Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide immunogenic compositions for protection against S. pneumoniae, in particular against S. pneumoniae serogroup 10A and 39, while limiting the number of conjugates. The present invention therefore relates to new immunogenic compositions for use in pneumococcal vaccines and to vaccination of human subjects, in particular infants and elderly, against pneumoccocal infections using said immunogenic compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an MDR family P-glycoprotein located on human chromosome 7p15-21, polynucleotide sequences encoding this P-glycoprotein and fragments thereof. This gene is utilized in methods for assessing cancer cell susceptibility to therapies directed against multidrug resistance, and for the design of diagnostic and therapeutic methods relating to cancer multidrug resistance. The invention also relates to methods for determining whether a test compound may inhibit multidrug resistance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polypeptide which comprises: (i) an Rv1753c protein sequence; (ii) a variant of an Rv1753c protein sequence; or (iii) an immunogenic fragment of an Rv1753c protein sequence. In other aspects the invention is directed to associated polynucleotides, fusion proteins and methods for the treatment or prevention of tuberculosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to vaccine compositions having a carrier protein and an antigen of interest entrapped in a complex, methods of making such vaccines, and methods of vaccine administration.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel peptide immunogens comprising influenza virus matrix 2 protein epitopes and related compositions and methods. The present invention relates to a composition comprising a peptide immunogen useful for the prevention and treatment of an influenza virus-mediated disease. The invention also relates to vaccines, immunogenic products and immunogenic compositions containing the peptide immunogens.

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 a novel class of cyanine dyes that are functionalized with sulfonic acid groups and a linker moiety that facilitates their conjugation to other species and substituent groups which increase the water-solubility, and optimize the optical properties of the dyes. Also provided are conjugates of the dyes, methods of using the dyes and their conjugates and kits including the dyes and their conjugates.

Abstract: Provided are bivalent immunogenic composition against morphine-heroin addiction comprising a carrier protein (“CP”) and a morphinic product, wherein the CP and the morphinic product are connected by a spacer-linker arm having a total molecular size of 16-21 ?, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Conjugates of ookinete surface protein Pfs25 are provided that are efficacious as vaccines against Plasmodium falciparum, the most severe form of malaria. Conjugates of ookinete surface protein Pvs25 for use as a vaccine against Plasmodium vivax are also provided. Methods for preparing the conjugates, which comprise the ookinete surface protein bound onto itself or onto another protein by a linking group, are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are HIV immunogens. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding these immunogens and methods of producing these antigens. Methods for generating an immune response in a subject are also disclosed. In some embodiments, the method is a method for treating or preventing a human immunodeficiency type 1 (HIV-1) infection in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tumor antigen-specific Th-inducing polypeptide capable of efficient antigen presentation, and an antitumor agent using same.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method for making an immunogenic composition comprising an improved way of conducting saccharide-protein conjugation reactions using carbodiimide condensation chemistry. Depending on the nature of the saccharide or protein carrier involved, the quality of the conjugate may be improved by adding one of the reaction components slowly to the reaction mixture. In addition, the conjugate is mixed with a staphylococcal antigen. Immunogenic compositions are further provided comprising the saccharide-protein conjugates made by the methods disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptide compound optimized for subcutaneous administration, exemplified by growth hormone conjugates having a linker providing non-covalent binding to albumin.

Abstract: A bifunctional chelating agent of the formula (I): wherein the variables R1, R1?, Q1, Q2 and M are as defined in the description of the present application. Also described is a complex of the above chelating agent to an ion of a stable or radioactive metal; a conjugate of the complex covalently attached to a biological carrier; and a pharmaceutical composition containing the conjugate.

Abstract: Fluorophores derived from photoactivatable azide-pi-acceptor fluorogens or from a thermal reaction of an azide-pi-acceptor fluorogen with an alkene or alkyne are disclosed. Fluorophores derived from a thermal reaction of an alkyne-pi-acceptor fluorogen with an azide are also disclosed. The fluorophores can readily be activated by light and can be used to label a biomolecule and imaged on a single-molecule level in living cells.

