Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing immunogenic polypeptides, comprising reducing disulfide bonds and blocking the resulting free thiol group with a blocking agent. The immunogenic peptides comprise a fragment of MAGE A3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel dendrimer compounds and methods of synthesizing the same. In particular, the present invention is directed to novel polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers, novel dendrimer branching units, methods for synthesizing such novel PAMAM dendrimers and functionalized dendrimers, as well as systems and methods utilizing the dendrimers (e.g., in diagnostic and/or therapeutic settings (e.g., for the delivery of therapeutics, imaging, and/or targeting agents (e.g., in disease diagnosis and/or therapy, etc.))).

Abstract: A mechanism for a unique isopeptide bond formation between polypeptides is disclosed as well as sequence motifs used in such bond formation and methods of using such sequence motifs.

Abstract: Novel conjugates and immunogens derived from imatinib and monoclonal antibodies generated by these immunogens are useful in immunoassays for the quantification and monitoring of imatinib or its pharmacologically active salts in biological fluids.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel nicotine hapten compounds and nicotine immunoconjugates which can be used for in vivo production of antibodies that specifically bind to nicotine. The invention also provides methods of using vaccines comprising the nicotine immunoconjugates in active or passive immunization protocols. The compositions and methods of the invention are useful for prevention and treatment of nicotine addiction.

Abstract: A method for treating HIV infection is disclosed. The method comprises administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a fusion protein comprising: a) a Pseudomonas Exotoxin A (PE) peptide comprising a binding domain and a PE translocation domain, the PE peptide being devoid of cytotoxic domain III; b) optionally gag24, being fused to the PE peptide; c) a fragment of gp120 C1 domain, being fused to the PE peptide or fused to the gag24 if the gag24 is present; d) a fragment of gp 120 C5 domain, being fused to the fragment of gp120 C1 domain; e) a fragment of gp41 amino acid sequence, being fused to the fragment of gp 120 C5 domain, and f) optionally an endoplasmic reticulum retention sequence, being fused to the C-terminus of the fragment of gp41.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of producing conjugates of A? peptide immunogens with protein/polypeptide carrier molecules, which are useful as immunogens, wherein peptide immunogens are conjugated to protein carriers via activated functional groups on amino acid residues of the carrier or of the optionally attached linker molecule, and wherein any unconjugated reactive functional groups on amino acid residues are inactivated via capping, thus retaining the immunological functionality of the carrier molecule, but reducing the propensity for undesirable reactions that could render the conjugate less safe or effective. Furthermore, the invention also relates to such immunogenic products and immunogenic compositions containing such immunogenic products made by such methods.

Abstract: We characterized a total of 175 HLA-DR-associated phosphopeptides using sequential affinity isolation, biochemical enrichment, mass spectrometric sequencing and comparative analysis. Many were derived from source proteins which may have roles in cancer development, growth and metastasis. Most were expressed exclusively by either melanomas or transformed B cells, suggesting the potential to define cell type-specific phosphatome “fingerprints”. We generated HLA-DR?1*0101-restricted CD4+ T cells specific for a phospho-MART-1 peptide identified in two melanoma cell lines. These T cells showed specificity for phosphopeptide-pulsed antigen presenting cells as well as for intact melanoma cells. MHC II-restricted phosphopeptides recognizable by human CD4+ T cells are potential targets for cancer immunotherapy.

Abstract: The present invention is based, in part, on flagellin adjuvants that enhance immune responses directed against drugs of abuse. Provided are conjugates comprising a flagellin adjuvant covalently linked to a drug of abuse or an immunologically similar derivative thereof. Also provided are methods of making the conjugates of the invention and use thereof for administration to a subject, e.g., to produce an immune response in the subject against the drug of abuse, to prevent addiction to the drug of abuse in the subject, to reduce the effect of the drug of abuse in the subject, to reduce the level of the drug of abuse in the brain of the subject, and/or to reduce the addiction in the subject to the drug of abuse.

