The University of Queensland

Linda Hwee-Lin Lua

Anton Peter Jacob Middelberg

The present invention provides compositions relating to viral capsomeres which comprise foreign immunogenic sequences for use in pharmaceutical compositions and methods of producing such compositions, and related isolated or purified protein and nucleic acid molecules, vectors, host cells, compositions, and methods of use to augment an immune response, immunize an animal and prophylactically or therapeutically treat a disease, disorder or condition. The viral capsomere may be derived from a polyomavirus and comprise an immunogen of interest at the N-terminus and further at the C-terminus and/or at one or more exposed loops of the capsomere.

Immunogenic compositions and methods therefor

An isolated protein comprising a VP1 amino acid sequence wherein one or more exposed loops within said VP1 has an insertion of an amino acid sequence from a virus protein other than VP1, and encoding nucleic acid, are provided. Typically, the virus protein other than VP1 is derived from an influenza virus and in particular, avian influenza virus. The isolated protein may have an insertion of amino acid sequence from a single protein or a plurality of proteins. Also provided are expression constructs, VLPs, pharmaceutical compositions, vaccines and methods of treatment that may be useful in the prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of any disease of viral origin, and in particular, influenza virus.

Growing community of inventors

South Brisbane, Australia

Linda Hwee-Lin Lua