Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treating leukemia, for example, acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The invention also relates to at least one chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) specific to folate receptor beta (FR?), vectors comprising the same, and recombinant T cells comprising the FR? CAR. The invention also includes methods of administering a genetically modified T cell expressing a CAR that comprises a FR? binding domain in combination with a RXR agonist, such as all-trans retinoic acid.

Abstract: The present invention claims an isolated nucleotide sequence characterized by encoding the PFR1 protein of Leishmania infantum or a fragment thereof. This PFR1 protein or a fragment thereof comprises at least a selected immunodominant epitope between the following group: SEQ ID No: 1, SEQ ID No: 2, SEQ ID No: 3, SEQ ID No: 4, SEQ ID No: 5, SEQ ID No: 6, SEQ ID No: 7 and SEQ ID No: 8, where the immunodominant epitope is able to induce an antigen-specific T cell cytotoxic immune response in an animal, against the kinetoplastids causing the leishmaniasis disease. The immunodominant epitopes are cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activators and they present a high binding affinity for A2 type MHC Class I molecule.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention are directed to methods for inducing an immunologic response to a tumor in a patient using mature dendritic cells transfected with a nucleic acid composition encoding one or more tumor antigens and loaded with a corresponding tumor antigen composition.

Abstract: Provided are chimeric, camelid-human (e.g., llama-human) polypeptides comprising a first antigenic polypeptide portion and a second antigenic polypeptide portion wherein the first antigenic portion is a derived from a first portion of a camelid (e.g., llama) and the second antigenic portion is a human polypeptide homolog of a second portion of the camedid antigen. The chimeric polypeptides are useful inter alia for epitope mapping and generation of antibodies that bind to a desired region of human antigen.

Abstract: A vaccine composition comprising a protein, which can be detected in Haemophilus influenzae, having an amino acid sequence as described in SEQ ID NO: 1, or a fragment thereof, is described. The fragment comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 15 contiguous amino acids from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, and the fragment (if necessary when coupled to a carrier) is capable of raising an immune response which recognises the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1.

Abstract: The invention provides a cytotoxic T lymphocyte inducer comprising a virus-like particle composed of VP1 of simian virus 40. The T cell epitope peptide is inserted into a DE loop and/or an HI loop of the VP1.

Abstract: A canine influenza recombinant virus includes HA and NA genes of ZJCIV canine influenza virus as well as six internal genes PA, PB1, PB2, M, NP and NS of a PR8 virus. The nucleotide sequence of the HA gene is selected from the group consisting of: (1) a nucleotide sequence encoding an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO.1; (2) a nucleotide sequence encoding an amino acid sequence which has at least 98% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO.1. The nucleotide sequence of the NA gene is selected from the group consisting of: (1) a nucleotide sequence encoding an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO.2; (2) a nucleotide sequence encoding an amino acid sequence which has at least 98% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO.2.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel nucleotide and amino acid sequences of Torque teno virus (“TTV”), including novel genotypes thereof, all of which are useful in the preparation of vaccines for treating and preventing diseases in swine and other animals. Vaccines provided according to the practice of the invention are effective against multiple swine TTV genotypes and isolates. Diagnostic and therapeutic polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies are also a feature of the present invention, as are infectious clones useful in the propagation of the virus and in the preparation of vaccines. Particularly important aspects of the invention include polynucleotide constructs that replicate in tissue culture and in host swine. The invention also provides for novel full length TTV genomes that can replicate efficiently in host animals and tissue culture.

Abstract: The invention provides for mosaic influenza virus HA and NA sequences and uses thereof.

Abstract: An isolated polynucleotide encoding an influenza multi-epitope polypeptide, wherein the multi-epitope polypeptide comprises multiple copies of a plurality of influenza virus peptide epitopes wherein the polypeptide is B(X1ZX2Z . . . Xm)nB or B(X1)nZ(X2)nZ . . . (Xm)nB; wherein B is an optional sequence of 1-4 amino acid residues; n is at each occurrence independently an integer of 2-50; m is an integer of 3-15; each of X1, X2 . . . Xm is an influenza peptide epitope of 4-24 amino acid residues; and Z at each occurrence is a bond or a spacer of 1-4 amino acid residues.

