Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing antibodies against peptides, proteins, or such to which immune tolerance is easily established, by using antigen-binding molecules comprising a domain that binds to a molecule expressed on the surface of a cell having an immune response-suppressing function and a T cell receptor (TCR) complex-binding domain. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions for use in combination with therapeutic vaccines and agents for enhancing a humoral immune response, each comprising the antigen-binding molecules as active ingredients.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for producing soluble di-chain BoNT/A protein.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and related compositions for administering viral transfer vectors and antigen-presenting cell targeted immunosuppressants.

Abstract: Provided herein are HIV-1 vaccines comprising a carrier and a population episensus antigen determined using the EpiGraph approach. Also provided are HIV-1 vaccines comprising a carrier, a population episensus antigen, and a tailored antigen. Also provided are methods of designing and producing an HIV-1 vaccine for a subject comprising designing vaccine antigens to optimally cover the diversity within a geographic area using an antigen amino acid sequence generated using the EpiGraph approach, and producing said designed vaccine antigen. Also provided are methods of inducing an effector memory T cell response comprising designing the one or more EpiGraph amino acid sequences, producing a vaccine comprising the one or more EpiGraph amino acid sequences and a vector, and administering the vaccine to a subject. Further provided are methods of treating HIV-1 in a subject comprising administering an effective amount of the described HIV-1 vaccines to the subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and compositions for affecting the development of antigen presenting cell (APC, e.g., a macrophage or dendritic cell). The methods include maturing an APC, promoting anti-inflammatory phenotype, promoting development of a T regulatory cell (Treg) from a naive T cell. The methods generally include exposing an APC to a tryptophan derived microbiota metabolite (TDMM), such as an anti-inflammatory or pro-mucosal TDMM, and permitting the APC to mature. In some embodiments, the conditioned APC is exposed to a naive T cell to further promote development of a T regulatory cell (Treg). In some embodiments, the TDMM is selected from the group consisting of indole, indole-3-acetate, 5-hydroxyindole, and indole-3-pyruvate.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide stable antibody-containing formulations which are suitable for subcutaneous administration and in which aggregation formation is suppressed during long-term storage. The present inventors discovered that a significant stabilization effect was achieved by using an acidic amino acid, aspartic acid or glutamic acid as a counter ion species in histidine buffer or tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, specifically by using histidine-aspartate buffer or histidine-glutamate buffer, or tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane-aspartate or tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane-glutamate as a buffer. The present inventors also discovered that a significant stabilization effect was achieved by using an acidic amino acid, aspartic acid or glutamic acid, as a counter ion species to a basic amino acid such as arginine, specifically by using arginine-aspartate or arginine-glutamate.

Abstract: The present invention provides new derivatives of CATH2 or CMAP27, one of the cathelicidins. These derivatives comprise N-terminally truncated peptides, cyclic peptides, D-amino acid variants of CATH2 and its truncated derivatives, inverso and retroinverso CATH2 derivatives. These derivatives are useful as anti-infectives, in vaccines, and especially for in ovo applications. Further, for the above derivatives and also for the already known C-terminally truncated derivatives new immunoactivating functions have been described that are particularly advantageous for prophylactic treatments.

Abstract: A pegylated type I interferon for use in treating an infectious disease, cancer, or myeloproliferative disease in a subject in need thereof, wherein a 50 to 540 ?g dose of the pegylated type I interferon is administered to the subject at a regular interval for a treatment period, the interval being 3 to 8 weeks.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to, inter alia, a method for treating a tumor by intratumorally delivering an effective amount of a composition comprising an expression vector that comprises a first nucleotide sequence encoding a secretable vaccine protein, and a second nucleotide sequence encoding a T cell costimulatory fusion protein.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the field of exosome delivery systems. In particular, compositions comprising adipose-derived exosomes that may be used as a delivery system are encompassed. The exosome delivery system can be used to deliver exogenous cargo such as miRNA and other inhibitory RNAs, as well as proteins, to target cells in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an isolated synthetic tripeptide of formula H-D-Phe-N-Methyl-L-Val-L-Ala-OMe (SEQ ID NO:1), or a derivative thereof, and to the corresponding lipotripeptides, which are specific to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) S-type strain, as well as derivatives and conjugates thereof. The invention also concerns the use of these antigens in different methods and tests for detecting Map infection, especially by detecting humoral response and cell mediated response of infected animals. The invention is also directed to a genetic signature of Map and a mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy signature of Map presence or infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for reducing the risk and severity of C. difficile infection. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that a restricted fraction of the gut microbiota, including the bacterium Clostridium scindens, contributes substantially to resistance against C. difficile infection. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that this is achieved through the biosynthesis of secondary bile acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vaccine products for the treatment or prevention of viral infections. Further provided are methods of reducing contaminants associated with the preparation of cell culture vaccines. Residual functional cell culture DNA is degraded by treatment with a DNA alkylating agent, such as ?-propiolactone (BPL), thereby providing a vaccine comprising immunogenic proteins derived from a virus propagated on cell culture, substantially free of residual functional cell culture DNA.

