Abstract:
The present invention is within the field of oncolytic virotherapy. Oncolytic virotherapy is a strategy using viruses, naturally occurring or genetically modified, to selectively target and destroy tumor cells while leaving surrounding non-malignant cells unharmed Here, an engineered respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), with the NS1 gene deleted (NS1 gene-deficient RSV, ΔNS1 RSV), kills prostate cancer cells, but does not affect normal human cells.
Abstract:
A method is provided for immunizing against pulmonary inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness associated with infantile RSV infection. This method includes administering an antisense oligonucletide to a subject in need thereof.
Abstract:
Disclosed are novel polyclonal antibodies, which target respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as well as novel high affinity antibody molecules reactive with RSV. The polyclonal antibodies may comprise antibody molecules which are reactive with both RSV protein F and RSV protein G, and preferably the polyclonal antibodies target a variety of epitopes on these proteins. The antibody molecules of the invention have shown superior efficacy in vitro and/or in vivo. Also disclosed are methods of producing the antibodies of the invention as well as methods of their use in treatment or prevention of RSV infection.
Abstract:
Highly antigenic yet safe vaccines against diseases caused by Paramyxoviridae viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are provided. The vaccines comprise attenuated Paramyxoviridae viruses with high antigenicity but which display impaired cell-to-cell transmission as a result of genetic manipulation of the gene encoding the matrix (M) protein. In the viruses, the M protein is absent or mutated to a less active form. Screening or assay systems and methods for evaluating the infectivity of mutant M proteins anf for identifying suitable M candidates for live-attenuated vaccine virus and VLP production, are also provided.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein are new antiviral compounds, together with pharmaceutical compositions that include one or more antiviral compounds, and methods of synthesizing the same. Also disclosed herein are methods of ameliorating and/or treating a paramyxovirus viral infection with one or more small molecule compounds. Examples of paramyxovirus infection include an infection caused by human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Abstract:
Provided herein are genetically modified arenaviruses suitable as vaccines against mycobacterial infections. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the prevention and treatment of mycobacterial infections. Specifically, provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions, vaccines, and methods of preventing and treating infections in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Abstract:
The present invention provides nanoparticles and compositions of various constructs that combine meta-stable viral proteins (e.g., RSV F protein) and self-assembling molecules (e.g., ferritin, HSPs) such that the pre-fusion conformational state of these key viral proteins is preserved (and locked) along with the protein self-assembling into a polyhedral shape, thereby creating nanoparticles that are effective vaccine agents. The invention also provides nanoparticles comprising a viral fusion protein, or fragment or variant thereof, and a self-assembling molecule, and immunogenic and vaccine compositions including the same.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to bispecific molecules that are capable of localizing an immune effector cell that expresses an activating receptor to a virally infected cell, so as to thereby facilitate the killing of the virally infected cell. In a preferred embodiment, such localization is accomplished using bispecific molecules that are immunoreactive with an activating receptor of an immune effector cell and to an antigen expressed by a cell infected with a virus wherein the antigen is detectably present on the cell infected with the virus at a level that is greater than the level at which the antigen is detected on the virus by the bispecific molecules, and to the use of such bispecific molecules in the treatment of latent viral infections.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to bispecific molecules that are capable of localizing an immune effector cell that expresses an activating receptor to a virally infected cell, so as to thereby facilitate the killing of the virally infected cell. In a preferred embodiment, such localization is accomplished using bispecific molecules that are immunoreactive with an activating receptor of an immune effector cell and to an antigen expressed by a cell infected with a virus wherein the antigen is detectably present on the cell infected with the virus at a level that is greater than the level at which the antigen is detected on the virus by the bispecific molecules, and to the use of such bispecific molecules in the treatment of latent viral infections.
Abstract:
Provided herein are methods for altering respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) replication in a cell using oligonucleotides derived from tRNAs, also referred to as tRFs (tRNA-derived RNA Fragments). The oligonucleotides may be used to decrease or increase replication of RSV. Also provided herein are methods for treating a subject having or at risk of having an RSV infection, and animal models for evaluating viral and host factors in RSV pathogenesis.