University of Pittsburgh

Wyeth Holdings Corporation

Nikolaos Vasilakis

Ted M Ross

Stephen Alexander Udem

Timothy Joseph Zamb

Gerald R Kovacs

Xiaoyan Mo

Sangeeta Bhargava

Disclosed herein are computationally optimized broadly reactive dengue virus E polypeptide sequences for DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4. Also disclosed are dengue virus E protein fragments (such as the E protein ectodomain and DIII domain) fused to the molecular adjuvant P28. The disclosed nucleic acid and polypeptide sequences can be used as vaccines for immunization against dengue virus infection. In some cases, the vaccine includes a virus-like particle containing the universal dengue virus E protein, or fragment thereof, or the vaccine is a DNA molecule encoding the VLP.

Universal dengue virus sequences and methods of use

Self-propagating, fusogenic blebs are produced from cells infected with a population of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus replicon particles (VRP). The self-propagating, fusogenic nature of the blebs is derived from expression of heterologous genes encoding viral fusion proteins that are incorporated into the replication defective replicon particles. The resulting blebs can be harvested from supernatants of cells displaying severe cytopathic effects. The blebs are used to make immunogenic compositions and devise methods of immunizing mammals against paramyxoviruses such as parainfluenza virus type 3.

Fusogenic, self-propagating blebs as immunogenic compositions

Growing community of inventors

Galveston, TX, United States of America

Nikolaos Vasilakis