Abstract: Disclosed herein are the nucleotide sequences, deduced amino acid sequences as well as methods and compositions necessary to elicit immune responses against chronic Hepatitis B infections in animals and humans. Immune response is enhanced by fusing relevant viral antigens with xenotypic immunoglobulin heavy chain region through a peptide linker and producing the fusion proteins in Baculovirus expression system to incorporate high mannose glycosylation. By virtue of the antibody component, the fusion proteins bind to Fc receptors on the surface of antigen presenting cells, are taken up, processed and derived peptides are presented on MHC Class I, which elicit a CTL (Th1) response. In a similar fashion, due to cross priming and presentation on MHC Class II, will elicit a humoral (Th2) response. In addition, disclosed are the methods of cloning, expression and production of the fusion proteins.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are chimeric antigens, comprising an hepatitis C virus (HCV) antigen and a Fc fragment of an immunoglobulin for eliciting an immune response against said antigen. The immune response is enhanced by presenting the host immune system with an immune response domain (HCV antigen from HVC core, envelope, or non-structural protein fragments) and a target binding domain (an Fc fragment). By virtue of the target binding domain, antigen presenting cells internalize and process the chimeric antigens for antigen presentation, thereby eliciting both a humoral and cellular immune response.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for eliciting immune responses against antigens. In particular, the compounds and methods elicit immune responses against foreign antigens that are otherwise recognized by the host as “self” antigens, thus breaking host tolerance to those antigens. 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 an antibody fragment, enhances the immune response against the foreign or tolerated antigen. Antigen presenting cells take up, process, and present the chimeric antigen, eliciting both a humoral and cellular immune response against the desired antigen.

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: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for treating a disease or condition by administering a first therapeutic protocol comprising targeting and delivering solid-phase platelet-dependent vascular occlusion agents, and administering at least one second therapeutic composition or method.

Abstract: The invention includes novel compounds, including but not limited to formula A and formula B, and an improved delivery method. These compounds and methods are useful in preventing or treating diseases or conditions associated with or caused by the presence of free radicals, and are useful for increasing cellular metabolism while simultaneously alleviating the resultant increase in oxidative stress. Specifically, a carnitine is bound to a lipoic acid derivative or to dihydrolipoic acid or its derivatives using a hydrolysable linker to form a single compound.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are chimeric antigens, comprising an hepatitis C virus (HCV) antigen and a Fc fragment of an immunoglobulin for eliciting an immune response against said antigen. The immune response is enhanced by presenting the host immune system with an immune response domain (HCV antigen from HCV core, envelope, or non-structural protein fragments) and a target binding domain (an Fc fragment). By virtue of the target binding domain, antigen presenting cells internalize and process the chimeric antigens for antigen presentation, thereby eliciting both a humoral and cellular immune response.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for the treatment of prostate cancer, and involves administering an antibody that specifically binds with prostate antigen.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for the treatment of prostate cancer, and involves administering an antibody that specifically binds with prostate antigen.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods and compositions for intiating and/or enhancing an immune response by contacting a binding reagent with a soluble antigen, wherein the binding reagent-antigen pair generates an immune response to the antigen.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating cancer comprising administering a xenotypic antibody and a chemotherapeutic drug to a patient suffering from cancer. Also disclosed is a method for inducing a host immune response in a patient against a multi-epitopic in vivo tumor antigen present in the host serum, which antigen does not elicit an effective host immune response, comprising administering to the patient a chemotherapeutic drug and a composition comprising a binding agent that specifically binds to a first epitope on the antigen and allowing the binding agent to form a binding agent/antigen pair, wherein an effective host immune response is elicited against a second epitope on the antigen.

Abstract: The invention is therapeutic methods and compositions that alter the immunogenicity of the host.

Abstract: The invention is therapeutic methods and compositions that alter the immunogenicity of the host.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for targeting, delivering, and activating platelet-dependent vascular occlusion agents. In particular, antibodies carrying platelet binding agents are targeted to hyperplastic cells or tissues, such as the vasculature of solid tumor masses; the platelet binding agent then binds and activates platelets, which in turn bind and activate other platelets. This process results in the formation of a platelet-mediated thrombus-causing vessel occlusion.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for targeting and delivering solid-phase platelet-dependent vascular occlusion agents. In particular, particles or coils or stents coated with platelet binding agents are directed to target vasculature, such as the vasculature of solid tumor masses or AV-malformations or aneurysms or endoleaks; the solid-phase agent then binds and activates platelets, which in turn bind and activate other platelets. This process results in the rapid formation of a platelet-mediated thrombus about the solid-phase agent causing vessel occlusion.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods and compositions for initiating and/or enhancing an immune response by contacting a binding reagent with a soluble antigen, wherein the binding reagent-antigen pair generates an immune response to the antigen.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for stimulating the production of antibodies to a cryptic epitope on a soluble antigen by administering to a patient having such a cryptic epitope a binding agent that binds to the soluble antigen and forming a complex between the binding agent and the soluble antigen, wherein the cryptic epitope is exposed and the patient generates antibodies that bind to the cryptic epitope.

Abstract: The invention is therapeutic methods and compositions that alter the immunogenicity of the host.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for treating a disease or condition by administering a first therapeutic protocol comprising targeting and delivering solid-phase platelet-dependent vascular occlusion agents, and administering at least one second therapeutic composition or method.