Abstract: The present invention provides therapeutic compositions and methods for treating and preventing fungal disease or conditions including mucormycosis. The therapeutic methods and compositions of the invention include vaccine compositions having an FTR polypeptide or an antigenic fragment of the polypeptide; a vector including a nucleotide sequence that is substantially complimentary to at least 18 contiguous nucleotides of FTR sequence; an antisense; a small interfering RNA or an antibody inhibitor of FTR. The vaccine compositions of the invention can further include an adjuvant.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of allergic airway diseases in mammals related to Pythiosis insidiosum is described. The method relies upon an immunotherapeutic product of pythium proteins as antigens. The method is particularly useful in equine cicatrix.

Abstract: Recombinant plasmids usable for the transfection of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells are described; such plasmids have a length comprised between 7 and 12 kbases and comprise a sequence encoding the heavy chain of an immunoglobulin; in particular, they may be used: in a process of transfection of prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells (ex vivo) which can be inoculated into higher organisms in order to induce a prophylactic or therapeutic immune response; in a protocol of direct inoculation (in vivo) in higher organisms in genic immunization methodologies with the aim of evoking prophylactic or therapeutic immune responses.

Abstract: The invention provides a vaccine including an isolated Als protein family member having cell adhesion activity, or an immunogenic fragment thereof, with an adjuvant in a pharmaceutically acceptable medium. The invention also provides a method of treating or preventing hematogenously disseminated or mucocutaneous candidiasis. The method includes administering an immunogenic amount of a vaccine an isolated Als protein family member having cell adhesion activity, or an immunogenic fragment thereof, in a pharmaceutically acceptable medium. A method of treating or preventing disseminated candidiasis also is provided that includes administering an effective amount of an isolated Als protein family member having cell adhesion activity, or an functional fragment thereof, to inhibit the binding or invasion of Candida to a host cell or tissue.

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: The present disclosure relates to endophytic fungi from higher plants such as a Pteromischum sp. plant, and to extracts and compounds from such fungi that have desirable biological activities, such as antifungal and immunosuppressive activities. The present disclosure further relates to compositions comprising such extracts and compounds, as well as methods of making and using the compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a DEAD-box RNA helicase from a yeast, a mammal, Leishmania infantum, or fragments thereof for inducing the production of cytokines by a peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) of a mammal, and to the applications thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cellular vaccine for therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of a pathological condition, the vaccine comprising or consisting of a population of CD 4+ T cells modified such that they contain an antigenic component, and/or a nucleic acid molecule encoding an antigenic component thereof, wherein the T cells are (a) activated, or capable of being activated, and (b) apoptotic, or capable or being made apoptotic. The invention further provides an adjuvant composition for use in a method of vaccination, the composition comprising or consisting of a population of T cells, wherein the T cells are (a) activated, or capable of being activated, and (b) apoptotic, or capable or being made apoptotic.

Abstract: Disclosed are dosage forms and related methods, that include a first population of synthetic nanocarriers that have one or more first antigens coupled to them, one or more second antigens that are not coupled to the synthetic nanocarriers, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

Abstract: The invention relates, at least in part, to compositions comprising populations of synthetic nanocarriers that comprise different sets of antigens as well as related methods.

Abstract: Recombinant yeast cells are produced which are used for vaccination, among other uses for the oral vaccination by feeding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitochondrial nucleic acids fraction and an antigen for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition intended to orient the immune response toward a Th1 type response directed against said antigen, more particularly for the prevention and/or the treatment of cancer, infectious disease and allergy. Adjuvant compositions with synergic effect, vaccine compositions with synergic effect, and kits of part are also provided. Methods of treatment of individuals thereof are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides immunostimulatory combinations. Generally, the immunostimulatory combinations include a TLR agonist and a TNF/R agonist. Certain immunostimulatory combinations also may include an antigen.

