Abstract: The present disclosure provides, in part, compositions comprising peptides immunospecifically binds to defined binding partners, wherein the peptides comprise at least complementarity determining regions relating to the complementarity regions shown in Table 1.

Abstract: The present invention comprises compositions, methods and devices for creating an infection-mimicking environment within a polymer scaffold to stimulate antigen-specific dendritic cell activation. Devices of the present invention are used to provide protective immunity to subjects against infection and cancer.

Abstract: Methods for cancer immunotherapy are provided. The methods involve the use of a chimeric molecule (e.g., fusion protein) comprising an NKG2D portion and an Fc portion, which binds one or more NKG2D ligands. The methods disclosed herein are useful for the treatment of cancer that is associated with abnormal expression of one or more NKG2D ligands.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to immune adjuvants containing IAP inhibitors, including Smac mimetics. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines containing an IAP inhibitor and an antigen. Methods of enhancing an immune response by administration of an IAP inhibitor, methods of treating or preventing cancer, methods of treating or preventing infections, methods of treating autoimmune disorders, and methods of potentiating cytokine or antibody production are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are materials and methods for treating cancer. In particular, compositions for stimulating tumor immunity through modulation of MFG-E8 are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are materials and methods for treating cancer. In particular, the compositions and methods for treating cancers associated with MICA overexpression are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of inhibiting CDld activation by administering a composition containing a moiety that blocks CDld activation. Compositions of the invention are useful for the attenuation of CDld-restricted immune responses, including treatment of skin disorders due to hyperactive immune responses (e.g., contact hypersensitivity), for systemic administration to attenuate ongoing immune responses, and to provide hypoallergenic cosmetic products including pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and skin care compositions. Preferably, these compositions are in a form intended for topical administration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of inhibiting CD1d activation by administering a composition containing a moiety that blocks CD1d activation. Compositions of the invention are useful for the attenuation of CD1d-restricted immune responses, including treatment of skin disorders due to hyperactive immune responses (e.g., contact hypersensitivity), for systemic administration to attenuate ongoing immune responses, and to provide hypoallergenic cosmetic products including pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and skin care compositions. Preferably, these compositions are in a form intended for topical administration.

Abstract: The invention features tumor antigens; tumor antigen-encoding nucleic acids; antibodies specific for tumor antigens and methods of using the antibodies; methods of identifying tumor antigens and the nucleic acids that encode them; methods of monitoring or diagnosing tumors in patients; methods of testing patients for the increased likelihood of developing a tumor; and methods and compositions for treatment of a tumor or prophylaxis against developing a tumor.

Abstract: The invention features tumor antigens; tumor antigen-encoding nucleic acids; antibodies specific for tumor antigens and methods of using the antibodies; methods of identifying tumor antigens and the nucleic acids that encode them; methods of monitoring or diagnosing tumors in patients; methods of testing patients for the increased likelihood of developing a tumor; and methods and compositions for treatment of a tumor or prophylaxis against developing a tumor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of inhibiting CD1d activation by administering a composition containing a moiety that blocks CD1d activation. Compositions of the invention are useful for the attenuation of CD1d-restricted immune responses, including treatment of skin disorders due to hyperactive immune responses (e.g., contact hypersensitivity), for systemic administration to attenuate ongoing immune responses, and to provide hypoallergenic cosmetic products including pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and skin care compositions. Preferably, these compositions are in a form intended for topical administration.

Abstract: A method of altering the specific, systemic immune response of an individual to a target antigen by the co-administration of a cytokine an adhesion or accessory molecule and the target antigen. The target antigen may be a tumor cell, a tumor cell antigen, an infectious agent or other foreign antigen, or other antigens to which an enhanced systemic immune response is desirable. Alternatively, the antigen may be a non-foreign antigen when a suppression of a systemic immune response is desired. The resulting systemic immune response is specific for the target antigen.

Abstract: A method of altering the specific, systemic immune response of an individual to a target antigen by the co-administration of a cytokine an adhesion or accessory molecule and the target antigen. The target antigen may be a tumor cell, a tumor cell antigen, an infectious agent or other foreign antigen, or other antigens to which an enhanced systemic immune response is desirable. Alternatively, the antigen may be a non-foreign antigen when a suppression of a systemic immune response is desired. The resulting systemic immune response is specific for the target antigen.