Abstract: A synthetic hemagglutinin (sHA) which represents the highest degree of conservation in the HA sequences of all Influenza B viruses (IVB) based on comprehensive bioinformatics analyses was cloned into an adenoviral vector. The recombinant adenovirus carrying the sHA gene was then delivered intransallyintranasally into DAB/2 mice. The animals were challenged with 5xLD50 influenza B viruses. We have found that the synthetic HA vaccines afford 100% protection against lethal challenge whereas 50% mice died in the control group. Furthermore, no virus was found in the lung of the vaccinated group while significant lung viruses were found in all mice of the controlled group. Consistent with the survival data and virus titre, severe pneumonia was found in all mice of the control group while no pathologic observation was made in animals receiving the vaccines.

Abstract: Provided are influenza hemagglutinin stem domain polypeptides comprising (a) an influenza hemagglutinin HA1 domain that comprises an HA1 N-terminal stem segment comprising the amino acids from position 1 to position x, preferably from position p to position x, of the HA1 domain, covalently linked by a linking sequence of 0-50 amino acid residues to an HA1 C-terminal stem segment, comprising the amino acids from position y to and including the C-terminal amino acid of the HA1 domain; and (b) an influenza hemagglutinin HA2 domain, wherein the hemagglutinin stem domain polypeptide is resistant to protease cleavage at the junction between HA1 and HA2, and wherein one or more amino acid of the amino acids at positions 337, 340, 352, 353, 402, 406, 409, 413 and/or 416 have been mutated, as compared to the corresponding positions in wild-type influenza HA.

Abstract: The present invention discloses immunomodulating compositions. More particularly, the present invention discloses compositions comprising an immune-modulating agent and a lectin-interactive agent, which are useful for stimulating and prolonging host immune cell responses. The compositions of the present invention are particularly useful in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of a range of conditions including pathogenic infections, autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection, graft versus host disease, allergies, inflammatory disease, as well as cancers and tumours.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel iridium-based Ir(III) luminescent complexes, conjugates comprising these complexes as a label and their application, e.g. in the electrochemiluminescence based detection of an analyte.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, methods, reagents, and systems for the treatment, detection, analysis, and/or characterization of influenza infections.

Abstract: Intermolecular disulfide stabilized foldon polypeptides are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid for vaccine that has undergone codon optimization for expression in Bombyx mori, a vector comprising the nucleic acid, Bombyx mori comprising the vector, and a method for producing a vaccine in which they are used.

Abstract: Vaccine compositions and methods of producing and using the same are provided, which compositions comprise a modified HA stem domain in a trimeric configuration.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide methods for selecting a candidate oligonucleotide for activating expression of a target gene. Further aspects of the invention provide methods of selecting a set of oligonucleotides that is enriched in oligonucleotides that activate expression of a target gene. Further aspects provide single stranded oligonucleotides that modulate gene expression and compositions and kits comprising the same. Methods for modulating gene expression using the single stranded oligonucleotides are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are flu hemagglutinin polypeptides, including chimeric influenza virus hemagglutinin polypeptides, and flu hemagglutinin polypeptides comprising modified glycosylation sites and non-naturally glycosylation sites, compositions comprising the same, vaccines comprising the same and methods of their use.

Abstract: A tripartite nanodevice comprising a targeting portion, a carrier portion, and at least one molecule to be delivered is provided. In particular, a gold nanoparticle linked to a targeting protein and capable of delivering a stimulant for the treatment of respiratory or disease is described. A method of making and a method of using a device of this nature are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides Galectin-3 binding protein (Gal-3BP, BTBD17B) polypeptide sequences and compositions that include Gal-3BP polypeptide sequences, and methods of using Gal-3BP polypeptide sequences, including modified forms and wild type (native) forms of Gal-3BP polypeptide, such as in treatment, diagnostic, detection and prognostic methods.

