Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for eliciting an immune response to a cancer antigen in a subject in need thereof by introducing directly into at least one lymph node of the subject, and preferably at least two lymph nodes, a therapeutically effective amount of a cancer antigen and/or an adjuvant such that an immune response to the cancer antigen is activated or enhanced in the subject. The present disclosure also concerns pharmaceutical compositions that comprise a therapeutically effective amount of a cancer antigen and/or an adjuvant capable of mediating, and more preferably enhancing, activation of the immune system of a subject against cancer cells that are associated with any of a variety of cancers. The disclosure also relates to the use of such pharmaceutical compositions in the treatment or prevention of a cancer in a recipient subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for assaying living cells comprising a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises one or more tethering molecules which adhere to the substrate and are capable of interacting with cell membranes of the cells, wherein the cells maintain a free-floating, non-adherent character when bound to the one or more tethering molecules.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for promoting tolerance to auto-immune antigens. In general the compositions include quantum dots (QDs) that are in association with auto-immune peptide antigens. It is shown that QDs can be used to generate immunological tolerance by controlling the density of self-antigen on QDs. Peptide-QDs rapidly concentrate in draining lymph nodes, and co-localize with macrophages expressing scavenger receptors involved intolerance. Treatment with peptide-QDs reduces disease incidence 10-fold. The degree of tolerance and the underlying expansion of regulatory T cells correlates with the density of myelin molecules presented on QDs such that higher numbers of tolerogenic particles displaying lower levels of self-peptide are more effective for inducing tolerance than fewer particles each displaying higher densities of peptide. The disclosure is therefore relevant to promoting tolerance to antigens that are involved in a variety of autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are provided that include microneedles coated with or formed of antigens to which immune tolerance is desired. Use of the microneedles is demonstrated using glatiramer acetate and animal models of multiple sclerosis. Dose sparing and beneficial polarization of immune responses are demonstrated.

Abstract: Immune-polyelectrolyte multilayers (iPEMs) that can be made entirely from immune signal compounds are provided. The iPEMs are formed from first layer of a first immune signal compound, and a second layer of the first immune signal compound or a second immune signal compound disposed on the first layer of the first immune signal compound. The immune signal compounds are peptides, polypeptides, nucleic acids, charged derivatives thereof. Combinations of the immune signal compounds may be in adjacent layers. The first immune signal compound and the second immune signal compound have oppositely charged domains. iPEMs can be formed on or include a substrate, such as a sacrificial substrate, which allows for the formation of a three-dimensional void which can hold various other compounds for use in modulating immune responses. The iPEMs are for use in either stimulating an immune response to one or more antigens, or inducing tolerance to one or more antigens.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for promoting tolerance to auto-immune antigens. In general the compositions include quantum dots (QDs) that are in association with auto-immune peptide antigens. It is shown that QDs can be used to generate immunological tolerance by controlling the density of self-antigen on QDs. Peptide-QDs rapidly concentrate in draining lymph nodes, and co-localize with macrophages expressing scavenger receptors involved intolerance. Treatment with peptide-QDs reduces disease incidence 10-fold. The degree of tolerance and the underlying expansion of regulatory T cells correlates with the density of myelin molecules presented on QDs such that higher numbers of tolerogenic particles displaying lower levels of self-peptide are more effective for inducing tolerance than fewer particles each displaying higher densities of peptide. The disclosure is therefore relevant to promoting tolerance to antigens that are involved in a variety of autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: A method of inducing specific immune tolerance to myelin in an individual is provided. The method includes introducing directly into a lymph node of the individual an effective amount of a composition that contains a myelin antigen, a biodegradable material and at least one tolerogenic agent. The method is suitable for reducing the severity of symptoms of multiple sclerosis in individuals who suffer from primary-progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), and can halt or even reverse PPMS progression.

Abstract: Immune-polyelectrolyte multilayers (iPEMs) that can be made entirely from immune signal compounds are provided. iPEMs are formed from first layer of a first immune signal compound, and a second layer of the first immune signal compound or a second immune signal compound disposed on the first layer of the first immune signal compound. The immune signal compounds are peptides, polypeptides, nucleic acids, charged derivatives thereof. Combinations of the immune signal compounds may be in adjacent layers. The first immune signal compound and the second immune signal compound have oppositely charged domains. iPEMs can be formed on or include a substrate, such as a sacrificial substrate, which allows for the formation of a three-dimensional void which can hold various other compounds for use in modulating immune responses. The iPEMs are for use in either stimulating an immune response to one or more antigens, or inducing tolerance to one or more antigens.

Abstract: A method of inducing specific immune tolerance to myelin in an individual is provided. The method includes introducing directly into a lymph node of the individual an effective amount of a composition that contains a myelin antigen, a biodegradable material and at least one tolerogenic agent. The method is suitable for reducing the severity of symptoms of multiple sclerosis in individuals who suffer from primary-progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), and can halt or even reverse PPMS progression.

Abstract: A method of inducing specific immune tolerance to myelin in an individual is provided. The method includes introducing directly into a lymph node of the individual an effective amount of a composition that contains a myelin antigen, a biodegradable material and at least one tolerogenic agent. The method is suitable for reducing the severity of symptoms of multiple sclerosis in individuals who suffer from primary-progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), and can halt or even reverse PPMS progression.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods utilizing redox-active surfactants to provide electrochemical control over polymer interactions. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a transfection method using a redox-active transfection agent that preferentially promotes transfection dependent on the oxidation state of the transfection agent. Accordingly, certain methods according to the invention provide spatial and/or temporal control of cell transfection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for assaying living cells comprising a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises one or more tethering molecules which adhere to the substrate and are capable of interacting with cell membranes of the cells, wherein the cells maintain a free-floating, non-adherent character when bound to the one or more tethering molecules.

Abstract: A method of inducing specific immune tolerance to myelin in an individual is provided. The method includes introducing directly into a lymph node of the individual an effective amount of a composition that contains a myelin antigen, a biodegradable material and at least one tolerogenic agent. The method is suitable for reducing the severity of symptoms of multiple sclerosis in individuals who suffer from primary-progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), and can halt or even reverse PPMS progression.

Abstract: A composition for delivery of a molecule into a cell is provided. The composition includes a protein transduction domain that is conjugated to the molecule which is incorporated into a multilayered film. Preferably, the protein transduction domain is a cationic protein transduction domain. More preferably, the cationic protein transduction domain is nonaarginine, and the multilayered film includes polyelectrolyte multilayers. When the composition is presented to a cell, the multilayered film dissolves or erodes in physiological media, and the molecule is delivered into the cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides implantable medical devices coated with polyelectrolyte assemblies that are fabricated by layer-by-layer deposition of nucleic acid and polycation. Such devices facilitate the local delivery of a nucleic acid contained in the polyelectrolyte assembly into a cell or tissue at an implantation site. Also provided are methods of fabricating and using implantable medical devices according to the invention.

Abstract: A composition for delivery of a molecule into a cell is provided. The composition includes a protein transduction domain that is conjugated to the molecule which is incorporated into a multilayered film. Preferably, the protein transduction domain is a cationic protein transduction domain. More preferably, the cationic protein transduction domain is nonaarginine, and the multilayered film includes polyelectrolyte multilayers. When the composition is presented to a cell, the multilayered film dissolves or erodes in physiological media, and the molecule is delivered into the cell.