Abstract: The present invention synthetic oligo-?-(1?6)-glucosamine structures and a methodology which essentially allows for the synthesis of any oligo-?-(1?6)-glucosamine species having a definite number of monosaccharide units, including a set pattern of acetylated and non-acetylated residues. The invention further provides antibodies to these synthetic oligo-?-(1?6)-glucosamines as well as compositions thereof and methods for treating and preventing infections caused by bacteria expressing poly-?-(1?6)-glucosamines, such as Staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract: The present invention discloses isolated peptides encoding an antigen or fragments thereof from the N-terminus of hemagglutinin protein of influenza, methods for isolating such antigens and specific uses thereof. The peptide can be used as a vaccine to generate an antibody response that neutralizes influenza infectivity against a variety of influenza strains.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing a conjugate of Formula (I-A) or (I) comprising a polypeptide containing n number of tyrosine units, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, dispersed within the amino acid chain having and amino terminus end (A1) and an acid terminus end (A2) of the protein or polypeptide and having a weight average molecular weight equal to or greater than 10,000 Daltons (10 kDa), wherein the conjugate comprises a number m of tyrosine conjugates (modified tyrosine residues) as depicted in Formula (I-A) or (I), where m is at least one and is less than or equal to n: where X, Lg, L and R are as defined herein.

Abstract: Disclosed are immunogenic peptides, related fusion proteins, nucleic acids encoding the peptides or fusion proteins, conjugates, expression vectors, host cells, and antibodies. Also, disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions, vaccines for use in the treatment or prevention of cancer, e.g., alveolar rhabodomyosarcoma, methods of stimulating a T cell to kill a tumor cell, methods of stimulating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and methods of treating or preventing cancer are further provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods of functionalizing proteins, particularly antibodies, at oligosaccharide linkages, methods of humanizing antibodies by modifying glycosylation, as well as to novel antibodies linked to modified oligosaccharides. The invention further relates to kits that may be used to produce the antibodies of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions, and kits useful in preparing labeled molecules, which are useful in the detection of binding partners.

Abstract: The immunoassay method and kit are provided for the detection and/or the determination of zolpidem. The disclosure provides novel antibodies, derived from a novel immunogen, that are highly sensitive and bind to zolpidem and its main urinary metabolite [3-(2-N,N-dimethylamino-2-oxoethyl)-6-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl]benzoic acid, enabling an extension of the detection window of zolpidem in individuals who have abused the drug, or have been victim of its side-effects or its criminal misuse.

Abstract: Antibodies that specifically bind to a peptide having an amino acid sequence as found at the N-terminus of the HA2 fusion peptide of the influenza A virus may be raised by inoculating a mammal with a conjugate of the peptide. In one embodiment, the conjugate comprises the peptide linked to a spacer (e.g. 6-aminocaproic acid) and a carrier protein (e.g. KLH). The antibodies may be used as a universal reagent for detecting HA proteins of influenza viruses. The antibodies are useful as versatile reagents for laboratory research and vaccine potency determination, especially in the event of pandemic influenza outbreaks.

Abstract: Novel azo, azide, and sulfenate photoactive compounds and methods using the compounds for photodiagnostic and/or phototherapeutic procedures. The compounds have the formula E-L-DYE-X—Y, wherein DYE is a photoactive component comprising a photoactive diagnostic agent, a photoactive type 1 agent, a photoactive type 2 agent, or a combination thereof; Y is a photoactive component comprising a photoactive type 1 agent, a photoactive type 2 agent, or a combination thereof; E is a targeting component for targeting the compound to an anatomical and/or physiological site of a patient; L is a linking component for linking E to DYE; and X is a linking component for linking DYE to Y.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds that are surrogates of post-translationally modified proteins and uses thereof. Numerous diseases are associated with post-translationally modified proteins that are difficult to obtain in homogenous form and in quantities needed for immunization and use as convenient standards, calibrators, and/or reference compounds that facilitate the detection and analysis of endogenous post-translationally modified proteins. The surrogate compounds of the invention typically comprise antigenic epitopes (one of which carries a post-translational modification) that are tethered by a flexible and hydrophilic linker. The resulting compound behaves like a surrogate of the post-translationally modified protein because it preserves the character of the included antigens and allows recognition by specific antibodies targeting the individual antigens.