Abstract: A method of producing a virus like particle (VLP) in a plant is provided. The method comprises introducing a first nucleic acid and a second nucleic acid into the plant, or portion of the plant. The first nucleic acid comprises a first regulatory region active in the plant and operatively linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding a structural virus protein. The second nucleic acid comprises a second regulatory region active in the plant and operatively linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding a channel protein, for example but not limited to a proton channel protein. The plant or portion of the plant is incubated under conditions that permit the expression of the nucleic acids, thereby producing the VLP.

Abstract: The purpose is to produce, with high reproducibility, a complex of labeled probes and a carrier, said complex being to be used for detecting and measuring a target substance to be measured with high sensitivity and high stability. The means for accomplishing the purpose is that a label is bound to a probe-water soluble carrier conjugate using specific binding of an avidin compound such as avidin, streptavidin, etc. to biotin, and the binding of the avidin compound to the probe is performed before the binding to the carrier. Namely, after conjugating the avidin compound to a substance which is capable of binding to the target substance, the conjugate is bound to a high-molecule water-soluble carrier to produce a complex of the avidinized probes and the water-soluble carrier. Then the complex of the avidinized probes and the water-soluble carrier is mixed with a biotinylated label.

Abstract: The invention provides peptides capable of binding with influenza hemagglutinin (HA) protein blocking pH-induced shape change or aggregation of the influenza hemagglutinin (HA) protein. The invention also provides a druggable site in influenza Hemagglutinin protein, said druggable site comprises peptide sequences comprising conserved residues.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for producing flocculation moieties in photosynthetic organisms. The photosynthetic organisms are genetically modified to effect production, secretion, or both, of the flocculation moieties. Also provided are methods of flocculating organisms.

Abstract: In some embodiments the present invention provides influenza hemagglutinin (“HA”) polypeptides, proteins, and protein complexes that comprise a stalk domain that is engineered to facilitate maintenance of its native trimeric conformation, even if the head domain of the HA protein is removed or disrupted. In some embodiments, the present invention provides compositions comprising such polypeptides, proteins, and protein complexes, and methods of use of such proteins and compositions, for example as vaccine immunogens.

Abstract: Described herein is the generation of optimized H3N2, H2N2 and B influenza HA polypeptides for eliciting a broadly reactive immune response to influenza virus isolates. The optimized HA polypeptides were developed through a series of HA protein alignments, and subsequent generation of consensus sequences, based on H3N2, H2N2 and B influenza isolates. Provided herein are optimized H3N2, H2N2 and B influenza HA polypeptides, and compositions, fusion proteins and VLPs comprising the HA polypeptides. Further provided are codon-optimized nucleic acid sequences encoding the HA polypeptides. Methods of eliciting an immune response against influenza virus in a subject are also provided by the present disclosure.

Abstract: The present invention also relates to a method of reducing metastases in a subject comprising administering to the subject a composition comprising a multifunctional molecule comprising a first part which is capable of binding to an antigen bearing target and a second part which is capable of binding to a cell.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the development of improved methods for quantifying antigen in a vaccine composition in the absence of available antigen standards. More specifically, the disclosure provides fast and robust methods of separating antigens from vaccine compositions, comprising the steps of solubilizing antigen without detergent and without alkylation, using acidification to prevent antigen subtypes from binding again, isolating antigen subtypes with chromatography, and quantifying the eluted antigen with amino acid analysis. The methods of the disclosure are applicable for use with a variety of antigens, thereby providing an improved method in the art of vaccine manufacturing to date.

