The present invention relates to methods of modulating an immune response in a subject by using a binding protein (e.g., an antibody or an antigen-binding portion of an antibody) to mask or alter an epitope on an antigen that is administered to the subject. Such methods are useful for inducing an immune response (e.g., production of an antibody) in the subject to a non-immunodominant epitope on the antigen. The invention also encompasses an antigen-binding protein complex comprising at least one binding protein bound to at least one immunodominant epitope on an antigen.

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.

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.

The present invention relates to a vesicular stomatitis virus vaccine vector encoding a MARV glycoprotein (rVSVG-MARV-GP). Vaccination with as little as 200 plaque-forming units was 100% efficacious against MARV lethality and prevented development of viremia. rVSVG-MARV-GP vaccination induced MARV GP-specific serum IgG, and virus-neutralizing activity in serum was detectable in animals vaccinated with the highest doses.

Methods for stabilizing a liquid vaccine for mucosal use are provided. In certain aspects, the methods may include combining a liquid comprising at least one antigen or antigen encoding composition with a petrolatum carrier.