Abstract: The present invention is drawn to multivalent Salmonella enterica serovar conjugate vaccines comprising conjugates of S. Typhimurium, S. Enteritidis, S. Choleraesuis, S. Typhi, S. Paratyphi A and optionally S. Paratyphi B, wherein the conjugates comprise a hapten antigen and a carrier antigen, wherein at least one of the hapten antigens or carrier antigens is characteristic of the Salmonella enterica serovar. The present invention also provides Salmonella enterica serovar reagent strains to produce the multivalent conjugate vaccines and attenuated Salmonella enterica serovars for use as vaccines.

Abstract: A method of inducing a specific immune response in a mammal, comprising: providing a first composition comprising isolated ubiquitinylated proteins in solution in the absence of membrane bound organelles, the isolated ubiquitinylated proteins comprising one or more specific antigens, and further comprising a threshold quantity of polyubiquitinylated short-lived proteins and polyubiquitinylated defective ribosomal products. The isolated ubiquitinylated proteins are affinity-purified from tumor-derived cells grown in culture, the tumor-derived cells being inhibited from degrading ubiquitinylated proteins via the proteasome while being grown in culture. In this way, highly immunogenic short-lived proteins and defective ribosomal products may be loaded onto dendritic cells for cross-presentation and priming of antigen-specific T cells restricted by either classical or non-classical MHC.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of inhibiting maturation of the gonads of a juvenile animal which comprises administering to said juvenile animal an immunologically active molecule (IAM) or a vector comprising nucleic acid encoding an immunologically active molecule, said IAM being specific for a target protein within the gonads and binding thereto or causing an immune response against that target protein, and thereby inhibiting maturation of the gonads, as well as molecules of use in such methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for targeting an extracellular matrix derived (EMD) peptide predominantly to an injured tissue, as opposed to an uninjured tissue in vivo. The targeted EMD peptide facilitates the repair and/or regeneration of the injured tissue by providing a surface for cells to attach and grow, thereby facilitating the repair and/or regeneration of the injured tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to modulation of fungal morphology between yeast-to-hyphal growth transition by controlling muramyl-L-alanine concentration and uses thereof.

Abstract: In this application Is described a composition and method for Inducing In a subject anti-hapten antibodies without Inducing antibodies to the carrier protein. Kits for designing and making compositions with desired haptens are also described. In this application Is disclosed a synthetic liposome composition comprising liposomes (L) containing monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) [L(MPLA)] and an immunoconjugate comprising a carrier and a hapten. In one embodiment, the carrier is a 23 amino acid hydrophobic membrane proximal external region peptide (MPER) derived from the gp41 transmembrane protein of HIV-1 that spontaneously associates with the outer surface of bilayers of liposomes containing MPLA during liposome formation.

Abstract: A disulfide trap, comprising an antigen peptide covalently attached to an MHC class I heavy chain molecule by a disulfide bond extending between two cysteines, is disclosed. In some configurations, a disulfide trap, such as a disulfide trap single chain trimer (dtSCT), can comprise a single contiguous polypeptide chain. Upon synthesis in a cell, a disulfide trap oxidizes properly in the ER, and can be recognized by T cells. In some configurations, a peptide moiety of a disulfide trap is not displaced by high-affinity competitor peptides, even if the peptide binds the heavy chain relatively weakly. In various configurations, a disulfide trap can be used for vaccination, to elicit CD8 T cells, and in multivalent MHC/peptide reagents for the enumeration and tracking of T cells. Also disclosed are nucleic acids comprising a sequence encoding a disulfide trap. Such nucleic acids, which can be DNA vectors, can be used as vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to triterpene glycoside saponin-derived adjuvants, syntheses thereof, intermediates thereto, and uses thereof. QS-7 is a potent immuno-adjuvant that is significantly less toxic than QS-21, a related saponin that is currently the favored adjuvant in anticancer and antiviral vaccines. Tedious isolation and purification protocols have hindered the clinical development of QS-7. A novel semi-synthetic method is provided wherein a hydrolyzed prosapogenin mixture is used to synthesize QS-7, QS-21, and related analogs, greatly facilitating access to QS-7 and QS-21 analogs for preclinical and clinical evaluation.

