Abstract: This invention relates to modified parvovirus inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) that do not functionally interact with wild-type large Rep proteins, synthetic Rep proteins that functionally interact with the modified ITRs, and methods of using the same for delivery of nucleic acids to a cell or a subject. The modifications provide a novel Rep-ITR interaction that limits vector mobilization, increasing the safety of viral vectors.

Abstract: This invention provides vaccines for inducing an immune response and protection against filovirus infection for use as a preventative vaccine in humans. In particular, the invention provides chimpanzee adenoviral vectors expressing filovirus proteins from different strains of Ebolavirus (EBOV) or Marburg virus (MARV).

Abstract: Provided herein is a novel human astrovirus, its nucleic acid sequence, as well as methods to detect and diagnose the presence of the astrovirus.

Abstract: E1, along with Erns and E2 is one of the three envelope glycoproteins of Classical Swine Fever Virus (CSFV). Our previous studies indicated that glycosylation status of either E2 or Erns strongly influence viral virulence in swine. Here, we have investigated the role of E1 glycosylation of highly virulent CSFV strain Brescia during infection in the natural host. The three putative glycosylation sites in E1 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 E1 glycoprotein would affect viral virulence/pathogenesis in swine. We observed that rescue of viable virus was completely impaired by removal of all three putative glycosylation sites in E1. Single mutations of each of the E1 glycosylation sites showed that CSFV amino acid N594 (E1.N3 virus), as well the combined mutation of N500 and N513 (E1.N1N2 virus) resulted in BICv attenuation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an attenuated recombinant alphavirus that is incapable of replicating in mosquito cells and of transmission by mosquito vectors. These attenuated alphavirus may include but is not limited to Western Equine Encephalitis virus, Eastern equine encephalitis virus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus or Chikungunya virus. The present invention also discloses the method of generating such alphaviruses and their use as immunogenic compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant anti-Nipah virus vaccines and the administration of such vaccines to animals, advantageously pigs. Advantageously, the anti-Nipah virus vaccine may comprise a recombinant avipox virus containing a Nipah virus glycoprotein gene. The invention encompasses methods of vaccinating animals, advantageously pigs, by administration of anti-Nipah virus vaccines that may comprise a recombinant avipox virus that may contain a Nipah virus glycoprotein gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the development of viral vectors expressing different immunogens from the West Nile Encephalitis Virus (WNV) or the Dengue virus which are able to induce protective humoral and cellular immune responses against WNV or Dengue virus infections. More specifically, the present invention relates to three (3) antigens from WNV (the secreted envelope glycoprotein (E), the heterodimer glycoproteins (pre-M-E) and the NSI protein) and from Dengue virus (the secreted envelope glycoprotein (e), the heterodimer glycoproteins (pre-m-e) and the nsl protein) and their use in vaccinal, therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

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: The invention relates to recombinant MVA which is capable of expressing structural HCV antigens, functional parts of said structural antigens or epitopes of said structural antigens. The invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition, especially in the form of a vaccine and containing the recombinant MVA according to the invention, to eukaryotic cells that contain the inventive recombinant MVA and to various uses of the recombinant MVA, for example for producing recombinant structural proteins, for producing a pharmaceutical preparation that is suitable for the therapy and prophylaxis of HCV infections and diseases thereby caused. The invention further relates to methods for producing recombinant MVA and recombinant structural HCV polypeptides encoded by said recombinant MVA, and to DNA or RNA of said recombinant MVA.

Abstract: Nucleic acid comprising or encoding an RNA replica comprising, in this order, the following segments (i) to (iii): i) a nucleic acid sequence encoding a potexvirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase or a function-conservative variant thereof; ii) a nucleic acid sequence comprising: a) a potexvirus triple gene block or a function-conservative variant thereof and b) a sequence encoding a potexviral coat protein or a function-conservative variant thereof; or a sequence encoding a tobago viral movement protein; and iii) a heterologous nucleic acid sequence expressible from said replica in a plant or in plant tissue.

Abstract: An objective of this invention is to provide an HCV strain with a high capacity for virus production in a cell culture system. This invention provides a nucleic acid encoding a polyprotein precursor of the hepatitis C virus JFH1 strain having one or more amino acid substitutions, wherein the polyprotein precursor comprises at least substitution of glutamine at position 862 with arginine, as determined with reference to the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 in the Sequence Listing.

