Abstract: Methods are provided for enhancing immunization strategies by manipulation, e.g. in vitro manipulation, of phagocytic antigen presenting cells. In the methods of the invention, phagocytic antigen presenting cells (phAPC) are incubated with a particulate antigen in the presence of an anti-CD47 agent in a dose and for a period of time sufficient to allow the phAPC to phagocytose the particulate antigen, which process generates a “loaded” phAPC. The loaded phAPC is contacted with a population of T cells matched for at least one major histocompatibility locus with the phAPC, where the T cells are stimulated after contacting to generate an effector response against an epitope or epitopes present on the particulate antigen.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates generally to immunotherapy and, more specifically, to the use of immunotherapy for treating tumors and pathogen infected tissues by first priming patients with allogeneic cells designed to be rejected by a Th1 mediated mechanism, then inducing necrosis or apoptosis in a tumor or pathogen infected lesion by methods such as cryotherapy, irreversible electroporation, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, ultrasound therapy, ethanol chemoablation, microwave thermal ablation, radiofrequency energy or a combination thereof applied against at least a portion of the tumor or pathogen infected tissue, and then delivering one or more doses of allogeneic cells (e.g., Th1 cells) within or proximate to the tumor or pathogen-infected tissue in the primed patient. The present invention provides an immunotherapeutic strategy to develop de-novo systemic (adaptive) immunity to a tumor or pathogen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a particle comprising a fusion protein, wherein the fusion protein comprises at least one NANP repeat (SEQ ID NO: 7), some or all of the C-terminus of the CS protein from Plasmodium falciparum and a hepatitis B surface antigen, and wherein the particle comprises no, or substantially no, free hepatitis B surface antigen protein, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for disease treatment and prevention through administration of a live attenuated composition. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment and prevention of urinary tract infection by administration of a live attenuated compositions lacking O-antigen ligase activity.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for preventing, treating and diagnosing infection by Salmonella enterica serovar typhi (S. typhi) and/or S. paratyphi, i.e., typhoid fever.

Abstract: Compositions consisting of bioactive molecules derived from the microbiota of a mammal are provided herein. When administered orally with a colonic delivery system, the compositions are useful for the prophylaxis and treatment of diseases, in particular inflammatory, autoimmune and infectious diseases. The compositions comprise combinations of small molecules and bacterial antigens formulated in colonic delivery systems. Use of the compositions results in any or all of: induction of immune tolerance; strengthening of the gut mucosal barrier integrity; reduction of inflammation; and amelioration of a disease state caused by inflammation, an autoimmune reaction or an infectious agent.

Abstract: An isolated protein or peptide selected from the group consisting of Bordetella colonization factor A (BcfA) protein and antigenic fragments thereof is described, along with an isolated nucleic acid encoding the same, antibodies that bind to the same, methods of producing an immune response in a mammalian subject in need thereof by administering the proteins, peptides or antibodies, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides synthetic Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipooligosaccharide (LOS)-based oligosaccharides and conjugates containing various P. aeruginosa serotype-specific oligosaccharide antigens or various core P. aeruginosa oligosaccharide structures or motifs. The invention further provides P. aeruginosa LOS-based immunogenic and immunoprotective compositions and antibodies derived therefrom for diagnosing, treating, and preventing infections caused by P. aeruginosa.

