Versitech, Inc.

City University of Hong Kong

The University of Hong Kong

Honglin Chen

Kwok Yung Yuen

Pui Wang

Min Zheng

Johnson Yiu-Nam Lau

Zhiwei Chen

Kwok-Yung Yuen

Thuc Hue Ly

Yik Chun Wong

Lingli Huang

Li Liu

The NS1 protein of influenza virus is a key virulent element with multi-functional roles in virus replication and acts as a strong interferon (IFN) antagonist. A live attenuated virus (LAIV) is provided using a master backbone, which contains the influenza B (HK8038) virus and includes a deletion of the NSI coding region (DelNS1). The LAIV is based on novel adaptive mutations, which support DelNS1 influenza B live attenuated virus (LAIV) replication in vaccine producing cells. DelNS1 influenza B LAIV shows spontaneous cold adaption with preference to grow at 30-33° C. but restriction at 37-39° C. The LAIV can be used to protect a subject, against a lethal challenge of antigenic distant influenza B viruses. DelNS1 LAIV with adaptive mutations for growing in vaccine producing systems is an important strategy for making highly attenuated and immunogenic live attenuated influenza vaccines with the ability to induce broad cross protective immunity for seasonal influenza.

Live attenuated influenza B virus compositions methods of making and using thereof

Disclosed herein is a method of producing a substrate having a wrinkle pattern of a single-layer rhenium disulfide (ReS) nanoflakes deposited thereon. The method is characterized by using ammonium rhenium and sulfur powders as the rhenium source and the sulfur source, respectively; and with the addition of molecular sieve to control the release of the rhenium source during the deposition of ReS, in which a single layer of ReSis deposited on a substrate via chemical vapor deposition. The single-layer ReSis then exposed to UV light to induce the formation of a wrinkle pattern.

Method of providing a wrinkle pattern or producing a substrate having a wrinkle pattern of a single layer

Disclosed soluble PD-1 (sPD-1) proteins and nucleic acids, and therapeutic compositions comprising sPD-1 proteins and nucleic acids, for enhancing immunity of a subject against coronavirus infection. Disclosed are soluble PD-1 fusion proteins that include a soluble PD-1 protein fragment and an antigenic protein fragment, preferably where the antigenic protein fragment comprises a coronavirus protein fragment. In some forms, the coronavirus protein fragment is derived from a coronavirus receptor binding domain (RBD) or a coronavirus nucleoprotein (N). In some forms, the sPD-1 proteins, nucleic acids, and compositions are formulated as a vaccine composition. Also disclosed are methods for treating a subject at risk of or suffering a coronavirus infection.

PD-1-based vaccines against coronavirus infection

Compositions and methods are provided for a live, attenuated influenza vaccine suitable for nasal administration. The vaccine utilizes a cold adapted influenza virus that lacks virulence factor, and includes mutations that provide replicative ability sufficient for vaccine manufacture. Vaccines so produced provide significant cross protection for non-vaccinating strains. The vaccine is safe for children under the age of 2 and adults over 49 years of age. In addition, the cold adapted, virulence factor deleted influenza virus can be adapted to provide immunity to non-influenza pathogens.

Cold adapted and virulence factor deleted live attenuated vaccine suitable for mucosal delivery

The subject invention pertains to attenuated influenza viruses, and related vaccines and methods, comprising a genetically modified viral genome. The genetically modified viral genome comprises a disruption in the non-structural (NS1) coding segment and one or more base substitution in the matrix membrane protein coding segment. The genetic modifications result in viruses that lose NS1 functionality, yet remain replication competent.

Growing community of inventors

Hong Kong, China

Honglin Chen