Abstract: The present invention provides synthetic immunogenic lipopeptide molecules comprising co-linear T-helper and CTL epitopes, and methods for their production and use in the generation of primary and secondary immune responses, and for the vaccination of animal subjects against particular CTL epitopes. More particularly, the present invention provides highly soluble lipopeptides wherein the lipid moiety is attached to the terminal side-chain group of an internal lysine or lysine analog, preferably to the terminal side-chain group of an internal diamino acid residue. Preferably the internal lysine or lysine analog is positioned between the T-helper epitope and the CTL epitope.

Abstract: Meningococcal protein NMB 1870 has been described in the prior art. The inventors have found that NMB 1870 is an effective antigen for eliciting anti-meningococcal antibody responses, and that it is expressed across all meningococcal serogroups. Forty-two different NMB 1870 sequences have been identified, and these group into three variants. Serum raised against a given variant is bactericidal within the same variant group, but is not active against strains which express one of the other two variants i.e. there is intra-variant cross-protection, but not inter-variant cross-protection. For maximum cross-strain efficacy, therefore, the invention uses mixture comprising different variants of NMB 1870.

Abstract: Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) bearing ?-glucose (?-Glc) that preferentially stimulate human invariant NKT (iNKT) cells are provided. GSLs with ?-glucose (?-Glc) that exhibit stronger induction in humans (but weaker in mice) of cytokines and chemokines and expansion and/or activation of immune cells than those with ?-galactose (?-Gal) are disclosed. GSLs bearing ?-glucose (?-Glc) and derivatives of ?-Glc with F at the 4 and/or 6 positions are provided. Methods for iNKT-independent induction of chemokines by the GSL with ?-Glc and derivatives thereof are disclosed. Methods for immune stimulation in humans using GSLs with ?-Glc and derivatives thereof are provided.

Abstract: In some embodiments, described herein is a method of tumor treatment or tumor vaccination. The method generally comprises applying to a human being in need thereof a tumor therapeutic composition or tumor vaccine defined herein. The tumor therapeutic composition or tumor vaccine can be produced by protein transfer of glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored immunostimulatory or costimulatory molecules.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems that can be used to induce immunologic tolerance to non-self antigens. The methods and systems comprise introducing a tolerogen comprising at least one immunogenic non-self antigen coupled to a carrier, wherein the immunogenic antigen can be a foreign or endogenous antigen or fragments thereof. The non-self antigen can be selected from the group consisting of carbohydrate antigens, full-length antigenic proteins, and fragments and combinations thereof, while the carrier can be selected from nanoparticles and stents. Tolerogen compositions are also provided and can be used to induce immunologic tolerance to non-self antigens. These methods, systems and compositions are particularly advantageous since they can be used to allow for the extension of the window of safety for immunologically-incompatible transplantations to patients who are growing past the age of infancy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new process for producing a doped synthetic monodispersed hematin anhydride (HA) crystals useful as a slow release vehicle and immune modulator. As the preparation comprises embedded in the crystals one or more antigens and/or one or more biologically active entities, the preparation can be useful in numerous medical indications such as vaccine or any therapy where it is desired that a biologically active entity maintains its activity over time due to its slow-release. The process comprises the steps of (i) providing a substantially pure iron(III) protoporphyrin-IX, in solution in an alkaline solution substantially free of oxygen (ii) adjusting the pH of the solution to an acidic pH of between about 4.0, by slowly adding a medium strong organic acid, (iii) during step b) above, adding one or more antigens and/or one or entities having a biological activity, at a pH of about 5.0.

Abstract: The invention pertains to methods of using C?mX peptides (e.g., GLAGGSAQSQRAPDRVL; SEQ ID NO:2) that can bind effectively induce immune responses to membrane-bound IgE (mIgE) expressed on the surface of human B lymphocytes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polymeric carrier cargo complex, comprising as a cargo at least one nucleic acid (molecule) and disulfide-crosslinked cationic components as a (preferably non-toxic and non-immunogenic) polymeric carrier. The inventive polymeric carrier cargo complex allows for both efficient transfection of nucleic acids into cells in vivo and in vitro and/or for induction of an (innate and/or adaptive) immune response, preferably dependent on the nucleic acid to be transported as a cargo. The present invention also provides, pharmaceutical compositions, particularly vaccines and adjuvants, comprising the inventive polymeric carrier cargo complex and optionally an antigen, as well as the use of such the inventive polymeric carrier cargo complex and optionally an antigen for transfecting a cell, a tissue or an organism, for (gene-)therapeutic purposes as disclosed herein, and/or as an immunostimulating agent or adjuvant, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides comprising at least one antigenic determinant or epitope of an apicomplexan Ferlin, Ferlin-like protein and/or another C2-domain containing protein for use as malaria vaccines. It further relates to compositions comprising said peptides and to the use of such compositions as malaria vaccines.