Abstract: Described herein are dengue virus E-glycoprotein polypeptides containing mutations that eliminate immunodominant cross-reactive epitopes associated with immune enhancement. The disclosed dengue virus E-glycoproteins optionally further include mutations that introduce a strong CD4 T cell epitope. The disclosed E-glycoprotein polypeptides, or nucleic acid molecules encoding the polypeptides, can be used, for example, in monovalent or tetravalent vaccines against dengue virus.

Abstract: Disclosed are yeast-based immunotherapeutic compositions, hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigens, and fusion proteins for the treatment and/or prevention of HBV infection and symptoms thereof, as well as methods of using the yeast-based immunotherapeutic compositions, HBV antigens, and fusion proteins for the prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of HBV and/or symptoms thereof.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions relating to DNA launched suicidal flaviviruses and methods of administering the same are described herein.

Abstract: Isolated polypeptides are provided that comprise a cholera toxin B subunit variant having one or more modifications to increase the expression of the polypeptide in a plant cell. Nucleic acids sequences, vectors, and plant cells for expressing the cholera toxin B subunit variant polypeptides are also provided. Further provided are methods for producing the cholera toxin B subunit variant polypeptides that include the steps of transforming a plant cell with a nucleic acid encoding the cholera toxin B subunit variant polypeptides; expressing the variant polypeptides; and purifying the polypeptides. Still further provided are methods of isolating the variant polypeptides that include the steps of obtaining a plant cell expressing the cholera toxin B subunit variant polypeptides; extracting the cholera toxin B subunit variant polypeptides from the plant cell; and purifying the cholera toxin B subunit variant polypeptides. Methods of eliciting an immune response are also provided.

Abstract: The technology relates generally to the field of immunology and relates in part to compositions and methods for controlling the proliferation of T cells, for example, therapeutic T cells. The methods further relate to compositions and methods for inducing an immune response in a subject.

Abstract: 1H-Imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amines substituted at the 1-position with a substituent bearing a hydrazinobenzamide or hydrazinonicotinamide, a salt thereof, or a protected hydrazinobenzamide or hydrazinonicotinamide and conjugates made from such compounds are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound or the conjugate, methods of making a conjugate, and methods of use of the compounds or conjugates as immunomodulators for inducing cytokine biosynthesis in an animal and for vaccinating an animal are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compound isolated from Antrodia camphorata, represented by formula I: wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom or an acetyl group; and a method of inhibiting cancer cell growth by using the compound, the cancer is selected from the group consisting of lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer and breast cancer.

Abstract: A mud mask with real leaves is described. The mud mask is made by separating a leaf batch into a first sub-batch, a second sub-batch, and a third sub-batch. The first sub-batch is ground into a fine powder, while the second sub-batch remains as whole leaves and the third sub-hatch is chopped into partially chopped leaves. The fine powder and whole leaves are added to hot water for a period of time to form a brewed tea. Thereafter, the partially chopped leaves and mud components are added to the brewed tea to form a mud solution, which is mixed to form the mud product. The mud product is packaged and allowed to marinate, which allows the leaves to begin releasing their nutrients and antioxidants into the mud formula, after which the mud mask includes atypical and unusually high levels of nutrients, antioxidants and caffeine.

Abstract: Compositions are provided comprising heat shock protein, immunoglobulins and retroviral antigens to induce systemic and mucosal immunity to infection from retroviruses such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Methods of treatment provided comprise administration of the compositions, which boost the immune systems response to the retroviral antigens or immunogens.

Abstract: Influenza virus-like particles (VLPs) comprising influenza antigenic polypeptides are described. Also described are compositions comprising these VLPs as well as methods of making and using these VLPs.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preventing the spreading of influenza viruses, and the factors making up the said method, and especially provides one type of combinatorial vaccine and the immunization method thereof. Two of more influenza vaccines are inoculated by a certain sequence, and each influenza vaccine vaccines is inoculated at least once, and the inoculation take place two or more times; wherein each influenza vaccine includes one or more antigens, the immunogenic fragments thereof, or the coding genes thereof, and further includes a different antigen, the immunogenic fragments or the coding gene of the different antigen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antigenic and vaccine compositions comprising Norovirus antigens and adjuvants, in particular, mixtures of monovalent VLPs and mixtures of multivalent VLPs, and to a process for the production of both monovalent and multivalent VLPs, the VLPs comprising capsid proteins from one or more Norovirus genogroups.