Abstract: Genes for proteins which spontaneously form dimers and/or oligomers can be recombinantly linked together, which upon expression in E. coli produces stable dimeric fusion proteins that spontaneously self-assemble into enormous, polyvalent complexes having increased immunogenicity and functionality. Linear, network and agglomerate complexes with enormous sizes and polyvalences are constructed using glutathione S-transferase, Norovirus P domains (NoV P? and NoV+), the protruding (P) domain of hepatitis E virus (HEV P), the astrovirus P domain (AstV), a monomeric peptide epitope (M2e of influenza virus), and/or a protein antigen (VP8* of rotavirus) fused in different combinations. The resulting complexes can contain hundreds to thousands NoV P-protein, HEV, AstV, M2e and/or VP8* copies and exhibit higher immunogenicity than the individual proteins alone.

Abstract: This disclosure provides therapeutic compositions and methods for inducing an anti-inflammatory response and/or treating inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and/or accumulating gut microbial antigen-specific anti-inflammatory T cells in a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: A complex comprising a Class II HLA-DRB1*03 or Class II HLA-DRB1*13 molecule bound to a peptide, wherein the peptide comprises the amino acid sequence HTYTIDWTKDAVTWS or a portion thereof, or a variant of the given amino acid sequence or portion wherein the side chains of one or two or three or four or five or six or seven of the amino acid residues are altered, wherein the peptide comprising the portion, or variant, is capable of binding HLA-DRB1*03 and/or HLA-DRB1*13. The complex may be used to select Aspergillus and Candida antigen-specific T cells.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention relates to lamotrigine analogs that have substituents at the triazine 3-position and on the benzene 4-position and 5-position. The lamotrigine analogs can include immunogenic moieties that can be used to prepare anti-lamotrigine antibodies, or antigenic moieties that can be used in immunodiagnostic assays for lamotrigine. Also, the lamotrigine analog can include tracer moieties for detecting the presence or amount of the analog during an immunodiagnostic assay. Additionally, the lamotrigine analogs can be used in immunodiagnostic assays to compete with lamotrigine for binding with anti-lamotrigine antibodies.

Abstract: Disclosed herein ricin toxin A chain polypeptides having an engineered disulfide bond ((SS)RTA) and compositions thereof. The disclosed (SS)RTA polypeptides retain the immunological epitope of wild type RTA, lack detectable N-glycosidase activity or exhibit reduced N-glycosidase activity as compared to controls, and exhibit increased solubility, thermal stability and a lower tendency to self-aggregate as compared to RTA 198 and/or RTA 1-33/44-198. Also disclosed are immunogenic compositions that may be used to immunize a subject against ricin intoxication. Methods of immunizing against, treating, inhibiting, reducing and/and preventing ricin intoxication are disclosed.

Abstract: A molecule or molecule complex capable of binding to TLR9 and to CD32 comprising at least one epitope of at least one antigen, and its use a medicament for the treatment of allergies.

Abstract: Novel conjugates and immunogens derived from risperidone and antibodies generated by these immunogens are useful in immunoassays for the quantification and monitoring of risperidone and paliperidone in biological fluids.

Abstract: A novel type of particle platform for application in biotechnology is provided by the present invention. Said platforms comprise RNA-free particles generated by thermal denaturation and structural remodeling of helical plant viruses. Tobamovir-uses and, in particular, tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) coat protein (CP) subunits, denatured, at high temperatures are specifically self-assembled by two-stage assembly into the spherical particles (SPs) of similar shape and varying size including nanoparticles (SNPs) with a diameter up to 100-150 nm and spherical microparticles (SMPs) with a diameter up to 800 nm and more. The size of said SPs depends on the virus concentration used and, therefore can be controlled. Said SPs are biologically safe, highly stable and highly immunogenic. Said SNPs and SMPs are structurally distinct from viruses presently known. They are unique, having no protein nano-particle analogs in the nature.

