Methods for identifying optimized antigenic pathogen polypeptides capable of inducing a broadly neutralizing immune response, and associated T-cell responses, to a pathogen are described, as well as nucleic acid sequences encoding such polypeptides. Methods for determining whether a broadly neutralizing immune response is induced in a subject following immunization with an optimized antigenic pathogen polypeptide, or a nucleic acid encoding the optimized pathogen polypeptide, are also described. Nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, vectors, cells, fusion proteins, pharmaceutical compositions, and their use as vaccines against pathogens, especially against emerging or re-emerging pathogens (particularly RNA viruses), are also described.

Isolated peptides comprising one or more antigenic sites of filovirus glycoprotein and methods of their use and production are disclosed. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the peptides are also provided. In several embodiments, the peptides can be used to induce an immune response to filovirus glycoprotein, such as Zaire ebolavirus glycoprotein, in a subject, for example, to treat or prevent infection of the subject with the virus.

The present invention relates to an improved filovirus vaccine comprising a recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara-based (MVA-based) vaccine against filovirus infection and to related products, methods and uses. Specifically, the present invention relates to genetically engineered (recombinant) MVA and FPV vectors comprising at least one heterologous nucleotide sequence encoding an antigenic determinant of a Marburg virus (MARV) or Ebola virus glycoprotein. Specifically, the invention relates to recombinant MVA comprising Ebola virus glycoprotein and virion protein 40. The invention also relates to products, methods and uses thereof as well as prime/boost regimens of MVA and genetically engineered (recombinant) FPV, e.g., suitable to induce a protective immune response in a subject.

The compositions and methods are described for generating an immune response to a hemorrhagic fever virus such as ebolavirus, Marburgvirus, or arenavirus. The compositions and methods described herein relate to a modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vector encoding one or more viral antigens for generating a protective immune response to a member of genus Ebolavirus (such as a member of species Zaire ebolavirus), a member of genus Marburgvirus (such as a member of species Marburg marburgvirus), or a member of genus Arenavirus (such as a member of species Lassa virus) in the subject to which the vector is administered. The compositions and methods of the present invention are useful both prophylactically and therapeutically and may be used to prevent and/or treat an infection caused by ebolavirus, Marburgvirus, or arenavirus.

Nucleic acid molecules and compositions comprising one or more nucleic acid sequences that encode a consensus filovirus immunogen including a consensus Marburgvirus filovirus glycoprotein MARV GP immunogen, a consensus Ebolavirus Sudan filovirus glycoprotein SEBOV GP immunogen and a consensus Ebolavirus Zaire glycoprotein ZEBOV GP immunogen are disclosed. The coding sequences optionally include operable linked coding sequence that encode a signal peptide. Immunomodulatory methods and methods of inducing an immune response against filovirus, particularly Marburgvirus, Ebolavirus Sudan and Ebolavirus Zaire are disclosed. Method of preventing filovirus infection, particularly infection by Marburgvirus, Ebolavirus Sudan and Ebolavirus Zaire and methods of treating individuals infected with filovirus infection, particularly infection by Marburgvirus, Ebolavirus Sudan and Ebolavirus Zaire are disclosed. Consensus filovirus proteins are disclosed.

The present invention provides compositions, vaccines and methods for inducing protective immunity against filovirus infection, particularly protective immunity against infection of one or more subtypes of Ebola viruses and Marburg virus.

Compositions and methods are described for generating an improved effective immune response against an immunogen in humans. The enhanced immune response, is obtained by using an MVA vector as a prime, an adenovirus vector as a first boost, and an adenovirus vector as a second boost. The compositions and methods can be used to provide a protective immunity against a disease, such as an infection of one or more subtypes of Ebola and Marburg filoviruses, in humans.

The disclosure relates to compositions, assays, methods and kits comprising one or more amino acid sequences of a filovirus protein, or a fragment thereof, which find use in the detection of a filovirus infection and/or the presence of antibodies specific for a filovirus in a biological sample.

Nucleic acid molecules and compositions comprising one or more nucleic acid sequences that encode a consensus Marburgvirus filovirus glycoprotein immunogens. Immunomodulatory methods and methods of inducing an immune response against Marburgvirus are disclosed. Method of preventing infection by Marburgvirus and methods of treating individuals infected with Marburgvirus are disclosed. Consensus Marburgvirus filovirus glycoprotein immunogens are disclosed.

Disclosed is a stable immunogenic composition capable of eliciting a robust and durable immune response, comprising at least one antigen consisting of a filovirus glycoprotein and at least one nano-emulsion adjuvant which are co-lyophilized and can be reconstituted immediately prior to use. Also disclosed is a vaccine composition comprising at least two antigens, wherein each antigen is specific to a different genus of filovirus and which also comprises at least one nano-emulsion adjuvant.