Abstract: The present invention features compositions and methods that make use of complexes comprising one or more inhibitory nucleic acids and a targeting polypeptide, wherein the targeting polypeptide consists of a cell surface receptor ligand. The compositions can be used in methods of silencing gene expression in a cell, delivering agents to a target cell, and in treating or preventing a disease or disorder in a subject.

Abstract: A fusion molecule is provided that includes one or more inhibitory nucleic acids, a targeting polypeptide, and a nucleic acid binding moiety. The targeting polypeptide and the nucleic acid binding moiety include specific the amino acid sequences. A fusion molecule is also provided that includes one or more inhibitory nucleic acids, a targeting polypeptide, and a nucleic acid binding moiety adapted to bind a double-stranded RNA or to a small hairpin RNA. The targeting polypeptide being IL6 or IL21 or a fragment thereof.

Abstract: A fusion molecule is provided that includes one or more inhibitory nucleic acids, a targeting polypeptide, and a nucleic acid binding moiety. The targeting polypeptide and the nucleic acid binding moiety include specific the amino acid sequences. A fusion molecule is also provided that includes one or more inhibitory nucleic acids, a targeting polypeptide, and a nucleic acid binding moiety adapted to bind a double-stranded RNA or to a small hairpin RNA. The targeting polypeptide being CCL27 or CCL11 or a fragment thereof.

Abstract: A fusion molecule is provided that includes one or more inhibitory nucleic acids, a targeting polypeptide, and a nucleic acid binding moiety. The targeting polypeptide and the nucleic acid binding moiety include specific the amino acid sequences. A fusion molecule is also provided that includes one or more inhibitory nucleic acids, a targeting polypeptide, and a nucleic acid binding moiety adapted to bind a double-stranded RNA or to a small hairpin RNA. The targeting polypeptide being CCL27 or CCL11 or a fragment thereof.

Abstract: The instant invention provides compositions for the treatment of cancer. Specifically, the invention provides polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules comprising tumor-associated embryonic antigens, e.g., OFA-iLRP, and chemoattractant ligands, e.g., a proinflammatory chemokine such as MIP3?/CCL20 or ?-defensin mDF2?. The invention further provides cancer vaccines and methods for treating subjects having, or at risk of developing, cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are DNA-based vaccines against amyloid ? peptide for use in treating and alleviating Alzheimer's Disease and related conditions. A DNA construct comprising DNA encoding one or more amyloid ? peptides, such as amino acids 1-11 of A?, and DNA encoding a hepatitis B antigens, is administered with an adjuvant or by electroporation. The vaccine can also be formulated using a fusion protein expressed by the disclosed DNA, in combination with an adjuvant.

Abstract: Regulatory B cells (tBreg) are disclosed herein. These regulatory B cells express CD25 (CD25+) a pan B cell marker such as B220 (B220+), and also express CD19 (CD19+). These regulatory B cells suppress resting and activated T cells in cell contact-dependent manner. Methods for generating these regulatory B cells are also disclosed herein, as are methods for using these regulatory B cells to produce regulatory T cells (Treg). In some embodiments, methods for treating an immune-mediated disorder, such as an autoimmune disease, transplant rejection, graft-versus-host disease or inflammation, are disclosed. These methods include increasing regulatory B cell number or activity and/or by administering autologous regulatory B cells. Methods for treating cancer are also disclosed herein. These methods include decreasing regulatory B cell activity and/or number.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are DNA-based vaccines against amyloid ? peptide for use in treating and alleviating Alzheimer's Disease and related conditions. A DNA construct comprising DNA encoding one or more amyloid ? peptides, such as amino acids 1-11 of A?, and DNA encoding a hepatitis B antigens, is administered with an adjuvant or by electroporation. The vaccine can also be formulated using a fusion protein expressed by the disclosed DNA, in combination with an adjuvant.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions and methods that make use of complexes comprising one or more inhibitory nucleic acids and a targeting polypeptide, wherein the targeting polypeptide consists of a cell surface receptor ligand. The compositions can be used in methods of silencing gene expression in a cell, delivering agents to a target cell, and in treating or preventing a disease or disorder in a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are DNA-based vaccines against amyloid ? peptide for use in treating and alleviating Alzheimer's Disease and related conditions. A DNA construct comprising DNA encoding one or more amyloid ? peptides, such as amino acids 1-11 of A?, and DNA encoding a hepatitis B antigens, is administered with an adjuvant or by electroporation. The vaccine can also be formulated using a fusion protein expressed by the disclosed DNA, in combination with an adjuvant.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions and methods that make use of complexes comprising one or more inhibitory nucleic acids and a targeting polypeptide, wherein the targeting polypeptide consists of a cell surface receptor ligand. The compositions can be used in methods of silencing gene expression in a cell, in delivering agents to a target cell, and in treating or preventing a disease or disorder in a subject.