Abstract: The invention relates to immunogenic synthetic constructs capable of inducing an immune response against Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) in a subject comprising one or more monosaccharides comprising one or more MeOPN moieties. Specifically, the invention relates to immunogenic synthetic constructs capable of inducing an immune response against Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) in a subject comprising one or more MeOPN?6 Gal monosaccharides. The invention also relates to compositions comprising the immunogenic synthetic constructs and methods of inducing an immune response against C. jejuni in a subject comprising administering the immunogenic synthetic constructs, and/or compositions comprising the immunogenic synthetic construct, to the subject.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of preparing an isolated population of human papillomavirus (HPV)-specific T cells comprise dividing an HPV-positive tumor sample into multiple fragments; separately culturing the multiple fragments; obtaining T cells from the cultured multiple fragments; testing the T cells for specific autologous HPV-positive tumor recognition; selecting the T cells that exhibit specific autologous HPV-positive tumor recognition; and expanding the number of selected T cells to produce a population of HPV-specific T cells for adoptive cell therapy. Related methods of treating or preventing cancer using the T cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treatment of HIV related diseases comprising targeting complexes between on the one hand the C5 domain of gp120 and on the other hand gp41 or the C2 domain of gp120. The complexes may be stabilised by administering compounds, such as antibodies, capable of directly interacting with and stabilising the complex, or by immunizing with C5 and gp41/C2 derived material so as to induce antibodies that bind to and stabilise the complex.

Abstract: Allergenic Johnson Grass proteins, antibodies thereto and encoding nucleic acids are provided, which may be used for the diagnosis and/or therapy of sensitivity to these allergenic proteins or to immunologically cross-reactive allergenic proteins. In particular, the allergenic Johnson grass proteins and nucleic acids may be used for environmental testing for airborne allergens and/or for batch standardization of diagnostic and therapeutic compositions.

Abstract: Described herein is a vaccine composition and methods of use. In one embodiment, the vaccine composition includes RSV-F protein in combination with an adjuvant. In a more particular embodiment, the vaccine composition includes RSV soluble F protein in combination with a lipid toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist. In a more particular embodiment, the adjuvant comprises Glucopyraonsyl Lipid A (GLA). In a further embodiment, the adjuvant comprises GLA in a stable oil-in-water emulsion (GLA-SE).

Abstract: The present invention relates to vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) matrix (M) protein mutants. One mutant M protein includes a glycine changed to a glutamic acid at position (21), a leucine changed to alanine at position (111) and a methionine changed to an arginine at position (51). Another M protein mutant includes a glycine changed to a glutamic acid at position (22) and a methionine changed to an arginine at positions (48) and (51). These new rVSVs having the mutant M are significantly attenuated and lost virulence, including neurovirulence, and are capable of inducing an immune responses against an antigen of interest. In addition, a rVSV serotype Indiana having the first described M mutant is capable of efficient replication at 31° C., and of poor replication or incapable of replication at about 37° C. or higher.

Abstract: Described herein are dry vaccine compositions and methods of freezing aluminum-containing vaccines such that when converted into a dried powder, the dry vaccine can be readily reconstituted to form a stable liquid vaccine without significant loss of activity.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for maintaining the viability of photoreceptor cells following retinal detachment. The viability of photoreceptor cells can be preserved by administering an apoptosis inhibitor to a mammal having an eye with retinal detachment. The apoptosis inhibitor maintains the viability of the photoreceptor cells until such time that the retina becomes reattached to the underlying retinal pigment epithelium and choroid. The treatment minimizes the loss of vision, which otherwise may occur as a result of retinal detachment.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating, preventing or reducing the severity of an eye disease. The methods of the present invention comprise administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutic composition comprising an angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) inhibitor such as an anti-Ang-2 antibody in combination with a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antagonist (e.g., aflibercept).

Abstract: The invention provides a system that comprises pharmaceutical agents for use in immunotherapy for reducing the side-effects of an antigen-recognizing receptor against antigen-expressing non-target cells in an individual. The system includes an antigen-recognizing receptor that specifically recognizes an antigen on target cells and at least on one hematopoietic cell type in the individual. The antigen-recognizing receptor is exemplified by chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) be expressed on the surface of an immune effector cells. The system also includes hematopoietic cells resistant to recognition of the same antigen by the antigen-recognizing receptor.

Abstract: A method of preventing and/or treating a cancer, the method including co-administering a dual inhibitor of c-Met (hereinafter, ‘c-Met inhibitor’) and an IGF-1R inhibitor to a subject in need thereof and a use of IGF-1R as a marker for resistance to a c-Met inhibitor.

