Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention illustrate methods of treating and preventing infection due to a pathogen such as a fungal pathogen. In particular, the present invention relates to compositions and methods for vaccinations against or treatment for a fungal organism in a non-immunocompromised or immunocompromised subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making pressure-induced ganoderma spores, for using the pressure-induced ganoderma spores to ameliorate and/or prevent influenza in a mammal; and to stimulating the host immune system in a mammal. The method for making the pressure-induced ganoderma spores includes (1) soaking ganoderma spores in a solution; (2) drying the soaked ganoderma spores using a freeze-drying or a vacuum-drying method; (3) breaking the sporoderms of the dried ganoderma spores with enzyme or a mechanical method; (4) pressurizing and depressurizing the sporoderm-broken ganoderma spores to obtain the pressure-induced sporoderm-broken ganoderma spores. The methods for ameliorating and/or preventing influenza, and for stimulating the host immune system include orally administering a composition comprising the pressure-induced ganoderma spores to a mammal susceptible to or suffering from influenza. The present invention also provides the pressure-induced ganoderma spores.

Abstract: Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV), the etiologic agent of infectious pancreatic necrosis in salmonid fish, causes significant losses to the aquaculture industry. The gene for the viral capsid protein (VP2) was cloned into a yeast expression vector and expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisae. Expression of the capsid gene in yeast resulted in formation of approximately 20 nanometer sub-viral particles composed solely of VP2 protein. Anti-IPNV antibodies were detected in rainbow trout vaccinated either by injection of purified VP2-subviral particles (rVP2-SVP) or by feeding recombinant yeast expressing rVP2-SVP. Challenge of rVP2-SVP immunized trout with a heterologous IPNV strain and subsequent viral load determination showed that both injection and orally vaccinated fish had lower IPNV loads than naive or sham-vaccinated fish.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of universal inactivated vaccines and their use in preparing compositions for the prophylaxis and therapy of dermatomycosis. Vaccines according to the present invention have the advantage of conferring immunity against all important causes of dermatomycosis in animals and are characterized by stable immunogenic properties, easy preparation, high content of microconidia and lack of side reactions in animals.

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: Disclosed herein are immunogenic compositions comprising a multilayer film comprising two or more layers of polyelectrolytes, wherein adjacent layers comprise oppositely charged polyelectrolytes. A first layer polyelectrolyte comprises an antigenic polypeptide comprising one or more surface adsorption regions covalently linked to one or more antigenic determinant regions, wherein the antigenic polypeptide and the one or more surface adsorption regions have the same polarity. The immunogenic compositions may be employed in methods of eliciting an immune response in a vertebrate organism.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of immunology and more specifically relates to anti-phytase monoclonal antibodies, immunoassay methods, kits, and reagents, for the detection of a phytase from or derived from E. coli phytase, in particular, Quantum™ phytase. The invention further relates to hybridoma cell lines that produce anti-phytase monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel oral compositions and vaccines, and in particular to oral vaccines for the prevention or therapy of candidiasis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel vaccine, its use for immunoprophylaxis and/or the treatment of candidamycoses in human and veterinary medicine as well as methods for its preparation, wherein said vaccine consists of the combination of the Candida strains a1) Candida albicans CCM 8355 a2) Candida glabrata CCM 8356 a3) Candida krusei CCM 8357 and a4) an immunomudulating Propionibacterium acnes strain, and optionally pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, such as carriers, wherein the ratio of the components a1-a4 in the end product is a1:a2:a3:a4 is 10-20:10-20:10-20:40-70.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to synthetic alpha-galactosyl ceramide (?-GalCer) analogs, and their use as immunotherapies. In one aspect. a method of activating a cytokine response in a subject includes administering an effective amount of a compound to a subject, wherein the subject has an adaptive immune system that includes a population of cells, the population including at least one lymphocyte and at least one antigen-presenting cell, and wherein the compound is represented by the structure of formula 1: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; forming a complex between the compound and the antigen-presenting cell, wherein the formation of the complex results in the activation of a receptor on the lymphocyte; and activating the lymphocyte to produce the cytokine response.