Abstract: A nucleic acid includes, in the following order, a 5? untranslated region comprising a particular nucleotide sequence of the genome of hepatitis C virus genotype 3a; a nucleotide sequence encoding a particular amino acid sequence of an NS3 protein, a nucleotide sequence encoding a particular amino acid sequence of an NS4A protein, a nucleotide sequence encoding a particular amino acid sequence of an NS4B protein, a nucleotide sequence encoding a particular amino acid sequence of an NS5A protein, a nucleotide sequence encoding a particular amino acid sequence of an NS5B protein of the hepatitis C virus genotype 3a; and a 3? untranslated region comprising a particular nucleotide sequence of a genome of hepatitis C virus genotype 3a.

Abstract: The invention relates to Gram-negative bacteria carrying an inactivated gene encoding a glycosyltransferase involved in the synthesis of the core of the LPS of said Gram-negative bacteria, wherein said inactivated gene results in the synthesis of a LPS having a modified core. These strains have an attenuated virulence but induce a humoral immunity sufficient for ensuring vaccination of the host.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a composition containing Arabinogalactan for enhancing the adaptive immune response in subjects to foreign antigen(s) by administering said composition prior, during and after the phase of exposure to said foreign antigen(s). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vaccination kit comprising a composition comprising Arabinogalactan and a vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ribonucleic acid (RNA) of double-stranded structure which is capable of triggering Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR-3) and which shows an increased serum stability while simultaneously being unable to be processed by the DICER complex.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a pharmaceutical composition containing trifunctional bispecific and/or trispecific antibodies being capable of binding to a specific target antigen(s) for use in a method of immunizing mammals against diseases in which said target antigen(s) is (are) involved, and further to a pharmaceutical composition containing trifunctional bispecific and/or trispecific antibodies being capable of binding to (a) specific target antigen (s) which is (are) involved in a disease of a mammal, specifically a human.

Abstract: Provided are a tumor proliferation inhibitor and a method for inhibiting tumor proliferation both of which can be applied to a minimally invasive cancer treatment using low-intensity pulsed ultrasound. The present invention provides a tumor proliferation inhibitor containing an ultrasound-sensitive substance and an acoustic cavitation phenomenon-enhancing substance, and provides a method for inhibiting tumor proliferation that can exhibit a tumor proliferation-inhibitory effect using the tumor proliferation inhibitor in combination with low-intensity pulsed ultrasound of a degree that is used in ultrasound diagnosis, and that can be applied to a minimally invasive cancer treatment using low-intensity pulsed ultrasound.

Abstract: This invention provides novel peptides and methods to prevent, control, and treat an inflammation, cancer and other disorders, particularly of the gastrointestinal tract and the lung by administering at least one agonist of guanalyte cyclase receptor either alone or in combination with a compound selected from i) 5-aminosalicyclic acid (5-ASA) or a derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; ii) mercaptopurine; or iii) an anti-TNF therapy.

Abstract: This invention provides novel guanylate cyclase C (GC-C) agonists and their therapeutic use. The agonists may be used either alone or in combination with one or more additional agents.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for reducing frequency of urination are disclosed. The methods comprise administering to a subject having a condition that resulting in undesired frequency of urination an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more prostaglandin pathway inhibitors. The pharmaceutical compositions comprise one or more prostaglandin pathway inhibitors and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of limiting cell death or damage or reperfusion damage resulting from hypoxic-ischemia, comprising administering an omega-3 triglyceride emulsion after a hypoxic-ischemia insult. The omega-3 triglyceride emulsion preferably comprises from about 7% to 35% omega-3 oil by weight in grams per 100 ml of emulsion; the omega-3 oil comprises about 20% to 100% triglyceride by weight per total weight of the omega-3 oil and about 20% wt.-% to 100% of the acyl-groups of the omega-3 triglycerides consist of DHA; the omega-3 oil comprises less than 10% omega-6 fatty acids; and the mean diameter of lipid droplets in the emulsion is less than about 5 microns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition intended for protecting the skin and/or hair against ultraviolet radiation, characterized by the fact that it comprises, in a cosmetically acceptable support containing at least one aqueous phase, at least: (a) a photoprotective system capable of screening out UV radiation; (b) at least one gelling starch that is not modified by a chemical or physical process; and (c) polyamide particles, in particular polyamide PA-12 or polyamide PA-6 particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to degradation-stabilised, biocompatible collagen matrices which are distinguished in particular by the fact that they contain soluble collagen and peptide constituents, to processes for the preparation of such collagen matrices, which processes include in particular chemical crosslinking with an epoxy-functional crosslinking agent, and to the use of the collagen matrices according to the invention as a cosmetic or pharmaceutical agent, in particular for topical use, and as a wound treatment agent, as an implant or as a haemostatic agent in humans or animals, and as a scaffold for cell population in the biotechnology, basic research and tissue engineering field.

Abstract: An aerosol shave composition, preferably a post foaming shave gel, comprising a hydrophobic agent, such as a silicone, in the form of a microdroplet having a particle size from about 0.15 microns to about 10 microns.

Abstract: A hybrid polyurea encapsulate formulation obtained by mixing a starch/fragrance emulsion with a polyurea capsule suspension is provided as is a method of using the formulation in a personal care product, a beauty care product, a fabric care product, a home care product, a personal hygiene product, an oral care product and a method for releasing an encapsulated fragrance by moisture, shear, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: One form of the present invention provides a resin composition and a molded product formed thereof, wherein a polymer composition which includes a thermoplastic base polymer or base polyblend (A), a thermoplastic base polymer or base polyblend (B) having no compatibility with the (A), and fluid (C) included as a nanoparticle suspension having compatibility with neither (A) nor (B) and containing nanoparticles uniformly dispersed at a temperature lower than or equal to the thermal decomposition temperature of (A) or (B), and in which interfaces between three layers made of (A), (B), and (C) form three-dimensional continuous parallel interfaces, and the nanoparticles of (C) having an average particle size from 1 ?m to 1 nm after removal of a dispersion medium of (C) by evaporation are locally unevenly dispersed in the pattern of a curve or a straight line connecting consecutive points at a fracture surface, and are macroscopically uniformly dispersed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition including a polymer nanoparticle and at least one agricultural active compound incorporated with the nanoparticle, wherein the nanoparticle are less than 100 nm in diameter, and the polymer includes a polyelectrolyte.

Abstract: Disclosed is an arthropod pest control composition comprising 2-(2,6-difluorophenyl)-4-[4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-2-ethoxyphenyl]-4,5-dihydrooxazole and an inert carrier, wherein the volume median diameter of 2-(2,6-difluorophenyl)-4-[4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-2-ethoxyphenyl]-4,5-dihydrooxazole is from 1.5 to 5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibacterially-acting moulded article which is formed from a moulding compound which comprises at least one sort of a particular antibacterial material. The invention is distinguished by the moulded article having an essentially cylindrical, cuboid, spherical or ellipsoid basic body, the basic body having special dimensions which depend upon the average particle diameter of the particular antibacterial material which is used.

Abstract: The invention concerns a composition for the treatment of varroa mite infestations in honeybee colonies, comprising a base layer and an active layer, wherein the active layer comprises an effective amount of an acaricidal compound.