Abstract: A method of preventing and/or treating a cancer, the method including co-administering a dual inhibitor of c-Met and EGFR (hereinafter, ‘c-Met/EGFR dual inhibitor’) and an IGF-1R inhibitor to a subject in need thereof and a use of IGF-1R as a marker for resistance to a c-Met/EGFR dual inhibitor

Abstract: The present invention provides antibodies that bind to ErbB3 and methods of using same. According to certain embodiments of the invention, the antibodies are fully human antibodies that bind to human ErbB3. In certain embodiments, the antibodies of the present invention block the interaction of ErbB3 with an ErbB3 ligand such as neuregulin 1. The antibodies of the invention are useful for the treatment of various cancers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for releasing a material into an environment. The material may be encapsulated in a receptacle or otherwise packaged for movement into the environment. The receptacle with the material inside is introduced into the environment. A triggering causes release of the material from the receptacle into the environment.

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter provides photo-responsive compounds and methods of use thereof. The photo-responsive compounds comprise a photolabile molecule and a fluorophore appended to the photolabile molecule. The presently-disclosed subject matter further relates to a drug delivery system that uses red blood cells to deliver photo-responsive compounds for the treatment of disease.

Abstract: Provided are a composition for new bone formation and a new bone formation system, which when used to fill a bone treatment site does not effuse from the filled site due to flow of bone marrow fluid or the like, and which can promote formation of new bone at the bone treatment site. By employing a composition for new bone formation containing microparticles of a material that can emit heat in response to an external signal, and a carrier for the microparticles, formation of new bone at the bone treatment site can be promoted.

Abstract: A concentrated acetaminophen solution is provided that is dissolved in polyethylene glycol (PEG) with trace water. The acetaminophen is present in the PEG at a concentration of at least 200 mg per mL. The composition is useful to deliver or safely store concentrated doses of acetaminophen without degradation of the acetaminophen.

Abstract: Methods of treatment using bendamustine formulations designed for small volume intravenous administration are disclosed. The methods conveniently allow shorter administration time without the active ingredient coming out of solution as compared to presently available formulations.

Abstract: Methods of treatment using bendamustine formulations designed for small volume intravenous administration are disclosed. The methods conveniently allow shorter administration time without the active ingredient coming out of solution as compared to presently available formulations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel tigecycline compositions with improved stability in both solid and solution states and processes for making these compositions. These compositions comprise tigecycline, a suitable carbohydrate, and an acid or buffer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for an adjuvant composition that is suited for injectable as well as transdermal administration. The adjuvant composition generally comprises a lipophile, a polymer of acrylic or methacrylic acid, saline, cholesterol, a saponin, and sodium hydroxide. A vaccine composition is also provided for that generally includes the vaccine composition of the present disclosure and an antigen. A method for vaccinating animals and humans utilizing the adjuvant composition of the present disclosure is also provided.