Abstract: A mucosal vaccine for the prevention or treatment of microbial infections is described that is capable of inducing vaccine antigen-specific immune responses in an organism without the addition of a mucosal adjuvant. The mucosal vaccine comprises a composite of a nanogel comprising a hydrophilic polysaccharide having a cationic functional group and a hydrophobic cholesterol added thereto as a side chain and a vaccine antigen. The vaccine is administered via a mucosal route.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for targeting therapeutic agents to neuromuscular junctions are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for treating diseases and conditions affecting the neuromuscular junction. Compositions include a neuromuscular junction targeting peptide coupled to a therapeutic agent. Compositions may further include a linker peptide. Methods for targeting therapeutic agents to neuromuscular junctions and treating diseases and conditions affecting the neuromuscular junction include administering a composition including a neuromuscular junction targeting peptide coupled to a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Maternal adaptive immunity conveys temporary humoral immune protection to neonates. The disclosure demonstrates the influence of the in utero environment on adult atherosclerosis and provides evidence for persistent effects of maternal immunization on adult immune responses. The disclosure provides methods and compositions useful for immunization and more particularly for actively modulating the fetal programming of the immune system for the purpose of preventing or treating immune-modulated diseases. The disclosure also provides interventions to protect offspring and immunized subjects against insulin resistance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are heteromeric molecules comprising two or more different pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), wherein the two or more PAMPs are linked together with discrete, linear inter-PAMP spacing. Also disclosed are immunogenic compositions comprising the heteromeric molecules and related methods of stimulating an immune response in vivo in a subject or ex vivo comprising administering the immunogenic composition to cells. Also disclosed is a method of synthesizing an immunostimulant comprising: identifying 2 or more different PAMPS, covalently linking the 2 or more different PAMPS together, varying spacing between the 2 or more different PAMPs, and testing the effect of spacing between the 2 or more different PAMPS to identify an optimal spacing that results in immune stimulation.

Abstract: Conjugates of ookinete surface protein Pfs25 are provided that are efficacious as vaccines against Plasmodium falciparum, the most severe form of malaria. Conjugates of ookinete surface protein Pvs25 for use as a vaccine against Plasmodium vivax are also provided. Methods for preparing the conjugates, which comprise the ookinete surface protein bound onto itself or onto another protein by a linking group, are also provided.

Abstract: Conjugates comprising a N-oxime bond are disclosed. In one embodiment, a suitable conjugate is represented by the following Formula (I): wherein R? is derived from a compound comprising at least one reactive amide group, R? is derived from a compound comprising at least one reactive aminooxy group, and X is H, CnH(n+2) or other atoms. Additional methods are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification, sequencing, and isolation of an A25 bacteriophage lysin gene that expresses a protein involved in the lysis of bacterial cells during the phage life cycle. The invention further relates to methods for lysing certain bacteria using lysin, which are useful for example in a diagnostic procedure designed to detect these bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention provides IRM conjugates that includes an IRM moiety and a second active moiety covalently linked to the IRM moiety in which the covalent link does not depend on UV irradiation.

Abstract: For the first time, an O-specific polysaccharide antigen that is a Shigella sonnei, phase I, exopolysaccharide has been produced and characterized, said exopolysaccharide being an authentic natural compound in the form of a bacterial capsular polysaccharide. The exopolysaccharide contains a non-toxic lipid component, namely non-hydroxylated fatty acids, and exhibits low pyrogenicity and high immunogenicity. Effective, highly specific and safe vaccines for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of Shigella sonnei shigellosis are developed on the basis of the above-mentioned exopolysaccharide, as well as pharmaceutical compositions with a broad spectrum of action, in particular, in modulating immune response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising Haemophilus influenzae Protein E and Pilin A. More particularly, the present application relates to fusion proteins and immunogenic compositions comprising Protein E and PilA, vaccines comprising such immunogenic compositions and therapeutic uses of the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immunomodulatory compound comprising a carbohydrate polymer comprising mannose, wherein the carbohydrate polymer is conjugated to at least one immune modulator. The present invention also provides for the use of this compound in immunomodulatory compositions for vaccination and gene therapy methods, together with processes for its preparation.

