, methods of treatment and methods for delivery of agents using said chimeric retroviral envelope polypeptides. The invention is applicable for directed targeting and controlled fusion of virus particles with other cellular membranes.

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: The present invention pertains to the field of immunology and genetic engineering. In particular, the present invention relates to the construction, preparation and use of a recombinant vaccine against foot-and-mouth disease virus. The vaccine comprises a tandem repeat of an antigenic epitope of FMDV VP1 protein, the constant region of the immunoglobulin heavy chain or a functional fragment thereof, and the FMDV 3D protein or an immunogenic fragment thereof. The vaccine can induce protective immune response against FMDV in an animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rearranged molecules of (a) a specific TT virus sequence and (b) a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide showing homology to mammalian proteins associated with cancer and autoimmune diseases that are capable of replicating autonomously for use in diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases like cancer and autoimmunity.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions or vaccines that contain a recombinant EHV-1 that elicit an immune response in animals against equine herpesvirus, including compositions comprising said recombinant EHV-1, methods of vaccination against equine herpesvirus, and kits for use with such methods and compositions.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a novel circovirus as causative agent of bone marrow aplasia with haemorrhagic disease in cattle. The present invention provides novel nucleic acid and protein sequences for diagnostic and therapeutic uses.

Abstract: Described herein are isolated paramyxovirus, a morbillivirus (FmoPV), isolated nucleic acids encoding the genome of FmoPV, isolated amino acid sequences of FmoPV proteins, antibodies to FmoPV and its proteins, and uses thereof. In certain embodiments, the modified FmoPV is a feline morbillivirus. Also described herein is a recombinant FmoPV comprising a modified FmoPV gene or gene segments and the use of such a virus. The recombinant FmoPV may be used in the prevention and/or treatment of diseases related to FmoPV or as a delivery vector. Also described herein is a diagnostic assay for the FmoPV. In certain embodiments, the FmoPV causes kidney disease. In certain embodiments, the kidney disease is in felines. In certain embodiments, the kidney disease is tubulointerstitial nephritis (“TIN”). Also described herein is a quantitative assay for the detection of the FmoPV, natural or artificial variants, analogs, or derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a truncated L1 protein of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Type 52 which, compared to a wild type HPV52 L1 protein, is truncated by 27-42 amino acids at the N-terminal. Also provided are a coding sequence of the truncated HPV52 L1 protein, a virus-like particle (VLP) comprising the protein, and a method of preparing the protein and the VLP using an E. coli expression system. The truncated HPV52 L1 protein and an assembled VLP can be used to prevent an HPV52 infection and a disease caused by HPV52 infection, such as cervical cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated or substantially purified polypeptides, nucleic acids, and virus-like particles (VLPs) derived from a Merkel cell carcinoma virus (MCV), which is a newly-discovered virus. The invention further provides monoclonal antibody molecules that bind to MCV polypeptides. The invention further provides diagnostic, prophylactic, and therapeutic methods relating to the identification, prevention, and treatment of MCV-related diseases.

Abstract: A method for detecting and isolating AAV sequences in a sample of DNA obtained from tissue or cells is provided, which sample contains DNA and proviral AAV. The method involves subjecting the sample containing DNA to amplification via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a first set of primers which specifically amplify a first AAV region. The first AAV region is characterized by having at least 250 nucleotides of AAV capsid nucleic acid sequence, a variable sequence flanked by a sequence of at least 18 nucleotides at the 5? end of the first AAV region and a sequence of at least 18 nucleotides at the 3? end of the first AAV region. Each of the 5? and 3? at least 18 nucleotides is the same over at least 9 consecutive nucleotides relative to corresponding sequences in an alignment of at least two AAV serotypes. Each of the sets of primers consist of a 5? primer and a 3? primer. The method is further useful for identifying AAV sequences in the sample by the presence of amplified proviral AAV sequences.

Abstract: The invention provides HSV antigens and epitopes that are useful for the prevention and treatment of HSV infection. 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 methods and compositions for treating inflammation and inflammatory disorders in a subject, by administering an effective amount of KSHV-Orf63 and/or active peptides and/or fragments thereof.

Abstract: This invention comprises a combined transgene/virus vector system for the expression of heterologous proteins in plants. While exemplified with respect to the bipartite RNA plant virus, Cowpect mosaic virus (CPMV), other bipartite viral systems may be used to advantage according to the method, system and composition described in detail herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cytomegalovirus (CMV) gB polypeptide comprising at least a portion of a gB protein extracellular domain comprising a fusion loop 1 (FL1) domain and a fusion loop 2 (FL2) domain, wherein at least one of the FL1 and FL2 domains comprises at least one amino acid deletion or substitution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a newly identified avian rotavirus D VP6 nucleotide sequence and uses thereof.

Abstract: Plant viral vectors have great potential in rapid production of proteins, but no simple. Here a geminivirus-based system for high-yield and rapid production of oligomeric protein complexes, including virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is described. In particular, a single vector that contains two non-competing replicons for transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves is described. The correct assembly of these subunit proteins into functional oligomeric structures (VLPs or full-size mAb) is also described. This system advances plant transient expression technology by eliminating the need for non-competing viruses, and thus, enhances the realistic commercial application of this technology for producing multiple-subunit protein complexes.

Abstract: Provided herein are polypeptides comprising portions of the influenza virus hemagglutinin, compositions comprising such polypeptides that can be used as immunogens in vaccines and methods of their use to generate an immune response against multiple influenza subtypes in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to human papillomavirus E7 antigen compounds and compositions for treating human papillomavirus infection and associated conditions. The invention provides, in part, polypeptide and nucleic acid molecules including sequences substantially identical to the sequences of two or more human papillomavirus (HPV) E7 antigens, where the E7 antigens are selected from at least two different HPV strains, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides Sendai virus vectors in which genes that encode reprograming factors for inducing pluripotent stem cells are incorporated in a specific order, compositions comprising these vectors for gene delivery to be used in the induction of pluripotent stem cells, and uses thereof. Incorporation of the KLF gene, OCT gene, and SOX gene in a specific order into a single Sendai virus vector successfully and significantly increased the efficiency of pluripotent stem cell induction. Loading multiple reprogramming factors into a single vector can further increase the induction efficiency of pluripotent stem cells while reducing the number of necessary vectors.

Abstract: Provided herein are nucleic acid sequences encoding hepatitis B virus (HBV) core proteins, surface antigen proteins, fragments and combinations thereof as well as genetic constructs/vectors and vaccines that express said protein sequences. These vaccines are able to induce an immune response peripherally and in the liver by recruiting both cellular and humoral agents. Also provided are methods for prophylactically and/or therapeutically immunizing individuals against HBV. The combination vaccine can also be used for particular design vaccines for particular levels of immune responses to HBV challenge.

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 is related to a beta-herpesvirus, wherein the beta-herpesvirus is spread-deficient.

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 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: A novel influenza C virus with only low homology to any influenza C virus previously characterized. Challenge studies show that the virus can infect pigs and be transmitted between pigs. Additionally, influenza C is commonly thought of as a human pathogen and serological studies have been performed, looking at the incidence of antibodies against this virus in both pigs and humans. Approximately 10% of pigs and 30% of humans have antibodies to this virus. Additional experimental data show that the virus can infect and transmit in ferrets (a surrogate for human infection studies). In a third aspect, the present invention is the partial genome of this novel influenza C virus. In another aspect, the present invention is a method of detection in animals of this novel influenza C virus.