Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) and, in particular, to a method of enhancing an immune response to an HIV-1 immunogen, and to compounds and compositions suitable for use in such a method.

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: A liposome containing a regulatory cell ligand such as ?-galactosyl ceramide or ?-galactosyl ceramide is employed as the active ingredient of a drug for preventing or treating immune diseases etc.

Abstract: A method for treating hyperglycemia and/or diabetes in a subject is provided. In particular, the method is directed for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who have a fasting blood glucose concentration greater than about 8 mM, wherein the patient is administered a formulation comprising a GLP-1 molecule and a diketopiperazine by pulmonary inhalation with a dry powder inhalation system.

Abstract: This invention provides, a recombinant polypeptide encoding a chimera. The chimera includes a DNase I fragment or a homologue thereof and a Cdt fragment or a homologue thereof. Further, the invention provides methods, utilizing the recombinant polypeptide encoding the chimera, such as a method for inhibiting the proliferation of a neoplastic cell, a method for treating a neoplastic disease in a human subject, a method for inhibiting or suppressing a neoplastic disease in a human subject, and a method for reducing the symptoms associated with a neoplastic disease in a human subject.

Abstract: The immunogenicity of vaccines is enhanced by co-administering a synthetic glycolipid, designated PBS-57, with the vaccine. PBS-57 has the ability to stimulate both a cell-mediated and humoral immune response. Co-administration of PBS-57 with a vaccine may be used in methods to stimulate one or more of a humoral immune response, a CD4+ T cell response, and a CD8+ cytotoxic T cell response.

Abstract: Described are acellular pertussis (aP) vaccine compositions comprising Bordetella pertussis antigens pertussis toxoid (PT), filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), and fimbriae types 2 and 3 (FIM), and optionally pertactin (PRN), wherein FIM is present in an amount of 12-100 ?g per human dose.

Abstract: The invention is directed to isomeric mixtures of cyclosporine analogues that are structurally similar to cyclosporine A. The mixtures possess enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicity over the individual isomers and over naturally occurring and other presently known cyclosporines and cyclosporine derivatives. Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward cis and trans-isomers of cyclosporin A analogs referred to as ISATX247, and derivatives thereof. Mixtures of ISATX247 isomers exhibit a combination of enhanced potency and reduced toxicity over the naturally occurring and presently known cyclosporins. ISATX247 isomers and alkylated, arylated, and deuterated derivatives are synthesized by stereoselective pathways where the particular conditions of a reaction determine the degree of stereo selectivity. The ratio of isomers in a mixture comprises greater than about 80 percent by weight of the E-isomer and less than about 20 percent by weight of the Z-isomer, based on the total weight of the mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of stabilising a tear film in an individual having an ocular surface inflammatory disorder by providing a compound to an ocular surface of the individual to reduce the synthesis of a cholesterol by a meibum-producing tissue.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to cell-based therapies for treatment of visual disorders, including disorders of the cornea. Methods are exemplified for directed differentiation of corneal cells from stem cells. Compositions of corneal endothelial cells and uses thereof are also provided. Exemplary compositions exhibit improved cell density and/or more “youthful” gene expression relative to cells obtained from donated tissue.

Abstract: A microprojection array is provided, comprising an approximately planar base and a plurality of microprojections, wherein the array comprises a vaccine and a polymeric material. The array may have multiple layers. The vaccine may be placed in only one layer. In another embodiment of the invention, a method of preventing a disease is provided, comprising insertion into the skin of a patient an array of microprojections comprising a layer which comprises a vaccine for that disease and a polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chimeric protein vaccines and methods of use thereof in the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of generating an immune response in a mammal, that includes administering to the mammal, a composition having a chimeric protein having at least one of: a portion of a cholera toxin, a portion of a heat-labile toxin, and a portion of a shiga toxin; and an antigen having at least one of: an antigenic material from S. aureus and an antigenic material from a S. aureus-specific polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for predicting the survival time of a patient suffering from a solid cancer comprising the steps consisting of i) determining the density of B cells at the invasive margin of the tumor (im) in a tumor tissue sample obtained from said patient, ii) comparing said density with a predetermined reference value and iii) providing a good prognosis when the density of B cells at the invasive margin of the tumor is higher than the predetermined reference value and a poor prognosis when the density of B cells at the invasive margin of the tumor is lower than the predetermined reference value.

