Abstract: Provided herein are small molecule CD4 mimetics effective to bind to HIV Env proteins. A CD4 mimetic of the invention, when bound to an Env protein, is effective to induce a conformational change in the Env protein such that cyptic epitopes on the Env protein are exposed. Also provided herein are related methods of identifying and using such small molecule CD4 mimetics, for example, to elicit an immune response in a subject upon administration.

Abstract: Provided herein are small molecule CD4 mimetics effective to bind to HIV Env proteins. A CD4 mimetic of the invention, when bound to an Env protein, is effective to induce a conformational change in the Env protein such that cyptic epitopes on the Env protein are exposed. Also provided herein are related methods of identifying and using such small molecule CD4 mimetics, for example, to elicit an immune response in a subject upon administration.

Abstract: A method for identifying a polypeptide which acts as an adjuvant in a host organism. The invention further provides adjuvant compositions comprising said polypeptides and optionally further comprising an antigen.

Abstract: A method for identifying a polypeptide which acts as an adjuvant in a host organism. The invention further provides adjuvant compositions comprising said polypeptides and optionally further comprising an antigen.

Abstract: Provided herein are small molecule CD4 mimetics effective to bind to HIV Env proteins. A CD4 mimetic of the invention, when bound to an Env protein, is effective to induce a conformational change in the Env protein such that cyptic epitopes on the Env protein are exposed. Also provided herein are related methods of identifying and using such small molecule CD4 mimetics, for example, to elicit an immune response in a subject upon administration.

Abstract: Microparticles with adsorbent surfaces, methods of making such microparticles, and uses thereof, are disclosed. The microparticles comprise a polymer, such as a poly(?-hydroxy acid), a polyhydroxy butyric acid, a polycaprolactone, a polyorthoester, a polyanhydride, and the like, and are formed using cationic, anionic, or nonionic detergents. Also provided are microparticles in the form of submicron emulsions of an oil droplet emulsion having a metabolizable oil and an emulsifying agent. The surface of the microparticles efficiently adsorb polypeptides, such as antigens, and nucleic acids, such as ELVIS vectors and other vector constructs, containing heterologous nucleotide sequences encoding biologically active macromolecules, such as polypeptides, antigens, and adjuvants. Methods of stimulating an immune response, methods of immunizing a host animal against a viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection, and uses of the microparticle compositions for vaccines are also provided.

Abstract: Microparticles with adsorbent surfaces, methods of making such microparticles, and uses thereof, are disclosed. The microparticles comprise a polymer, such as a poly(&agr;-hydroxy acid), a polyhydroxy butyric acid, a polycaprolactone, a polyorthoester, a polyanhydride, and the like, and are formed using cationic, anionic, or nomonic detergents. Also provided are microparticles in the form of submicron emulsions of an oil droplet emulsion having a metabolizable oil and an emulsifying agent. The surface of the microparticles efficiently adsorb polypeptides, such as antigens, and nucleic acids, such as ELVIS vectors and other vector constructs, containing heterologous nucleotide sequences encoding biologically active macromolecules, such as polypeptides, antigens, and adjuvants. Methods of stimulating an immune response, methods of immunizing a host animal against a viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection, and uses of the microparticle compositions for vaccines are also provided.

Abstract: Genes encoding Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) proteins were cloned into eukaryotic expression vectors to express the encoded proteins in mammalian muscle cells in vivo. Animals were immunized by injection of these DNA constructs, termed polynucleotide vaccines or PNV, into their muscles. Immune antisera was produced against M.tb antigens. Specific T-cell responses were detected in spleen cells of vaccinated mice and the profile of cytokine secretion in response to antigen 85 was indicative of a Th1 type of helper T-cell response (i.e., high IL-2 and IFN-&ggr;). Protective efficacy of an M.tb DNA vaccine was demonstrated in mice after challenge with M.bovis BCG, as measured by a reduction in mycobacterial multiplication in the spleens and lungs of M.tb DNA-vaccinated mice compared to control DNA-vaccinated mice or primary infection in naive mice.

Abstract: Genes encoding Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) proteins were cloned into eukaryotic expression vectors to express the encoded proteins in mammalian muscle cells in vivo. Animals were immunized by injection of these DNA constructs, termed polynucleotide vaccines or PNV, into their muscles. Immune antisera was produced against M.tb antigens. Specific T-cell responses were detected in spleen cells of vaccinated mice and the profile of cytokine secretion in response to antigen 85 was indicative of a Th1 type of helper T-cell response (i.e., high IL-2 and IFN-&ggr;). Protective efficacy of an M.tb DNA vaccine was demonstrated in mice after challenge with M.bovis BCG, as measured by a reduction in mycobacterial multiplication in the spleens and lungs of M.tb DNA-vaccinated mice compared to control DNA-vaccinated mice or primary infection in naive mice.

Abstract: Genes encoding Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) proteins were cloned into eukaryotic expression vectors to express the encoded proteins in mammalian muscle cells in vivo. Animals were immunized by injection of these DNA constructs, termed polynucleotide vaccines or PNV, into their muscles. Immune antisera was produced against M.tb antigens. Specific T-cell responses were detected in spleen cells of vaccinated mice and the profile of cytokine secretion in response to antigen 85 was indicative of a T.sub.h 1 type of helper T-cell response (i.e., high IL-2 and IFN-.gamma.). Protective efficacy of an M.tb DNA vaccine was demonstrated in mice after challenge with M. bovis BCG, as measured by a reduction in mycobacterial multiplication in the spleens and lungs of M.tb DNA-vaccinated mice compared to control DNA-vaccinated mice or primary infection in naive mice.