Abstract: Multimeric polypeptides and pharmaceutical uses thereof; multimers comprising alpha3 and alpha1 peptides of an HLA-G antigen and methods of producing such multimers, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, as well as their uses for treating various diseases including organ/tissue rejection. Said multimers comprise at least two monomers, each of said monomers being selected in the group consisting of a peptide P2 of formula P1-X3 or X2-X3, wherein P1 is of formula X1-X2, wherein X1 represents a peptidic linker including a cysteine amino acid and X2 represents an alpha1 domain (or alpha1 peptide) of HLA-G and X3 represents an alpha3 domain of HLA-G.

Abstract: Antitoxin and vaccine compositions based on nodavirus VLPs are provided. Anthrax antitoxin and vaccine compositions are provided. Methods of treating toxins with VLP-based antitoxins are provided. Methods of raising an immune response with immunogen decorated VLPs are provided.

Abstract: The invention discloses MHC oligomers and methods for making the same comprising at least two functional MHC complexes having a peptide binding groove, each MHC complex having a peptide bound in the peptide binding groove of the MHC complex, wherein each peptide has a modification which allows highly specific oligomerisation of the functional MHC complexes through a core structure.

Abstract: Modified allergens having reduced allergenicity compared to corresponding native allergenic material, wherein all or a part of the primary amine groups of the lysine and arginine residues of the allergenic molecules are functionalized and the modified allergens have the structure wherein R and R2 are independently selected from H, C1-C5 alkyl, phenyl, phenyl substituted in ortho, meta, or para with a hydroxy, C1-C4 alkoxy, halogen, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, mercapto, C1-C4 alkylmercapto group; X represents O, S, or NR3, where R3 is H, alkyl with 1-6 carbon atoms, phenyl, or CN; R1 represents H, alkyl with 1-8 carbon atoms, phenyl or arylalkyl with up to 8 carbon atoms, or alkyl containing a heterocyclic ring; prot represents the protein residue of the allergen; n is the number of functionalized arginine groups and ranges between 1 and the number of arginine groups present in the allergen; m is the number of functionalized lysine groups and ranges between 1 and the number of lysine groups present in

Abstract: Methods of assaying for (i) a pterin by immunoassay employing a pterin as capture agent, (ii) neopterin by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) employing an anti-neopterin antibody (Ab) as capture agent, (iii) neopterin by an immunoassay (IA) employing an acridinium (Acr)-labeled anti-neopterin Ab as conjugate, and (iv) neopterin by an IA employing Acr-labeled neopterin as tracer; an Acr-labeled anti-neopterin Ab; a conjugate/complex comprising anti-neopterin Ab and a carrier scaffold; a conjugated pterin; a conjugate comprising an Acr-labeled pterin and a carrier scaffold; an immunogen comprising neopterin and a carrier protein; a conjugate comprising such an immunogen and an Acr compound; an immunogen comprising a carrier protein and a neopterin hapten; a conjugate comprising such an immunogen and an Acr compound; a kit for assaying a pterin comprising a pterin as a capture agent and instructions for IA; and a kit for assaying neopterin comprising an anti-neopterin Ab as a capture agent and ins

Abstract: This invention relates to immunogenic compositions for inducing an immune response against an antigen of interest. In particular, the invention provides immunogenic compositions comprising an antigen-carrier conjugate, wherein the carrier is a bacterial toxin that contains a signal peptide. The invention also provides methods of generating immunogenic compositions with enhanced immunogenicity, comprising adding a signal peptide to the bacterial carrier in an antigen-carrier conjugate, such as a hapten-carrier conjugate. The invention also provides methods for inducing an immune response to a hapten in a subject using these immunogenic compositions.

