Abstract: Biomarkers and therapies against autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are described herein. The present invention is based on the discovery of B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and BCMA variant expression on SLE monocytes that can be directly associated with disease activity. The findings of the present invention enable the design of monoclonal antibodies or recombinant proteins that can block BCMA and BCMA variants as well as BCMA-bound APRIL.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for making and using anti DC-ASGPR antibodies that can, e.g., activate DCs and other cells.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing Th1/Th17 cell responses and decreasing Th2 cell responses are disclosed herein. In various embodiments the present invention describes activation of human dendritic cells and enhancement of antigen-specific T cell responses in a Dectin-1-expressing human dendritic cells comprising an anti-Dectin-1-specific antibody or fragment thereof fused with one or more antigens. TLR2 ligands may also be included to enhance the activation and for enhancement of T-cell responses. Further, the invention also includes methods based on the compositions described herein for the treatment of pathogenic infections.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for targeting protein antigens to human DCs via DC-asialoglycoprotein receptor (DC-ASGPR) are disclosed herein. The DC-ASGPR carries an intracellular tyrosine-based and dileucine motif, resulting in the generation of such IL-10 Tregs both in vitro and in vivo. The methods of the present invention can be used for designing vaccines against autoimmune diseases where autoantigens are defined, such as type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing an immune response with an adjuvant composition comprising: an anti-dendritic cell (DC)-specific antibody or fragment thereof conjugated to at least a portion of a TLR agonist; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are disclosed herein. The conjugate and agonist are each comprised in an amount such that, in combination with the other, are effective to produce the immune response in a human or animal subject in need of immunostimulation.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding various monocyte cell proteins from a primate, reagents related thereto, including specific antibodies, and purified proteins are described. Methods of using said reagents and related diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for increasing the effectiveness of antigen presentation using a DCIR-specific antibody or fragment thereof to which an antigen is attached that forms an antibody-antigen complex, wherein the antigen is processed and presented by a dendritic cell that has been contacted with the antibody-antigen complex.

Abstract: Immunostimulatory compositions and methods comprising an ITIM motif-containing DC immunoreceptor (DCIR) to mediate potent crosspresentation are described herein. The inventors evaluated human CD8+ T cell responses generated by targeting antigens to dendritic cells (DCs) through various lectin receptors. A single exposure to a low dose of anti-DCIR-antigen conjugate initiated antigen-specific CD8+ T cell immunity by all human DC subsets including ex vivo generated DCs, skin-isolated Langerhans cells and blood mDCs and pDCs. Enhanced specific CD8+ T cell responses were observed when antigens like, FluMP, MART-1, viral (HIV gag), etc. were delivered to the DCs via DCIR, compared to those induced by a free antigen, or antigen conjugated to a control mAb or delivered via DC-SIGN, another lectin receptor. Addition of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7/8-agonist enhanced DCIR-mediated crosspresentation as well as crosspriming.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding various monocyte cell proteins from a primate, reagents related thereto, including specific antibodies, and purified proteins are described. Methods of using reagents and related diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes isolated anti-Langerin vaccines, methods for making and using an isolated anti-Langerin antibody or binding fragment thereof and one or more antigenic peptides at the carboxy-terminus of the isolated anti-Langerin antibody, wherein when two or more antigenic peptides are present, the peptides are separated by the one or more linker peptides that comprise at least one glycosylation site. The present invention also includes isolated vectors for the expression of the anti-Langerin antigen delivery vectors and their manufactures and use.

Abstract: CTLA-8 related antigens from mammals, reagents related thereto including purified proteins, specific antibodies, and nucleic acids encoding said antigens. Methods of using said reagents and diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for designing, making and using modular recombinant antibodies or fragments thereof with one half of a cohesin-dockerin pair that permits the rapid assembly of multivariant antigen conjugates.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for the expression, secretion and use of novel compositions for use as, e.g., vaccines and antigen delivery vectors, to delivery antigens to antigen presenting cells. In one embodiment, the vector is an anti-CD40 antibody, or fragments thereof, and one or more antigenic peptides linked to the anti-CD40 antibody or fragments thereof, including humanized antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for the expression, secretion and use of novel compositions for use as, e.g., vaccines and antigen delivery vectors, to delivery antigens to antigen presenting cells. In one embodiment, the vector is an anti-CD40 antibody, or fragments thereof, and one or more antigenic peptides linked to the anti-CD40 antibody or fragments thereof, including humanized antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for the expression, secretion and use of novel compositions for use as, e.g., vaccines and antigen delivery vectors, to delivery antigens to antigen presenting cells. In one embodiment, the vector is an anti-CD40 antibody, or fragments thereof, and one or more antigenic peptides linked to the anti-CD40 antibody or fragments thereof, including humanized antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for the expression, secretion and use of novel compositions for use as, e.g., vaccines and antigen delivery vectors, to delivery antigens to antigen presenting cells. In one embodiment, the vector is an anti-CD40 antibody, or fragments thereof, and one or more antigenic peptides linked to the anti-CD40 antibody or fragments thereof, including humanized antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for designing, making and using modular recombinant antibodies or fragments thereof with one half of a cohesin-dockerin pair that permits the rapid assembly of multivariant antigen conjugates.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding various monocyte cell proteins from a primate, reagents related thereto, including specific antibodies, and purified proteins are described. Methods of using said reagents and related diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: CTLA-8 related antigens from mammals, reagents related thereto including purified proteins, specific antibodies, and nucleic acids encoding said antigens. Methods of using said reagents and diagnostic kits are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for making and using a vaccine that includes a DC-specific antibody or fragment thereof to which an engineered Gag antigen is attached to form an antibody-antigen complex, wherein the Gag antigen is less susceptible to proteolytic degradation by eliminating one or more proteolytic sites or a DC-specific antibody or fragment thereof to which an engineered Nef antigen is attached to form an antibody-antigen complex, wherein the Nef antigen comprises one or more codon usage optimization that increase antibody-antigen complex secretion, or both, wherein the vaccine is able to elicit an HIV-specific T cell immune response to Gag p17, Gag p24, Nef and/or Cyclin D1.