Abstract: New synthetic Lipid-A analogs based on monosaccharide (1) and disaccharide (2) derivatives were designed and prepared in the present invention. Both structures (1) and (2) incorporate novel lipid structures (3) and (4) that are not found in nature. Also, novel disaccharide Lipid-A structures (2) that incorporate novel contingents of uniform lipids and where R1, R4 and R5 are the same substitution group of structure (III) were synthesized. Liposome formulations containing totally synthetic components such as synthetic Lipid-A and synthetic lipopeptide derived from tumor-associated MUC1 mucin are described along with their therapeutic utility. Comparative test results of immunostimulating properties and toxicity of Lipid-A analogs (1) and (2) are included.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating an individual who is afflicted with a cancer, such as non-small cell lung cancer or prostate cancer, by administering to that individual a MUC-1 based formulation. The formulation may be a MUC-1 based liposomal vaccine formulation.

Abstract: Anti-hormonal (anti-estrogenic steroid) therapy and immunotherapy are used in combination to treat breast cancer. The preferred immunotherapeutic agent is an immunogen, preferably comprising sialyl-Tn, and more preferably is a sialyl-Tn/KLH conjugate.

Abstract: Covalently lipidated oligonucleotides comprising the CpG dinucleotide unit, or an analogue thereof, may be used as immunostimulatory agents to protect against a disease caused by a cancer cell or a pathogen, either alone or in conjunction with immunogens and/or non-immunological agents. Lipidated oligonucleotides with special backbones, lipidated oligonucleotides with fewer than eight nucleotides, and lipidated oligonucleotides comprising a plurality of CpG dinucleotide-containing segments connected by a long internucleoside linkage are of particular interest. These compounds are also novel per se.

Abstract: Glycosylceramide analogues are disclosed in which the ceramide moiety and optionally the carbohydrate moiety are modified or replaced. These analogues are useful as immunomodulators, antitumor agents, and as other pharmaceutical agents.

Abstract: A glycolipopeptide comprising at least one disease-associated epitope, and characterized by at least one lipidated interior amino acid or by the presence of a MUC1 epitope, may be used in a vaccine, preferably in conjunction with a liposome.

Abstract: The core structure of pentaerythritol has been used as a replacement for one or both sugars in lipid A, leading to the generation of a series of lipid A analogs. These lipid A analogs may further differ from lipid A with respect to, e.g., the number, nature and location of negatively charged groups, and the number, nature and location of the lipid chains. The lipid A analogs may be lipid A agonists useful as immunostimulatory agents, or lipid A antagonists useful in the treatment of septic shock. In a like manner, a residue of pentaerythritylamine may be used as a replacement for an amino sugar residue in a carbohydrate ligand having a biological activity of interest, generating a series of ligand analogs. These are useful, e.g., as haptens, inhibitors of bacterial-host cell adhesion, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides liposomal vaccines containing immunogenic lipopeptides that are capable of modulating the humoral and cellular immune responses in vivo.

Abstract: A method for generating a mixture of activated T-cells by combining a plurality of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) with an antigen-loaded liposome to produce antigen-loaded PBLs, and combining the antigen-loaded PBLs with a naive, anergic or memory T-cell, to produce an activated T-cell. Such activation is carried out in vivo or in vitro. The antigen-loaded PBLs and activated T-cells, prepared according to the methods of invention, have use as cellular vaccines for treatment of cancer and viral diseases.