Abstract: A Tat-based tolerogen composition comprising at least one immunogenic antigen coupled to at least one human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) trans-activator of transcription (Tat) molecule wherein the immunogenic antigen can be a foreign or endogenous antigen or fragments thereof. Additionally methods of suppressing organ transplant rejection and methods of treating autoimmune diseases are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated peptides or the fragments derived from SEQ ID NO: 45, which bind to an HLA antigen and induce cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). The peptides may include the above mentioned amino acid sequence with substitution deletion, or addition of one, two, or several amino acids sequences. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions including these peptides. The peptides of this invention can be used for diagnosing or treating cancer.

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: The invention provides protective antigens which are useful in vaccine compositions to induce protection against gram positive bacteria, particularly against S. agalactiae, S. pyogenes, S. pneumoniae, S. aureus, S. suis, and S. equi.

Abstract: Templated conjugates created from naturally-occurring protein sequences found in pathogens, such as viruses, are disclosed. The sequences are “templated” into a consensus coiled-coil sequence in order to form a two-stranded antigen suitable for immunization of a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to MHC-peptide complexes and uses thereof in the diagnosis of, treatment of or vaccination against a disease in an individual. More specifically the invention discloses MHC complexes comprising cancer antigenic peptides and uses there of.

Abstract: The structural design, preparative methods and chemical composition of two structural formulations of bivalent vaccines against morphine-heroin addiction (morphine-6-hemisuccinyl-EDC-TFCS-tetanus toxoid and 3-O-carboxymethylmorphine-EDC-TFCS-tetanus toxoid), are disclosed. These vaccines are suitable for human use in which they are capable of triggering the synthesis of polyclonal antibodies against morphine opiate and its structural analogue, heroin, through the repeated in vivo administration of these formulations, in active vaccination protocols, in pre-clinical studies in rodents. The active vaccination paradigm through which these immunogens trigger a humoral immune response consolidated with a long-term immunological memory, characterized by the presence of high titers of specific antibodies against these two drugs of abuse, is also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel conjugates of doxorubicin and novel doxorubicin immunogens derived from the 13 and 14 positions of doxorubicin and antibodies generated by these doxorubicin linked immunogens all of which are useful in immunoassays for the quantification and monitoring of doxorubicin in biological fluids.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions, zona pellucida binding peptides and polypeptides, and expression vectors for use in species-specific immunocontraception of animals, which include landscape bacteriophage. The disclosed compositions may include immunogenic compositions or vaccines.

Abstract: Disclosed are a construct for expressing a rotavirus antigen complex loaded with a heterologous virus epitope, a vaccine composition containing the rotavirus antigen complex, a virus-like particle of rotavirus containing the rotavirus antigen complex, and a vaccine composition containing the virus-like particle of rotavirus. According to the present disclosure, an antigen complex containing a rotavirus antigen as well as a heterologous virus epitope and a virus-like particle of rotavirus containing the antigen complex can be produced in large scale at low cost. Thus, the present disclosure may be applied for research and development of novel complex vaccines for rotavirus and heterologous virus.

Abstract: Provided are methods of making carrier polypeptide that include incorporating a first unnatural amino acid into a carrier polypeptide variant, incorporating a second unnatural amino acid into a target polypeptide variant, and reacting the first and second unnatural amino acids to produce the conjugate. Conjugates produced using the provided methods are also provided. In addition, orthogonal translation systems in methylotrophic yeast and methods of using these systems to produce carrier and target polypeptide variants comprising unnatural amino acids are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the fields of molecular biology, virology, immunology and medicine. The invention provides a composition comprising an ordered and repetitive antigen or antigenic determinant array. The invention also provides a process for producing an antigen or antigenic determinant in an ordered and repetitive array. The ordered and repetitive antigen or antigenic determinant is useful in the production of vaccines for the treatment of infectious diseases, the treatment of allergies and as a pharmaccine to prevent or cure cancer and to efficiently induce self-specific immune responses, in particular antibody responses.

