Abstract: Some embodiments relate to analogs of peptides corresponding to class I MHC-restricted T cell epitopes and methods for their generation. These analogs can contain amino acid substitutions at residues that directly interact with MHC molecules, and can confer improved, modified or useful immunologic properties. Additionally classes of analogs, in which the various substitutions comprise the non-standard residues norleucine and/or norvaline, are disclosed.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to analogs of peptides corresponding to class I MHC-restricted T cell epitopes and methods for their generation. These analogs can contain amino acid substitutions at residues that directly interact with MHC molecules, and can confer improved, modified or useful immunologic properties. Additionally classes of analogs, in which the various substitutions comprise the non-standard residues norleucine and/or norvaline, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions which may be used to immunize infant mammals against a target antigen, wherein an immunogenically effective amount of a nucleic acid encoding a relevant epitope of a desired target antigen is administered to the infant. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that such genetic immunization of infant mammals could give rise to effective cellular and humoral immune responses against target antigens.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to improved strategies for designing and practicing treatments and clinical trials based upon active immunotherapy protocols, particularly by making diagnostic use of portions of the therapeutic regimen and adjusting the course of treatment if necessary. Embodiments of the invention include methods for determining a course of treatment and methods for treating a patient in which responsiveness to a non-final step of a multi-step active immunotherapy protocol is assessed to determine if, how and when to continue treatment, progress to a different stage of treatment, or discontinue treatment.

Abstract: The present application is directed to non-coding RNA motifs that are used in conjunction with an antigen or without an antigen to induce, enhance or modulate an immune response that comprises a B cell and a T cell component.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for inducing an immune response against various combinations of tumor-associated antigens, which can promote effective immunologic intervention in pathogenic processes. Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are directed to the use of effective combinations of TuAAs for the immunotherapy of patients with various types of cancer. Both immunogenic compositions for inducing an immune response to these combinations of antigens and methods for their use are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to methods and compositions for eliciting, enhancing, and sustaining immune responses, preferably against MHC class I-restricted epitopes. The methods and compositions can be used for prophylactic or therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: Novel compositions are disclosed which can induce or enhance an immune response against foreign or self antigens (microbial or parasitic) or modulate (that can lead to suppression) the activity of pathogenic cells in inflammatory or autoimmune diseases. Compositions and methods are taught in how to limit the generation of an immune response against formulated peptides and proteins with application in antibody therapy or hormone replacement therapy. Methods of suppressing autoimmunity are also disclosed which use ligands for cellular receptors expressed on cells of the innate immune system and more specifically for down-regulation of autoimmune processes by either deletion or induction of anergy at the level of autoreactive T cells or by triggering active-suppressor T cells that down-regulate the activity of pathogenic cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions which may be used to immunize infant mammals against a target antigen, wherein an immunogenically effective amount of a nucleic acid encoding a relevant epitope of a desired target antigen is administered to the infant. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that such genetic immunization of infant mammals could give rise to effective cellular and humoral immune responses against target antigens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions which may be used to immunize infant mammals against a target antigen, wherein an immunogenically effective amount of a nucleic acid encoding a relevant epitope of a desired target antigen is administered to the infant. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that such genetic immunization of infant mammals could give rise to effective cellular and humoral immune responses against target antigens.

Abstract: Novel compositions are disclosed which can induce or enhance an immune response against foreign or self antigens (microbial or parasitic) or modulate (that can lead to suppression) the activity of pathogenic cells in inflammatory or autoimmune diseases. Compositions and methods are taught in how to limit the generation of an immune response against formulated peptides and proteins with application in antibody therapy or hormone replacement therapy. Methods of suppressing autoimmunity are also disclosed which use ligands for cellular receptors expressed on cells of the innate immune system and more specifically for down-regulation of autoimmune processes by either deletion or induction of anergy at the level of autoreactive T cells or by triggering active-suppressor T cells that down-regulate the activity of pathogenic cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions which may be used to immunize infant mammals against a target antigen, wherein an immunogenically effective amount of a nucleic acid encoding a relevant epitope of a desired target antigen is administered to the infant. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that such genetic immunization of infant mammals could give rise to effective cellular and humoral immune responses against target antigens.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there are provided novel Spray-Dried Lipid Microparticles (SDLM) that are comprised of lipid, a ligand and agent. The ligand is specific for a cell surface receptor, thereby enabling targeting of the agent to cells bearing receptors specific for the targeting ligand. In invention embodiments wherein the receptor internalizes upon ligand binding, there are provided compositions and methods for the introduction of agent into specifically targeted cells. In a particular embodiment, the ligand is specific for antigen presenting cells (APC) and the agent is a defined antigen. In this manner, immune responses can be induced against specific antigens, including those which are normally not very antigenic due to the fact that they are inefficiently internalized by APC.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions which may be used to immunize infant mammals against a target antigen, wherein an immunogeniclly effective amount of a nuclic acid encoding a relevant epitope of a desired target antigen is administered to the infant. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that such genetic immunization of infant mammals could give rise to effective cellular and humoral immune responses against target antigens.