Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant optimized polynucleotide encoding a cytokine or cytokine receptor and to methods of making a recombinant optimized polynucleotide encoding a cytokine or cytokine receptor.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating melanoma are provided. Compositions include BRAFV600E-based peptides, alone or admixed with T helper peptides. Other compositions include nucleic acid sequences encoding the BRAFV600E-based peptides, alone or admixed with nucleic acid sequences T helper peptides. Dendritic cells pretreated with the BRAFV600E-based peptides, alone or admixed with T helper peptides, are also provided. These compositions are useful to treat melanoma, optionally co-administered with antibodies to checkpoint inhibitors or molecules that mimic the action of such antibodies.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating melanoma are provided. Compositions include BRAFV600E-based peptides, alone or admixed with T helper peptides. Other compositions include nucleic acid sequences encoding the BRAFV600E-based peptides, alone or admixed with nucleic acid sequences T helper peptides. Dendritic cells pretreated with the BRAFV600E-based peptides, alone or admixed with T helper peptides, are also provided. These compositions are useful to treat melanoma, optionally co-administered with antibodies to checkpoint inhibitors or molecules that mimic the action of such antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a humanized mouse, methods for generating a humanized mouse, and methods of using the humanized mouse for testing a vaccine, drug or treatment. Also provided are other uses for the humanized mouse.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant optimized polynucleotide encoding a cytokine or cytokine receptor and to methods of making a recombinant optimized polynucleotide encoding a cytokine or cytokine receptor.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating melanoma are provided. Compositions include BRAFV600E-based peptides, alone or admixed with T helper peptides. Other compositions include nucleic acid sequences encoding the BRAFV600E-based peptides, alone or admixed with nucleic acid sequences T helper peptides. Dendritic cells pretreated with the BRAFV600E-based peptides, alone or admixed with T helper peptides, are also provided. These compositions are useful to treat melanoma, optionally co-administered with antibodies to checkpoint inhibitors or molecules that mimic the action of such antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for identifying MHC class II-dependent disease-associated antigens. The instant method involves expressing a library of disease-derived proteins in lytic bacteriophage for subsequent presentation by antigen presenting cells to T helper cells. Disease-associated antigens are provided as are the use of such antigens in vaccines for inducing an immune response and preventing or treating disease. Moreover, the present invention provides antibodies, which specifically bind to MHC class II-dependent disease-associated antigens or epitope peptides thereof, and their diagnostic and therapeutic use.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for identifying MHC class II-dependent disease-associated antigens. The instant method involves expressing a library of disease-derived proteins in lytic bacteriophage for subsequent presentation by antigen presenting cells to T helper cells. Disease-associated antigens are provided as are the use of such antigens in vaccines for inducing an immune response and preventing or treating disease. Moreover, the present invention provides antibodies, which specifically bind to MHC class II-dependent disease-associated antigens or epitope peptides thereof, and their diagnostic and therapeutic use.