Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing, treating and detecting leprosy are disclosed. The compositions generally comprise polypeptides comprising one or more Mycobacterium leprae antigens as well as polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing, treating and detecting leprosy are disclosed. The compositions generally comprise polypeptides comprising one or more Mycobacterium leprae antigens as well as polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides.

Abstract: Cancer immunotherapies effective for treating tumors are disclosed. A cytosolic receptor that detects viral ribonucleic acid (RNA), retinoic-acid-inducible protein 1 (RIG-I), is activated by a synthetic double-stranded oligonucleotide pUUC Auk. In one implementation, RIG-I is activated by a single-stranded oligonucleotide agonist formulated with a squalene emulsion (SE) adjuvant. Activation of RIG-I with pUUC Auk results in slower tumor growth. Formulation with a SE adjuvant increases the ability of RIG-I agonists to slow tumor growth. The novel agonist and formulations provided herein are effective for slowing the growth of new tumors and reducing further growth of established tumors. RIG-I agonist/adjuvant formulations may be administered to a subject by any of multiple routes including intratumoral injection.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing, treating and detecting leprosy are disclosed. The compositions generally comprise polypeptides comprising one or more Mycobacterium leprae antigens as well as polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides.