Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising an RNAi-inducing entity targeted to an influenza virus transcript and any of a variety of delivery agents. The invention further includes methods of use of the compositions for inhibiting a biological activity of an influenza virus and/or for treatment or prevention of influenza. The invention provides target portion sequences that are favorably conserved for RNAi across a plurality of influenza virus A strains isolated from human hosts and/or avian hosts and RNAi-inducing entities, e.g., siRNAs and shRNAs, targeted to such favorably conserved target portions. The invention provides a variety of nucleic acids comprising sequences identical or complementary to at least a portion of one or more of these favorably conserved target portion sequences. The invention further provides methods and compositions for delivering RNAi-inducing agents to an organ or tissue of a mammalian subject, e.g., to the lung.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising one or more RNAi agents (e.g., siRNAs, shRNAs, or RNAi vectors) for the treatment of conditions and diseases mediated by (e.g., featuring IgE-mediated hypersensitivity), as well as systems for identifying RNAi agents effective for this purpose. The compositions are suitable for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and/or asthma. In certain embodiments of the invention the RNAi agent is targeted to a transcript that encodes a protein selected from the group consisisting of the FC?RI? chain, the FC?RI? chain, c-Kit, Lyn, Syk, ICOS, OX40L, CD40, CD80, CD86, Re1A, Re1B, 4-1BB ligand, TLR1, TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6, TLR7, TLR8, TLR9, CD83, SLAM, common ? chain, and COX-2. In addition, the invention provides RNAi agent/delivery agent compositions and methods of use. In certain embodiments of the invention compositions comprising an RNAi agent are delivered by the respiratory route.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inducing a CD8+ CTL response to a molecule in an individual deficient in CD4+ T cells comprising administering to the individual an hsp or a portion of an ATP binding domain of an hsp joined to the molecule. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of treating HIV in an individual deficient in CD4+ T cells comprising administering to the individual an hsp or a portion of an ATP binding domain of an hsp joined to the molecule. Also encompassed by the present invention is a method of inducing a CD4+ independent CTL response in an individual comprising administering to the individual a portion of an ATP binding domain of an hsp joined to the molecule. The present invention also relates to a method of inducing a CD8+ CTL response in an individual comprising administering to the individual a portion of an ATP binding domain of an hsp joined to the molecule.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising an RNAi-inducing entity any of a variety of different delivery agents. Preferred RNAi-inducing agents include siRNA, shRNA, and RNAi-inducing vectors. Preferred delivery agents include cationic polymers, modified cationic polymers, lipids, and surfactants suitable for introduction into the lung. The invention further provides methods of inhibiting expression of a target transcript in a mammal and methods of treating or preventing a disease or condition in a mammal by administration of the compositions.