Abstract: Methods are provided herein for vaccine development, characterization and validation. Using the response signatures disclosed herein, methods are provided for optimization, selection and benchmarking of vaccines, including adjuvants for vaccines. The methods include a prediction of response durability. e.g. the longevity of an antibody response, for a candidate vaccine or vaccine adjuvant; and assessment of similarity to a benchmark reference vaccine.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided relating to TLR agonist nanoparticle vaccine adjuvant formulations.

Abstract: Methods are provided herein for modulating the epigenome of immune cells by administration of an immunostimulatory composition comprising adjuvants, e.g. vaccine adjuvants, to stimulate broad and persistent innate immunity against pathogens unrelated to antigens present in the composition.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of modulating an innate immune response with circular RNAs are disclosed. In particular, the disclosure relates to methods for modifying an RNA by circularization and the use of circular RNAs generated with exogenous introns to stimulate an innate immune response or circular RNAs generated with endogenous introns to prevent immune recognition of foreign RNA.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of modulating an innate immune response with circular RNAs are disclosed. In particular, the disclosure relates to methods for modifying an RNA by circularization and the use of circular RNAs generated with exogenous introns to stimulate an innate immune response or circular RNAs generated with endogenous introns to prevent immune recognition of foreign RNA.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of modulating an innate immune response with circular RNAs are disclosed. In particular, the disclosure relates to methods for modifying an RNA by circularization and the use of circular RNAs generated with exogenous introns to stimulate an innate immune response or circular RNAs generated with endogenous introns to prevent immune recognition of foreign RNA.

Abstract: The present invention provides biodegradable particles (e.g., three-dimensional particles) and micelles which can be used to encapsulate active agents for delivering to a subject. The present invention further provides methods for producing and delivering such particles and micelles. Additionally, the invention provides vaccination strategies that encompass the use of the novel particles and micelles.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions that include a selected antigen, a TLR4 ligand and a TLR7/TLR8 ligand, wherein the antigen and TLR ligands are encapsulated in nanoparticles. Co-administration of both a TLR4 ligand and a TLR7/TLR8 ligand results in the synergistic induction of humor and cellular immunity as evidenced by an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine production, an increase in the number of CD8+ T effector and T memory cells, an increase in titer of antigen-specific antibodies, an increase in antibody affinity, an increase in the proliferation of naïve B cells and/or a significant enhancement in the persistence of antibody and T cell responses. The compositions and methods provided herein can be used to stimulate an immune response such as an immune response to a pathogen or a tumor.

Abstract: The present invention provides biodegradable particles (e.g., three-dimensional particles) and micelles which can be used to encapsulate active agents for delivering to a subject. The present invention further provides methods for producing and delivering such particles and micelles. Additionally, the invention provides vaccination strategies that encompass the use of the novel particles and micelles.

Abstract: The present invention provides biodegradable particles (e.g., three-dimensional particles) and micelles which can be used to encapsulate active agents for delivering to a subject. The present invention further provides methods for producing and delivering such particles and micelles. Additionally, the invention provides vaccination strategies that encompass the use of the novel particles and micelles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to detectable compositions and methods for making and using such compositions. Detectable compositions comprise detectable constructs comprising a detectable agent. Due to the actions of a specific bioactivity in vivo or in vitro, the detectable construct is altered in some manner so that the detectable agent is detected. The present invention provides diagnostic imaging agents such as for MRI and optical imaging, which are used for sensitive detection of a specific bioactivity within a tissue. The present invention comprises methods and compositions for biocleavable or biodegradable compositions for carrying and releasing active agents for therapeutic or other medical uses. The methods and compositions of the present invention further comprise micelle compositions. The active agents of the present invention may comprise drugs, vaccines, and imaging agents.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of regulating a Th2 immune response which comprises contacting a cell with an amount of a molecule effective to modulate an ERK ½ pathway and/or a c-FOS pathway in the cell so as a to regulate the TH2 immune response, which molecule is any of (a) an agonist of a TLR2 or a TLR2 variant; (b) an agonist of an intracellular pathway that is initiated by activation of a TLR2; (c) an agonist of an intracellular pathway that is initiated by activation of a receptor activated by SEA; (d) an antagonist of an intracellular pathway that opposes TLR2 signaling or activation; (e) an agonist of an ERK ½ pathway; (f) an antagonist of a p38 pathway; (g) an antagonist of a JNK ½ pathway; or (h) an agonist of the c-FOS pathway, or a molecule that induces c-Fos gene expression, c-Fos messenger RNA stability, c-Fos protein induction, c-Fos protein stability, or c-Fos protein phosphorylation.

Abstract: Porphyromanas gingivalis LPS elicits a Th2 immune response. P. gingivalis LPS, detoxified P. gingivalis LPS, derivatives of P. gingivalis LPS, derivatives of detoxified P. gingivalis LPS, P. gingivalis Lipid A, detoxified P. gingivalis Lipid A, derivatives of P. gingivalis Lipid A, derivatives of detoxified P. gingivalis Lipid A, or mimetics thereof, can be used as adjuvants to elicit a Th2 immune response, increase the efficacy of vaccinations in infectious diseases, decrease the severity of autoimmune responses, boost the Th2 immune response when needed in combination with the Th1 immune response, facilitate the industrial production of antibodies when used in animals, and study the Th2 immune response in laboratory animal research.

Abstract: Porphyromanas gingivalis LPS elicits a Th2 immune response. P. gingivalis LPS, detoxified P. gingivalis LPS, derivatives of P. gingivalis LPS, derivatives of detoxified P. gingivalis LPS, P. gingivalis Lipid A, detoxified P. gingivalis Lipid A, derivatives of P. gingivalis Lipid A, derivatives of detoxified P. gingivalis Lipid A, or mimetics thereof, can be used as adjuvants to elicit a Th2 immune response, increase the efficacy of vaccinations in infectious diseases, decrease the severity of autoimmune responses, boost the Th2 immune response when needed in combination with the Th1 immune response, facilitate the industrial production of antibodies when used in animals, and study the Th2 immune response in laboratory research.