Abstract: Nucleic acids containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides and therapeutic utilities based on their ability to stimulate an immune response and to redirect a Th2 response to a Th1 response in a subject are disclosed. Methods for treating atopic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to antigenic compositions and to methods for immunising animals using same. The antigenic compositions comprises a lipid formulation most usually in solid form, and at least one antigenic component. A preferred antigenic component is a living organism. In a preferred embodiment the composition is formulated for oral administration.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and systems for delivery of nanocarriers to cells of the immune system. The invention provides nanocarriers capable of stimulating an immune response in T cells and/or in B cells. The invention provides nanocarriers that comprise an immunofeature surface and an immunostimulatory moiety. In some embodiments, the immunostimulatory moiety is an adjuvant. The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising inventive nanocarriers. The present invention provides methods of designing, manufacturing, and using inventive nanocarriers and pharmaceutical compositions thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition with an adjuvant based on an apathogenic virus, together with an antigen. The adjuvant has a natural or through genetical engineering no, reduced or altered expression of an endogenous interferon antagonist or endogenous immune suppressor.

Abstract: The polynucleotides of the present invention are complementary to the Initiation Sites of microbes. Invading organisms, sensing the pH and nutrient deprivation of a physiologic environment quickly release these nucleotides triggering rapid growth and mutation—attributes to successfully establishing a nidus of infection. They also stimulate neutrophil functions. Accordingly, the nucleotides, compositions and methods of the present invention may be used to enhance, restore or stimulate an immune response or system of an animal, e.g. to prevent an infection caused by a microorganism, ameliorate an infection caused by a microorganism, or kill an invading microorganism that causes infection or re-establish balance to an immune system. In particular, the polynucleotides, compositions and methods of the present invention may be used to treat or prevent bacterial infections and auto-immune diseases in a mammal in need thereof.

Abstract: A probe, a set of probes, and a probe carrier on which the probe or the set of probes is immobilized, are provided for classification of fungus species. The probe or the set of probes is capable of collectively detecting fungus of the same species and distinguishingly detecting those fungus from fungus of other species. The probe is an oligonucleotide probe for detecting a pathogenic fungus DNA and includes at least one of base sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 1 to 4 and mutated sequences thereof.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the generation of IL-17-producing T cells (TH17) in vivo and in vitro, and enriched populations of TH17 cells for the treatment of diseases benefiting from an induced or enhanced immune response, e.g., infection and cancer.

Abstract: A probe, a set of probes, and a probe carrier on which the probe or the set of probes is immobilized, are provided for classification of fungus species. The probe or the set of probes is capable of collectively detecting fungus of the same species and distinguishingly detecting those fungus from fungus of other species. The probe is an oligonucleotide probe for detecting a pathogenic fungus DNA and includes at least one of base sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 1 to 2 and mutated sequences thereof.

Abstract: A probe, a set of probes, and a probe carrier on which the probe or the set of probes is immobilized, are provided for classification of fungus species. The probe or the set of probes is capable of collectively detecting fungus of the same species and distinguishingly detecting those fungus from fungus of other species. The probe is an oligonucleotide probe for detecting a pathogenic fungus DNA and includes at least one of base sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 1 to 2 and mutated sequences thereof.

Abstract: A probe, a set of probes, and a probe carrier on which the probe or the set of probes is immobilized, are provided for classification of fungus species. The probe or the set of probes is capable of collectively detecting fungus of the same species and distinguishingly detecting those fungus from fungus of other species. The probe is an oligonucleotide probe for detecting a pathogenic fungus DNA and includes at least one of base sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 1 to 4 and mutated sequences thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to the identification of prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) as a target of clinically relevant antitumor immune responses. The invention provides vaccines comprising PSCA, or fragments thereof, which are useful in inducing antitumor immune responses, including PSCA specific CD8+ T cell responses. Methods of using the compositions to treat cancer are also provided. The invention further provides methods of identifying compounds useful in antitumor vaccines and methods of assessing the responses of patients to cancer immunotherapy.