Abstract: Described herein is the generation of optimized H5N1 and H1N1 influenza HA polypeptides for eliciting a broadly reactive immune response to influenza virus isolates. The optimized HA polypeptides were developed through a series of HA protein alignments, and subsequent generation of consensus sequences, based on H5N1 and H1N1 influenza isolates. Provided herein are optimized H5N1 and H1N1 influenza HA polypeptides, and compositions, fusion proteins and VLPs comprising the HA polypeptides. Further provided are codon-optimized nucleic acid sequences encoding the HA polypeptides. Methods of eliciting an immune response against influenza virus in a subject are also provided by the present disclosure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides influenza hemagglutinin stem domain polypeptides comprising (a) an influenza hemagglutinin HA1 domain that comprises an HA1 N-terminal stem segment, covalently linked by a linking sequence of 0-50 amino acid residues to an HA1 C-terminal stem segment, and (b) an influenza hemagglutinin HA2 domain, wherein on or more amino acids in the HA2 domain have been mutated. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides, compositions comprising the polypeptides and/or nucleic acid molecules, as well as methods of their use, in particular in the detection, prevention and/or treatment of influenza.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure provides cross-linked materials that include multivalent lectins with at least two binding sites for glucose, wherein the lectins include at least one covalently linked affinity ligand which is capable of competing with glucose for binding with at least one of said binding sites; and conjugates that include two or more separate affinity ligands bound to a conjugate framework, wherein the two or more affinity ligands compete with glucose for binding with the lectins at said binding sites and wherein conjugates are cross-linked within the material as a result of non-covalent interactions between lectins and affinity ligands on different conjugates. These materials are designed to release amounts of conjugate in response to desired concentrations of glucose. Depending on the end application, in various embodiments, the conjugates may also include a drug and/or a detectable label.

Abstract: The invention quantifies HA using a process which comprises two key steps: HA is captured using a lectin, such as snowdrop lectin; and captured HA is quantified using an immunoassay. This assay can conveniently be performed in an ELISA format. The process is specific, is robust in the face of contaminants, and is more rapid and more sensitive than the standard SRID assay.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, technologies and methodologies for detection, treatment, and/or prevention of influenza transmission and/or infection. The present invention also provides technologies for monitoring influenza HA variants with particular degrees of susceptibility to mutation for human adaptation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reducing the transmission of a pathogen from an animal of a first species to an animal of a second species. Specifically, reduction of transmission is accomplished through the administration of antigen of the pathogen such that administration results in the reduction or absence of the reproduction of the pathogen in the animal to which the antigen was administered.

Abstract: Engineered lectins and methods of using such reagents for both preventing and treating a broad array of viral infections are provided. The lectins of the invention are engineered in two ways, first through the enhancement of the natural mode of action of lectins against viruses through linked multimerization, and second through the creation of a new class of reagents, hereinafter referred to as a “lectibody” or “lectibodies”, that engage host immune function in addition to simply binding glycosylated viral proteins via the combination of a lectin and the Fc region of an antibody in order to drive Fc-mediated effector functions including ADCC (antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity), increased half-life, complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), and antibody-dependent cell-mediated phagocytosis (ADCP) in response to a lectin-mediated carbohydrate-binding event.

Abstract: A new use of a molecule comprising at least one moiety which is a biologically active protein and at least one moiety capable of binding to a serum albumin of a mammal is provided, for preparation of a medicament which elicits no or a reduced immune response upon administration to the mammal, as compared to the immune response elicited upon administration to the mammal of the biologically active protein per se. Also provided is a method of reducing or eliminating the immune response elicited upon administration of a biologically active protein to a human or non-human mammal, which comprises coupling the polypeptide to at least one moiety capable of binding to a serum albumin of the mammal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protein expression in plants, particularly the large-scale production of recombinant polypeptides in whole Nicotiana tabacum plants. The use of preselected combination of N. tabacum varieties and Agrobacterium strains, optionally including one or more improvements to the transient expression-based methods of the invention, enables the production of large quantities of a heterologous polypeptides economically and in a short period of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to non-catalytic carbohydrate-binding modules (CBM) belonging to a new family of CBM's. A CBM of the invention was found attached to a glycosyl hydrolase family 61 (GH61) polypeptide and was shown to have little homology with known CBM's indicating that it is the first known member of a new family of CBM's. The present invention further relates to CBM's preferably exhibiting binding affinity for cellulose; to a method of producing such CBM's; and to methods for using such CBM's in the textile, detergent and cellulose fiber processing industries, for purification of polypeptides, immobilization of active enzymes, baking, manufacturing of biofuel, modification of plant cell walls.