Abstract: Methodologies and technologies for potentiating antibody-based cancer treatments by increasing complement-mediated cell cytotoxicity are disclosed. Further provided are methodologies and technologies for overcoming ineffective treatments correlated with and/or caused by sub-lytic levels of complement-activating monoclonal antibodies (“mAb”) against cancer antigens or cancer antigens with low tumor cell density. While detectable levels of passively administered or vaccine-induced mAb against some antigens are able to delay or prevent tumor growth, low levels of mAb induce sublytic levels of complement activation and accelerate tumor growth. This complement-mediated accelerated tumor growth initiated by low mAb levels results in activation of the PI3K/AKT survival pathway. Methodologies and technologies relating to administration of PI3K inhibitors to overcome low dose mAb-initiated, complement-mediated PI3K activation and accelerated tumor growth are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved Pseudomonas Exotoxin A (PE) molecules with high cytotoxicity and reduced immunogenicity, compositions containing the improved (PE), and methods of use.

Abstract: Hybrid nuclease molecules and methods for treating an immune-related disease or disorder in a mammal, and a pharmaceutical composition for treating an immune-related disease in a mammal.

Abstract: The invention provides novel immunological adjuvants and methods for identification of such adjuvants. The invention further provides methods and compositions for eliciting an immune response to an immunogen using the novel adjuvants. The adjuvants can be employed with any suitable immunogen, including proteins, peptides, lipids, and carbohydrates. The immunogen can be derived from a virus, a cancer, or a diseased cell. The elicited immune response can be cellular, humoral, or both.

Abstract: The present invention provides DNA-nanostructures comprising and at least one targeting moiety, wherein the at least one targeting moiety is linked to the DNA-nanostructure; and wherein the at least one targeting moiety is nicotine or a nicotine analogue. These compounds elicit an immunogenic response in individuals and are useful as vaccines for ameliorating nicotine dependence.

Abstract: The present invention comprises novel compositions and methods for eliciting high immune responses, of great specifity yielding conformationally sensitive antibodies. These antibodies recognize specific epitopes on a wide variety of antigens including but not limited to, amyloid protein, prion protein, P170 glycoprotein. The novel compositions of the invention comprise supramolecular antigenic constructs generally comprising a peptide sequence, covalently attached to pegylated lysine resulting in modified and enhanced peptide presentation. The unique modification methodology of the present invention is applicable to a variety of peptides and can ultimately be employed in therapeutic formulations and vaccines for diseases and disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Compounds derived from a transduction complex that enhance memory in mammals and methods of enhancing memory using said compounds are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions to reduce immunogenicity of proteins are disclosed. Compositions comprising therapeutic proteins (such as Factor VIII or any other protein or peptide) complexed with liposomes comprising PS and PC (PS liposomes), or comprising PS, PI and PC and, optionally, cholesterol (PS/PI liposomes) may be used.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising a DNA-nanostructure and at least one targeting moiety, wherein the at least one targeting moiety is linked to the DNA-nanostructure; and wherein the at least one targeting moiety is selected from the group consisting of antigens, aptamers, shRNAs and combinations thereof, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a recombinant polypeptide X-Y for enhancing cell transduction efficiency of a target agent, wherein X is a cell penetrating peptide DPV3, and Y is an Hsp40-J domain. Also provided is a method for enhancing cell transduction efficiency of a target agent, comprising conjugating/attaching said target agent with a recombinant polypeptide X-Y, wherein X is a cell penetrating peptide DPV3, and Y is an Hsp40-J domain. Further provided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutic agent, wherein said therapeutic agent is modified by conjugating/attaching with a recombinant polypeptide X-Y, wherein X is a cell penetrating peptide DPV3, and Y is an Hsp40-J domain.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for causing the selective targeting and killing of tumor cells. The present invention describes prophylactic or therapeutic cancer vaccines based on purified TAA proteins or TAA-derived synthetic peptides altered by chemical, enzymatic or chemo-enzymatic methods to introduce ?Gal epitopes or ?Gal glycomimetic epitopes, in order to allow for enhanced opsonization of the antigen by natural anti-?Gal antibodies to stimulate TAA capture and presentation, thereby inducing a humoral and cellular immune response to the TAA expressed by a tumor. The animal's immune system thus is stimulated to produce tumor specific cytotoxic cells and antibodies which will attack and kill tumor cells present in the animal.

