Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of novel nucleotide sequences for the M and N region peptide of the ferret coronavirus and derivative products for the diagnosis and treatment of epizootic catarrhal enteritis (ECE) in ferrets.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and reagents useful in decreasing the level of or severity of respiratory infection or disease due to paramyxoviruses, such as RSV or HPIV, or coronavirus infection. Particularly, the invention relates to modulating gene expression using a multitargeting interfering RNA molecules that target multiple target sites on one or more pre-selected RNA molecules.

Abstract: The invention provides, in part, the genomic sequence of a putative coronavirus, the SARS virus, and provides novel nucleic acid and amino acid sequences that may be used, for example, for the diagnosis, prophylaxis, or therapy of a variety of SARS virus related disorders.

Abstract: Described are binding molecules that specifically bind to SARS-CoV, nucleic acid molecules encoding the binding molecules, compositions comprising the binding molecules, and methods of identifying or producing the binding molecules. The binding molecules are capable of specifically binding to SARS-CoV, and can be used in the diagnosis, prophylaxis, and/or treatment of a condition resulting from SAR.

Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic agents useful for the treatment of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in humans. In particular, the present invention relates to RNA interference (RNAi) molecules useful for inhibiting the infection and replication of hSARS virus. Preferably, the RNAi molecules target the replicase region of the hSARS virus, or combinations of different sites of hSARS virus genes. The present invention further encompasses methods of using the RNAi molecules for preventing and/or treating SARS. Vaccines and kits comprising therapeutically effective amounts of the RNAi molecules are also encompassed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of preparing a DNA comprising steps, wherein (a) a DNA comprising a full length copy of the genomic RNA (gRNA) or an RNA virus; or (b) a DNA comprising one or several fragments of a gRNA of an RNA virus, which fragments code for an RNA dependent RNA polymerase and at least one structural or non-structural protein; or (c) a DNA having a homology of at least 60% to the sequences of (a) or (b); is cloned into a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC). Additionally, DNAs are provided, which comprise sequences derived from the genomic RNA (gRNA) of a coronavirus which sequences have a homology of at least 60% to the natural sequence of the virus and code for an RNA dependent RNA polymerase and at least one structural or no-structural protein, wherein a fragment of said DNA is capable of being transcribed into RNA which RNA can be assembled to a virion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies including human antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof that specifically bind to human SARS-CoV S protein, and that function to neutralize SARS-CoV. The invention also relates to antibodies that are bispecific, derivatized, single chain antibodies or portions of fusion proteins. The invention also relates to isolated heavy and light chain immunoglobulins derived from human anti-SARS-CoV S protein antibodies and nucleic acid molecules encoding such immunoglobulins. The present invention also relates to methods of using the antibodies and compositions for diagnosis and treatment. The invention also provides gene therapy methods using nucleic acid molecules encoding the heavy and/or light immunoglobulin molecules that comprise the human anti-SARS-CoV S protein antibodies. The invention also relates to transgenic animals or plants comprising nucleic acid molecules of the present invention.

Abstract: SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome virus, a coronavirus) immunogens, antigens, or epitopes, nucleic acid molecules encoding such immunogens, antigens, or epitopes; vectors containing such nucleic acid molecules, e.g., viral vectors such as baculovirus vectors, DNA vectors, such as DNA plasmid vectors, e.g., DNA plasmids that express a nucleic acid molecule in a mammalian cell, uses for such immunogens, antigens or epitopes and vectors, e.g., as an active component immunogenic, immunological or vaccine compositions, or to generate antibodies, such as monoclonal antibodies, and methods for making, and using such immunogens, antigens or epitopes, vectors, antibodies, including in methods for eliciting an immunological or immunogenic or vaccine response, as well as in assays or diagnostic kits or methods, are discussed, as well as a seamless fusion of sequences in a plasmid or vector, e.g., a sequence encoding a leader sequence and a sequence encoding a protein, epitope or immunogen or antigen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) non-structural protein (nsp) 12 with an RNA polymerase activity, its expression vector, its preparation method, and its use. According to the present invention, a soluble recombinant SARS-CoV nsp12 with an RdRp activity of initiating SARS-CoV genome synthesis can be over-expressed in the transformed host cells, and conveniently purified with high purity. An in vitro replication system important for studying SARS-CoV replication can be established with the purified recombinant SARS-CoV nsp12. SARS-CoV nsp12 produced by the present invention can also be used as a target for the development of anti-viral agents against SARS-CoV. In addition, materials inhibiting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) activity of nsp12 can be screened efficiently according to the present invention as the optimal conditions for the RdRp assay with SARS-CoV nsp12 were found.