Abstract: 1H-Imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amines substituted at the 1-position with a substituent bearing a hydrazinobenzamide or hydrazinonicotinamide, a salt thereof, or a protected hydrazinobenzamide or hydrazinonicotinamide and conjugates made from such compounds are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound or the conjugate, methods of making a conjugate, and methods of use of the compounds or conjugates as immunomodulators for inducing cytokine biosynthesis in an animal and for vaccinating an animal are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to methods for detecting and quantitating plasma-derived protein and recombinant protein in a sample based on the difference in protein glycosylation, when the plasma protein and the recombinant protein are essentially the same protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved vaccines and the design and making of such vaccines that enhance immunogenicity of the vaccine and/or reduce reactogenicity to the vaccine when administered. In particular the vaccines and immunogenic compositions of the present invention relate to flagellin-antigen fusion proteins in which the spatial orientation of the flagellin to antigen and the charge distribution of the antigen is optimized to enhance immunogenicity and/or reduce reactogenicity and/or improve folding of the protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant DNA molecule encoding a mutated hemagglutinin protein, wherein the mutated hemagglutinin protein consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 with one or more mutations at amino acid residue selecting from the group consisting of residue 83, 127, 138 and the combination thereof. The present invention also relates to a composition comprising the recombinant DNA molecule as described above and a pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable carrier, excipient, adjuvant, or vehicle. The present invention further relates to a kit for prime-boost vaccination, comprising at least a composition comprising a recombinant DNA molecule as described above and at least a composition for the boost-vaccination comprising a recombinant hemagglutiinin protein or a virus-like particle, wherein the recombinant hemagglutiinin protein is the corresponding hemagglutiinin protein encoded by the recombinant DNA molecule.

Abstract: The isolated Agrocybe aegerita lectin AAL-2 is able to inhibit the growth of tumor cells by inducing apoptosis. In the animal study, the Agrocybe aegerita lectin AAL-2 has been showed to be capable for tumor therapy. Furthermore, the AAL-2 preferentially binds to the carbohydrate or glycoproteins with its N-Acetylglucosamine, which can be used for diagnosing the N-Acetylglucosamine-associated diseases or detecting N-Acetylglucosamine-modified carbohydrates.

Abstract: A method of preparing a capturing agent for a selected biopolymer or bioparticle, includes the steps of: a) selecting a desired biopolymer or bioparticle, and b) providing a support matrix modified to have, at predetermined conditions, such a net negative surface charge and net surface hydrophobicity in relation to the net negative surface charge and the net surface hydrophobicity of the selected biopolymer or bioparticle that the modified support matrix is capable of selective interaction and capture of the biopolymer or bioparticle through a resulting net hydrophobic interaction being the actual hydrophobic interaction minus the actual electrostatic repulsion. The use of such a capturing agent as a therapeutically active substance, as well as in chromatography and diagnosis are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a polynucleotide of human PLA2R1, a polypeptide of human PLA2R1 or an extracellular fragment of human PLA2R1 for use in the treatment of cancer in particular breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, kidney cancer and melanoma.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a porous material, wherein porosity can be controlled to 50% or higher by means of a freezing method, pore size can be controlled to 10 ?m to 300 ?m, and pore diameter distribution is uniform. The method is a method for producing a porous material, comprising freezing a mixture of water and a raw material comprising at least any of a ceramic material, a resin, a metal, and precursors thereof from a specific portion of the mixture to use ice crystals produced at the time as a pore source and then heat-treating a dry material obtained by removing the ice from the frozen material, wherein the mixture of a raw material and water or the frozen material comprises an antifreeze protein.

Abstract: Provided are methods for evaluating the risk of an adverse clinical outcome in a subject, deciding whether to discharge or continue treating a subject (e.g., on an inpatient basis), or to initiate or terminate treatment, selecting a subject for participation 5 in a clinical study, and selecting a therapeutic treatment for a subject that include determining a level of ST2 and a level of galectin-3 in a biological sample from the subject. Kits are also provided that contain an antibody that specifically binds to ST2, an antibody that specifically binds to galectin-3, and instructions for using the in the methods described.