Abstract: The embodiment of the invention is to enable universal non-classical MHC I peptide vaccines restricted to HLA-E, HLA-F and HLA-G. An algorithm was develop to predict HLA-E binding immunogenic or suppressorgenic peptides of the autologous origins, e.g., autoantigens, inflammatory antigens, IgE and cancer antigens, and of the microbial origins. Thus, the embodiment of the invention is to load the antigenic peptides of medical and therapeutic importance onto the non-polymorphic HLA-E, HLA-F, and HLA-G culminating in universal vaccines, bypassing highly polymorphic classical MHC I, e.g., HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-C pathways, in order to treat autoimmune diseases, allergy, inflammatory diseases, cancers, and infectious diseases for all human population. Derlin-1 and UL40 pathways are utilized to enable antigen presentation and vaccine efficacies in the non-classical MHC I pathways.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treating diseases associated with expression of a tumor antigen as described herein. The invention also relates to nucleic acids comprising a truncated PGK promoter operably linked to a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) specific to a tumor antigen as described herein, vectors encoding the same, and recombinant T cells comprising the CARs of the present invention. The invention also includes methods of administering a genetically modified T cell expressing a CAR that comprises an antigen binding domain that binds to a tumor antigen as described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the composition and method of preparing an immunogen designated as I-spga consisting of a complex antigen prepared from 18 to 26 species of pathogenic microorganisms isolated from patients, inactivated with binary ethyleneamine (BEI) and formalin, diluted in a SPGA immunopotentiator mixed with QS-21 adjuvant. By inoculating the hens with the I-spga immunogen, hyperimmune eggs (Immunospga) are obtained which contain immunologically active proteins specific to the 18-26 antigens used for immunization. The immune response of the hens is specific to the used antigens by amplification of the antigenic signal by the SPGA immunopotentiator and due to a special immunization program that allows the immune system to act complex and intense: The I-spga complex antigen contains 18-26 microorganisms isolated from patients, bacterial bodies, components from bodies obtained by ultrasonography, cilia, exotoxins, endotoxins, spores, viruses, fungi or yeasts.

Abstract: The disclosure describes novel systems, methods, and compositions for the manipulation of nucleic acids in a targeted fashion. The disclosure describes non-naturally occurring, engineered CRISPR systems, components, and methods for targeted modification of nucleic acids. Each system includes one or more protein components and one or more nucleic acid components that together target nucleic acids.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stable immunogenic composition capable of eliciting a robust and durable immune response, comprising at least one antigen consisting of a filovirus glycoprotein and at least one nano-emulsion adjuvant which are co-lyophilized and can be reconstituted immediately prior to use. Also disclosed is a vaccine composition comprising at least two antigens, wherein each antigen is specific to a different genus of filovirus and which also comprises at least one nano-emulsion adjuvant.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for generating an immunogenic response in humans. Further provided are methods for designing such compositions, e.g., for vaccines.

Abstract: This invention relates to the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases by administering compositions that increase the activity of a small proline-rich repeat 1 A protein (Sprr1A), or derivative thereof to the brain. Specifically, the compositions may comprise a nucleic acid molecule encoding a Sprr1A protein or a biologically-active portion thereof. The neurodegenerative disease may be Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or traumatic brain injury.

Abstract: Electrical detection methods are used to identify and further characterize single-molecule target analytes such as proteins and nucleic acids. A composition including a probe region and a tail region is contacted with a target analyte. The probe region specifically binds to the target analyte. The tail region is coupled to the probe region, and includes a nucleic acid template for polynucleotide synthesis. When conditions are such that polynucleotide synthesis occurs along the tail region, one hydrogen ion is released for every nucleotide that is incorporated into the tail region. A transistor such as an ISFET detects and measures changes in ion concentration, and these measurements can be used to identify the tail region and thus characterize the corresponding target analyte.

