The present document describes a dual-affinity probe comprising an organic or inorganic surface binding peptide and a target-specific capture element, which may bind to various targets, such as pathogens. This document further describes uses of the dual-affinity probe, and kits to determine the presence of and/or quantity of a target in a sample. In particular embodiments, the dual-affinity probe is specific for SARS-CoV-2 (Spike or Nucleocapsid) protein and may be used to determine whether a subject is infected with SARS-CoV-2.

The present invention relates to antibodies, and antigen binding fragments thereof, that bind to the F-protein (fusion protein) of metapneumovims (MPV). The antibodies, and antigen binding fragments thereof, neutralize infection of MPV. The invention also relates to nucleic acids that encode, and to cells that express such antibodies and antibody fragments. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the antibodies and antibody fragments in methods for detecting and checking an MPV antigen as well as in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of MPV infection.

In various embodiments devices and methods for the detection and/or quantification of clinically relevant pathogens (e.g., bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.) are provided. In certain embodiments the device comprises a lateral-flow assay that detects the bacterium at a concentration of less than about 610.sup.6 cells/mL, less than about 310.sup.6 cells/ml, less than about 110.sup.6 CFU/mL, or less than about 50 g/mL. In certain embodiments the device comprises an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) comprising a mixed phase solution that separates into a first phase solution and a second phase solution; and a lateral-flow assay (LFA). In certain embodiments the device comprises a flow-through system comprising a concentration component comprising an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) comprising a mixed phase solution that separates into a first phase solution and a second phase solution; and a detection component disposed beneath said concentration component.

The invention described herein provides antibodies to Zika virus. The novel polypeptides are useful alone or as portions of larger molecules, such as antibodies or antibody fragments, that can be used to treat or prevent infection of Zika virus.

Provided is an M2-LVP-K1 virus including a colorectal cancer cell-specific mutant sialic acid binding domain and a composition for treating colorectal cancer including the same. The mutant sialic acid binding domain is constructed using directed evolution technology, and is a recombinant Newcastle disease virus constructed by substituting a normal sialic acid binding domain for a HN protein, a cell-binding receptor, to improve the specific infectivity to HCT116 cells. It was identified that M2-LVP-K1 recombinant Newcastle disease virus with improved colorectal cancer cell-specific infectivity has improved HCT116 cell death effect compared to the conventional normal recombinant Newcastle disease virus, and produces an excellent effect in inhibiting cancer tissue growth through in vivo experiments. The mutant recombinant Newcastle disease virus presented in this study relates to a therapeutic viral agent capable of inducing clinical symptom reduction, partial remission, or complete remission through colorectal cancer cell death or colorectal cancer tissue shrinkage.

Glycan arrays that can detect and distinguish between various sub-types and strains of influenza virus are provided. Methods for using the glycan arrays with assays using nanoparticle amplification technique are disclosed. Sandwich assays using gold nanoparticles conjugated to phage particles comprising influenza virus-specific antibodies for detecting multiple serotypes using a single reaction are provided. Plurality of glycans directed to specific target HA of influenza virus comprises the array. Detector molecules comprising noble metals conjugated to (a) phage display particles expressing antibodies against hemagglutinin and (b) neuraminidase binding agents are disclosed.

A baculovirus displaying a porcine epidemic diarrhea virus S protein or S1 domain thereof is provided for preventing porcine epidemic diarrhea virus infection.

The invention provides a recombinant biologically contained influenza virus that is a PB2 knockout virus, e.g., one that is useful to generate a multivalent vaccine, and methods of making and using that virus.

This application is directed generally to minicircle DNA vectors for the vaccination of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The transgene expression cassette in the minicircle DNA vector includes: a eukaryotic translation initiation nucleotide sequence, a mutant nucleotide sequence that encodes a foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) capsid polyprotein precursor that contains at least one mutation to eliminate a restriction enzyme recognition site, a nucleotide sequence that encodes a protease that cleaves the FMDV capsid polyprotein precursor into a plurality of FMDV capsid proteins and a translational regulatory element to regulate the expression of the protease. The minicircle DNA vectors can be transfected directly into the cell of a mammalian host. When transfected into the mammalian host cell, virus-like particles can be produced intrinsically to stimulate the mammalian host's immune system to develop adaptive immunity toward foot-and-mouth disease.

Disclosed are compositions and methods for inhibiting viral entry.