Abstract: A plasmid-based vaccine is provided herein based on the combination of DNA segments coding for one or more B cell epitopes of CETP and one or more broad range helper T cell epitopes. Administration of the plasmids as a vaccine to a vertebrate subject provides an immune response to the subject's endogenous CETP and modulation of CETP activity, leading to prevention or reversal of various manifestations of heart disease. The vaccines provide an advantageous strategy for the prevention or treatment of atherosclerosis.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for immunizing a mammal against B. anthracis using a composition of pure recombinant Protective Antigen (rPA), optionally in combination with truncated Lethal Factor polypeptide (LFn). Formulations of the pure rPA immunogen have little or no reactogenicity and therefore may be administered to a mammalian subject in very high doses of 50 &mgr;g to 1000 &mgr;g or more rPA, which is at least four times the amount of PA included per dose in conventional anthrax vaccines. Preferred immunogenic compositions are free of adjuvant and other undesired components, further enhancing the effectiveness and safety of the compositions. Methods for preparing the immunogenic compositions and for purifying rPA and LFn polypeptides also are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to peptides comprising a helper T cell epitope portion and a B cell epitope portion for eliciting an immune response against endogenous cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity, to prevent or treat cardiovascular disease, such as atherosclerosis.

Abstract: This invention relates to peptides comprising a helper T cell epitope portion and a B cell epitope portion for eliciting an immune response against endogenous cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity, to prevent or treat cardiovascular disease, such as atherosclerosis.

Abstract: Conjugates are disclosed comprising a broad range helper T cell epitope portion and a B cell epitope portion from a cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), which conjugates are capable of eliciting an immune response in an individual against the individual's endogenous CETP activity. The conjugates are useful in methods to inhibit CETP activity, to raise serum levels of high density lipoproteins, and to prevent or treat cardiovascular disease, such as atherosclerosis.

Abstract: This invention relates to peptides comprising a helper T cell epitope portion and a B cell epitope portion for eliciting an immune response against endogenous cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity, to prevent or treat cardiovascular disease, such as atherosclerosis.

Abstract: A plasmid-based vaccine is provided herein based on the combination of DNA segments coding for one or more B cell epitopes of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and one or more broad range helper T cell epitopes. Administration of the plasmids as a vaccine to a vertebrate subject provides an immune response to the subject's endogenous CETP and modulation of CETP activity, leading to prevention or reversal of various manifestations of heart disease. The vaccines provide an advantageous strategy for the prevention or treatment of atherosclerosis.