Abstract: This invention relates to a transgenic animal model for testing immunogenicity and protective efficacy of human vaccines and the method for generating such a multi-transgenic animal. This invention also relates to methods for screening compositions for human vaccine development. More specifically, the present invention relates to a mouse model capable of expressing human leukocyte antigens DR4 and A2, and/or human costimulatory molecules (CD80) which upon infusion of human HLA-matched hematopoietic stem cells develop a functional human immune system able to respond to vaccination with human vaccines. The invention also relates to method of producing human antibodies specific for a desired antigen using the transgenic mouse.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant chimeric molecules that are capable of providing T cell receptor (TCR) interaction and costimulation for activation and differentiation of pathogen-specific T cells toward effector T helper 1 (Th1) or T helper 2 (Th2) cells. The chimera may capable of elicit antibodies against pathogen-specific B cell epitope(s). The present invention also relates method of using these chimeric molecules in whole or as a component of a vaccine.

Abstract: Provided is a transgenic animal model for testing immunogenicity and protective efficacy of human vaccines and the method for generating such a multitransgenic animal. Also disclosed are methods for screening compositions for human vaccine development. More specifically, a mouse model capable of expressing human leukocyte antigen DR4, and human costimulatory molecules (CD80) upon infusion of human HLA-matched hematopoietic stem cells, which can develop into a functional human immune system is provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a transgenic animal model for testing immunogenicity and protective efficacy of human vaccines and the method for generating such a multi-transgenic animal. This invention also relates to methods for screening compositions for human vaccine development. More specifically, the present invention relates to a mouse model capable of expressing human leukocyte antigens DR4 and A2, and/or human costimulatory molecules (CD80) which upon infusion of human HLA-matched hematopoietic stem cells develop a functional human immune system able to respond to vaccination with human vaccines. The invention also relates to method of producing human antibodies specific for a desired antigen using the transgenic mouse.

Abstract: Provided is a transgenic animal model for testing immunogenicity and protective efficacy of human vaccines and the method for generating such a multitransgenic animal. Also disclosed are methods for screening compositions for human vaccine development. More specifically, a mouse model capable of expressing human leukocyte antigen DR4, and human costimulatory molecules (CD80) upon infusion of human HLA-matched hematopoietic stem cells, which can develop into a functional man immune system is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant chimeric molecules that are capable of providing T cell receptor (TCR) interaction and costimulation for activation and differentiation of pathogen-specific T cells toward effector T helper 1 (Th1) or T helper 2 (Th2) cells. The chimera may capable of elicit antibodies against pathogen-specific B cell epitope(s). The present invention also relates method of using these chimeric molecules in whole or as a component of a vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multimeric complex of at least two chimeric molecules, wherein the chimeric molecules comprise an immunoglobulin constant region element and two MHC elements wherein each MHC element is associated with a peptide, and wherein the chimeric molecules are covalently linked through a carbohydrate residue of the immunoglobulin constant region element by a polyalkylene glycol linker. Methods of making and using the multimeric complexes are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multimeric complex of at least two chimeric molecules, wherein the chimeric molecules comprise an immunoglobulin constant region element and two MHC elements wherein each MHC element is associated with a peptide, and wherein the chimeric molecules are covalently linked through a carbohydrate residue of the immunoglobulin constant region element by a polyalkylene glycol linker. Methods of making and using the multimeric complexes are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chimeric molecules that comprise human major histocompatibility complex elements, linked to epitopes of interest, that have been joined together to form dimers or higher multimers. Such chimeric molecules may be used to treat or prevent diseases associated with autoimmunity, particularly diabetes. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that a chimeric molecule comprising an IILA-DR element linked to an epitope of GAD65, an antigen associated with autoimmune diabetes, stimulated the secretion of the inhibitory cytokine IL-10 from CD4 T cells of Type I diabetic patients.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multimeric complex of at least two chimeric molecules, wherein the chimeric molecules comprise an immunoglobulin constant region element and two MHC elements wherein each MHC element is associated with a peptide, and wherein the chimeric molecules are covalently linked through a carbohydrate residue of the immunoglobulin constant region element by a polyalkylene glycol linker. Methods of making and using the multimeric complexes are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multimeric complex of at least two chimeric molecules, wherein the chimeric molecules comprise an immunoglobulin constant region element and two MHC elements wherein each MHC element is associated with a peptide, and wherein the chimeric molecules are covalently linked through a carbohydrate residue of the immunoglobulin constant region element by a polyalkylene glycol linker. Methods of making and using the multimeric complexes are also provided.