Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical vaccine composition comprising: (a) a pathogen-derived antigen selected from the group consisting of Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen, Bacillus anthracis antigen, HAV (hepatitis A virus) antigen, HBV (hepatitis B virus) antigen, HCV (hepatitis C virus) antigen, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) antigen, influenza virus antigen, HSV (herpes simplex virus) antigen, Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) antigen, Neisseria meningitidis antigen, Corynebacterium diphtheriae antigen, Bordetella pertussis antigen, Clostridium tetani antigen and Varicella virus antigen; (b) a deacylated non-toxic LOS (lipooligosaccharide); and (c) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for systemic immune activation which is effective for eliciting both a systemic, non-antigen specific immune response and a strong antigen-specific immune response in a mammal. The method is particularly effective for protecting a mammal from herpes simplex virus. Also disclosed are therapeutic compositions useful in such a method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the prevention and treatment of herpes virus infections. The invention provides antigenic peptides, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising complexes of antigenic peptides and adjuvants that can activate an immune response against herpes viruses. The invention also provides methods of making the antigenic peptides and complexes of antigenic peptides and adjuvants. Methods of use of the pharmaceutical compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The method includes the steps of cleansing of the scalp sufficiently to remove material which would otherwise block antiviral medication from reaching hair follicles, heating the scalp to increase the absorption of the antiviral medication and applying the antiviral medication to the scalp in effective amount to suppress viral replication or viral activation present in the nerves leading to the scalp.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for systemic immune activation which is effective for eliciting both a systemic, non-antigen specific immune response and a strong antigen-specific immune response in a mammal. The method is particularly effective for protecting a mammal from herpes simplex virus. Also disclosed are therapeutic compositions useful in such a method.

Abstract: New recombinant oncolytic viral vectors have been constructed based on a known herpes simplex virus-1 with a single 34.5 gene and a synctial mutation (called OncSyn (OS) virus), which was designed to be more immunogenic than the parental OS virus largely due to deletion of the viral gene viral host shutoff (vhs) gene (the “OSV” virus). In another embodiment, the OSV virus was constructed to constitutively express 15-PGDH (the “OSVP” virus), the principal enzyme responsible for degradation of PGE2. OSVP was shown to decrease both breast tumors and prostate cancer tumors in mice models. In addition, OSVP was shown to trigger substantial inflammatory cytokine production and pro mote anti-tumor immune responsiveness. These altered viruses, OSV and OSVP, can be used to treat various cancers including breast, prostate, liver, colon, and other tissues. Other exogenous genes can be added to either OSV or OSVP to improve the therapeutic response.

Abstract: Described is a method of identifying an immunologically active antigen of a virus that attacks skin, as well as a method of enriching a population of lymphocytes for T lymphocytes that are specific to a virus that attacks skin. Also provided are HSV antigens and epitopes that are useful for the prevention and treatment of HSV infection that have been identified via the methods of the invention. T-cells having specificity for antigens of the invention have demonstrated cytotoxic activity against cells loaded with virally-encoded peptide epitopes, and in many cases, against cells infected with HSV. The identification of immunogenic antigens responsible for T-cell specificity provides improved anti-viral therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. Compositions containing antigens or polynucleotides encoding antigens of the invention provide effectively targeted vaccines for prevention and treatment of HSV infection.

Abstract: The invention provides viral vectors (e.g., herpes viral vectors) and methods of using these vectors to treat disease.

Abstract: The invention provides HSV antigens and epitopes that are useful for the prevention and treatment of HSV infection. T-cells having specificity for antigens of the invention have demonstrated cytotoxic activity against cells loaded with virally-encoded peptide epitopes, and in many cases, against cells infected with HSV. The identification of immunogenic antigens responsible for T-cell specificity provides improved anti-viral therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. Compositions containing antigens or polynucleotides encoding antigens of the invention provide effectively targeted vaccines for prevention and treatment of HSV infection.

Abstract: The present application relates to the field of human immunology, in particular, a herpes simplex virus (HSV) vaccine. The subunit vaccine composition comprises isolated surface glycoproteins from herpes simplex viruses, fusion proteins or fragments thereof mixed in varied combination with a nanoemulsion, which is a potent immune enhancer.