Abstract: This invention includes malleable, biodegradable, fibrous compositions for application to a tissue site in order to promote or facilitate new tissue growth. One aspect of this invention is a fibrous component that provides unique mechanical and physical properties. The invention may be created by providing a vessel containing a slurry, said slurry comprising a plurality of natural or synthetic polymer fibers and at least one suspension fluid, wherein the polymer fibers are substantially evenly dispersed and randomly oriented throughout the volume of the suspension fluid; applying a force, e.g., centrifugal, to said vessel containing said slurry, whereupon said force serves to cause said polymer fibers to migrate through the suspension fluid and amass at a furthest extent of the vessel, forming a polymer material, with said polymer material comprising polymer fibers of sufficient length and sufficiently viscous, interlaced, or interlocked to retard dissociation of said polymer fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of producing chondrocytes, improving the phenotype of a chondrocyte population, promoting chondrogenesis, maintaining a cell population in a differentiated state or increasing the number of cells of a population in a differentiated state, producing a population of differentiated cells, and treating certain diseases or disorders.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of immobilizing an active agent to a substrate surface, including the steps of, depositing a primer compound on a substrate, thereby forming a primed substrate, contacting the primed substrate with a solution of a compound including a trihydroxyphenyl group, thereby forming a trihydroxyphenyl-treated primed substrate, and contacting the trihydroxyphenyl-treated primed substrate with a solution of an active agent, thereby immobilizing the active agent on the substrate. Further provided are methods of immobilizing an active agent on a substrate, including the steps of providing a substrate, combining a solution of a compound including a trihydroxyphenyl group with a solution of an active agent, thereby forming a solution of an active agent-trihydroxyphenyl conjugate, and contacting the primed substrate with the solution of the active agent-trihydroxyphenyl conjugate, thereby immobilizing the active agent on the substrate.

Abstract: This invention provides aragonite- and calcite-based scaffolds for the repair, regeneration, enhancement of formation or a combination thereof of cartilage and/or bone, which scaffolds comprise at least two phases, wherein each phase differs in terms of its chemical content, or structure, kits comprising the same, processes for producing solid aragonite or calcite scaffolds and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Implant-associated bacterial infections are one of the most serious complications in orthopedic surgery. Treatment of these infections often requires multiple operations, device removal, long-term systemic antibiotics, and extended rehabilitation, and is frequently ineffective, leading to worse clinical outcomes and increased financial costs. Silver nanoparticle/poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-coated stainless steel alloy (SNPSA) was evaluated as a potential antimicrobial implant material. It was found that SNPSA exhibited strong antibacterial activity in vitro and ex vivo, and promoted MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts proliferation and maturation in vitro. Furthermore, SNPSA implants induced osteogenesis while suppressing bacterial survival in contaminated rat femoral canals. The results indicate that SNPSA has simultaneous antimicrobial and osteoinductive properties that make it a promising therapeutic material in orthopedic surgery.

Abstract: An implantable delivery device and method for utilizing the device to delivery a bioactive agent to a subject in need thereof is described. The device includes a pattern of structures fabricated on a surface of the device to form a nanotopography. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes. The device may be located adjacent tissue such as an endovascular implant or a perivascular implant, and may deliver the bioactive agent without triggering an immune or foreign body response to the bioactive agent.

Abstract: A device, and method of making the device, capable of therapeutic treatment and/or for in vitro testing of human skin. The device may be used on skin wounds for burned, injured, or diseased skin, and provides structures and functions as in normal uninjured skin, such as barrier function, which is a definitive property of normal skin. The device contains cultured dermal and epidermal cells on a biocompatible, biodegradable reticulated matrix. All or part of the cells may be autologous, from the recipient of the cultured skin device, which advantageously eliminates concerns of tissue compatibility. The cells may also be modified genetically to provide one or more factors to facilitate healing of the engrafted skin replacement, such as an angiogenic factor to stimulate growth of blood vessels.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy. One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method of treating chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy by administering to a patient in need at least one thiosemicarbazone compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to liposomal vaccine compositions, methods for the manufacture thereof, and methods for the use thereof to stimulate an immune response in an animal. These compositions comprise liposomes formed from dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (“DMPC”); either dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol (“DMPG”) or dimyristoyltrimethylammonium propane (“DMTAP”) or both DMPC and DMTAP; and at least one sterol; and an antigenic polypeptide comprising a first polypeptide sequence, and a second polypeptide sequence heterologous the first polypeptide sequence which comprises a transmembrane sequence from a membrane protein, said transmembrane sequence having a number of residues sufficient to cross a lipid bilayer, at least nine contiguous residues of which are predicted to form an alpha helix having a hydrophobicity score of about 0.7 or greater.