Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the production of heat shock protein complexes for use in vaccine compositions. In particular, there is provided a method for increasing the level and immunogenicity of heat shock protein complexes produced in cells by subjecting the cells to specific stress inducing stimuli. The invention further extends to the use of heat shock protein complexes produced according to the methods of the invention in the preparation of vaccine compositions for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases and cancerous conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the production of heat shock protein complexes for use in vaccine compositions. In particular, there is provided a method for increasing the level and immunogenicity of heat shock protein complexes produced in cells by subjecting the cells to specific stress inducing stimuli. The invention further extends to the use of heat shock protein complexes produced according to the methods of the invention in the preparation of vaccine compositions for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases and cancerous conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the production of heat shock protein complexes for use in vaccine compositions. In particular, there is provided a method for increasing the level and immunogenicity of heat shock protein complexes produced in cells by subjecting the cells to specific stress inducing stimuli. The invention further extends to the use of heat shock protein complexes produced according to the methods of the invention in the preparation of vaccine compositions for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases and cancerous conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for the purification of a mixture of complexes comprising a stress protein complexed to a peptide or peptide fragment from a source mixture, typically a cell lysate. The method of the invention provides for protein complexes to be purified using ion exchange chromatography based methods, wherein a modified buffer solution is used which results in the purified stress protein complexes being more immunogenic than protein complexes obtained using conventional methodology. The purified complexes can be used to produce improved vaccine preparations which elicit enhanced immune responses in the subjects to whom the vaccine compositions are administered.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the purification of complexes comprising a stress protein complexed to a peptide or peptide fragment, from a source mixture, typically a cell lysate. The improved method of the invention provides for protein complexes to be purified using ion exchange based methods, without the need to use chemicals such as chaotropes and ampholytes. The purified complexes can be used as the immunogenic determinant in vaccine compositions for the treatment or prevention of infectious diseases or cancerous conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the production of heat shock protein complexes for use in vaccine compositions. In particular, there is provided a method for increasing the level and immunogenicity of heat shock protein complexes produced in cells by subjecting the cells to specific stress inducing stimuli. The invention further extends to the use of heat shock protein complexes produced according to the methods of the invention in the preparation of vaccine compositions for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases and cancerous conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fusion protein comprising an Fc receptor binding polypeptide and an antigenic polypeptide. The fusion protein may further comprise a linker sequence or hinge portion which joins the Fc receptor binding polypeptide and the antigenic polypeptide. The Fc receptor binding polypeptide typically comprises the CH2 constant domain of a human IgG immunoglobulin. The antigenic polypeptide can be any polypeptide which induces an immune response. Administration of the fusion protein to a subject results in a cytotoxic T lymphocyte response being induced against the antigenic polypeptide provided within the fusion protein. The invention further extends to methods for the treatment of a disease condition in a subject using the fusion proteins of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for the purification of a mixture of complexes comprising a stress protein complexed to a peptide or peptide fragment from a source mixture, typically a cell lysate. The method of the invention provides for protein complexes to be purified using ion exchange chromatography based methods, wherein a modified buffer solution is used which results in the purified stress protein complexes being more immunogenic than protein complexes obtained using conventional methodology. The purified complexes can be used to produce improved vaccine preparations which elicit enhanced immune responses in the subjects to whom the vaccine compositions are administered.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the purification of complexes comprising a stress protein complexed to a peptide or peptide fragment, from a source mixture, typically a cell lysate. The improved method of the invention provides for protein complexes to be purified using ion exchange based methods, without the need to use chemicals such as chaotropes and ampholytes. The purified complexes can be used as the immunogenic determinant in vaccine compositions for the treatment or prevention of infectious diseases or cancerous conditions.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a solid dose delivery vehicle for ballistic administration of a bioactive material to subcutaneous and intradermal tissue, the delivery vehicle being sized and shaped for penetrating the epidermis. The delivery vehicle further comprises a stabilizing polyol glass loaded with the bioactive material and capable of releasing the bioactive material in situ. The present invention further includes methods of making and using the solid dose delivery vehicle of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a solid dose delivery vehicle for ballistic administration of a bioactive material to subcutaneous and intradermal tissue, the delivery vehicle being sized and shaped for penetrating the epidermis. The delivery vehicle further comprises a stabilizing polyol glass loaded with the bioactive material and capable of releasing the bioactive material in situ. The present invention further includes methods of making and using the solid dose delivery vehicle of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a therapeutic composition in solid dose form that is suitable for pulmonary administration. The therapeutic composition may comprise therapeutic particles in a glassy state. The therapeutic composition preferably comprises a bioactive material such as insulin, and a sugar alcohol. The components are optionally in solid solution. The therapeutic composition can preferably remain in a glassy state when stored at elevated temperatures, and/or extended periods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fusion protein comprising an Fc receptor binding polypeptide and an antigenic polypeptide. The fusion peptide may further comprise a linker sequence or hinge portion which joins the Fc receptor biding polypeptide and the antigenic polypeptide. The Fc receptor binding polypeptide typically comprises the CH2 constant domain of a human IgG immunoglobulin. The antigenic polypeptide can be any polypeptide which induces an immune response. Administration of the fusion protein to a subject results in a cytotoxic T lymphocyte response being induced against the antigenic polypeptide provided within the fusion protein. The invention further extends to methods for the treatment of a disease condition in a subject using the fusion proteins of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a solid dose delivery vehicle for ballistic administration of a bioactive material to subcutaneous and intradermal tissue, the delivery vehicle being sized and shaped for penetrating the epidermis. The delivery vehicle further comprises a stabilizing polyol glass loaded with the bioactive material and capable of releasing the bioactive material in situ. The present invention further includes methods of making and using the solid dose delivery vehicle of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a solid dose delivery vehicle for ballistic administration of a bioactive material to subcutaneous and intradermal tissue, the delivery vehicle being sized and shaped for penetrating the epidermis. The delivery vehicle further comprises a stabilizing polyol glass loaded with the bioactive material and capable of releasing the bioactive material in situ. The present invention further includes methods of making and using the solid dose delivery vehicle of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a solid dose delivery vehicle for ballistic administration of a bioactive material to subcutaneous and intradermal tissue, the delivery vehicle being sized and shaped for penetrating the epidermis. The delivery vehicle further comprises a stabilizing polyol glass loaded with the bioactive material and capable of releasing the bioactive material in situ. The present invention further includes methods of making and using the solid dose delivery vehicle of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a solid dose delivery vehicle for ballistic administration of a bioactive material to subcutaneous and intradermal tissue, the delivery vehicle being sized and shaped for penetrating the epidermis. The delivery vehicle further comprises a stabilizing polyol glass loaded with the bioactive material and capable of releasing the bioactive material in situ. The present invention further includes methods of making and using the solid dose delivery vehicle of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a solid dose delivery vehicle for ballistic administration of a bioactive material to subcutaneous and intradermal tissue, the delivery vehicle being sized and shaped for penetrating the epidermis. The delivery vehicle further comprises a stabilizing polyol glass loaded with the bioactive material and capable of releasing the bioactive material in situ. The present invention further includes methods of making and using the solid dose delivery vehicle of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for isolating and identifying specific immunogenic pathogen-specific peptides associated with stress proteins induced by the treatment of pathogens and pathogen-infected cells with stress inducing stimuli. The invention also relates to the use of the antigenic fragments derived from complexes thereof with heat shock or other stresses proteins as the immunogenic determinant in vaccine compositions.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods to prevent aggregation of a wide variety of substances during freezing/thawing and/or dehydrating/rehydrating. The substances thus obtained and compositions comprising the substances are also encompassed by the invention.