The present invention relates to the production of avian induced pluripotent stem cells from non-pluripotent somatic cells, including embryonic fibroblasts and adult somatic cells. In this method, avian (including quail or chicken) somatic cells are reprogrammed into a state closely resembling embryonic stem cells including the expression of key stem cell markers alkaline phosphatase, etc. by transfecting/transducing the non-stem cells with genes (preferably using a non-integrating vector as otherwise described herein or alternatively an integrating vector, such a lentiviral vector, retroviral vector or inducible lentiviral vector, among others) which express at least nanog, Lin28 and cMyc. In preferred aspects of the invention, the transfected/transduced vectors express nanog, Lig28, cMyc, Oct 4 (POU5F1 or PouV), SOX2 and KLF4. The induced stem cells which are produced contribute to all 3 germ layers, the trophectoderm and in certain aspects, the gonad in chimeric offspring.

The object of the invention are monoclonal antibodies against hemagglutinin of H5-serotype influenza viruses selected from the group comprising G-1-31-22, G-2-14-10, G-5-32-5, G-6-42-42, G-7-24-17 and G-7-27-18, having a broad application in immunoprophyiaxis and immunotherapy of infections evoked by H5-serotype influenza viruses in humans and animals. The invention also provides hybridomas producing said antibodies, as well as compositions and diagnostic kits containing said antibodies for the detection and typing of H5-serotype influenza viruses and antibodies against H5-serotype influenza viruses in biological samples.

The present inventors discovered that antibodies having weaker antigen-binding activity at the early endosomal pH in comparison with that at the pH of plasma are capable of binding to multiple antigen molecules with a single antibody molecule, have long half-lives in plasma, and have improved durations of time in which they can bind to antigen.

Nutritional compositions with fucosyllactose and betagalactooligosaccharides for use in stimulation of the immune system. The composition is suitable for infants.

Products and associated methods are described for the delivery of one or more small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to an avian cell using a nonpathogenic bacterium for the prevention or treatment of Avian Influenza Virus (AIV). The siRNA is complementary to an mRNA of the AIV NP or PA sequence. In challenge studies with chickens, the siRNA is shown to prevent the onset of clinical symptoms or reduce the severity of disease, including reducing viral titers or virus shedding.

Compositions and methods for detecting presence of an emerging influenza virus in a sample, such as a biological sample obtained from a subject or an environmental sample, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the compositions and methods can be used to quickly identify particular subtypes of influenza virus (such as a pandemic and/or emerging influenza virus subtype). Probes and primers are provided herein that permit the rapid detection and/or discrimination of pandemic influenza virus subtype nucleic acids in a sample. Devices (such as arrays) and kits for detection and/or discrimination of influenza virus subtype nucleic acids are also provided.

The invention provides a composition useful to prepare high titer influenza viruses, e.g., in the absence of helper virus, which includes internal genes from an influenza virus vaccine strain or isolate, e.g., one that is safe in humans, for instance, one that does not result in significant disease, that confer enhanced growth in cells in culture, such as MDCK cells, or in eggs.

The invention relates to a method for producing a ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecule composition comprising n different RNA molecule species, the method comprising a step of RNA in vitro transcription of a mixture of m different deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecule species in a single reaction vessel in parallel, i.e. simultaneously, and a step of obtaining the RNA molecule composition. Also provided is the RNA composition provided by the inventive method and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same as well as a pharmaceutical container. Moreover, the invention provides the RNA composition and the pharmaceutical composition for use as medicament.

Material complexes that capture biologicals and methods of synthesizing and using such complexes composed of fluid-insoluble material and a receptor are provided herewith. The fluid-insoluble material has reactive functionality on its surface, including hydroxyl, amino, mercapto or eposy functionality material. The material can be agarose, sand, textile, or any combination thereof. The receptor is selected from the group consisting of mono-and poly-saccharides, heparin, or any combination thereof. Also provide are methods whereby releasing the captured biologicals and is controllable.

The invention provides a composition useful to prepare high titer influenza viruses, e.g., in the absence of helper virus, which includes internal genes from an influenza virus vaccine strain or isolate, e.g., one that is safe in humans, for instance, one that does not result in significant disease, that confer enhanced growth in cells in culture, such as MDCK cells, or in eggs.