Abstract: The present invention includes IFNS activating agents that activate expression of IFN-?, activate NF-?B expression, activate an innate immune response, activate the expression of one or more cytokines, and/or induce the expression of interferon beta (IFN-?) through a RNase L and/or MDA5-dependent pathway. Such IFNS activating agents include single stranded RNAs that encode for conserved region II of the L protein of a negative stranded RNA virus, including, but not limited to, viruses of the family Paramyxoviridae. Also included are methods of making and using such IFNS activating agents and compositions and kits including such IFNS activating agents.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and means for distinguishing FECV and FIPV, and methods and means for determining whether FIPV is present in a sample. Further provided are primers and probes for detecting FIPV specific nucleic acid sequences encoding a spike protein, antibodies for detecting a FIPV, and an immunogenic composition and use thereof for eliciting an immune response against a feline coronavirus, preferably a FIPV.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are computationally optimized broadly reactive dengue virus E polypeptide sequences for DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4. Also disclosed are dengue virus E protein fragments (such as the E protein ectodomain and DIII domain) fused to the molecular adjuvant P28. The disclosed nucleic acid and polypeptide sequences can be used as vaccines for immunization against dengue virus infection. In some cases, the vaccine includes a virus-like particle containing the universal dengue virus E protein, or fragment thereof, or the vaccine is a DNA molecule encoding the VLP.

Abstract: Isolated a Turkey Viral Hepatitis picomavirus-like viruses associated with Turkey viral hepatitis, and isolated nucleic acid sequences and polypeptides are disclosed. Antibodies against antigens from Turkey Viral Hepatitis picornavirus-like viruses, iRNAs which target nucleic acid sequences of the Turkey Viral Hepatitis picornavirus-like virus, methods for detecting the presence or absence of Turkey Viral Hepatitis picomavirus-like viruses in an animal, and immunogenic compositions for inducing an immune response against Turkey Viral Hepatitis picomavirus-like viruses in an animal are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions comprising gp350 variant DNA and amino acid sequences are provided, as are vectors and host cells containing such sequences. Also provided is a process for producing homogeneous gp350 protein recombinantly and in the absence of production of gp220 protein, pharmaceutical compositions containing such protein and prophylactic treatments making use of such proteins.

Abstract: The invention is directed to immunogenic compositions and methods for inducing an immune response against Piscine reoviruses in an animal. In another aspect, the invention relates to antibodies that bind Piscine reovirus poplypeptides. In yet another aspect, the invention relates to methods for preventing, or reducing PRV infection in an animal.

Abstract: Novel hexon isolated from simian adenovirus serotype 19 encoded in the polynucleotide defined as SEQ ID NO: 3, hepervariable region thereof, chimeric adenovirus comprising the same, and therapeutic use thereof provides a solution to the problem of safety and effective systemic treatment for developing gene therapeutic agents using adenovirus.

Abstract: Recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) capsid proteins are provided. Methods for generating the recombinant adeno-associated viral capsid proteins and a library from which the capsids are selected are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are viral vectors suitable for transfection into woody trees for purposes of delivering and expressing beneficial genes. Specifically exemplified herein are vectors for transfecting citrus trees. The vectors allow for the expression of useful proteins, such as those that can protect the tree from disease. Specifically exemplified herein are methods of transfecting woody trees that allow multiple applications of vectors while avoiding superinfection exclusion.

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: Provided herein are nucleic acid sequences that encode novel consensus amino acid sequences of HA hemagglutinin, as well as genetic constructs/vectors and vaccines expressing the sequences. Also provided herein are methods for generating an immune response against one or more Influenza A serotpyes using the vaccines that are provided.

Abstract: The present inventors developed hepatitis C virus recombinants expressing NS5A from genotype 1a, 1b, 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a, 6a or 7a in the context of a genotype 2a backbone. Additional recombinants express NS5A and the structural proteins (Core, E1 and E2), p7 and NS2 from genotype 1a, 1b, 3a, 4a, 5a, 6a or 7a in the genotype 2a backbone. Sequence analysis of the recombinants recovered after viral passage in Huh7.5 cells revealed adaptive mutations in NS5A and/or NS3. The importance of these mutations for improved growth kinetics was shown in reverse genetic studies.

Abstract: Replicons of genotype 3 of hepatitis C virus (HCV) are provided. These replicons contains adaptive mutations giving rise to the HCV's capability to replicate in vitro. Methods of preparing genotype 3 replicons and methods of using these replicons to screen antiviral agents are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a codon-optimized parvovirus polynucleotide composition and methods of expressing this polynucleotide in a variety of mammalian cells, including non-erythroid progenitor cells, to produce immunogenic compositions.

