The present invention relates to compounds and methods for the prevention or treatment of infections by negative strand RNA viruses, such as influenza virus and measles virus, wherein said compounds delay or inhibit viral replication by modulating the level or activity of a polypeptide involved in the synthesis or degradation of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in a cell, tissue, or subject. The methods involve administration of one or more compounds which modulate the level of gene expression, where the gene encodes a polypeptide involved in regulating the metabolic level of S1P, or modulate the level or activity of a polypeptide involved in regulating the metabolic level of S1P, such as sphingosine kinase (SK) and S1P lyase (SPL). Exemplary methods are directed towards reducing the level of SW by reducing the level or activity of one or more SKs, increasing the level or activity of one or more SPLs, or a combination of both steps.

The present invention concerns methods and means for identifying, producing, and engineering neutralizing molecules against influenza A viruses, and to the neutralizing molecules produced. In particular, the invention concerns neutralizing molecules against various influenza A virus subtypes, including neutralizing antibodies against H5 and/or H3 and/or H1, such as, for example all of H1, H3, and H5 subtypes, and methods and means for making such molecules.

Influenza vaccines are administered using solid biodegradable microneedles. The microneedles are fabricated from the influenza vaccine in combination with solid excipient(s) and, after penetrating the skin, they dissolve in situ and release the vaccine to the immune system. The influenza vaccine is (i) a purified influenza virus surface antigen vaccine, rather than a live vaccine or a whole-virus or split inactivated vaccine (ii) an influenza vaccine prepared from viruses grown in cell culture, not eggs, (iii) a monovalent influenza vaccine e.g. for immunising against a pandemic strain, (iv) a bivalent vaccine, (v) a tetravalent or >4-valent vaccine, (vi) a mercury-free vaccine, or (vii) a gelatin-free vaccine.

Provided herein are polypeptides comprising portions of the influenza virus hemagglutinin, compositions comprising such polypeptides that can be used as immunogens in vaccines and methods of their use to generate an immune response against multiple influenza subtypes in a subject.

Described are binding molecules, e.g., human monoclonal antibodies, that bind to influenza virus comprising HA of the H3 subtype, e.g., H3N2, and have a broad neutralizing activity against such influenza virus. Described are polynucleotides encoding the binding molecules, their sequences and compositions comprising the binding molecules and methods of identifying or producing the binding molecules. The binding molecules can be used in the diagnosis, prophylaxis, and/or treatment of influenza virus H3N2 infection. The binding molecules may provide cross-subtype protection, such that infections with H3, H7, and/or H10-based influenza subtypes can be prevented and/or treated.

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.

Disclosed herein are methods for increasing protein yield and cellular productivity. Chemical agents facilitate host cell production of biological molecules to increase product yield.

Provided herein are methods for treating, reducing or preventing influenza A virus infection in a patient, as well as compositions and articles of manufacture for treating, reducing or preventing influenza A virus infection in a patient.

The invention is directed to compositions and methods for collecting, transporting, and storing, preferably without refrigeration, biological materials, which may comprise samples of biological, clinical, forensic, and/or environmental origin. Compositions preserve the fidelity and/or viability of the collected organisms and/or macromolecules in the sample and permit long-term storage. Compositions are compatible with manipulation of the sample, including propagation and culture of the microorganisms, or isolation, purification, detection, and characterization of macromolecules. Compositions containing microorganisms or macromolecules can be further processed, for example, by nucleic acid testing with greater fidelity and detection as compared to conventional microbial transport media. In particular, the compositions disclosed allow for the safe collection, transport and storage of biological samples for extended periods at ambient temperature, while maintaining the integrity of the macromolecules of the sample for subsequent extraction, identification, and quantitation.

Influenza vaccines are administered using solid biodegradable microneedles. The microneedles are fabricated from the influenza vaccine in combination with solid excipient(s) and, after penetrating the skin, they dissolve in situ and release the vaccine to the immune system. The influenza vaccine is (i) a purified influenza virus surface antigen vaccine, rather than a live vaccine or a whole-virus or split inactivated vaccine (ii) an influenza vaccine prepared from viruses grown in cell culture, not eggs, (iii) a monovalent influenza vaccine e.g. for immunising against a pandemic strain, (iv) a bivalent vaccine, (v) a tetravalent or >4-valent vaccine, (vi) a mercury-free vaccine, or (vii) a gelatin-free vaccine.