Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to improved virus-like particle (VLP) compositions and vaccines for use in inducing an immune response and/or protective immunity against a Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection in a subject, e.g., by inducing a neutralizing antibody response against CHIKV in a subject within 7 days after administration of a single dose of the composition or vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel artificial oligopeptides capable of binding HLA Class II molecules encoded by several alleles. The oligopeptides include the sequence AX1FVAAX2TLX3AX4A (SEQ ID NO:1), wherein X1 is H; X2 is selected from the group consisting of F, N, Y and W; X3 is H and X4 is selected from the group consisting of A, D and E. The invention also relates to large peptides comprising the oligopeptides, polynucleotides encoding the oligopeptides and larger peptides, as well as to compositions comprising the oligopeptides, peptides or polynucleotides. Also disclosed are methods for inducing immune responses.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotides and polypeptides capable of enhancing the immune response of a human in need of protection against influenza virus infection by administering in vivo, into a tissue of the human, at least one polynucleotide comprising one or more regions of nucleic acid encoding an influenza protein or a fragment, variant, or derivative thereof, or at least one polypeptide encoded therefrom. The present invention also relates to identifying and preparing influenza virus epitopes and to polynucleotides and polypeptides comprising such influenza virus epitopes. The present invention also relates to compositions and methods of use in the prevention and treatment of influenza virus infection.

Abstract: Vaccines are disclosed against parasites. The vaccines include peptides in an immunological composition. In particular, the parasite is Toxoplas gondii.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel artificial oligopeptides capable of binding HLA Class II molecules encoded by several alleles. The oligopeptides include the sequence AX1FVAAX2TLX3AX4A (SEQ ID NO:1), wherein X1 is selected from the group consisting of W, F, Y, H, D, E, N, Q, I and K; X2 is selected from the group consisting of F, N, Y and W; X3 is selected from the group consisting of H and K, and X4 is selected from the group consisting of A, D and E, with the proviso that the oligopeptide sequence is not AKFVAAWTLKAAA. The invention also relates to larger peptides comprising the oligopeptides, polynucleotides encoding the oligopeptides and larger peptides, as well as to compositions comprising the oligopeptides, peptides or polynucleotides. Also disclosed are methods for inducing immune responses.

Abstract: Vaccines are disclosed against parasites. The vaccines include peptides in an immunological composition. In particular, the parasite is Toxoplas gondii.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel artificial oligopeptides capable of binding HLA Class II molecules encoded by several alleles. The oligopeptides include the sequence AX1FVAAX2TLX3AX4A (SEQ ID NO:1), wherein X1 is selected from the group consisting of W, F, Y, H, D, E, N, Q, I and K; X2 is selected from the group consisting of F, N, Y and W; X3 is selected from the group consisting of H and K, and X4 is selected from the group consisting of A, D and E, with the proviso that the oligopeptide sequence is not AKFVAAWTLKAAA. The invention also relates to larger peptides comprising the oligopeptides, polynucleotides encoding the oligopeptides and larger peptides, as well as to compositions comprising the oligopeptides, peptides or polynucleotides. Also disclosed are methods for inducing immune responses.

Abstract: The present invention provides conjugates of pan DR binding peptides with Streptococcus pneumoniae polysaccharides, and methods of preventing and treating diseases associated with Streptococcus pneumoniae infection with such conjugates.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of inhibiting or inducing activation of T cells in a patient. The methods comprise administering a therapeutically effective dose of pharmaceutical compositions comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and peptides of between about 4 and about 20 residues, that bind antigen binding sites on MHC molecules encoded by substantially all alleles of a DR locus. These peptides are referred to as pan DR binding peptides. The pan DR binding peptides can be used to inhibit immune responses associated with immunopathologies, such as autoimmunity, allograft rejection and allergic responses. The peptides can also be used in combination with CTL peptides to enhance a CTL response.