Abstract: A method of inducing autophagy in a cell is achieved by contacting the cell with graphene oxide (GO) in an amount effective to induce autophagy in the cell, wherein the cell expresses at least one of TLR-4 (Toll-like receptor 4) and TLR-9 (Toll-like receptor 9). Differences between autophagy triggered by GO and other conventional agonists such as rapamycin have been observed. GO may activate autophagy in some cells that may not be triggered by rapamycin. The cell reveals no apparent apoptosis after treatment of the graphene oxide. A method of activating a Toll-like receptor in a cell is also herein provided.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed which are useful in increasing maturation of dendritic cells from CD14+ mononuclear cells, by contact with a composition comprising a fucose-containing glycoprotein fraction from Ganoderma lucidum. The extract can also be used for increasing production of a cytokine or a chemokine in a dendritic cell or CD19+ B cell. In addition, a fucose-containing glycoprotein fraction from Ganoderma lucidum can be administered to a subject identified as needing increased immunoglobulin, cytokine, or chemokine production.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating a malignant neoplastic cell proliferative disorder or disease, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of an mTOR inhibitor and an effective amount of a CD4 lymphocyte depleting agent. Such methods find utility in the treatment of certain subsets of malignant neoplastic cell proliferative disorders or diseases, e.g. renal cell carcinoma and melanoma. The invention also provides for pharmaceutical compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an mTOR inhibitor and an effective amount of a CD4 lymphocyte depleting agent in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

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: Disclosed herein are methods of modulation of the viability of a cell. Further disclosed herein are methods of modulating an immune response. Further disclosed herein are methods of identifying agents capable of modulation of the viability of a cell or an immune response. Further disclosed herein are agents and compositions capable of modulation of the viability of a cell or an immune response.

Abstract: The presently described technology provides a novel class of prodrugs of quetiapine that can be synthesized by chemically conjugating fatty acids to quetiapine. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of synthesizing conjugates of the present technology are also provided. Methods of treating patients with the compositions of the present technology are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vaccine which comprises at least one antigen and a peptide comprising a sequence R1—XZXZNXZX—R2, whereby N is a whole number between 3 and 7, preferably 5, X is a positively charged natural and/or non-natural amino acid residue, Z is an amino acid residue selected from the group consisting of L, V, I, F and/or W, and R1 and R2 are selected independently one from the other from the group consisting of —H, —NH2, —COCH3, —COH, a peptide with up to 20 amino acid residues or a peptide reactive group or a peptide linker with or without a peptide; X—R2 may also be an amide, ester or thioester of the C-terminal amino acid residue, as well as the use of said peptide for enhancing a patient's adaptive immune response to an antigen.

Abstract: The invention is crustacean hemolymph as a utility for the pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic treatment of viral and other neoplastic or pre-neoplastic mammalian tissue lesions. The method comprises topically administering to mammalian tissue a formula that is made from lobster hemolymph—neat; or lobster hemolymph extracts; or lobster hemolyph in combination with certain carriers, binders; or as an adjuvant. The hemolymph may be from various species of lobster, Homarus americanus in particular.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition comprising, as an active ingredient, at least one selected from the group consisting of a Zc3h12a gene inhibitor and a Zc3h12a protein inhibitor. This composition can be used as an immunoadjuvant.

Abstract: A remote treatment delivery system for an animal including a dosage projectile adapted to deliver a biologically active agent to an animal substantially without piercing the skin of the animal and containing a biologically active agent and a carrier in liquid or gel form, the carrier allows adhesion of the biologically active agent to skin, coat or fur of the animal; wherein the agent and the carrier are encapsulated in one or more encapsulating agents; and wherein the encapsulating agents forms a frangible shell.

Abstract: The present invention provides cyclic-di-nucleotide (CDN) compounds that inhibit signaling at a recently discovered cytoplasmic receptor known as STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes). In particular, the CDNs of the present invention are provided in the form of a composition comprising one or more cyclic purine dinucleotides which inhibit STING-dependent TBK1 activation and the resulting production of type I interferon.

Abstract: A compound comprising combination of an immunomodulator and to at least one anti-pathogenic agent for treating of facultative or strict infections caused by intracellular microorganisms, the components of the combination or association of substances of the invention, the immunomodulator (proteic aggregate of ammonium and magnesium phospholinoleate-palmitoleate anhydride) and at least one substance with antimicrobial properties can be administered either jointly, simultaneously, consecutively or sequentially, in an appropriate form, according to their chemical properties, and in a dose effective against microorganisms in human and animals.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a recombinant bacterium comprising a regulated rfaH nucleic acid, as well as a vaccine comprising said recombinant bacterium. Other embodiments of the present invention encompass a recombinant bacterium comprising a regulated rfaH nucleic acid and a regulated rfc nucleic acid, while additional embodiments encompass a recombinant bacterium comprising a regulated rfaH nucleic acid and at least one nucleic acid encoding at least one exogenous antigen.