Abstract: Methods for making and using therapeutic formulations of Proteosome-based immunoactive compositions are provided. The immunogenic compositions, which include Proteosomes and liposaccharides, may be used to elicit or enhance a nonspecific innate immune response to, for example, treat or prevent infectious disease. In addition, after activating the innate immune system, immunogenic compositions further containing an antigen may be used to elicit a specific adaptive immune response. Furthermore, provided are compositions capable of altering hyperreactive responses or inflammatory immune responses, such as allergic reactions. Such compositions may be used as a prophylactic, or in various clinical settings to treat or prevent infectious disease (such as parasite, fungal, bacterial or viral infections), or to alter inappropriate inflammatory immune responses (such as allergic reactions or asthma).

Abstract: This invention features a composition that includes a multiple-cell organism for use as food for an aquatic animal (e.g., a fish or a shrimp), and a single-cell organism fed to, and as a result, bioencapsulated by, the multiple-cell organism. The single-cell organism has been transformed to express a recombinant antigen that induces an immune response in the aquatic animal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vaccine that includes a dendritic cell loaded with a yeast vehicle and antigen. Also disclosed are methods of making the vaccine and using the vaccine to elicit cellular and humoral immune responses in a mammal. Additionally, a method to elicit an immune response by administration of a yeast vehicle and an antigen that is not complexed to the yeast vehicle is disclosed.

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.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel adjuvant comprising a transfection reagent, and to uses of this adjuvant. In particular, the adjuvant may be used in compositions for eliciting an immune response and in vaccines.

Abstract: Dendritic cells (DC) that express the type II C-type lectin DC-SIGN (CD209) are located in the submucosa of tissues, where they mediate HIV-1 entry. Interestingly, the pathogen Candida albicans, the major cause of hospital-acquired fungal infections, is found at similar sites. Here it is demonstrated that DC-SIGN is able to bind Candida albicans both in DC-SIGN transfected cell lines and in human monocyte derived DC. Moreover, in immature DC, DC-SIGN is able to internalize Candida in specific DC-SIGN enriched vesicles, distinct from those containing the mannose receptor (MR; CD206), which is another Candida receptor on DC. Together, these results demonstrate that C. albicans has two major receptors on human monocyte derived DC, these receptors being DC-SIGN and MR. Targeting of DC-SIGN offers novel opportunities to combat chronic forms of candidiasis.

Abstract: A method of detecting osteoporosis in a mammalian is disclosed herein which includes: a) obtaining a sample of a bone related tissue or cells; and b) measuring the concentration of at least a marker which is either bacteria, bacteria produced factors, or HSPs. The method may further include comparing the concentration with concentrations from the same individual over a period of time or against a standard concentration. The marker may be a bacteria, a chaperone molecule, or a bacteria produced. Also provided herein is a method of treating or preventing osteoporosis caused by a bone disease which includes administering to a mammalian subject a therapeutically effective amount of a formulation which is either an HSP antigenic formulation or a bacterial antigenic formulation. The osteoporosis can be caused by a bone disease induced by bone infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and parasites.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and compositions for producing and/or enhancing an immunological response in a subject against a target moiety such as a disease-related moiety by administration of an antigenic version of the target moiety having one or more unnatural amino acid and/or by administration of an antibody against a version of a target moiety having one or more unnatural amino acid which antibody is cross reactive with the natural target moiety.

