Abstract: Provided herein are peptides that have activity as mast cell activating proteins (MCAP), as well as compositions, adjuvant compositions, vaccines, and pharmaceutical formulations that include the peptides. Also provided are methods of using the peptides, including methods for eliciting an immune response to an immunogen in a mammal upon administration.

Abstract: Provided herein are peptides that have activity as mast cell activating proteins (MCAP), as well as compositions, adjuvant compositions, vaccines, and pharmaceutical formulations that include the peptides. Also provided are methods of using the peptides, including methods for eliciting an immune response to an immunogen in a mammal upon administration.

Abstract: A composition for eliciting an immune response to an immunogen comprises an immunogen in combination with a mast cell membrane activator such as compound 48/80. Any suitable immunogen may be employed, such as an antibody-inducing determinant, a lipid, a peptide (e.g., an antibody-inducing peptide), a carbohydrate, an immunogen derived from a virus or cancer cell, etc. Methods of use are also described.

Abstract: A method of eliciting an immune response against an antigen in a vertebrate subject, the method comprising the steps of providing an antigen-adjuvant composition comprising the antigen and a substantially non-toxic adjuvant molecule having biological activity in mucosal tissues, and administering said antigen-adjuvant composition to the vertebrate subject in a manner such that initial contact occurs in mucosal tissue of the vertebrate subject, whereby an immune response is elicited. Cytokines are preferred adjuvants. Preferred cytokines are interleukin-1?(IL-1?) and interleukin-1? (IL-1?).

Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions comprising an IL-1 mutein that is useful as an adjuvant for stimulating a controlled immune response when administered to a human or animal. For example, muteins of IL-1&bgr; can be used according to the invention. The mutein composition can include a vaccine antigen, such as whole inactivated or attenuated virus, recombinant or synthetic peptides, and other antigenic materials.

Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions comprising an IL-1 mutein that is useful as an adjuvant for stimulating a controlled immune response when administered to a human or animal. For example, muteins of IL-1&bgr; can be used according to the invention. The mutein composition can include a vaccine antigen, such as whole inactivated or attenuated virus, recombinant or synthetic peptides, and other antigenic materials. The present invention also pertains to the use of an IL-1 mutein in a human or animal as an adjuvant to increase immune responses to an antigen or other material to which an immune response is desired.

Abstract: A method of eliciting an immune response against an antigen in a vertebrate subject, the method comprising the steps of providing an antigen-adjuvant composition comprising the antigen and a substantially non-toxic adjuvant molecule having biological activity in mucosal tissues, and administering said antigen-adjuvant composition to the vertebrate subject in a manner such that initial contact occurs in mucosal tissue of the vertebrate subject, whereby an immune response is elicited. Cytokines are preferred adjuvants. Preferred cytokines are interleukin-1&agr; (IL-1&agr;) and interleukin-1&bgr; (IL-1&bgr;).

Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions comprising an IL-1 mutein that is useful as an adjuvant for stimulating a controlled immune response when administered to a human or animal. For example, muteins of IL-1&bgr; can be used according to the invention. The mutein composition can include a vaccine antigen, such as whole inactivated or attenuated virus, recombinant or synthetic peptides, and other antigenic materials.

Abstract: A method of eliciting an immune response against an antigen in a vertebrate subject, the method comprising the steps of providing an antigen-adjuvant composition comprising the antigen and a substantially non-toxic adjuvant molecule having biological activity in mucosal tissues, and administering said antigen-adjuvant composition to the vertebrate subject in a manner such that initial contact occurs in mucosal tissue of the vertebrate subject, whereby an immune response is elicited. Cytokines are preferred adjuvants. Preferred cytokines are interleukin-1&agr; (IL-1&agr;) and interleukin-1&bgr; (IL-1&bgr;).