Abstract: Chimeric antigens and use there of in combination with antiviral agents to elicit immune responses against chronic Hepatitis B infections, thus breaking tolerance to hepatitis B virus in the host.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids to a target cell. A chimeric antigen is provided to encapsulate, bind, or otherwise carry a nucleic acid molecule to a target cell where the chimeric antigen and nucleic acid are internalized, for example by receptor-mediated endocytosis. The chimeric antigen has a nucleic acid interaction domain, a target binding domain, and an immune response domain that may include a target antigen. Targeting is generally provided by the specificity of the target binding domain for a particular target cell receptor, but may also be provided by inclusion of a targeting antigen within the immune response domain. The combined delivery of chimeric antigen and nucleic acid, which may be a siRNA, may be synergistic in certain applications, for example in breaking host tolerance to a virus or in providing immunostimulation.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids to a target cell. A chimeric antigen is provided to encapsulate, bind, or otherwise carry a nucleic acid molecule to a target cell where the chimeric antigen and nucleic acid are internalized by receptor-mediated endocytosis. The chimeric antigen has a nucleic acid interaction domain, a target binding domain, and an immune response domain that may include a target antigen. Targeting is generally provided by the specificity of the target binding domain for a particular target cell receptor, but may also be provided by inclusion of a targeting antigen within the immune response domain. The combined delivery of chimeric antigen and nucleic acid, which may be a siRNA, may be synergistic in certain applications, for example in breaking host tolerance to a virus or in providing immunostimulation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for eliciting immune responses against antigens. In particular embodiments, the compounds and methods elicit immune responses against antigens that are otherwise recognized by the host as “self” antigens. The immune response is enhanced by presenting the host immune system with a chimeric antigen comprising an immune response domain and a target binding domain, wherein the target binding domain comprises a xenotypic antibody fragment. By virtue of the target binding domain, antigen presenting cells take up, process, and present the chimeric antigen, eliciting both a humoral and cellular immune response.