Abstract: The application provides for MEFA constructs and vaccines against Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). Methods for reducing the incidence of diarrhea associated with ETEC are also provided. The representative adhesin tip MEFAs and the representative major subunit CFA MEFA-II provided in the disclosure has an adhesin tip backbone or major subunit CFA with one or more adhesin tips, adhesin subunit or major structural subunit epitopes incorporated onto the backbone. The adhesin tip MEFAs and the CFA MEFA-II provided advantageously prevents the ETEC molecule from attaching to the intestine.

Abstract: Novel costimulatory fusion proteins and DNA sequences that enhance T cell responses to weakly immunogenic and/or lowly expressed antigens and that confer T cell resistance against MDSC-mediated suppression are disclosed. The fusion proteins comprise portions of CD4, CD8? or the T cell receptor linked to a specific region of MyD88 or other signaling molecules. These fusion proteins and sequence variants thereof improve T cell activation and responsiveness. Also disclosed is the use of these molecules in host cells as a means to enhance and costimulate responses of immune cells including cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and the use of these cells to treat cancer, infectious agents and other diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of cancer. More specifically, the present invention provides compositions and methods for treating cancer using albumin-proaerolysin prodrugs. Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides prodrug compositions. In certain embodiments, a prodrug composition comprises a prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-activated pro-aerolysin (PA), wherein a PSA cleavable linker replaces the native furin cleavage site within PA; and human serum albumin (HSA) or a fragment thereof fused to the N-terminus of the PSA-activated PA.

Abstract: Provided are oligonucleotides that are capable of detecting KRAS and PIK3CA mutations in both cancer patients and healthy individuals with high specificity in kPCR assays. When the oligonucleotides are used as forward primers in conjunction with a defined genotyping algorithm spreadsheet, the primers are capable of enhancing detection of KRAS codon 12, 13, and 61 and PIK3CA codon 542, 545, and 1047 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a background of wild-type sequences. The oligonucleotides of the present invention are also capable of preventing pseudogene amplification when the oligonucleotides are hybridized as reverse primers or detection probes to the mismatch sequences.

Abstract: Methods of treating dry eye syndrome (DES) with an effective amount of thymosin beta 4 (T?4), T?4 fragments, T?4 isoforms, T?4 derivatives, peptide agents including amino acid sequence LKKTET [SEQ ID NO: 1] or LKKTNT [SEQ ID NO:2], or variants thereof are provided. The presently disclosed subject matter provides methods of increasing tear volume, increasing tear film stability, decreasing ocular surface damage, and decreasing ocular discomfort by delivering compositions of thymosin beta 4 or fragments thereof to subjects in need.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for the use of an encapsulation additive having between about 0.1 to about 30 percent isolated and purified vitelline protein B to provide for mixed and extended release formulations.

Abstract: There is a need for delivery platforms with robust capacity that offer the possibility to deliver diverse protein-based therapeutics into specific cells. Described herein is a platform for delivering cargo polypeptides into cells, which is based on a recombinant molecule comprising: a cargo polypeptide, a diphtheria toxin enzymatic fragment (DTA), and a diphtheria toxin translocation fragment (DTB). The platform has been employed to deliver diverse cargo into cells, including those having low or high molecular weights. A hyper-stable cargo polypeptide has been delivered, as well as proteins of therapeutic significance (e.g, MecP2, SMN, FMRP, PNP, alpha-amylase, RRSP, GRA16, and GRA24). The platform is also useful for delivering genome-modifying proteins, such as the CRISPR protein, Cas9.

Abstract: An isolated monoclonal antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof that specifically binds human LAG3. A nucleic acid molecule encoding the antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof, an expression vector, a host cell and a method for expressing the antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof are also provided. The present disclosure further provides an immuneconjugate, a bispecific molecule, a chimeric antigen receptor, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof thereof, as well as a treatment method using the same.

Abstract: Mesenchymal stem cells may be culture for a long period, without using any special apparatus, equipment and the like, in a medium in which seven kinds of nonessential amino acids of glycine, alanine, serine, proline, asparagine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid are reduced.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a non-autologous product that is a mixture of two or more cells or tissue cultures of fibroblast, or extracts from cultures, or media cultures, isolated from separate individuals, either homogeneous or heterogeneous. The cells or factors are blended together in a product that imparts desired characteristics to the skin of a recipient who is not a source of the mixture. The present disclosure also relates to methods of making and using and/or culturing the fibroblasts including to optimize the potency of the mixture to impart one or more the desired characteristics to the skin of a recipient.