Abstract: Water-soluble supramolecular complexes formed from a water soluble block copolymer and at least one associative gelling adjuvant. The copolymer includes at least two blocks of polyethylene oxide and at least one block of polypropylene oxide. The adjuvant has a water solubility less than 0.5 g/100 ml at 20° C. When combined with water, the complexes form a transparent reversely thermo-reversible hydrogel or solution that may be repeatedly hydrated and dehydrated. The hydrogel exhibits improved gelling efficiency and enhanced solubility and/or stability for sparely soluble and insoluble pharmaceutical agents. The complexes are useful in a variety of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products and applications and may be combined with an effective amount of a cosmetic, medicament, or diagnostic in a solid dosage form.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of enhancing the stability of a sustained pharmaceutical composition comprising an active agent and a polymer and methods of preparing such pharmaceutical compositions with enhanced stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of oleanolic acid drugs and provides a drug sustained release agent based on oleanolic acid and a preparation method thereof. The drug sustained release agent based on the oleanolic acid is applied to drugs with the oleanolic acid as a main drug component and is prepared from the components including a drug carrier, a hydrophilic gel material, a erodible matrix material and an insoluble matrix material, wherein the drug carrier is ?-cyclodextrin-chitosan composites, wherein the oleanolic acid is from a plant raw material, and a host-guest inclusion complex is composed of the main drug component and the drug carrier according to the mass ratio of 0.1:0.1-0.1:5. A preparation method comprises the following steps: preparing the inclusion complex, mixing auxiliaries, carrying out compression moulding and the like.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a low-cost and safe approach to efficient delivery of a substance to phagocytes. In particular, the present invention relates to a carrier for delivery of a substance to phagocytes, the carrier comprising a lactic acid bacterium and/or an extract thereof.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a masked monoclonal antibody (mAb) is provided, the mAb, encoded by a nucleic acid sequence or an amino acid sequence molecule comprising a signal sequence, a masking epitope sequence, a linker sequence that is cleavable by a protease specific to a target tissue; and an antibody or a functional fragment thereof. In another embodiment, a masked monoclonal antibody (mAb) is provided, which includes a therapeutic mAb and a mask, the mask comprising protein A and protein L attached by a protease cleavable linker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for crosslinking hyaluronic acid, a method for preparing an injectable hydrogel, the hydrogel thus obtained and its use.

Abstract: Provided are compositions for repairing an injured tissue. The composition includes carboxymethylcellulose conjugated to an extracellular matrix derived peptide, and a methylcellulose. Also provided are kits and methods for using the subject compositions.

Abstract: Among other aspects, provided herein are multi-armed polymer conjugates comprising an alkanoate-linker, compositions comprising such conjugates, and related methods of making and administering the same. Methods of treatment employing such conjugates and related uses are also provided. The conjugates are prepared with high drug loading efficiencies.

Abstract: Provided herein are polymeric ?-hydroxy aldehyde or ?-hydroxy ketone reagents which can be conjugated to amine-containing compounds to form stable conjugates in a single-step reaction. In selected embodiments, the polymeric reagent itself incorporates an internal proton-abstracting (basic) functional group, to promote more efficient reaction. The substituent is appropriately situated, via a linker if necessary, to position the group for proton abstraction, preferably providing a 4- or 5-bond spacing between the abstracting atom and the hydrogen atom on the ?-carbon. Also provided are methods of using the reagents and stable, solubilized conjugates of the reagents with biologically active compounds. In preferred embodiments, the polymeric component of the reagent or conjugate is a polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: The invention relates to (among other things) N-optionally substituted aryl-2-oligomer-3-alkoxypropionamides and compositions comprising the same. A compound of the invention, when administered by any of a number of administration routes, exhibits one or more advantages over corresponding compounds lacking the oligomer.

Abstract: The present invention provides PEGylated hemoglobins and PEGylated albumins comprising polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugated to hemoglobin or to albumin, wherein the PEG is a maleimide PEG, an alkylamide PEG, an iodoacetamide PEG, a p-nitro thio-phenyl PEG, a vinyl sulfone PEG, or a mixed disulfide PEG; and PEGylated albumins and PEGylated hemoglobins comprising polyethylene glycol (PEG) attached to a thiolated amino group of albumin or hemoglobin, wherein the amino group is thiolated using dithio sulfo succinimidyl propionate (DTSSP) or dithiosuccinimidyl propionate (DTSP) or dithiobispropionimidate. The invention also provides methods of preparing PEGylated hemoglobins and PEGylated albumins comprising a) reacting hemoglobin or albumin with a thiolating agent and with a PEGylating agent, and b) capping unPEGylated reactive thiols of hemoglobin or albumin with N-ethyl maleimide.

Abstract: The invention provides carriers that enhance the absorption, half-life or bioavailability of therapeutic compounds. The carriers comprise targeting groups that bind the Vitamin D Binding protein (DBP), conjugation groups for coupling the targeting groups to the therapeutic compounds, and optionally scaffolding moieties.