Abstract: Replicons of genotype 4 hepatitis C virus (HCV) are provided. These replicons contains adaptive mutations giving rise to the HCV's capability to replicate in vitro. Methods of preparing genotype 4 replicons and methods of using these replicons to screen antiviral agents are also provided.

Abstract: Adeno-associated virus rh.10 sequences, vectors containing same, and methods of use are provided.

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: Attenuated pestiviruses, in particular attenuated BVDV, wherein at least one mutation is in the coding sequence for glycoprotein Ems and at least another mutation in the coding sequence for Npro which preferably leads to combined inactivation of the RNase activity residing in glycoprotein Ems in addition to the inactivation of the (hypothesized) immunomodulating activity residing in Npro. Methods for attenuating pestiviruses such as BVDV, nucleic acids encoding the pestiviruses, in particular BVDV, compositions and vaccines comprising the attenuated pestiviruses, in particular BVDV, of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plant-infectious nucleic acid molecule from Pepper mottle virus, and a viral vector, a transformed cell and a transgenic plant having it. The present invention first achieves the cloning of the infectious full-length pepper mottle virus cDNA from virus-infected pepper, which enables to perform the molecular biological studies to the infectivity of pepper mottle virus in pepper and tobacco and to provide a plant virus-based vector to highly express a useful foreign protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which codes for the F-protein of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or a fragment thereof, for the expression in a human cell environment of codon optimized variants of said nucleic acid molecule, vectors and compositions comprising said nucleic acid molecules and the use thereof as vaccines and polypeptides coded by the nucleic acid molecules and method for the production thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a Titi Monkey Adenovirus (TMAdV) that can infect both human and non-human primates. Further provided are nucleic acid sequences, proteins, expression vectors and host cells, anti-TMAdV antibodies, vaccines, compositions, methods of detecting TMAdV, methods for assaying for anti-TMAdV compounds, and methods for treating or preventing a TMAdV infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of attenuated live viruses useful as vaccine or medicament for preventing or treating Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) in swine, and is based on the surprising finding of a PRRS virus which is able to induce the interferon type I response of a cell infected by said virus. In one embodiment, the PRRS virus according to the invention is a PRRS virus mutant comprising, in comparison with the genome of a wild type strain, a mutation in the gene encoding the non structural protein 1 (nsp1) of said virus.

Abstract: The present invention provides viral vector compositions of high titre and purity, as well as methods for production of said compositions. The methods of the invention incorporate multiple features, such as production of viral vector particles in serum free media and multiple harvesting steps following transduction of the producer cell which provides for enhanced production of said viral vectors. The viral vector compositions of the invention, by virtue of their high titre and purity, minimize the deleterious phenotypic changes that typically occur following transduction of target cells, such as loss of a sub-populations of transduced cells, and effects on proliferation, differentiation, reprogramming or functionality of transduced cells.

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: Recombinant human parainfluenza virus type 2 (HPIV2) viruses and related immunogenic compositions and methods are provided. The recombinant HPIV2 viruses, including HPIV2 chimeric and chimeric vector viruses, provided according to the invention are infectious and attenuated in permissive mammalian subjects, including humans, and are useful in immunogenic compositions for eliciting an immune responses against one or more PIVs, against one or more non-PIV pathogens, or against a PIV and a non-PIV pathogen. Also provided are isolated polynucleotide molecules and vectors incorporating a recombinant HPIV2 genome or antigenome.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a Parvoviral Rep protein, wherein a nuclear localization signal (NLS) in said Parvoviral Rep protein is mutated as compared with a corresponding wild type sequence. The invention also relates to a nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a Parvoviral Rep protein, wherein the zinc finger domain in said Parvoviral Rep protein is mutated as compared with a corresponding wild type sequence. Further, the invention relates to a nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a Parvoviral Rep protein, wherein an amino acid at position 43, 57, 79, 97, 120, 179, 305, 484, 493 or 571 of the said Parvoviral Rep protein is mutated in comparison to a corresponding wild type sequence, said amino acid position being defined with reference to SEQ ID NO: 2.

Abstract: A polynucleotide base sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 22, a vector containing the polynucleotide and a method of preparing a small round structure virus (SRSV) virus-like particle in insect cells with vector.