Abstract: Regulatory B cells (tBreg) are disclosed herein. These regulatory B cells express CD25 (CD25+) a pan B cell marker such as B220 (B220+), and also express CD19 (CD19+). These regulatory B cells suppress resting and activated T cells in cell contact-dependent manner. Methods for generating these regulatory B cells are also disclosed herein, as are methods for using these regulatory B cells to produce regulatory T cells (Treg). In some embodiments, methods for treating an immune-mediated disorder, such as an autoimmune disease, transplant rejection, graft-versus-host disease or inflammation, are disclosed. These methods include increasing regulatory B cell number or activity and/or by administering autologous regulatory B cells. Methods for treating cancer are also disclosed herein. These methods include decreasing regulatory B cell activity and/or number.

Abstract: It is disclosed herein that SPANX-B is uniquely expressed in a number of human tumors and that SPANX-B is an immunogenic antigen that is recognized by human T cells inducing helper CD4+ and cytolytic CD8+ T cell responses. Specific SPANX-B polypeptides and polynucleotides are disclosed that can be used to generate an immune response. In several embodiments, these polypeptides can be used for the treatment of a variety of cancers, including melanoma, colon carcinoma, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, myeloma, lung carcinoma and renal cancer.

Abstract: Regulatory B cells (tBreg) are disclosed herein. These regulatory B cells express CD25 (CD25+) a pan B cell marker such as B220 (B220+), and also express CD19 (CD19+). These regulatory B cells suppress resting and activated T cells in cell contact-dependent manner. Methods for generating these regulatory B cells are also disclosed herein, as are methods for using these regulatory B cells to produce regulatory T cells (Treg). In some embodiments, methods for treating an immune-mediated disorder, such as an autoimmune disease, transplant rejection, graft-versus-host disease or inflammation, are disclosed. These methods include increasing regulatory B cell number or activity and/or by administering autologous regulatory B cells. Methods for treating cancer are also disclosed herein. These methods include decreasing regulatory B cell activity and/or number.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions and methods that make use of complexes comprising one or more inhibitory nucleic acids and a targeting polypeptide, wherein the targeting polypeptide consists of a cell surface receptor ligand. The compositions can be used in methods of silencing gene expression in a cell, in delivering agents to a target cell, and in treating or preventing a disease or disorder in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vaccine for increasing the immunogenicity of a tumor antigen thus allowing treatment of cancer, as well as a vaccine that increases the immunogenicity of a viral antigen, thus allowing treatment of viral infection, including immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In particular, the present invention provides a fusion protein comprising a defensin fused to either a tumor antigen or viral antigen which is administered as either a protein or nucleic acid vaccine to elicit an immune response effective in treating cancer or effective in treating or preventing viral infection.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are DNA-based vaccines against amyloid ? peptide for use in treating and alleviating Alzheimer's Disease and related conditions. A DNA construct comprising DNA encoding one or more amyloid ? peptides, such as amino acids 1-11 of A?, and DNA encoding a hepatitis B antigens, is administered with an adjuvant or by electroporation. The vaccine can also be formulated using a fusion protein expressed by the disclosed DNA, in combination with an adjuvant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vaccine for increasing the immunogenicity of a tumor antigen thus allowing treatment of cancer, as well as a vaccine that increases the immunogenicity of a viral antigen, thus allowing treatment of viral infection, including immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In particular, the present invention provides a fusion protein comprising a defensin fused to either a tumor antigen or viral antigen which is administered as either a protein or nucleic acid vaccine to elicit an immune response effective in treating cancer or effective in treating or preventing viral infection.

Abstract: It is disclosed herein that SPANX-B is uniquely expressed in a number of human tumors and that SPANX-B is an immunogenic antigen that is recognized by human T cells inducing helper CD4+ and cytolytic CD8+ T cell responses. Specific SPANX-B polypeptides and polynucleotides are disclosed that can be used to generate an immune response. In several embodiments, these polypeptides can be used for the treatment of a variety of cancers, including melanoma, colon carcinoma, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, myeloma, lung carcinoma and renal cancer.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions and methods that make use of complexes comprising one or more inhibitory nucleic acids and a targeting polypeptide, wherein the targeting polypeptide consists of a cell surface receptor ligand. The compositions can be used in methods of silencing gene expression in a cell, in delivering agents to a target cell, and in treating or preventing a disease or disorder in a subject.