Abstract: Described are prodrug conjugates that release a chemotherapeutic agent upon activation by caspase, and methods using such prodrug conjugates to induce apoptosis, amplify apoptosis, and treat cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of logic elements, specifically to logic elements based on biomolecules. The essence of the invention consists in a logic element complex which converts input signals into an output action according to a given logic function. Depending on the output action, the proposed logic element complex can be used both for computational purposes and for various applications in biomedicine, e.g., for diagnostics or therapy of diseases, targeted delivery of a substance to target cells, etc. The technical result when using the invention consists in a logic element complex, for which a plurality of input signals and output actions can be virtually unlimited, said signals and output actions can be different in nature, and, in addition, implementation of a wide range of logic functions for the same input signals is made possible.

Abstract: A conjugate of formula (A):

Abstract: An intracellular bacterial infection in a plant or animal is treated by administration to a plant cell or animal cell of a particle to which an infectious bacteriophage is covalently attached, wherein the particle is internalised by the cell. Particles with phage attached and compositions comprising the particles are provided. A formulation, for treatment of a bacterial infection, comprises bacteriophage, liquid carrier and adhesive, which dries so that the adhesive adheres the bacteriophage to a surface, one such formulation comprising liquid carrier: 85%-99.98% by weight; bacteriophage: 0.01%-5% by weight; and adhesive: 0.01%-10% by weight.

Abstract: Described are vectors containing (a) a gene encoding (i) a CDK4/CDK6 inhibitor, preferably p16INK4a, or (ii) an RNA interfering with CDK4 and/or CDK6 expression and/or activity, under the control of an inducible promoter and (b) a gene encoding a transactivator protein for said promoter useful for treating neurodegenerative disorders. These vectors can be transferred into cells where they will exert a protective function to (i) prevent cell death or to (ii) slow down progression of cell death. These vectors can be used in therapeutic applications to prevent neurodegenerative disorders or to slow down their progression with therapeutic efficacy.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides an inducible vector comprising a therapeutic gene. In some embodiments a method is provided for treating steroid glaucoma. In some embodiments a method is provided for preventing elevated intraocular pressure in a subject receiving steroid treatment. In some embodiments a method is provided for reversing elevated intraocular pressure in a subject receiving steroid treatment. In some embodiments a steroid treatment method is provided. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising an inducible vector.

Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods useful in safely and effectively preventing pathological proliferation of blood vessels. The prevention of the over-proliferation of blood vessels according to the subject invention is particularly advantageous for treatment of certain ocular conditions including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and diabetic retinopathy. In preferred embodiments, the subject invention provides materials and methods for effective treatment of pathological ocular neovascularization using gene therapy. In a specific embodiment the materials and methods of the subject invention can be used to treat AMD.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for expressing a polynucleotide of interest in the retina of a subject. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for expressing a polynucleotide of interest in the retina of a subject comprising the step consisting of injecting into the vitreous an amount of a vector containing the polynucleotide of interest in combination with an amount of an inhibitor of Dp71 expression.

Abstract: A method for organ imaging, comprising: administering to a subject a diagnostic effective amount of 2-((E)-2-((E)-3-(2-((E)-3,3-dimethyl-5-sulfonato-1-(4-sulfonatobutyl)indolin-2-ylidene)ethylidene)-2-phenoxycyclohex-1-en-1-yl)vinyl)-3,3-dimethyl-1-(4-sulfonatobutyl)-3H-indol-1-ium-5-sulfonate or 2-((E)-2-((E)-3-(2-((E)-3,3-dimethyl-5-sulfonato-1-(4-sulfonatobutyl)indolin-2-ylidene)ethylidene)-2-(4-sulfonatophenoxy)cyclohex-1-en-1-yl)vinyl)-3,3-dimethyl-1-(4-sulfonatobutyl)-3H-indol-1-ium-5-sulfonate. In one embodiment, the organ includes one or more of kidney, bladder, liver, gall bladder, spleen, intestine, heart, lungs and muscle.