Novartis Vaccines & Diagnostics, Gmbh

Chiron Corporation

Other

Karin Hartog

Susan Barnett

Ying Lian

Mark J Selby

Christopher I Walker

Hong Liu

Jan Zur Megede

Eric J Martin

Indresh K Srivastava

Catherine Greer

Rae Lyn Burke

Carol A Pachl

The present invention relates to the efficient expression of HIV polypeptides in a variety of cell types, including, but not limited to, mammalian, insect, and plant cells. Synthetic expression cassettes encoding the HIV Gag-containing polypeptides are described, as are uses of the expression cassettes in applications including DNA immunization, generation of packaging cell lines, and production of Env-, tat- or Gag-containing proteins. The invention provides methods of producing Virus-Like Particles (VLPs), as well as, uses of the VLPs including, but not limited to, vehicles for the presentation of antigens and stimulation of immune response in subjects to whom the VLPs are administered.

Expression of HIV polypeptides and production of virus-like particles

Polynucleotide encoding modified HIV Env polypeptides are disclosed. The Env polypeptides are modified so as to expose at least part of the CD4 binding region. Methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention using the polynucleotides and polypeptides are also provided.

Modified HIV Env polypeptides

Polynucleotide encoding modified HIV Env polypeptides are disclosed. The Env polypeptides are modified in the region of amino acids 420-436 so as to expose at least part of the CD4 binding region. Methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention using the polynucleotides and polypeptides are also provided.

The present invention relates generally to modified secreted viral proteins, to the genes which express these proteins and to antibodies produced against such proteins, and to the use of these materials in diagnostic and vaccine applications. In particular, the present invention describes deletion of the transmembrane region only and retention of at least part of the cytoplasmic domain itself or fusion with at least part of an alternate cytoplasmic domain. The result will generally be the secretion of proteins which are normally membrane-bound (nonsecretory). This invention greatly increases the efficiency of secretion of the derivative protein. Specific viral proteins of interest include, but are not limited to, those from CMV, HSV, EBV, VZV, HCV, HIV, and influenza.

Secreted viral proteins useful for vaccines and diagnostics

Growing community of inventors

Piedmont, CA, United States of America

Karin Hartog