Abstract: DTH-Effector cells are primed with carbohydrate antigens and used to enhance the cellular immune response. Tumors have been inhibited by DTH-Effector cells primed with epiglycanin and with synthetic T and Tn antigens. Either the DTH-Effector cells, or these tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens directly, may be used for tumor prophylaxis and therapy.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for collecting a commercially useful quantity of crude hemocyanin from live gastropod molluscs by isolating hemolymph in a sinus of the animal followed by extraction of the hemolymph. The methods of the invention do not require incision of the vascular system or injury or death to the animal. In addition, the methods of the invention enable the periodic extraction of hemolymph from the same source animals.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds and compositions of containing intracellular inhibitors of the mucin MUC-1. These intracellular MUC-1 inhibitors are exemplified by protein-based inhibitors that contain a targeting and/or an internalization domain, and by antisense nucleic acids. These inhibitors are useful in methods of treating autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: DTH-Effector cells are primed with carbohydrate antigens and used to enhance the cellular immune response. Tumors have been inhibited by DTH-Effector cells primed with epiglycanin and with synthetic T and Tn antigens. Either the DTH-Effector cells, or these tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens directly, may be used for tumor prophylaxis and therapy.

Abstract: Methods of detecting activated T-cells involve monitoring levels of MUC-1 mucin expression at the protein and/or mRNA level. Compositions for modulating immune function contain compounds that modulate the expression or function of MUC-1. Methods of treating disorders associated an inappropriate state of T-cell activation involve contacting a T-cell with a compound containing an inhibitor of MUC-1 expression or function.

Abstract: Glycoconjugate antigens are prepared by preparing a hapten glycoside, especially an alpha glycoside prepared by the Fischer method, with an olefinic aglycon moiety, especially one having a non-terminal double bond, ozonolyzing the hapten glycoside with an olefinic aglycon moiety having a non-terminal double bond to form a hapten-glycoside derivative, preferably without producing Germaldehyde as a byproduct removing by-products of ozonolysis, and conjugating the hapten-glycoside derivative to a carrier.

Abstract: A stereodirected process for synthesizing .alpha.-N-acetylgalactosaminides from N-acetylgalactosamine which, in a preferred embodiment, comprises:reacting N-acetylgalactosamine with a dialkyl acetal of an aldehyde or ketone to form a 4,6-O-alkylidene derivative;reacting said 4,6-O-alkylidene derivative with a protecting group compound to attach a protecting group selectively to 3-OH of said derivative to form a 3-O-protected derivative;reacting said 3-O-protected derivative with an anomeric group to form a glycosyl donor;reacting said glycosyl donor with an alcohol to form an N-acetylgalactosaminide.

Abstract: DTH-Effector cells are primed with carbohydrate antigens and used to enhance the cellular immune response. Tumors have been inhibited by DTH-Effector cells primed with epiglycanin and with synthetic T and Tn antigens. Either the DTH-Effector cells, or these tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens directly, may be used for tumor prophylaxis and therapy.

Abstract: A stereodirected process for synthesizing .alpha.-N-acetylgalactosaminides from N-acetylgalactosamine which, in a preferred embodiment, comprises:reacting N-acetylgalactosamine with a dialkyl acetal of an aldehyde or ketone to form a 4,6-O-alkylidene derivative;reacting said 4,6-O-alkylidene derivative with a protecting group compound to attach a protecting group selectively to 3-OH of said derivative to form a 3-O-protected derivative;reacting said 3-O-protected derivative with an anomeric group to form a glycosyl donor;reacting said glycosyl donor with an alcohol to form an N-acetylgalactosaminide.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies produced after immunization with a synthetic antigen bearing the structure Gal (beta 1-3) GalNac beta-glycosidically linked to a carrier moiety are useful as carcinoma markers. Radioimmunoimaging agents are described in which such antibodies are tagged with radiometals or radiohalogens. Radiolabeled monoclonal antibody 155H.7, elicited by this antigen, rapidly localizes and persists in tumor tissues, demonstrating its utility as a tumor imaging agent.

Abstract: DTH-Effector cells are printed with carbohydrate antigens and used to enhance the cellular immune response. Tumors have been inhibited by DTH-Effector cells primed with epiglycanin and with synthetic T and Tn antigens. Either the DTH-Effector cells, or these tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens directly, may be used for tumor prophylaxis and therapy.