Abstract: Transcutaneous immunization can deliver antigen to the immune system through the stratum corneum without physical or chemical penetration to the dermis layer of the skin. This delivery system induces an antigen-specific immune response. Use of skin-active adjuvants is preferred. Although perforation of intact skin is not required, superficial penetration or micropenetration of the skin can act as an enhancer; similarly, hydration may enhance the immune response. This system can induce antigen-specific immune effectors after epicutaneous application of a formulation containing one or more antigen and adjuvant. The formulation may initiate processes such as antigen uptake, processing, and presentation; Langerhans cell activation, migration from the skin to other immune organs, and differentiation to mature dendritic cells; contacting antigen with lymphocytes bearing cognate antigen receptors on the cell surface and their stimulation; and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides vectors that contain and express in vivo or in vitro CDV polypeptides or antigens that elicit an immune response in animal against CDV, compositions comprising said vectors and/or CDV polypeptides, and methods of vaccination against CDV. The invention further provides methods for inducing an immunogenic or protective response against CDV and other canine virus, as well as methods for preventing or treating CDV and other canine virus or disease state(s) caused by CDV and other canine virus.

Abstract: A sterile, closed, disposable system for formulating biopharmaceutical compositions containing multiple active agents is described herein.

Abstract: The use of oxidatively transformed carotenoid or a component thereof to enhance the immune response in a subject for the treatment of infection or to enhance the immune response to an antigen in a subject being immunized. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions and kits containing the oxidatively transformed carotenoid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polynucleotide adjuvant (PICKCa) composition and methods of use in eliciting an immune response, in particular a mucosal immune response. The polynucleotide adjuvant comprises of a polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid (PIC), at least one antibiotic and at least one positive ion. The present invention also provides an immunogenic composition comprising the polynucleotide adjuvant composition together with other immunogenic compositions such as an antigen (e.g., as in a vaccine) selected from viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic and/or cancer antigens. The present invention further contemplates methods of use of such adjuvant compositions, particularly in eliciting an immune response, in particular a mucosal immune response to an antigenic compound.

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: The invention is based in part on the discovery that uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are expressed in the plasma membrane of rapidly dividing cells but not of growth arrested, chemotherapy resistant cells. It has also been found according to the invention that UCP is expressed in the lysosomal membrane under certain metabolic conditions. Thus the invention is methods, products, screening assays and kits relating to the manipulation of UCP expression within cellular and intracellular membranes.

Abstract: A method of eliciting an immune response in an organism comprising: providing an unprocessed rolling circle amplification (RCA) product; and administering an effective amount of the unprocessed RCA product to the organism to elicit the immune response, wherein the unprocessed RCA product is prepared from a circular nucleic acid template comprising at least one promoter sequence, and at least one target sequence. A vaccine comprising unprocessed RCA product is also provided and methods for making the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to the abfB-2 gene of Penicillium funiculosum that codes for a type B ?-L-arabinofuranosidase and has a cellulose binding domain. This enzyme ?-L-arabinofuranosidase can be incorporated in nutritional additives or in foods for animals for which it improves the digestibility and thus the nutritional value.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of enhancing the immunogenicity of pathogenic antigens by removing or disrupting intrachain disulfide bonds responsible for maintaining tertiary protein structure. Removal of one or more disulfide bonds can increase the titer of neutralizing antibodies to a pathogen (e.g., a bacterium, fungus, virus, or parasite). The invention also features vaccines, expression vectors, and methods for the manufacture and use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides immunostimulatory combinations. Generally, the immunostimulatory combinations include a TLR agonist and a TNF/R agonist. Certain immunostimulatory combinations also may include an antigen.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to search and identify novel antifungal proteins capable of inhibiting the growth of plant pathogenic microorganisms including Magnaporthe grisea and Rhizoctonia solani causing two major rice diseases at relatively low concentrations, and further to clone a gene for said protein. The present invention provides an antifungal protein which can be obtained from fraction(s) precipitated by ammonium sulfate precipitation using an aqueous extract from Pleurotus cornucopiae, wherein said protein has an antifungal activity against at least rice blast, and exhibits existence of a component having a molecular weight of about 15 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE method; a gene encoding said protein and uses thereof.