Abstract: Provided herein, in some embodiments, are methods and composition for treating cancer in a subject. The methods may include administering to the subject a nucleic acid encoding MIP3? fused to a cancer antigen, administering to the subject a CpG oligodeoxynucleotide, administering to the subject interferon alpha (IFN?), and administering to the subject 5-aza-2?-deoxycytidine (Aza), in effective amounts to treat the cancer.

Abstract: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) can be used in place of DCs when pulsing with antigens, or antigen and adjuvant combination, and then administered to a subject as a vaccine to induce a protective immune response. The PBMC-based vaccine strategy provides a more marked and enduring protective immune response and is also capable of serving as a multi-organism prophylactic vaccine platform. The vaccine platform may be used to screen vaccine and adjuvant combinations and may also be used to allow for adjuvants that are otherwise unsafe for use in humans as the adjuvant may be removed prior to prophylactic administration of the pulsed PBMCs.

Abstract: The invention provides Cockroach proteins, peptides, subsequences, portions, homologues, variants and derivatives thereof, and methods and uses and medicaments of such proteins, peptides, subsequences, portions, homologues, variants and derivatives thereof. Such methods, uses and medicaments include modulating an immune response, protecting a subject against or treating a subject for an allergic response, allergic disorder or allergic disease and inducing immunological tolerance to the allergen (e.g., Cockroach allergen) in a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are Mycoplasma bovis immunogenic compositions useful in raising an immune response in animals against M. bovis. Also disclosed herein are methods for generating a protective response against infections in mammals caused by M. bovis.

Abstract: Methods of preparing influenza viruses having altered immunodominant epitopes in HA, e.g., having one or more residues in one or more of antigenic sites A-E in HA altered, and viral vectors, e.g., influenza virus VLPs or non-influenza viruses or VLPs thereof expressing or having influenza HAs with altered immunogenicity as a result of altered immunodominant epitopes therein are provided.

Abstract: Provided are Cas9 enzymes that have mutations that enhance their properties, relative to un-mutated Cas9. The altered Cas9 enzymes exhibit i) an increased rate of spacer acquisition, or ii) increased cleavage efficiency of targets with NAG PAMs, or a combination of i) and ii). The altered Cas9 enzymes comprise an amino acid substitution of 1473 and K500 in a Streptococcus pyogenes or similar Cas9 enzyme. Also provided are polynucleotides, including expression vectors that encode the Cas9 enzymes, cells that contain the polynucleotides, and methods of making and using such cells. The disclosure includes tagging, or labelling bacteria, and for enhancing phage acquired immunity in bacteria, such as those used in industrial processes, including the food and beverage industry, such as the dairy industry. The food products are also included.

Abstract: The present invention provides antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof that bind ILT3, ILT3 ligand (i.e., PI16) or a complex between ILT3 and the ILT3 ligand. Methods for determining whether ILT3 and the ILT3 ligand bind together or whether a substance agonizes or antagonizes such binding are also provided.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, compositions and processes related to a microbial-based biosensor system for the detection of small molecules and analytes based on an analyte-responsive transcription factor-DNA binding mechanism with either a ratiometric fluorescent output through Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) or a redox sensor output for the quantification of the target analyte with high sensitivity.

Abstract: Provided herein are variant CD80 polypeptides, immunomodulatory proteins comprising variant CD80 polypeptides, and nucleic acids encoding such proteins. The immunomodulatory proteins provide therapeutic utility for a variety of immunological and oncological conditions. Compositions and methods for making and using such proteins are provided.

Abstract: A colloidal dispersion is disclosed comprising poly alpha-1,3-glucan or poly alpha-1,3-1,6-glucan and a solvent. The colloidal dispersion has utility in various applications, including food, oil field, pharmaceutical, personal care and specialty industries.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to vaccine compositions that are capable of eliciting and sustaining an immune response in a subject. The vaccine composition comprises a water-in-oil emulsion and a plurality of immunogen loaded hydrogel particles surrounded with a cationic polymer shell dispersed in the aqueous phase of the emulsion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tick polypeptides and compositions comprising the same, which are useful for treatment or prophylaxis of tick infestation in a subject.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treatment of CEP290 related diseases are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention include methods for detecting in vitro the presence of Memory B cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) that produce antibodies reactive to CNS antigens associated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Stimulating PBMCs from patients with MS by a polyclonal stimulating agent promotes the ability of B-lymphocytes, when exposed to a CNS antigen, to produce antibodies specific for the CNS antigen. In contrast, stimulating PBMCs from subjects without MS do not produce such responses.

