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The technology relates to a protein-based nanoparticle platform that allows presentation of immunogenic molecules such as influenza virus antigens. This protein platform is made up of hepatitis B capsid/core proteins. The core proteins contain immunogenic loop c/e1, where other antigens can be inserted and the chimeric protein retains the ability to form capsid-like particles. The technology describes the insertion of one or more copies of influenza epitopes derived from the globular head or the stem region of hemagglutinin protein into or around the c/e1 loop of the core protein.

Rotaviral infection is the most common gastrointestinal illness of children in the world, affecting both developed and developing economies. There is no specific drug treatment for rotavirus infection. Vaccination and good hygiene are key to prevention.

Coronaviruses (CoVs) can cause severe respiratory disease with high fatality rates in humans. The 2002-2003 SARS-CoV epidemic resulted in 8098 cases and 744 deaths, and MERS-CoV, which emerged in 2012, has resulted in 2144 cases and over 750 deaths as of March 2018. Currently, there are no effective prophylactic or therapeutic measures, and because other CoVs are poised to emerge as new human pathogens, there is a need to define a general CoV vaccine solution.

Anthrax toxin proteins available for licensing. Bacillus anthracis hosts containing plasmids expressing the following proteins are available. (Host strains are generally BH480, or sometimes BH460. Modest amounts of purified proteins (10-50 mg) could also be provided):

1. PA.

Details for this material are provided in the NIH AIDS Reagent Program Catalog (Catalog# 341): https://www.aidsreagent.org/reagentdetail.cfm?t=cell_lines&id=152.

B. anthracis strains BH480; plasmids encoding anthrax edema factor (EF) variants pSJ136EFOS, pSJ 136EFA and pSJ 136EFR.

Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumonia), bacteria commonly referred to as pneumococcus, are a significant cause of disease resulting in 1.5 million deaths every year worldwide according to the World Health Organization. The major types of pneumococcal disease are pneumonia (lung infection), bacteremia (bloodstream infection), and meningitis (infection of the tissue covering of the brain and spinal cord). Less severe pneumococcal illnesses include ear and sinus infections.

CDC researchers have developed probes and primers for detecting the 2009 pandemic influenza A H1N1 virus in patient samples using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) methods. These primers and probes were originally developed in 2009 and were cleared by the FDA as part of a domestic human diagnostic testing panel in June 2010. These were also updated to increase specificity and/or sensitivity of the detection methods.

H7N9 influenza viruses are predominately avian (bird) pathogens, however, since 2013, they have infected more than 1500 humans with a mortality rate of nearly 40% in confirmed cases. H7N9 viruses continue to be a threat to public health. Treatment for people infected with H7N9-subtype influenza A (H7N9) commonly includes the use of drugs that inhibit neuraminidase, a protein found on the virus’ surface. However, like other influenza viruses, H7N9 can become resistant to these drugs.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia and is also a frequent cause of bloodstream, brain and spinal cord, ear, and sinus infections. According to 2015 CDC data, an estimated 900,000 Americans get pneumococcal pneumonia each year and approximately 5-7% die from it annually. Accurate diagnosis and early treatment are important for improving patient outcomes.