Abstract: The present invention relates in part to nicotine-derived hapten-carrier conjugates of the formula (III): wherein m, n, W, -(spacer)-, X* and Y are as defined in the description. In certain embodiments, said nicotine-derived hapten-carrier conjugates can be used to prepare vaccines for the treatment and/or prevention of nicotine addiction.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the identification and initial characterization of CctA, a novel, secreted toxin of Clostridium chauvoei that represents the major cytotoxic activity of C. chauvoei. This toxin confers C. chauvoei its characteristic strong hemolytic activity towards erythrocytes of various species, since anti-CctA antibodies fully neutralize hemolysis by C. chauvoei on standard blood-agar medium or in cell-free supernatants of liquid cultures.

Abstract: A detoxified recombinant E. coli heat-labile enterotoxin mutant, LTS61K, is employed as a carrier protein to conjugate polysaccharide. The LTS61K contains a mutated mature sub-unit A (LTA) that includes lysine at amino acid position 61 and a wild-type mature sub-unit B (LTB). Various types of bacterial capsular polysaccharide antigens were chemically conjugated with the LTS61K protein by a reductive amination reaction. The conjugated polysaccharide-LTS61K products were physically, chemically and biochemically identified as soluble form. Rabbits were immunized intramuscularly to determine the immunogenicity of conjugated vaccines by ELISA to detect anti-polysaccharide antigen IgG titers and serum bactericidal assay thereby determining the functional activity of the antibodies. Study results show that conjugated polysaccharide-LTS61K vaccines induce higher polysaccharide-specific IgG titers and greater bactericidal activity in sera than that of polysaccharide alone or polysaccharide mixed with LTS61K.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for improving inflammatory disease, and more specifically to a composition for improving inflammatory disease able to improve inflammatory reactions and the barrier function of epithelial tissue such as the skin, to enhance aging resistance and skin elasticity and to prevent or treat aging.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound consisting essentially of the following elements: one or more reactive groups; and two or more cross-linked antibodies or fragments thereof; characterised in that the or each reactive group is suitable for attaching an effector molecule but does not react with any of the antibodies or fragments thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded therefrom that are capable of inducing immune responses to a human immunodeficiency virus. Compositions and methods for utilizing polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for treating or preventing a bacterial infection, particularly infection by a Staphylococcus bacterium. The invention provides methods and compositions for stimulating an immune response against the bacteria. In certain embodiments, the methods and compositions involve an Eap, Emp and/or AdsA amino acid sequence, or an agent that binds and inhibits the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing immunogenic polypeptides, comprising reducing disulfide bonds and blocking the resulting free thiol group with a blocking agent. The immunogenic peptides comprise a fragment of MAGE A3.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a conjugate comprising: (a) a first region comprising the homeodomain of antennapedia or a variant thereof; and (b) a second region not naturally associated with the first region. In one embodiment, the second region of the conjugate comprises a protein of at least 100 amino acids.

Abstract: The use of monoclonal antibodies to the angiotensin-II type-I receptor is provided for the treatment of cancer and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. Specifically, use is provided of a monoclonal antibody or a fragment thereof to a peptide comprising the N-terminal portion of the angiotensin-II type-1 receptor defined by the sequence MILNSSTEDG IKRIQDDCPK AGHRHNYIFVM IPTLYSIIFV VGIFG in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of cancer or in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cell proliferation.

Abstract: Complexes of HIV Env and Tat proteins are advantageous as immunogens compared to Tat or Env alone, but they may dissociate when combined with a vaccine adjuvant. To avoid dissociation, complexes of Env and Tat are stabilized by the use of covalent cross linking. The extent of cross linking is important to the binding properties of the complexes, and so is controlled to avoid the loss of Env's ability to bind specifically to CD4 and Tat's ability to bind specifically to anti-Tat monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to MHC-peptide complexes and uses thereof in the diagnosis of, treatment of or vaccination against a disease in an individual. More specifically the invention discloses MHC complexes comprising Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigenic peptides and uses there of.