Abstract: The membrane scaffold proteins (MSP) of the present invention assemble with hydrophobic or partially hydrophobic proteins to form soluble nanoscale particles which preserve native structure and function; they are improved over liposomes and detergent micelles, in terms of stability and preservation of biological activity and native conformation. In the presence of phospholipid, MSPs form nanoscopic phospholipid bilayer disks, with the MSP stabilizing the particle at the perimeter of the bilayer domain. The particle bilayer structure allows manipulation of incorporated proteins in solution or on solid supports, including for use with such surface-sensitive techniques as scanning probe microscopy or surface plasmon resonance. The nanoscale particles, which are robust in terms of integrity and maintenance of biological activity of incorporated proteins, facilitate pharmaceutical and biological research, structure/function correlations, structure determinations, bioseparations, and drug discovery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dermal vaccine formulations, designed for targeted delivery of an immunogenic composition to a dermal compartment of skin including the intradermal and epidermal compartments. The dermal vaccine formulations of the invention comprise an antigenic or immunogenic agent, and at least one molecule, e.g., a chemical agent, which enhances the presentation and/or availability of the antigenic or immunogenic agent to the immune cells of the intradermal compartment or epidermal compartment resulting in an enhanced immune response. The dermal vaccine formulations of the invention have enhanced efficacy as the antigenic or immunogenic agent is delivered to the intradermal compartment or epidermal compartment with enhanced presentation and/or availability to the immune cells that reside therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing carrier microorganisms, in particular bacteria, which, through targeted genetic manipulation, carry epitopes or epitomers, respectively, on their surfaces. Epitomers are antigenically effective epitopes that can be found in the polypeptide chain in multiple identical copies, and which, when expressed on the surface of the bacteria, can be used for immunization with particular success. A further aspect relates to correspondingly produced bacteria and their uses as vaccines, in particular in cancer therapy.

Abstract: The invention provides an immunostimulatory nucleic acid comprising CpG motifs, and methods of use thereof in stimulating immunity.

Abstract: The invention provides an immunostimulatory nucleic acid comprising CpG motifs, and methods of use thereof in stimulating immunity.

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: Immunogenic compositions are described herein which comprise microparticles that further comprise a biodegradable polymer. The microparticle compositions also comprise a cationic polysaccharide and an immunological species selected from an antigen, an immunological adjuvant and a combination thereof. Also described are methods of making such compositions and methods of administering such compositions. Methods of modulating the release rate of immunological species from microparticles are also described. These methods comprise varying the ratio of the cationic polysaccharide relative to the biodegradable polymer within the microparticles.

Abstract: Induction of tolerance to antigens by mucosal, preferably oral, delivery of the antigen in combination with an immunomodulating compound producing micro-organism is disclosed. More specifically, Foxp3+ and/or IL-10 and/or TGF-? producing regulatory T-cells are induced which are capable of suppressing undesired immune responses toward an antigen. The antigen is preferably delivered orally in combination with an immunosuppressing cytokine secreting micro-organism.

Abstract: A method of inducing dendritic cell (DC) development by administering Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor Receptor Ligand is provided. M-CSF receptor ligands induce DCs to differentiate into subtypes, for example plasmacytoid DCs and conventional DCs. Induction with an M-CSF receptor ligand can be achieved in vitro from hematopoietic precursors, such as bone marrow cells, or in vivo. In vitro, M-CSF receptor ligand-derived DCs can be used to produce cytokines and to stimulate other immune response cells. M-CSF receptor ligands can also be used to induce precursor cells removed from an animal to develop into DCs. In addition, these isolated DCs can be exposed to antigens to stimulate a specific immune response when reintroduced into the animal. Treatments for cancers, such as Acute Myeloid Leukemia, and autoimmune diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, are also provided in the invention.

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 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: The present invention is concerned with vaccines and their preparation. An effective long-term immune response, especially in mammals, can be produced using a vaccine comprising an antigen encapsulated in liposomes, a suitable adjuvant and a carrier comprising a continuous phase of a hydrophobic substance. The vaccine is particularly effective in eliciting the production of antibodies that recognize epitopes of native proteins.