Abstract: Precipitated bacterial capsular polysaccharides can be efficiently re-solubilized using alcohols as solvents. The invention provides a process for purifying a bacterial capsular polysaccharide, comprising the steps of (a) precipitation of said polysaccharide, followed by (b) solubilization of the precipitated polysaccharide using ethanol. CTAB can be used for step (a). The material obtained, preferably following hydrolysis and sizing, can be conjugated to a carrier protein and formulated as a vaccine. Also, in vaccines comprising saccharides from both serogroups A and C, the invention provides that the ratio (w/w) of MenA saccharide:MenC saccharide is >1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the provision of immunogens comprising an antigenic PCSK9 peptide linked to an immunogenic carrier for the prevention, treatment or alleviation of PCSK9-mediated disorders. The invention further relates to methods for production of these medicaments, immunogenic compositions and pharmaceutical compositing thereof and their use in medicine.

Abstract: A novel form of Rugged dsRNA with a unique composition and physical characteristics was identified with high specificity of binding to TLR3, which conveys an important range of therapeutic opportunities. Unlike the previous known antiviral Ampligen® (poly I, poly C12,U) the new and improved form (poly I, poly C30,U) has a reduced tendency to form branched dsRNA which results in increased bioactivity due to an increased ability to bind TLR3 receptor. Pharmaceutical formulations containing the new nucleic acid as active ingredients and methods of treatment are also provided. The invention also provides a description of the physicochemical properties of this novel form of Rugged dsRNA and a method for its preparation in substantially pure form. DsRNAs acting thru TLR3 receptor activation are potent antiviral compounds as well as anticancer agents; also through secondary immunomodulation they can enhance the bioactivity of vaccines and also treat autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a nutritional composition for reconstituting an optimal healthy microbiota ecosystem in humans or animals. In particular, the present invention relates to an ingestible carrier containing specific amino acids designed to favor the growth of bacteria favorable to individuals health or for reducing the risk of developing deleterious events. The invention also pertains to the use of specific amino acids for reconstituting an optimal healthy microbiota ecosystem in humans or animals, in particular in infants, critically ill patients, in the case of chronic diseases or any stresses impacting the gut and in elderly people.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods of treating, inhibiting or attenuating a microbial infection in an individual who has or is at risk for developing such an infection, comprising the step of administering an effective amount of a TLR9 agonist and a TLR 2/6 agonist to the individual.

Abstract: Application of oligonucleotide and polypeptide sequences of molecules of the family of the vascular permeability factor (VPF), their receptors, and co-receptors, as well as their modifications, in the active immunotherapy of pathologic entities in which course is associated to the increase of angiogenesis. These procedures can be employed in the single or combined therapy for the treatment of cancer and its metastasis, acute and chronic inflammatory processes, infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, diabetic and newborn retinopathies, organ transplant rejection, macular degeneration, neovascular glaucoma, hemangioma, and angiofibroma, among others.

Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are disclosed which include an actively-controllable implantable device configured to, for example, capture and/or release biochemical and/or biological cells in a subject.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods that provide immunosuppressants and therapeutic macromolecules that are administered within a pharmacodynamically effective window of the immunosuppressants to induce immune tolerance to the therapeutic macromolecules. The methods allow shifting the immune response in favor of tolerogenic immune response development specific to the therapeutic macromolecule.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dried enzymically hydrolyzed plant material, which is capable of immunmodulation, immunoregulation, reducing inflammation and reducing tumor progression. The material can be used in the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions, dietary supplements, dietary foods for medical purposes, nutraceuticals, in feed materials, and in supplementary feeds. The process for producing the material is also described, as are its use in the modulation, and regulation of immune reactions, reducing inflammation and/or tumor progression. The material can also be used in treatment of several inflammatory disorders.

Abstract: The current invention provides high-affinity antibodies to the Pseudomonas aeruginosa PcrV protein that have reduced immunogenicity when administered to treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for treating an inflammatory neurological disease comprising administering a population of cells enriched for STRO-1+ cells and/or progeny thereof and/or soluble factors derived therefrom.

Abstract: The invention provides immunomodulatory polynucleotides and methods for immunomodulation of individuals using the immunomodulatory polynucleotides.

