Abstract: This invention uses our knowledge of the mechanisms by which antigen is recognized by T cells to develop epitope-based vaccines directed towards HBV. More specifically, this application communicates our discovery of pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use in the prevention and treatment of HBV infection.

Abstract: This invention uses our knowledge of the mechanisms by which antigen is recognized by T cells to develop epitope-based vaccines directed towards HBV. More specifically, this application communicates our discovery of pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use in the prevention and treatment of HBV infection.

Abstract: This invention uses our knowledge of the mechanisms by which antigen is recognized by T cells to develop epitope-based vaccines directed towards HBV. More specifically, this application communicates our discovery of pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use in the prevention and treatment of HBV infection.

Abstract: This invention uses our knowledge of the mechanisms by which antigen is recognized by T cells to develop epitope-based vaccines directed towards HBV. More specifically, this application communicates our discovery of pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use in the prevention and treatment of HBV infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides synthetic vaccines against a variety of pathogenic organisms and tumor cells in humans and other mammals based on biodegradable polymers containing polyester amide (PEA), polyester urethane (PEUR), and polyester urea (PEU) and immunostimulatory adjuvants. The vaccines can be formulated as a liquid dispersion of polymer particles or molecules in which are dispersed an immunostimulatory adjuvant, such as a TLR agonist, and whole protein or peptidic antigens containing MHC class I or class II epitopes derived from organism or tumor cell proteins. Methods of inducing an immune response via intracellular mechanisms to the pathogenic organism or tumor cells specific for the antigen in the invention compositions are also included.

Abstract: A one-step method for assembly of delivery compositions for one or more antigens or therapeutic biologics is based on non-covalent affinity capture of molecules from solution using a biodegradable polymer having functional groups to which the affinity ligand binds. The polymer-bound affinity complex, which includes the molecule(s) of interest is then recovered from the reaction solution, for example, by size exclusion filtration, to yield the assembled delivery composition. The affinity ligand can be a monoclonal antibody or a metal affinity ligand with bound metal transition ion. The assembled delivery compositions can be formulated as polymer particles, which can then be lyophilized and reconstituted for in vivo delivery of the non-covalently complexed antigen(s) or therapeutic biologic(s) with substantial native activity.

Abstract: Models for the systemic inflammatory response to infection, which involve the use of immunocompromised animals, and methods of using the models are described. These models can be used in identifying analytes or biomarker panels that can be used in staging or monitoring sepsis. The models can also be used for predicting an animal's disease outcome or in providing a prognosis for sepsis patients. Further, the invention relates to methods for evaluating potential treatments for sepsis.

Abstract: This invention uses our knowledge of the mechanisms by which antigen is recognized by T cells to develop epitope-based vaccines directed towards HBV. More specifically, this application communicates our discovery of pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use in the prevention and treatment of HBV infection.

Abstract: This invention uses our knowledge of the mechanisms by which antigen is recognized by T cells to develop epitope-based vaccines directed towards HBV. More specifically, this application communicates our discovery of pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use in the prevention and treatment of HBV infection.

Abstract: This invention uses our knowledge of the mechanisms by which antigen is recognized by T cells to develop epitope-based vaccines directed towards HBV. More specifically, this application communicates our discovery of pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use in the prevention and treatment of HBV infection.

Abstract: Cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses are effectively induced to an antigen of interest, particularly viral, bacterial, parasitic and tumor antigens. Compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, of CTL-inducing peptide and an adjuvant or a lipidated peptide which induces a helper T cell (HTL) response stimulate the antigen specific CTL response. Among the viral antigens to which the CTL responses are effectively induced in humans are those of hepatitis B. The CTL response may be optimized by a regimen of two or more booster administrations. Cocktails of two or more CTL inducing peptides are employed to optimize epitope and/or MHC class I restricted coverage.

Abstract: Cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses are effectively induced to an antigen of interest, particularly viral, bacterial, parasitic and tumor antigens. Compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, of CTL-inducing peptide and an adjuvant or a lipidated peptide which induces a helper T cell (HTL) response stimulate the antigen specific CTL response. Among the viral antigens to which the CTL responses are effectively induced in humans are those of hepatitis B. The CTL response may be optimized by a regimen of two or more booster administrations. Cocktails of two or more CTL inducing peptides are employed to optimize epitope and/or MHC class I restricted coverage.

Abstract: Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-stimulating peptides induce HLA-restricted responses to hepatitis B virus antigens. The peptides, derived from CTL epitopic regions of both HBV surface and nucleocapsid antigens, are particularly useful in the treatment and prevention of HBV infection, including the treatment of chronically infected HBV carriers. The peptides can be formulated as HBV vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions, such as lipid-containing compositions for enhancing the HLA-restricted CTL responses. The peptides are also useful in diagnostic methods, such as predicting which HBV-infected individuals are prone to developing chronic infection.