Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies against human Mac-1 are provided. These antibodies can bind to different states of Mac-1 so as to alter the biofunctions of Mac-1. These antibodies can modulate Th1/Th2 cytokine secretions by TLR-activated immune cells and can be used for the treatments of diseases related to acute and chronic inflammatory disorders, such as infectious diseases, and cancers.

Abstract: An aqueous formulation includes a PEDF-derived short peptide (PDSP) having the sequence of one of SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, or 9; histidine having a concentration of 1 mM-100 mM; and an antioxidant and optionally a non-ionic tonicity agent. The pH value is around 5-9. The antioxidant is nicotinamide, which is at a concentration of 50 mM-1000 mM. The non-ionic tonicity agent is sorbitol, which is at a concentration of 0 mM-500 mM. A concentration of the PDSP is 0.01%-1% w/v.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for boosting an immune response contains TREM-like transcript-1 (TREML1) extracellular domain (ECD) or stalk polypeptide. The TREML1 ECD or stalk polypeptide is derived from human or mouse TREML1. The pharmaceutical composition further contains an antigen as a vaccine, wherein the TREML1 ECD or stalk polypeptide functions as an adjuvant or immune booster.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for treating an ophthalmic disease in a subject includes a peptide and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, wherein the peptide contains the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1: S-X-X-A-X-Q/H-X-X-X-X-I/V-I-X-R, wherein each X is independently any amino acid.

Abstract: A hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine includes an HBV core antigen (HBcAg) and/or HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) formulated in nanocomplexes. The nanocomplexes contain chitosan and ?-PGA. These nanocomplexes containing HBc/sAg, chitosan, and ?-PGA can induce more balanced T helper cells (Th1 and Th2) polarization than can a conventional vaccine with an alum adjuvant. HBc/s-NC of the invention can elicit high levels of antibodies against HBsAg, a rapid elimination of HBsAg, and a slow decrease of HBeAg, indicating a phenomenon of HBsAg seroconversion. Thus, HBc/s-NC can overcome immune tolerance caused by chronic HBV infection to re-establish host immunity leading a functional cure.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for use in treating hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection includes an effective amount of an antibody against CD11b or a binding fragment thereof. A method for treating hepatitis B virus infection includes administering to a subject in need thereof an antibody against CD11b. Anti-CD11b antibody binding to CD11b may trigger immunostimulatory responses, as evidenced by the following observations: increased surface expression of MHC II and CD86 in CD11b+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs); suppressed level of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV DNA in the blood; and accelerated clearance of HBV from liver.

Abstract: A method for treating a tendon injury includes administering to a subject in need thereof a pharmaceutical composition comprising a PEDF-derived short peptide (PDSP) or a variant of the PDSP, wherein the PDSP comprises residues 93-106 of human pigmented epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), and wherein the variant of the PDSP contains serine-93, alanine-96, glutamine-98, isoleucine-103, isoleucine-104, and arginine 106 of the PDSP and contains one or more amino acid substitutions at other positions, wherein residue location numbers are based on those in the human PEDF.

Abstract: A method for treating and/or preventing osteoarthritis includes administering to a subject in need thereof a pharmaceutical composition comprising a PEDF-derived short peptide (PDSP) or a variant of the PDSP, wherein the PDSP comprises residues 93-106 of human pigmented epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), and wherein the variant of the PDSP contains serine-93, alanine-96, glutamine-98, isoleucine-103, isoleucine-104, and arginine 106 of the PDSP and contains one or more amino acid substitutions at other positions, wherein residue location numbers are based on those in the human PEDF.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition or method for promoting meibomian gland regeneration or for treating/preventing dry eye syndrome includes administering to a subject in need thereof a pharmaceutical composition comprising a PEDF-derived short peptide (PDSP) or a variant of the PDSP, wherein the PDSP comprises residues 93-106 of human pigmented epithelium-derived factor (PEDF).

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for treating an ophthalmic disease in a subject includes a peptide and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, wherein the peptide contains the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1: S-X-X-A-X-Q/H-X-X-X-X-I/V-I-X-R, wherein each X is independently any amino acid.