Abstract: Improved, low cost vaccines for administration to living subjects such as mammals and birds are provided, which include killed recombinantly modified microorganisms (whole cell recombinant bacterin vaccine), the latter including recombinant DNA encoding at least one protective protein (e.g., an antigenic protein) which has been expressed by the microorganisms prior to killing thereof. The protective protein(s) are operable to prevent or reduce the severity of a disease of the subject. The vaccine preparations of the invention do not require separation of the protective protein(s) from the host recombinant microorganism(s), thereby materially decreasing the complexity and cost of the vaccine formulations. A preferred vaccine against kennel cough includes recombinantly modified microorganisms which express protective antigens containing pertactin and filamentous hemagglutinin protein products.

Abstract: The protein CAMP65p of C. albicans has been found to be play a significant role in both adhesion and the production of hyphae, which are important factors in both virulence and resistance to clearing. This invention provides antibodies to CAMP65p useful for administration to patients for prophylaxis and treatment of candidal infections.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with vaccines and their preparation. An effective long-term immune response, especially in mammals, can be produced using a vaccine comprising an antigen encapsulated in liposomes, a suitable adjuvant and a carrier comprising a continuous phase of a hydrophobic substance. The vaccine is particularly effective in eliciting the production of antibodies that recognize epitopes of native proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to introduce a nucleic acid molecule into a fetid by administration of a nucleic acid-cationic lipid complex composition. The method includes the step of administering to the felid, by a parenteral route, a nucleic acid-cationic lipid complex to elicit and/or enhance an immune response. In one embodiment, this method enhances the immune response in a fetid compared to a method in which a naked DNA vaccine is administered to a felid. Also provided is a method to deliver a nucleic acid to a felid. This method comprises parenterally administering to the fetid a composition that includes a nucleic acid molecule complexed with a cationic lipid.

Abstract: A vaccine composition is provided which comprises inverted microsomes or fragments thereof from an animal cell in association with an externally disposed peptide antigen and a protein of the MHC.

Abstract: An adjuvant composition comprises a Th1-activating alkaloid, optionally further comprising an auxiliary adjuvant selected from a type 2 adjuvant (e.g. alum and/or MF59), a type 1 adjuvant and/or a balanced adjuvant. Vaccines comprising the adjuvant composition include nucleic acid(s) which encode one or more antigenic protein(s); protein(s) or peptide(s); glycoprotein(s); polysaccharide(s) (e.g. carbohydrate(s)); fusion protein(s); lipid(s); glycolipid(s); peptide mimic(s) of polysaccharides carbohydrate(s) and a protein(s) in admixture; carbohydrate-protein conjugate(s); cells or extracts thereof; dead or attenuated cells or extracts thereof; tumour cells or extracts thereof; viral particles (e.g. attenuated viral particles or viral components); allergen(s) mixtures thereof.

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: Emulsion vaccine formulations containing an antigen and an adjuvant in the aqueous phase are used for the vaccination of animals wherein the adjuvant is an acrylic polymer and/or dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium bromide (DDA). These formulations can be prepared by mixing an aqueous phase containing the antigen and adjuvant with an oil phase in the presence of an emulsifier.

Abstract: Expression cassettes are provided comprising a promoter operably linked to a nucleic acid molecule which, when transcribed in vivo, forms double-stranded RNA that induces the production of interferon. Expression cassettes also are provided comprising a promoter operably linked to a ribozyme or antisense nucleic acid molecule which, when transcribed in vivo, forms a ribozyme or antisense RNA molecule that stimulates an immune response. In addition, expression cassettes are provided comprising a promoter operably linked to a ribozyme or antisense nucleic acid molecule which, when transcribed in vivo, stimulates apoptosis. Finally, gene delivery vectors are provided which contain such expression cassettes, host cells containing the gene delivery vectors, and methods of utilizing the expression cassettes, gene delivery vectors, and host cells.