Abstract: Improved vaccines which include a nucleotide sequence that encodes immunomodulating protein operably linked to regulatory elements are disclosed. The improved vaccines include DNA vaccines, recombinant vaccines for delivering foreign antigen and live attenuated vaccines. Methods of immunizing individuals are disclosed. Compositions for and methods of treating individuals with autoimmune diseases are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an avirulent, oncolytic herpes simplex virus modified from a wild-type herpes simplex virus so that both ?134.5 genes of the virus have been deleted and each replaced with an interferon-resistance gene that is expressed as an immediate-early gene. The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition that includes the modified herpes simplex virus of the present invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle for in situ administration to tumor cells. Also provided in the present invention are methods for killing tumor cells in a subject and for immunizing a subject against an infectious disease, cancer, or an autoimmune disease that involve administering to a subject the modified avirulent, oncolytic herpes simplex virus of the present invention.

Abstract: Eliciting a systemic antitumor immune response, in a patient who presents with or who is at risk of developing multiple metastatic tumors of a given cell type, entails, in one embodiment, inoculating a tumor in the patient with a pharmaceutical composition consisting essentially of (A) a herpes simplex virus (HSV) that infects tumor cells but that does not spread in normal cells and (B) a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle for the virus, such that an immune response is induced that is specific for the tumor cell type and that kills cells of the inoculated tumor and of a non-inoculated tumor. In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition also comprises a defective HSV vector which contains an expressible nucleotide sequence encoding at least one immune modulator. In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition contains a second HSV that infects tumor cells but that does not spread in normal cells.

Abstract: Described is a method of identifying an immunologically active antigen of a virus that attacks skin, as well as a method of enriching a population of lymphocytes for T lymphocytes that are specific to a virus that attacks skin. Also provided are HSV antigens and epitopes that are useful for the prevention and treatment of HSV infection that have been identified via the methods of the invention. T-cells having specificity for antigens of the invention have demonstrated cytotoxic activity against cells loaded with virally-encoded peptide epitopes, and in many cases, against cells infected with HSV. The identification of immunogenic antigens responsible for T-cell specificity provides improved anti-viral therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. Compositions containing antigens or polynucleotides encoding antigens of the invention provide effectively targeted vaccines for prevention and treatment of HSV infection.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for systemic immune activation which is effective for eliciting both a systemic, non-antigen specific immune response and a strong antigen-specific immune response in a mammal. The method is particularly effective for protecting a mammal from herpes simplex virus. Also disclosed are therapeutic compositions useful in such a method.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for systemic immune activation which is effective for eliciting both a systemic, non-antigen specific immune response and a strong antigen-specific immune response in a mammal. The method is particularly effective for protecting a mammal from herpes simplex virus. Also disclosed are therapeutic compositions useful in such a method.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for systemic immune activation which is effective for eliciting both a systemic, non-antigen specific immune response and a strong antigen-specific immune response in a mammal. The method is particularly effective for protecting a mammal from herpes simplex virus. Also disclosed are therapeutic compositions useful in such a method.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided herein for improved dual immunization strategies that induce in a subject an immune response that includes a humoral immune response and cellular immune response, both CD4 and CD8 T lymphocyte immune responses, thereby providing a complete adaptive immune response to one or more antigens. The methods described are therefore useful for treating and/or preventing (i.e., reducing the likelihood or risk of occurrence) different diseases, disorders, and conditions such as cancers and infectious diseases for which induction of both a humoral immune response and cellular immune response is desired and beneficial.

Abstract: The invention discloses pharmaceutical compositions in liquid form comprising a peptide with the amino acid sequence KLKL5KLK and an oligodeoxynucleotide with the nucleic acid sequence (dIdC)13 and wherein the peptide and the oligodeoxynucleotide are present as sterile-filterable nanoparticles in the composition, thereby forming a suspension, characterized in that the mean particle size of the solid particles is less than 1 ?m.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for systemic immune activation which is effective for eliciting both a systemic, non-antigen specific immune response and a strong antigen-specific immune response in a mammal. The method is particularly effective for protecting a mammal from herpes simplex virus. Also disclosed are therapeutic compositions useful in such a method.

Abstract: PD-1 antagonists are disclosed that can be used to reduce the expression or activity of PD-1 in a subject. An immune response specific to an infectious agent or to tumor cells can be enhanced using these PD-1 antagonists in conjunction with an antigen from the infectious agent or tumor. Thus, subjects with infections, such as persistent infections can be treated using PD-1 antagonists. In addition, subjects with tumors can be treated using the PD-1 antagonists. In several examples, subjects can be treated by transplanting a therapeutically effective amount of activated T cells that recognize an antigen of interest and by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a PD-1 antagonist.