Abstract: An immunogen includes an isolated peptide of 800 amino acid residues or fewer having the amino sequence ILSAFSVYV (SEQ ID NO:1) with four or fewer amino acid substitutions, a superagonist variant of SEQ ID NO:1, or an amino acid sequence having the formula: (I/K/T/V/M)-L-(S/L)-(A/E/N/D/Q)-(F/V)-(S/M/V/I)-(V/D/R/G/H)-Y-(V/I/L) (SEQ ID NO:13). The immunogens can be used in compositions and in the treatment of disorders.

Abstract: Methods for making an immunogenic conjugate that includes a hapten or an antigen covalently linked to a carrier. The methods include reacting a first agent with a dihydrazide resulting in a hydrazine-modified first agent, wherein the first agent is a hapten, an antigen or a carrier; reacting a second agent with a benzaldehyde compound resulting in a benzaldehyde-modified second agent, wherein the second agent is a hapten, an antigen or a carrier, provided that the first agent or the second agent is a carrier; and reacting the hydrazine-modified first agent with the benzaldehyde-modified second agent resulting in an immunogenic conjugate comprising a hapten or an antigen covalently linked to a carrier via a hydrazone linkage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for pretargeting delivery of therapeutic agents. In preferred embodiments, the pretargeting method comprises: a) administering a bispecific antibody with a first binding site for a disease-associated antigen and a hapten on a targetable construct; b) administering a targetable construct comprising at least one therapeutic agent. In preferred embodiments, the bispecific antibody is made by the dock-and-lock (DNL) technique. In a more preferred embodiment, the targetable construct comprises one or more SN-38 moieties.

Abstract: Conjugates of ookinete surface protein Pfs25 are provided that are efficacious as vaccines against Plasmodium falciparum, the most severe form of malaria. Conjugates of ookinete surface protein Pvs25 for use as a vaccine against Plasmodium vivax are also provided. Methods for preparing the conjugates, which comprise the ookinete surface protein bound onto itself or onto another protein by a linking group, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to labeling reagents useful for labeling biomolecules. In particular, the invention provides activated labeling reagents having the formula L-Ph, wherein L is an activated labeling molecule and Ph is a phenol. The invention further provides methods of preparing the labeling reagents, methods of using the labeling reagents for synthesizing a labeled biomolecule, kits that include reagents for labeling a biomolecule and kits containing labeled biomolecules.

Abstract: Chemically-reactive, water-soluble, heterocycle-substituted 7-hydroxycoumarin dyes, their bioconjugates and uses are described. The conjugates derived from reactive heterocycle-substituted 7-hydroxycoumarin dyes are used for analyzing biological compounds. These heterocycle-substituted 7-hydroxycoumarin dyes are particularly useful as fluorescent labels for biopolymer detection reagents, such as antibodies or nucleic acid probes. The dye-antibody conjugates of the invention are particularly useful for analyzing analytes using a flow cytometer equipped with a violet laser as an excitation source due to their strong absorption at 405 nm and high fluorescence quantum yield.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising at least two protective proteins against Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) or functionally active variant thereof; a protective peptide against S. agalactiae; one or more nucleic acid(s) encoding the at least two proteins and/or the protective peptide; a method of producing the composition; a pharmaceutical composition, especially a vaccine, comprising the composition and/or at least one protective peptide; methods for producing antibodies; a mixture of antibodies against the at least two proteins of the composition; the use of the composition and/or at least one protective peptide and/or one or more nucleic acid(s) for the manufacture of a medicament for the immunization or treatment of a subject; methods of diagnosing a S.

Abstract: The present invention provides particle-forming chimeric proteins comprising a Calicivirus capsid protein and one or more heterologous antigen sequences. In particular, the present invention discloses engineered Calicivirus capsid protein sequences containing heterologous epitopes fused at internal locations such that the modified capsid proteins retain the ability to form virus-like particles when expressed in host cells. Virus-like particles comprising the chimeric proteins and vaccine formulations are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polymerized products and compositions useful for the treatment and prevention of amyloid disease in a subject. The invention further relates to isolated antibodies that recognize a common conformational epitope of amyloidogenic proteins or peptides that are useful for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of amyloid disease.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an adenovirus-antigen conjugate comprising (a) a disrupted adenovirus with a coat protein and (b) an antigen conjugated to the coat protein of the disrupted adenovirus, as well as a conjugate comprising (a) a disrupted adenovirus with a coat protein and (b) an antigen conjugated to the coat protein of the disrupted adenovirus. The invention also provides a method of inducing an immune response against an antigen in a human using the aforementioned conjugates. The invention further provides an adeno-associated viral vector comprising a nucleic acid sequence which encodes an antibody directed against cocaine.