Abstract: Methods for reducing the T-cell mitogenicity of lectin compositions are provided. In one aspect this is achieved by chemically modifying mitogenic lectin compositions under optimized conditions. Additionally or alternatively, the reduction in T-cell mitogenicity is achieved by removing unmodified subunits chemically modified mixtures. Modified lectin compositions with reduced T-cell mitogenicity are also provided as are uses of the inventive compositions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides inter alia conjugates of formula (I): wherein n, R1, R2, Rx, Z, X, Y and Z are as defined herein. A conjugate of formula (I) can also be converted to a conjugate of formulae (II) or (III) as described herein. Without limitation, the conjugates can be used to make controlled release materials and chemical sensors.

Abstract: Provided are peptide analogues of PA-IL and compositions containing them. The PA-IL peptide analogues have altered carbohydrate binding specificity relative to a PA-IL of SEQ ID NO:1, and thus the analogues contain amino acid substitutions in SEQ ID NO:1. The substitutions can be at positions 50, 52 and 53 of SEQ ID NO:1 and can include combinations of amino acid substitutions at those positions Also included are methods for detecting changes in the glycosylation of carbohydrates and for separating biomolecules which contain glycoproteins or glycoconjugates.

Abstract: The object was to provide a method for distinguishing between species within the genus Staphylococcus; binding affinities between many types of lectins and bacteria belonging to the genus Staphylococcus were examined; and lectins of Tachylectin-2, LEL, KAA1, BCL11, CBA, HAA, HPA, STL, proBCA1, proBCA2, ULL, DSA, PWM, UDA, WFL, hypninA3, BCL11d, CFA1, CFA2, CLA, MPA1, MPA2, AC-avranin, algCSA, BML11b, BML11c, etc. were selected. Further, it was found that these lectins could be used to distinguish between species within the genus Staphylococcus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for purification of a target biomolecule, comprising the steps: (a) contacting (i) a target biomolecule, (ii) a dual affinity polypeptide, and (iii) a solid support comprising a catching ligand, wherein the ratio between the equilibrium dissociation constants of the dual affinity polypeptide, [KD,t/KD,s], is at least 100 at standard conditions; and (b) recovering the target biomolecule by elution.

Abstract: The present invention refers to fusion proteins comprising a neck region and carbohydrate recognition domain of a collectin trimerization domain, a linker element and an effector polypeptide. Further the invention refers to a nucleic acid encoding the said fusion protein. The fusion proteins, the nucleic acid, and the cell are suitable as pharmaceutical composition or for therapeutic, diagnostic and/or research applications as described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing embryo implantation rate in mother's uterus in mammals by administering to the uterus of a mammal an effective amount of beta-galactoside-binding lectin or derivatives thereof, as well as to a product comprising said lectin.

Abstract: Increased in vivo and/or in vitro stability is imparted to a biologically active protein by fusing to an amino acid sequence consisting of at least about 100 amino acid residues, which consist essentially of Alanine, Serine and Proline, which form a random coil conformation. Specific examples are described. Also described are related nucleic acids, vectors and cells encoding such amino acids; compositions of biologically active proteins fused to a random coil domain, and methods of making and using the compounds and compositions of the invention.

Abstract: The immunogenicity of the influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) molecule may be increased by substitutions of amino acids in the HA sequence. The substitution of specific HA residues, such as asparagine at position 223 of H5 HA, increase the sensitivity of the hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) assay by altering receptor specificity and/or antibody-antigen binding. HA molecules containing such substitutions will be useful in the development of diagnostic reference viruses and improved influenza vaccines.

Abstract: Methods for providing novel compositions useful as influenza immunogens are provided. The compositions enable a host response to immunogen sites normally not recognized by a host. The novel immunogens can be used as vaccines or to develop antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated canine influenza virus of subtype H3N8 comprising an HA having SEQ ID NO: 4 or an amino acid sequence that is greater than 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 4, with the proviso that the amino acids at positions 94 and 233 are identical to SEQ ID NO: 4; a composition comprising attenuated or inactivated virus; isolated or purified HA, NM, NP, M1, NS1, PA, PB1, and PB2 proteins and fragments thereof and compositions comprising same or nucleic acids, optionally as part of a vector, encoding same; and a method of inducing an immune response to canine influenza virus in an animal comprising administering to the animal an aforementioned composition.