Abstract: The present invention provides a herpes virus with improved oncolytic properties which comprises a gene encoding an immunomodulatory cytokine and which lacks a functional ICP34.5 gene and a functional ICP47 encoding gene.

Abstract: The invention provides immunostimulatory compositions and methods of administration thereof. Also provided are methods of administering a tryptanthrin compound in an effective amount to enhance the immune response of a subject to an antigen. Also provided are methods of administering an effective amount of a tryptanthrin to stimulate the immune response in a subject for the treatment of cancer. Further provided are methods of administering a tryptanthrin compounds as an immunotherapeutic in the treatment of infectious diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed are a recombinant DNA molecule encoding a fusion protein comprising a SlpA chaperone and a target polypeptide wherein human FK506 binding proteins (FKBPs) are excluded as target polypeptides, a corresponding expression vector encoding said fusion protein as well as host cells transformed with said expression vector. Also disclosed are a method for producing the fusion protein, a recombinantly produced fusion protein comprising a SlpA chaperone and a target polypeptide. A further aspect of the invention is the use of the recombinantly produced fusion protein, and a reagent kit containing a recombinantly produced fusion protein comprising a SlpA chaperone and a target polypeptide.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for systemic immune activation which is effective for eliciting both a systemic, non-antigen specific immune response and a strong antigen-specific immune response in a mammal. The method is particularly effective for protecting a mammal from herpes simplex virus. Also disclosed are therapeutic compositions useful in such a method.

Abstract: An antiviral vaccine that encodes costimulation molecules for increasing immune response to the particular virus at issue is provided herein. In an illustrative embodiment, in mice lacking both B7-1 and B7-2 (B7KO), the increased severity of HSV infection has confirmed the importance of these molecules in generation of HSV-specific immunity. To test the concept that B7-1 or B7-2 expression by replication-defective HSV could augment its immunogenicity and protective capacity, the present inventors constructed replication-defective HSV-2 encoding B7-1 or B7-2. Both viruses partially reconstituted immune responses to HSV compared with replication-defective virus alone when used to immunize B7KO mice, indicating that the increased responsiveness to virus could be attributed to virus-encoded B7 molecules.

Abstract: Improved vaccines which include a nucleotide sequence that encodes immunomodulating protein operably linked to regulatory elements are disclosed. The improved vaccines include DNA vaccines, recombinant vaccines for delivering foreign antigen and live attenuated vaccines. Methods of immunizing individuals are disclosed. Compositions for and methods of treating individuals with autoimmune diseases are disclosed.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions including a herpes simplex virus derived composite oncolytic vector are provided for the treatment of solid tumors in an individual. The HSV-derived composite oncolytic vector includes an HSV-derived amplicon defective viral genome carrying at least one toxic foreign gene, and an HSV-derived mutant helper virus vector that has a mutation in the vhs-1 gene. An HSV-derived mutant helper virus vector that has a mutation in the vhs-1 gene is also provided. A method for the treatment of an individual having a solid tumor is provided and includes administering an HSV-derived amplicon defective viral genome including at least one toxic foreign gene, and an HSV-derived mutant helper virus vector including a mutation in the vhs-1 gene.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to immunizing agents and devices.

Abstract: Mucosal immunization using one or more antigens following parenteral administration of the same or different antigens is described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for promoting or stimulating a cell-mediated immune response to an antigen, by administering a target antigen (such as a protein) with a transport factor that contains a fragment of a bipartite protein exotoxin, but not the corresponding protective antigen. Preferred transport factors include the protective antigen binding domain of lethal factor (LFn) from B. anthracis, consisting of amino acids 1-255, preferably a fragment of at least 80 amino acids that shows at least 80% homology to LFn, and a fragment of about 105 amino acids from the carboxy portion that does not bind PA. The target antigen can include any molecule for which it would be desirable to elicit a CMI response, including viral antigens and tumor antigens.

Abstract: Described is a method of identifying an immunologically active antigen of a virus that attacks skin, as well as a method of enriching a population of lymphocytes for T lymphocytes that are specific to a virus that attacks skin. Also provided are HSV antigens and epitopes that are useful for the prevention and treatment of HSV infection that have been identified via the methods of the invention. T-cells having specificity for antigens of the invention have demonstrated cytotoxic activity against cells loaded with virally-encoded peptide epitopes, and in many cases, against cells infected with HSV. The identification of immunogenic antigens responsible for T-cell specificity provides improved anti-viral therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. Compositions containing antigen or polynucleotides encoding antigens of the invention provide effectively targeted vaccines for prevention and treatment of HSV infection.