Abstract: Oligonucleotides containing the non-palindromic sequence motif: X1X2X3X4X5X6X7X8, wherein X1 is C, T, G or A (preferably T or C); X2 is C, T, G or A; X7 is C, T, G or A (preferably G); at least three, and preferably all, of X3, X4, X5, X6 and X8 are T; with the proviso that, in the motif, a C does not precede a G (in other terms, the nucleic acid motif does not consist of a CpG oligonucleotide), that modulate the immune response of animals of the order Primate, including humans are disclosed. This immune modulation is characterized by stimulation of proliferation, differentiation, cytokine production and antibody production on B-cells and cell differentiation, cytokine production and antibody production on B-cells and cell differentiation on plasmacytoid dendritic cells.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to soluble beta-glucan compositions and method of using such compositions. In one aspect, an adjuvant for a pharmaceutical composition is described which includes a soluble beta-glucan and a TLR agonist, each in an amount that, in combination with the other, is effective to increase a subject's immune response to an antigen. In another aspect, compositions that generally include an antigen component, a soluble beta-glucan component, and a TLR agonist component and a method that generally includes administering to a subject a composition that comprises a soluble beta-glucan and a TLR agonist, each in an amount that, in combination with the other, is effective to increase a subject's immune response to an antigen, are described.

Abstract: The present application relates to functionalized nanodiamonds, to complexes comprising a functionalized nanodiamond reversibly bound to a nucleic acid and to compositions comprising such functionalized nanodiamonds and complexes. In particular, the functionalized nanodiamonds comprise at least one naturally occurring basic amino acid, or analogs or derivatives thereof, covalently linked to a nanodiamond. The present application also includes methods and uses of the complexes and compositions, for example for delivering a nucleic acid to a cell.

Abstract: The invention encompasses compounds having formula I-V and the compositions and methods using these compounds in the treatment of conditions in which modulation of the JAK pathway or inhibition of JAK kinases, particularly JAK3, may be therapeutically useful.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compounds, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, for inhibiting the growth of a microbe; treating a mammal having a microbial infection, malaria, mucositis, an ophthalmic infection, an otic infection, a cancer, or a Mycobacterium infection; killing or inhibiting the growth of a Plasmodium species; inhibiting the growth of a Mycobacterium species; modulating an immune response in a mammal; or antagonizing unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin, or a heparin/low molecular weight heparin derivative.

Abstract: The invention is directed to ?1-6 glucans, compositions, diagnostic kits, and devices comprising the same, and methods of use thereof in modulating immune response and treating, delaying progression of, reducing the incidence or severity of cancer, infection, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. The ?1-6 glucans of certain embodiments of the invention are enriched for O-acetylated groups and/or conjugated to a solid support or linked to a targeting moiety. The ?1-6 glucans of certain embodiments of the invention recruit immunoglobulin G antibodies to mediate complement and neutrophil killing. The conjugated ?1-6 glucans of certain embodiments of the invention are targeted to cells to stimulate the immune response at the target location by activating complement-mediated lysis and recruitment of neutrophils.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-functional protease inhibitor, which may be conjugated to various molecules. The present invention also relates to uses of the protease inhibitor and conjugates thereof.

Abstract: Methods of treating, preventing and/or managing cancer as well as and diseases and disorders associated with, or characterized by, undesired angiogenesis are disclosed. Specific methods encompass the administration of an immunomodulatory compound alone or in combination with a second active ingredient. The invention further relates to methods of reducing or avoiding adverse side effects associated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy or immunotherapy which comprise the administration of an immunomodulatory compound. Pharmaceutical compositions, single unit dosage forms, and kits suitable for use in methods of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The document provides to methods and materials for generating T cells (e.g., antigen-specific CD4+ T cells). For example, methods and materials for using nested MHC class II epitopes as vaccines to generate activated CD4+ T cells in vivo or as reagents to generate activated CD4+ T cells ex vivo are provided.

Abstract: An immunological adjuvant comprises an aluminum salt, an immunostimulatory oligonucleotide and a polycationic polymer, wherein the oligonucleotide and the polymer ideally associate with each other to form a complex. The adjuvant can be included in a composition with an immunogen e.g. to elicit an immune response that protects against a bacterial disease or a fungal disease.

Abstract: An adjuvant for transdermal or transmucosal administration which comprises at least one substance selected from an aliphatic alcohol, a free fatty acid and a fatty acid derivative but does not contain a substance represented by the following formula: wherein R3 and R4 may together form a cyclic ring, and R1 and R2 independently represent an alkyl side chain having 1 to 16 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The invention provides TLR agonists and conjugates thereof useful in vaccines and to prevent, inhibit or treat a variety of disorders including pathogen infection and asthma.