Compositions and methods of using capsid protein from Flaviviruses and Pestiviruses

A method of identifying compounds that inhibit Flavivirus or Pestivirus capsid protein, or a functional fragment thereof, from inducing apoptosis in cells comprising the steps of

• a) contacting the cells, in the presence of a test compound, with an amount of Flavivirus or Pestivirus capsid protein, or a functional fragment thereof, sufficient to induce a detectable level of apoptosis in the cells;
• and
• b) comparing the level of apoptosis detected in step (a) with the level of apoptosis that occurs when cells are contacted with Flavivirus or Pestivirus capsid protein, or a functional fragment thereof, in the absence of said test compound.

An injectable pharmaceutical composition comprising

• a) a Flavivirus or Pestivirus capsid protein, or a functional fragment thereof, or a nucleic acid molecule that comprises a nucleotide sequence that encodes a Flavivirus or Pestivirus capsid protein or a functional fragment thereof;
• and
• b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

A kit for identifying individuals exposed to a Flavivirus or Pestivirus comprising

• a) a first container comprising antibodies specific for a Flavivirus or Pestivirus capsid protein;
• and
• b) a second container comprising Flavivirus or Pestivirus capsid protein, or a fragment thereof.

A kit for identifying individuals exposed to a Flavivirus or Pestivirus comprising

• a) a first container comprising Flavivirus or Pestivirus capsid protein;
• and
• b) a second container which contains antibodies which specifically bind to Flavivirus or Pestivirus capsid protein.

A vaccine composition comprising

• a) an immunologically effective amount of Flavivirus or Pestivirus capsid protein, or an immunogenic fragment thereof;
• and
• b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

A vaccine composition comprising

• a) nucleic acid encoding Flavivirus or Pestivirus capsid protein, or an immunogenic fragment thereof, and
• b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

A method of treating an individual exposed to a Flavivirus or Pestivirus by administering a therapeutically effective amount of capsid protein, or an immunogenic fragment thereof, from a Flavivirus or Pestivirus, or a nucleic acid encoding capsid protein, or an immunogenic fragment thereof, from a Flavivirus or Pestivirus.

A method of protecting an individual from Flavivirus or Pestivirus infection by administering a prophylactically effective amount of capsid protein, or an immunogenic fragment thereof, from a Flavivirus or Pestivirus, or a nucleic acid encoding capsid protein, or an immunogenic fragment thereof, from a Flavivirus or Pestivirus.