Abstract: The invention provides Streptococcus vaccine strains (e.g. S. equi which is causative of ‘strangles’) comprising the following modifications in their genomes: (i) attenuation of one or more essential biosynthetic genes, (ii) attenuation of one or more genes which encode a haemolytic toxin, or protein involved in the production thereof, plus preferably any one, two, or most preferably three of the following modifications: (iii) attenuation of one or more genes which encode a protein responsible for immune evasion (iv) modification of one or more genes such as to permit serological discrimination of the vaccine strain based on analysis of a protein encoded by said genes, and (v) attenuation of one or more genes which encode an enzyme responsible for recombination repair of the genome. The invention provides inter alia live attenuated vaccine strains which generate an immune response to multiple protective epitopes presented in a context resembling the live pathogen.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of treating, suppressing, inhibiting, reducing an incidence, reducing the pathogenesis of, ameliorating the symptoms of, or ameliorating the secondary symptoms of a primary or recurring Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infection, or prolonging the latency to a relapse of an HSV infection, and disorders and symptoms associated with same and inducing an anti-HSV immune response in a subject comprising the step of contacting the subject with a composition comprising a mutant HSV strain comprising an inactivating mutation in a Us8 gene, followed by a second contacting with the composition.

Abstract: Various nucleic acid-based matrixes are provided, comprising nucleic acid monomers as building blocks, as well as nucleic acids encoding proteins, so as to produce novel biomaterials. The nucleic acids are used to form dendrimers that are useful as supports, vectors, carriers or delivery vehicles for a variety of compounds in biomedical and biotechnological applications. In particular, the macromolecules may be used for the delivery of drugs, genetic material, imaging components or other functional molecule to which they can be conjugated. An additional feature of the macromolecules is their ability to be targeted for certain organs, tumors, or types of tissues. Methods of utilizing such biomaterials include delivery of functional molecules to cells.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and kits for immunizing animals (e.g. mammals) against viral antigens, including herpes-simplex virus type 2. The protective immune response elicited by the methods and kits of the invention is characterized by robust humoral, cellular, and mucosal immunity. In particular, the invention provides a heterologous immunization method comprising a priming DNA vaccine encoding an antigen and a boosting protein vaccine, in which the protein form of the antigen is encapsulated in liposomes. Methods of preventing primary acute, latent and recurrent viral infections, such as that caused by HSV-2 virus, and methods of providing passive protective immunity against a viral pathogen such as HSV-2 virus to a mammal are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides HSV antigens that are useful for the prevention and treatment of HSV infection. Disclosed herein are antigens and/or their constituent epitopes confirmed to be recognized by T-cells derived from herpetic lesions or from uterine cervix. T-cells having specificity for antigens of the invention have demonstrated cytotoxic activity against cells loaded with virally-encoded peptide epitopes, and in many cases, against cells infected with HSV. The identification of immunogenic antigens responsible for T-cell specificity provides improved anti-viral therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. Compositions containing antigens or polynucleotides encoding antigens of the invention provide effectively targeted vaccines for prevention and treatment of HSV infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the stimulation of immune responses. Specifically, the present invention provides nanoemulsion compositions harboring one or more immunogens within the oil phase of the nanoemulsion and methods of using the same for the induction of immune responses (e.g., innate and/or adaptive immune responses (e.g., for generation of host immunity against an environmental pathogen)). Compositions and methods of the invention find use in, among other things, clinical (e.g., therapeutic and preventative medicine (e.g., vaccination)) and research applications.

Abstract: Use as an anti-cancer agent of a mutant herpes simplex virus wherein the mutant virus comprises a modification in the ?34.5 gene in the long repeat region (RL) such that the ?34.5 gene is a non-functional, manufacture of medicaments and methods of testing cancer in mammals employing HSV mutant.

Abstract: The invention provides HSV antigens that are useful for the prevention and treatment of HSV infection. Disclosed herein are antigens and/or their constituent epitopes confirmed to be recognized by T-cells derived from herpetic lesions or from uterine cervix. T-cells having specificity for antigens of the invention have demonstrated cytotoxic activity against cells loaded with virally-encoded peptide epitopes, and in many cases, against cells infected with HSV. The identification of immunogenic antigens responsible for T-cell specificity provides improved anti-viral therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. Compositions containing antigens or polynucleotides encoding antigens of the invention provide effectively targeted vaccines for prevention and treatment of HSV infection.