Abstract: The present invention relates in part to nucleic acids encoding proteins, therapeutics comprising nucleic acids encoding proteins, methods for inducing cells to express proteins using nucleic acids, methods, kits and devices for transfecting, gene editing, and reprogramming cells, and cells, organisms, and therapeutics produced using these methods, kits, and devices. Methods and products for altering the DNA sequence of a cell are described, as are methods and products for inducing cells to express proteins using synthetic RNA molecules. Therapeutics comprising nucleic acids encoding gene-editing proteins are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions comprising bacterial strains for treating and preventing inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Novel combination therapies involving nitroxoline, its analogue or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof with at least one additional anti-cancer chemotherapy or immunotherapy agent are described. Related kits, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of production arlinee also described.

Abstract: This disclosure provides for compositions and methods for the use of nucleic acid-targeting nucleic acids and complexes thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vaccine for feline leukemia virus and methods of making and using the vaccine alone, or in combinations with other protective agents.

Abstract: Provided herein are mutant single-chain Mycobacterium smegmatis porin (Msp) and uses thereof.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided inter alia an aqueous liquid pharmaceutical formulation comprising insulin or an insulin analogue, ionic zinc, a chelating agent and polysorbate 80.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nutritional composition comprising at least two human milk oligosaccharides, for use to decrease the concentration of detrimental proteolytic metabolites (e.g. branched short chain fatty acids) in the digestive tract in an infant or a young child.

Abstract: The present description relates to a skin ointment or topical composition for skin rejuvenation and/or repair. The composition generally comprises: a biocompatible mixture of probiotics (e.g., probiotic yeast and/or bacteria); admixed with one or more of: exfoliating agents, mud and/or clay, blood circulation promoting agent, and nutrients. Methods, uses and kits relating to same are also described.

Abstract: A chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that binds to CEACAM6, an epitope or fragment thereof, or a variant thereof.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns a method for making a hybrid organic/inorganic material having an architecture. The method includes combining a peptoid comprising a sequence of N-substituted glycine residues and an inorganic material or inorganic material precursor to form a hybrid organic/inorganic material comprising the peptoid and the inorganic material, the hybrid organic/inorganic material having an architecture based at least in part on the peptoid sequence. The hybrid organic/inorganic materials include a cluster of nanoparticles of an inorganic material and peptoids, the cluster formed by random attachment of nanoparticles to one another by peptoid-peptoid and peptoid-nanoparticle surface interactions, wherein the hybrid material has an architecture based at least in part on the peptoid sequence.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to immunomodulatory bacterial minicells and methods of using the minicells.

Abstract: Conjugates of an active agent such as DM1 attached to a targeting moiety, such as a somatostatin receptor binding moiety, via a linker, and particles comprising such conjugates have been designed. Such conjugates and particles can provide improved temporospatial delivery of the active agent, improved biodistribution and penetration in tumor, and/or decreased toxicity. Methods of making the conjugates, the particles, and the formulations thereof are provided. Methods of administering the formulations to a subject in need thereof are provided, for example, to treat or prevent cancer.

Abstract: An immunomodulator for use in the treatment, reduction, inhibition or control of a neoplastic disease in a patient intended to undergo checkpoint inhibition therapy, selected from a cell, protein, peptide, antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof, directed against CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1 and combinations thereof, simultaneously, separately or sequentially with administration of the immunomodulator. The immunomodulator comprises a whole cell Mycobacterium, for example, M. vaccae or M. obuense.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for obtaining purified recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus particles (rAAV), comprising performing a depth filtration of a starting material previously obtained from cells producing rAAV particles comprising a cell lysate and/or a culture supernatant, followed by a first step of anion-exchange chromatography, a second step of anion-exchange chromatography and a final step of tangential flow filtration, whereby purified recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus particles (rAAV) are provided.