Abstract: Provided is luminescent gold nanomaterial functionalized by N-(4-aminobutyl)-N-ethylisoluminol, methods of preparation and application thereof. The functionalized gold nanoparticle nanomaterial are formed by N-(4-aminobutyl)-N-ethylisoluminol bonding to the surface of the gold nanomaterial. The functionalized gold nanomaterial are prepared by directly reducing chloroauric acid with N-(4-aminobutyl)-N-ethylisoluminol, wherein N-(4-aminobutyl)-N-ethylisoluminol acts as reducer and stabilizer simultaneously. The preparation method is simple, fast and no need of special conditions. The preparation methods can be performed in a wide temperature range, for example, 15-35° C. The size and pattern of the functionalized gold nanomaterial can be specified by choosing the ratio of chloroauric acid to N-(4-aminobutyl)-N-ethylisoluminol. The obtained functionalized nano gold particles exhibit excellent chemiluminescence properties.

Abstract: An immunogenic composition containing a glycan conjugate including a carrier protein, and a glycan including Globo H, an immunogenic fragment thereof, or stage-specific embryonic antigen-4 (SSEA-4), wherein the glycan is conjugated with the carrier protein through a linker.

Abstract: Indirectly labelled assay conjugates prepared by a method that includes the step of submitting the binding member comprised by the conjugate to denaturing conditions prior to labelling the binding member. The indirectly labelled assay conjugates demonstrate an increased sensitivity when employed in diagnostic assays compared to assay conjugates prepared by methods that do not include a step of submitting the binding member to denaturing conditions prior to labelling. Processes for the preparation of the indirectly labelled assay conjugates, methods of detecting an analyte comprising the use of the indirectly labelled assay conjugate and kits comprising the indirectly labelled conjugates are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to hepatitis B virus (“HBV”) core antigen particles that are characterized by multiple immunogen specificities. More particularly, the invention relates to HBV core antigen particles comprising immunogens, epitopes, or other related structures, crosslinked thereto by ligands which are HBV capsid-binding peptides that selectively bind to HBV core protein. Such particles may be used as delivery systems for a diverse range of immunogenic epitopes, including the HBV capsid-binding peptides, which advantageously also inhibit and interfere with HBV viral assembly by blocking the interaction between HBV core protein and HBV surface proteins. Mixtures of different immunogens and/or capsid-binding peptide ligands may be crosslinked to the same HBV core particle. Such resulting multicomponent or multivalent HBV core particles may be advantageously used in therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines and compositions, as well as in diagnostic compositions and methods using them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective peptide of Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) or a functionally active variant thereof; a composition comprising at least two of such peptides or variants; one or more nucleic acid(s) encoding such peptide or variant; a pharmaceutical composition comprising such peptide or variant, composition, or nucleic acid(s); a method of producing an antibody using such peptide or variant or composition; the use of such peptide or variant and/or composition and/or nucleic acid(s) for the manufacture of a medicament; a method of diagnosing a S. pneumoniae infection using such peptide or variant, composition or a primer and/or probe specific for the nucleic acid(s); a method for identifying a ligand capable of binding to such peptide or variant; and the use of such peptide or variant for the isolation, purification and/or identification of an interaction partner of the peptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides immunogenic peptides comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 13, 32, and peptides comprising the above-mentioned amino acid sequences in which 1, 2, or several amino acids are substituted or added, and having cytotoxic T cell inducibility, and also provides drugs for treating or preventing tumors comprising these peptides. The peptides of this invention can be used as vaccines.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to fibrillar adjuvants. Epitopes assembled into nanofibers by a short synthetic fibrillization domain elicited high antibody titers in the absence of any adjuvant.