Abstract: The present invention relates to immuno-protected encapsulated cells producing an immunomodulator, for example GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor). The cells of the invention are particularly well adapted for providing an active adjuvant or immunomodulator, for example in the context of immunization in humans and animals. These cells can be used for vaccination where they provide the immunomodulator in an active form, in a continuous, non-immunogenic manner in the immediate vicinity of the vaccine antigen(s). The invention also relates to a vaccine composition comprising immuno-protected encapsulated cells producing an immunomodulator and an antigenic component. The invention also relates to a kit comprising a cell as described and an antigenic component. The strategy of the invention is perfectly suited for both cancer immunotherapy and vaccination against infectious agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, proteins, nucleic acids and cells for use in immunotherapeutic methods. In particular, the present invention relates to the immunotherapy of cancer. The present invention furthermore relates to tumor-associated T-cell peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides that can for example serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions that stimulate anti-tumor immune responses, or to stimulate T cells ex vivo and transfer into patients. Peptides bound to molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), or peptides as such, can also be targets of antibodies, soluble T-cell receptors, and other binding molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fusion protein comprising a first peptide and a second peptide linked together with a linker, wherein the first peptide is an allergen and the second peptide is a targeting unit and the targeting unit is a FGL-2 C-terminal peptide according to SEQ ID no 1. Provided herein are also uses of said fusion protein as a vaccine for treating allergy, such as shrimp, peanut or mite allergy, as well as a vaccine composition and methods for producing such fusion proteins.

Abstract: The disclosure provides SLE biomarkers. The disclosure further provides kits and methods of diagnosing, prognosing, and stratifying subjects with the disease by utilizing SLE biomarkers.

Abstract: CXCL12 polypeptide eluting matrices encapsulating at least one cell are described for use in the treatment of autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: Contemplated compositions and methods are directed to prevent and/or treat various autoimmune diseases that are typically associated with glycan dysregulation, and especially autoimmune demyelinating diseases. Further especially contemplated aspects include animal models and systems for screening compounds to treat and/or prevent such diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed are synthetic nanocarrier compositions with coupled adjuvant compositions as well as related methods.

Abstract: The marginal zone (MZ) and B1 subsets of B cells, which differ from conventional follicular (FO) B cells both developmentally and functionally, are involved in early responses to infectious pathogens and the production of self-reactive antibodies. A novel gene, mzb1, is expressed at high levels in MZ and B1 B cells but at low level, if at all, in FO B cells. MZB1 is involved in the regulation of proliferation, BCR-mediated signal transduction, and antibody production in B cells. Inhibitors, activators and enhancers of MZB1 expression or activity can be used as immune modulators for research and therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: Methods of synthetically producing, formulating and using secretoglobins SCGB1A1, SCGB3A2, and SCGB3A1 are provided. Methods of using secretoglobins SCGB1A1, SCGB3A2, and SCGB3A1 as therapeutic agents to affect long term patient outcomes, such as preventing severe respiratory exacerbations of underlying conditions that require medical intervention, including hospitalization are provided. Methods of producing recombinant human secretoglobins, analytical methods, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of use to prevent the long term sequelae of acute and chronic respiratory conditions are provided.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates induction of immunological tolerance thereby providing permanent allograft acceptance. This method obviates the need for a lifelong regimen of immunosuppressive agents which can increase the risk of infection, autoimmunity, and cancer. Immunological tolerance is thought to be mediated by regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg cells) with immunosuppressive capabilities. A therapeutically relevant platform comprising artificial constructs are contemplated comprising numerous soluble and surface bound Treg cell stimulating factors that may induce tolerance following allograft transplantation. Such artificial constructs, being the size of a cell, have surface bound monoclonal antibodies specific to regulatory T-cell surface moieties and encapsulated soluble regulatory T-cell modulating factors.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to a biocompatible hydrophobic-core carrier comprising a carrier, and a plurality of hydrophobic groups covalently linked to the polymeric carrier. The hydrophobic groups are capable of dissociably linking load molecules such as therapeutic agents. The hydrophobic-core carrier may also comprise protective side chains, orienting molecules, and targeting molecules.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are IL-4 cytokine compositions with enhanced biological activity having increased selectivity for IL-4 cytokine receptors, and methods for their use. These compositions encompass interleukin-4 (IL-4) muteins. The disclosed methods encompass administering an IL-4 to treat neoplastic diseases, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases or for expanding a hematopoietic cell population.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for making antibody conjugates for use in antibody screening assays and antibody conjugates produced by the claimed methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating hypercholesterolemia and reducing LDL-C. The methods of the present invention comprise administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutic composition comprising an anti-PCSK9 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof.

Abstract: An instrument system that includes an image capture device, an elongate body, an optical fiber and a controller is provided. The elongate body is operatively coupled to the image capture device. The optical fiber is operatively coupled to the elongate body and has a strain sensor provided on the optical fiber. The controller is operatively coupled to the optical fiber and adapted to receive a signal from the strain sensor and to determine a position or orientation of the image capture device based on the signal.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for obtaining and selecting monoclonal antibodies by an ADCC-type test, said antibodies capable of activating type III Fcy receptors and having a particular glycan structure. The inventive anti-D antibodies can be used for preventing Rhesus isoimmunisation in Rh negative persons, in particular for haemolytic disease in a new-born baby or for uses such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

Abstract: Secretome profiling improves the pregnancy success rate of in vitro fertilization processes, while reducing the risk of multiple births.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for the isolation and purification of proteins from a sample. In particular, the present invention relates to compositions and methods for isolating and purifying proteins incorporating a displacement chromatographic step. The present invention is also directed toward pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more antibodies purified by a method described herein.

Abstract: A method of producing a population of CD8+ Tc9 lymphocytes is provided including priming a population of naïve CD8+ T cells by contacting the population of naïve CD8+ T cells with an immunogenic peptide, in the presence of a Tc9 supportive environment, thereby producing a population of CD8+ Tc9 lymphocytes which secrete IL-9. Purified populations of CD8+ Tc9 cells are also disclosed herein, as are method for their use in the treatment of cancer in a subject.

Abstract: Serine 350 has been identified as the site of O-GlycNAcylation of c-Rel. Methods are provided for identifying compositions capable of blocking c-Rel activation. The methods generally involve identifying compounds that inhibit O-GlcNAcylation of c-Rel at the serine 350 residue, thereby preventing c-Rel activation and production of c-Rel-dependent cytokines.