Abstract: This invention provides vaccines comprising two or more recombinant Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) proteins selected from a gD protein, a gC protein and a gE protein; and methods of impeding immune evasion by HSV thereby vaccinating a subject against HSV and treating, suppressing, inhibiting, and/or reducing an incidence of an HSV infection or a symptom or manifestation thereof, comprising administration of a vaccine of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention provides vaccines comprising two or more recombinant Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) proteins selected from a gD protein, a gC protein and a gE protein; and methods of impeding immune evasion by HSV thereby vaccinating a subject against HSV and treating, suppressing, inhibiting, and/or reducing an incidence of an an HSV infection or a symptom or manifestation thereof, comprising administration of a vaccine of the present invention.

Abstract: Mucosal and systemic administration of compositions comprising alphavirus replicon particles to induce immune responses in a subject is described.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of vaccinating a subject against a Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infection and disorders and symptoms associated with same, and impeding, inhibiting, reducing the incidence of, and suppressing HSV infection, neuronal viral spread, formation of zosteriform lesions, herpetic ocular disease, herpes-mediated encephalitis, and genital ulcer disease in a subject, comprising the step of contacting the subject with a mutant strain of the HSV, containing an inactivating mutation in a gene encoding a gE, gl, Us9, or other proteins.

Abstract: Methods for treating cell proliferative disorders by administering virus to proliferating cells having an activated Ras-pathway are disclosed. The virus is administered so that it ultimately directly contacts proliferating cells having an activated Ras-pathway. Proliferative disorders include but are not limited to neoplasms. The virus is selected from modified adenovirus, modified HSV, modified vaccinia virus and modified parapoxvirus orf virus. Also disclosed are methods for treating cell proliferative disorders by further administering an immunosuppressive agent.

Abstract: Described is a method of identifying an immunologically active antigen of a virus that attacks skin, as well as a method of enriching a population of lymphocytes for T lymphocytes that are specific to a virus that attacks skin. Also provided are HSV antigens and epitopes that are useful for the prevention and treatment of HSV infection that have been identified via the methods of the invention. T-cells having specificity for antigens of the invention have demonstrated cytotoxic activity against cells loaded with virally-encoded peptide epitopes, and in many cases, against cells infected with HSV. The identification of immunogenic antigens responsible for T-cell specificity provides improved anti-viral therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. Compositions containing antigen or polynucleotides encoding antigens of the invention provide effectively targeted vaccines for prevention and treatment of HSV infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vaccines that are made in transgenic soybeans for use in humans, animals of agricultural importance, pets, and wildlife. These vaccines are used as vaccines against viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic or prion related diseases, cancer antigens, toxins, and autologous or self proteins. The transgenic soybeans of the instant invention also can be used for inducing tolerance to allergens or tolerance to autoimmune antigens, wherein an individual shows hypersensitivity to said allergen or has developed autoimmunity to autologous or self proteins, respectively. The invention also relates to prophylactically treating individuals and/or populations prior to showing hypersensitivity to allergens. Other aspects of the invention include using the transgenic soybeans as an oral contraceptive, and the expression of protein adjuvants in transgenic soybeans.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, immunogenic compositions that comprise (a) a first antigen, (b) at least first and second adjuvants, wherein the first adjuvant comprises microparticles and wherein the second adjuvant comprises an imidazoquinoline compound, and (c) a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, which compositions elicits an immune response when administered to a vertebrate subject. The invention also provides methods of producing immunogenic compositions and methods for using immunogenic compositions (e.g., for treatment), among other benefits.

Abstract: There is provided an HSV Complex which comprises an avirulent HSV and a targeting agent which allows the HSV particle to infect and lyse a specific targeted cell. The inventors have found a way in which avirulent HSV can be targeted to disease cells, e.g. cancer cells, by incorporating an antibody binding domain into one or more viral glycoproteins.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for systemic immune activation which is effective for eliciting both a systemic, non-antigen specific immune response and a strong antigen-specific immune response in a mammal. The method is particularly effective for protecting a mammal from herpes simplex virus. Also disclosed are therapeutic compositions useful in such a method.