Abstract: Methods and compositions pertaining to botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) light chain epitopes are provided. In particular, the methods and compositions relate to the use of real and mimetic BoNT light chain epitopes for generating an immune response in a subject, and for immunization against BoNT toxicity. Methods and compositions for detecting, isolating, and purifying BoNT epitopes and anti-BoNT antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are bivalent immunogenic composition against morphine-heroin addiction comprising a carrier protein (“CP”) and a morphinic product, wherein the CP and the morphinic product are connected by a spacer-linker arm having a total molecular size of 16-21 ?, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Described herein are beta-glucan compounds, compositions, and methods. Generally, the methods exploit the observation that beta-glucan compounds can bind to B cells. Thus, the methods generally include administering a beta-glucan compound to a subject in an amount effective for the beta-glucan compound to bind to a B cell and modulate at least one biological function of the B cell.

Abstract: The invention provides engineered antibody domains (eAds), a polypeptide comprising a single domain CD4, as well as a fusion protein comprising the same. Nucleic acids encoding eAd and/or polypeptide or the fusion protein thereof, as well as compositions or cells comprising the eAd, polypeptide, fusion protein, or nucleic acid also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and systems for delivery of nanocarriers to cells of the immune system. The invention provides synthetic nanocarriers capable of eliciting an immune system response in the form of antibody production, wherein the nanocarriers lack any T cell antigens. In some embodiments, the invention provides nanocarriers that comprise an immunofeature surface, which provides high avidity binding of the nanocarriers to antigen presenting cells. The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such nanocarriers. The present invention provides methods of designing, manufacturing, and using such nanocarriers and pharmaceutical compositions thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to repeated administration of antigen-specific immunotherapeutics using protocols, or elements thereof, that do not induce immunosuppression. In some embodiments, the protocol has been previously shown not to induce immunosuppression in a subject.

Abstract: Systems and reagents for identification, characterization and/or targeting of particular tissue or cell markers are disclosed. Methods and compositions for in vivo and in vitro targeting of particular targets are also disclosed. Peptides are employed for targeted delivery of therapeutic or imaging agents.

Abstract: The present invention discloses peptides such as an isolated peptide consisting of an immunogenic HLA-A*2402-restricted epitope. For example, the isolated peptide may be selected from the group consisting of KYGVLLKTL (SEQ ID NO:11); RYMRQFVAL (SEQ ID NO: 12); RYVSRLLGI (SEQ ID NO: 13); RYGKGWDLL (SEQ ID NO: 14); RYLVQVQAL (SEQ ID NO: 15); and RYWELSNHL (SEQ ID NO: 16).

Abstract: The invention relates to a recombinant protein used for immunoprophylaxis of human Helicobacter pylori infection and a degradable slow-releasing microsphere-encapsulated oral vaccine preparation prepared from the same, and the preparation method thereof. Said recombinant protein is composed of A2 subunit and B subunit of the LT of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and urease B subunit. The vaccine provided in the invention used in human Helicobacter pylori infection is safe and effective and convenient for oral intake.

Abstract: Nanoparticles for providing immune responses for the treatment or prophylaxis of infection by infectious agents such as viruses, parasites, bacteria, prions and fungi are described which comprises a core including metal and/or semiconductor atoms, wherein the core is covalently linked to a plurality of ligands, the ligands including a carbohydrate residue capable of stimulating an innate immune response, a T cell helper peptide and a danger signal. This platform may then be adapted by including one or more further ligands capable of producing a specific response to a target infectious agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of Streptococcus. More specifically, the present invention relates to the identification of polypeptides and polynucleotide sequences encoding the same which are involved in the pathogenic mechanism of S. suis. The present invention also relates to the use of such polypeptides in compositions and methods for the prevention, the treatment and diagnosis of S. suis-associated diseases and infections caused by S. suis.