Abstract: Improved (safer and more effective) methods of therapy using TNF-R agonists, e.g., CD40 agonists are provided. These methods provide for the addition of an amount of a type 1 interferon and/or a TLR agonist that is effective to prevent or reduce the toxicity (liver toxicity) that may otherwise result in some patients of the TNF-R agonist is used as a monotherapy (without the type 1 interferon and/r TLR agonist).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of live mycobacterium of the M. tuberculosis complex for preparing a medicament, wherein the function of the zmp1-gene is inactivated, pharmaceutical compositions prepared from such mycobacteria as well as a method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of a disease or medical condition using said pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: A multivalent fungal vaccine comprising one or more heat-inactivated fungal antigens, wherein at least one fungal antigen is effective in producing an immune response in a host when said vaccine is administered orally at a dose that is sufficient for preventing or treating the fungal disease in said host. Also described are methods for making and using an orally available anti-fungal vaccine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of vaccinating a mammal to a selected antigen, comprising administering to a mammal a vaccine composition comprising a cytokine-coated cell, wherein the cytokine-coated cell comprises the selected antigen.

Abstract: The invention provides adjuvants, immunogenic compositions, and methods useful for polynucleotide-based vaccination and immune response. In particular, the invention provides an adjuvant of cytofectin:co-lipid mixture wherein cytofectin is GAP-DMORIE.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials involved in fungus-induced inflammation and eosinophil degranulation. For example, isolated nucleic acids encoding fungal polypeptides, fungal polypeptides, methods for assessing fungus-induced inflammation, methods for assessing eosinophil degranulation, and methods for identifying inhibitors of fungus-induced inflammation and/or eosinophil degranulation are provided.

Abstract: A method and vaccine for modulating the immune system of animals with diseases other than caused by P. insidiosum, comprising administering to the animal immune modulating effective amount of the P. insidiosum, Strain MTPI-04. The vaccine uses an immune response that effectively treats and manages a variety of human and animal diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to the abfB-1 gene of Penicillium funiculosum that codes for a type B ?-L-arabinofuranosidase. This enzyme ?-L-arabinofuranosidase can be incorporated in nutritional additives or in foods for animals for which it improves the digestibility and thus the nutritional value.

Abstract: Booster immunization can lead to rapid induction of protective immunity against pathogens (e.g. ?7 days after the booster dose). This rapid response means that booster immunization can be used at short notice prior to an event that might require an activated immune response. For instance, a subject can be primed at a young age against a pathogen that typically affects more elderly subjects under specific circumstances such that, when the subject is older, the immune response can be mobilized rapidly if those specific circumstances are expected. An example would be to prime a subject against infections that are typically acquired nosocomially and then, soon before a scheduled hospital appointment, to boost their immune response so that they enter hospital in an immune-alert state.

Abstract: This invention provides a dry powder composition for poultry vaccination via inhalation comprising an effective amount of a poultry vaccine agent, and a supporting amount of carriers for said poultry vaccine agent, said carriers comprising a combination of a reducing or non-reducing sugar and a biocompatible polymer, said dry powder composition being in the form of particles having an average particle size from 2 to 30 ?m and a particle size polydispersity from 1.1 to 4.0. This invention also relates to a method for producing said dry powder compositions and a system for vaccination of poultry by inhalation.

Abstract: A method for enhancing an immune response in a vertebrate subject is described. The method includes providing at least one energy stimulus configured to modulate one or more nervous system components of the vertebrate subject, and administering one or more immunogen to the vertebrate subject, wherein the at least one energy stimulus and the one or more immunogen are provided in a combination and in a temporal sequence sufficient to enhance an immune response in the vertebrate subject.

Abstract: Methods for desensitising an individual to a selected polypeptide antigen are provided. The methods entail administration of T cell epitope containing peptides from a polypeptide antigen in such a way as to establish a tolergeneic environment, that is, a state of hyporesponsiveness to the peptides. The selected polypeptide antigen is then administered such that the state of hyporesponsiveness and co-administration of the selected antigen are sufficient to desensitise the individual to the polypeptide antigen. Also provided are therapeutic systems useful in the methods of the invention, and the use of polypeptide antigens and peptides in the manufacture of medicaments in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A method for treating and/or preventing certain ailments by administering to a person in need thereof L-?-lysophosphatidylcholine as an agent for activating the immune system of the person. Also, vaccine compositions that include L-?-lysophosphatidylcholine.

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.