Abstract: The invention relates to plasmids operably encoding HCMV antigens, in which the naturally-occurring coding regions for the HCMV antigens have been modified for improved translation in human or other mammalian cells through codon optimization. HCMV antigens, which are useful in the invention include, but are not limited to pp65, glycoprotein B (gB), IE1, and fragments, variants or derivatives of any of these antigens. In certain embodiments, sequences have been deleted, e.g., the Arg435-Lys438 putative kinase in pp65 and the membrane anchor and endocellular domains in gB. The invention is further directed to methods of inducing an immune response to HCMV in a mammal, for example, a human, comprising delivering a plasmid encoding a codon-optimized HCMV antigen as described above. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising plasmids encoding a codon-optimized HCMV antigen as described above, and further comprising adjuvants, excipients, or immune modulators.

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

Abstract: Synthetic DNA molecules encoding various HPV proteins are provided. The codons of the synthetic molecules are designed so as to use the codons that preferentially increase expression of the polypeptide in the host cell, which in preferred embodiments is a human cell. The codons are modified in order to minimize, decrease or eliminate cellular destruction of the polypeptide construct.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a means of expressing and displaying a protein on the cell surface of a bifidobacterium. In the gene for expressing a protein on the surface of a bifidobacterium of the present invention, a gene coding for a bifidobacterium-derived GNB/LNB substrate-binding membrane protein and a gene coding for the target protein or peptide are linked in this order from the 5? end side. Thus, a bifidobacterium transformed by introducing the gene for expressing a protein on the surface of a bifidobacterium of the present invention expresses the target protein or peptide on the surface thereof. When the target protein or peptide is an antigen protein or an antigen peptide, the transformed bifidobacterium of the present invention is useful as an oral vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and adjuvants for enhancing an immune response to RSV in a host, wherein the methods and adjuvants comprise a source of a CD40 binding protein. Preferably, the CD40 binding protein is CD40L and the source is a vector comprising a promoter operatively linked to a CD40L coding region. The enhanced immune response produced by the adjuvants and methods of the current invention includes both increased expression of Th1 cytokines and increased production of antibody.

Abstract: The present invention features methods for enhancing the ability of a genotype 2b NS5B sequence to function in a replicon, for producing replicons containing a functional genotype 2b NS5B, and for using replicons to measure the ability of a compound to affect HCV replication that is sustained with the genotype 2b polymerase. Also featured is a genotype 1b NS4B adaptive mutation. The ability to produce replicons containing a functional genotype 2b NS5B is illustrated by the production of chimeric replicons based on HCV genotype 1b where substantially all the NS5B sequence is replaced with a genotype 2b NS5B.

Abstract: Flaviviruses represent an increasing global public health issue, with no prophylactic and therapeutic formulations currently available for many of them. The combination of factors such as evolutionary change, global warming and wide range of animal hosts suggest the possible occurrence of Flavivirus strains with greater distribution and human pathogenicity. There is, thus, a need for greater understanding of viral protein sequences that function in the human immune responses. The evolutionary diversity of the reported sequences of major flaviviruses, such as dengue virus, yellow fever virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, and West Nile virus were analyzed with a combination of experimental and bioinformatics methodologies. The analysis of all reported sequences revealed that these species-specific peptide tags are highly conserved and are potential T-cell epitopes due to correspondence to known or predicted epitopes.

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 composition comprising hepatitis B virus (HBV) component(s), and which may be either nucleic acid- or polypeptide-based as well as nucleic acid molecules and vectors encoding such HBV component(s). It also relates to infectious viral particles and host cells comprising such nucleic acid molecules or vectors. It also provides composition and kits of parts comprising such nucleic acid molecules, vectors, infectious viral particles or host cells and the therapeutic use thereof for preventing or treating HBV infections.

Abstract: This document relates to compositions and methods for modulating an immune response. For example, compositions of immunostimulatory CpG oligonucleotides derived from retroviral genomes are provided.

Abstract: Recombinant vectors comprise simian adenovirus A1321 (SAdV-A1321), SAdV-A1325, SAdV-A1295, SAdV-A1309, SAdV-A1316, and/or SAdV-A1322 sequences and a heterologous gene under the control of regulatory sequences. A cell line which expresses simian adenovirus SAdV-A1321, SAdV-A1325, SAdV-A1295, SAdV-A1309, SAdV-A1316, and/or SAdV-A1322 gene(s) is also disclosed. Methods of using the vectors and cell lines are provided.

Abstract: Improved anti-HIV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed. Immunogens disclosed include those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype A Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype B Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype C Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype D Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype B consensus Nef-Rev protein, and those having consensus sequences form HIV Gag protein subtypes A, B, C and D. Improved anti-HPV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; improved anti-HCV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; improved hTERT immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; and improved anti-Influenza immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed as well methods of inducing an immune response in an individual against HIV, HPV, HCV, hTERT and Influenza are disclosed.