Abstract: Novel hapten-carrier conjugates are capable of inducing the production of antibodies, in vivo, that specifically bind to nicotine. These conjugates comprise a nicotine hapten conjugated to an immunogenic carrier protein. The novel conjugates preserve the chirality of nicotine in its native (S)-(?) state, and have good stability properties. The conjugates are useful in formulating vaccines for active immunization, that are used to prevent and treat nicotine addiction. The antibodies raised in response to the nicotine hapten-carrier conjugate are used for passive immunization. These antibodies are administered for prevention and treatment of nicotine addiction.

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.

Abstract: OmpD of non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS), e.g. as derivable from Salmonella Typhimurium, and immunogenic fragments thereof are proposed for use in treating or preventing NTS infection and/or disease. OmpD of S. paratyphi and fragments thereof are also now of interest for vaccine use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the purification of complexes comprising a stress protein complexed to a peptide or peptide fragment, from a source mixture, typically a cell lysate. The improved method of the invention provides for protein complexes to be purified using ion exchange based methods, without the need to use chemicals such as chaotropes and ampholytes. The purified complexes can be used as the immunogenic determinant in vaccine compositions for the treatment or prevention of infectious diseases or cancerous conditions.

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: Disclosed are immunogenic conjugates which elicit an immune response to Plasmodium proteins. In particular examples, the Plasmodium proteins include sexual stage surface proteins, circumsporozoite protein (CSP), or immunogenic portions of CSP. Also provided herein are immunogenic compositions including one or more of the disclosed immunogenic conjugates and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Further provided is a method of eliciting an immune response to Plasmodium in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an immunogenic composition disclosed herein.

Abstract: A nucleic acid sequence encoding a fragment of the adenovirus fiber capsid protein, a DNA construct including a replicable expression vector and at least one heterologous nucleic acid, and recombinant protein including fragment of the adenovirus fiber capsid protein. The fragment comprises the C-terminal knob and part of the shaft domain of the fiber protein of these adenoviruses. The use of recombinant proteins as an active ingredient in vaccinating compositions for conferring to an animal immunity against a pathogenic infection by an adenovirus, and methods for vaccinating a domestic bird against a pathogenic adenoviral infection.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for stably tethered structures of defined compositions with multiple functionalities and/or binding specificities. Particular embodiments concern stably tethered structures comprising a homodimer of a first monomer, comprising a dimerization and docking domain attached to a first precursor, and a second monomer comprising an anchoring domain attached to a second precursor. The first and second precursors may be virtually any molecule or structure, such as antibodies, antibody fragments, antibody analogs or mimetics, aptamers, binding peptides, fragments of binding proteins, known ligands for proteins or other molecules, enzymes, detectable labels or tags, therapeutic agents, toxins, pharmaceuticals, cytokines, interleukins, interferons, radioisotopes, proteins, peptides, peptide mimetics, polynucleotides, RNAi, oligosaccharides, natural or synthetic polymeric substances, nanoparticles, quantum dots, organic or inorganic compounds, etc.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods for the detection of a malignant condition, and relates to the discovery of soluble forms of mesothelin polypeptides, including mesothelin related antigen (MRA). In particular the invention provides a nucleic acid sequence encoding MRA and an MRA variant. The invention also provides a method of screening for the presence of a malignant condition in a subject by detecting reactivity of an antibody specific for a mesothelin polypeptide with a molecule naturally occurring in soluble form in a sample from such a subject, and by hybridization screening using an MRA nucleotide sequence, as well as other related advantages.

Abstract: The invention provides expression vectors and virus-like particles (VLPs) containing Newcastle Disease Virus Sequences in combination with sequences encoding proteins of interest. The vectors are useful in, for example, generating virus-like particles (VLPs) that contain proteins of interest. In one embodiment, the expressed VLPs elicit an immune response by an animal host against the protein. The invention's VLPs are useful as, for example, vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Neisseria ORF2086 proteins, crossreactive immunogenic proteins which can be isolated from nesserial strains or prepared recombinantly, including immunogenic portions thereof, biological equivalents thereof, antibodies that immunospecifically bind to the foregoing and nucleic acid sequences encoding each of the foregoing, as well as the use of same in immunogenic compositions that are effective against infection by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B.