Abstract: A method of inducing dendritic cell (DC) development by administering Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor is provided. M-CSF induces DCs to differentiate into subtypes, for example plasmacytoid DCs and conventional DCs. Induction with M-CSF can be achieved in vitro from hematopoietic precursors, such as bone marrow cells, or in vivo. In vitro, M-CSF-derived DCs can be used to produce cytokines and to stimulate other immune response cells. M-CSF can also be used to induce precursor cells removed from an animal to develop into DCs. In addition, these isolated DCs can be exposed to antigens to stimulate a specific immune response when reintroduced into the animal. Treatments for cancers, such as Acute Myeloid Leukemia, and autoimmune diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, are also provided in the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition which comprises a disrupted cell suspension of Monilia albicans and euglobulin as effective ingredients, wherein the disrupted cell suspension of the Monilia albicans is prepared by culturing the Monilia albicans in a liquid culture medium, centrifuging the resulting culture fluid, recovering the supernatant and disrupting the collected cells, and mixing the supernatant and the cell lysate after inactivation, wherein the culture fluid contains the Monilia albicans of about 1.2×109 cfu/ml. Also, the present invention discloses a method of treating animals infected with canine distemper virus or animals with neurological disorders.

Abstract: This invention concerns novel compositions and methods for for the protection of organs and cells from damage caused by activated lymphocytes, NK-cells and NK-like cells, more particularly compositions and methods for the protection of vascular endothelial cells from immune system-mediated damage.

Abstract: A transcutaneous immunization system where the topical application of an adjuvant and an antigen or nucleic acid encoding for an antigen, to intact skin induces a systemic or mucosol antibody response. The immune response so elicited can be enhanced by physical or chemical skin penetration enhancement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanoparticle vaccine adjuvants comprised of a carrier, particularly polymerized lipids, having multiple copies of an antigen or combinations of different antigens displayed on the carrier. Such antigen-displaying nanoparticles may also display a targeting molecule on its surface in order to direct it to a specific site or cell type to optimize a desired immune response. The present invention also relates to encapsulating an antigen or combinations of different antigens within such nanoparticles, with or without a targeting molecule displayed on its surface. The antigens used in this invention are effective to produce an immune response against a variety of pathological conditions.

Abstract: Methods and formulations for vaccinating induce in mammals that are vaccinated protective immunity against diseases caused by fungi. The vaccines include a yeast, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as an active agent for delivery orally or by injection. Parenteral delivery of the vaccine can occur by one injection or multiple time separated injections of the vaccine into an animal or human to be immunized.

Abstract: Methods and formulations for vaccinating induce in mammals that are vaccinated protective immunity against diseases caused by fungi. The vaccines include a yeast, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as an active agent for delivery orally or by injection. Parenteral delivery of the vaccine can occur by one injection or multiple time separated injections of the vaccine into an animal or human to be immunized.

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: The present disclosure provides methods for enhancing the response of a patient's immune system to vaccination. This is accomplished by reactivating the thymus. Optionally, hematopoietic stem cells, autologous, syngeneic, allogeneic or xenogeneic, are delivered to increase the speed of regeneration of the patient's immune system. In one embodiment the hematopoietic stem cells are CD34+. The patient's thymus is reactivated by disruption of sex steroid mediated signaling to the thymus. In one embodiment, this disruption is created by administration of LHRH agonists, LHRH antagonists, anti-LHRH receptor antibodies, anti-LHRH vaccines or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to the therapeutic use of oligonucleotides as immunostimulatory agents in immunotherapy applications. More particularly, the invention provides immunomers for use in methods for generating an immune response or for treating a patient in need of immunostimulation. The immunomers of the invention comprise at least two oligonucleotides linked at their 3? ends, internucleoside linkages or functionalized nucleobase or sugar to a non-nucleotidic linker, at least one of the oligonucleotides being an immunostimulatory oligonucleotide and having an accessible 5? end.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the stimulation of immune responses. Specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions for the use of nanoemulsion compounds as mucosal adjuvants to induce immunity against environmental pathogens. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the present invention provides nanoemulsion vaccines comprising a nanoemulsion and an inactivated pathogen or protein derived from the pathogen. The present invention thus provides improved vaccines against a variety of environmental and human-released pathogens.