Abstract: An immunogenic composition containing a Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) surface polysaccharide II (PSII) or an immunogenic portion thereof; and an ?-galactosylceramide (?-GC) or analog or derivative thereof, which is able to bind to a CD1d glycoprotein, optionally containing a C. difficile TcdB C-terminal domain (CTD), or an immunogenic portion thereof, and/or an adjuvant. A method of treating, ameliorating, or inhibiting a C. difficile infection or a C. difficile-associated diarrhea in a subject by administering the immunogenic composition, particularly in subjects at risk for a C. difficile infection. A method of protecting a subject's gut microflora by administering the immunogenic composition or a composition containing ?-GC and an alum adjuvant.

Abstract: The technology relates generally to the field of immunology and relates in part to methods for activating cells, including for example T cells and T cells that express chimeric antigen receptors, using an inducible chimeric polypeptide including CD40, MyD88, or CD40 and MyD88 polypeptides. The technology further relates in part to therapeutic methods for inducing an immune response and treating tumors in a patient.

Abstract: Methods for the formulation of biodegradable microparticles for delivery of protein drugs, such as botulinum toxin, have been developed. The methods include the steps of precipitating and washing proteins with organic solvent to remove water prior to dispersing in polymer-dissolved organic solvent to prevent exposure to water/solvent interfaces and maintain bioactivity of the protein drugs and fabrication of microparticles by either template or emulsion method. Biodegradable microparticles, formed of one or more biodegradable polymers having entrapped in the polymer one or more protein agents, such as botulinum toxin, are also provided. Precipitated botulinum toxin and botulinum toxin-loaded microparticles can also be formulated into thermogels or crosslinked hydrogels. The stability of the protein within these microparticles, as well as the controlled release of the entrapped agents, provides for sustained efficacy of the agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a preparation method which is performed by expressing the recombinant carrier proteins in Escherichia coli and purification thereof. More particular, the invention relates to industrially scalable process for the recovery of recombinant carrier proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new lipopeptide- and lipoprotein molecules and lipopeptide- and lipoprotein-conjugates. In particular, the present invention relates to new lipopeptide- and lipoprotein molecules and lipopeptide- and lipoprotein-conjugates comprising a lipid-containing moiety representing an adjuvant moiety, a peptide or protein moiety whereby said peptide or protein moiety represents at least one antigenic structure, the antigen-moiety, and, optionally, a conjugate moiety, preferably a monodisperse polyethyleneglycol unit. Said compounds are particularly useful for therapeutic or prophylactic vaccination by mucosal or systemic administration, preferably mucosal and systemic vaccination. That is, the present invention relates in another aspect to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds according to the present invention, in particular, said pharmaceutical compositions are vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vaccines comprising a ShK domain of a filarial nematode protein. These vaccines may be used for the prevention and/or treatment of filarial nematode infections. The invention also relates to novel proteins comprising a ShK domain of a filarial nematode protein and pharmaceutical compositions. The invention may be used for the prevention and/or treatment of filarial nematode infections in canine subjects, and also in human subjects.

Abstract: Complexes comprising a therapeutic monoclonal antibody and a peptide are provided. In some embodiments, the complexes may comprise a therapeutic monoclonal antibody which is not complexed to an epitope of a target protein and a peptide complexed to the therapeutic monoclonal antibody. In some embodiments, the peptide may have a length of about 5-40 amino acids and may comprise a mimetope recognized by the therapeutic monoclonal antibody, wherein the mimetope comprises a linear sequence of amino acids which is different than a linear sequence of amino acids in the epitope of the target protein.

Abstract: In certain embodiments methods of identifying T cell receptors that respond to specific target cell antigens are provided, where the methods comprise providing a substrate bearing a plurality of target cells (e.g., mammalian cells); contacting the target cells on the substrate with CD8+ T cells; and using label-free optical imaging to identify an increase in mass of a T-cell and/or a decrease in mass of a target cell, where an increase in mass of a T cell and/or a decrease in mass of a target cell is an indicator that said T cell bears a T cell receptor activated by antigens presented on said target cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunogenic peptides comprising a T-cell epitope. Said peptides are modified such that CD4+ T-cell responses are obtainable that are much stronger than the CD4+ T-cell responses obtained with the same peptides not comprising said modification. In particular, the modification is the addition of a cysteine, insertion of a cysteine or mutation into a cysteine of a residue at a position adjacent to but outside the MHC-binding site of the peptide. Further disclosed are the use of such modified peptides in treating, suppressing or preventing diseases such as infectious or allergic diseases and autoimmune diseases, in preventing or suppressing graft rejection, or in the eradication of tumor cells.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to spherical nucleic acid-based constructs and related methods and compositions thereof.

Abstract: Herein is reported a method for co-cultivating one or more B-cells comprising the step of incubating the one or more B-cells with EL4-B5 cells, whereby the EL4-B5 cells have been obtained/are from a cultivation of EL4-B5 cells that has a cell density of from 600,000 cells/ml up to 1,500,000 cells/ml.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting environmental contaminants is described. In an embodiment, a method includes macerating and extracting a sample; reacting a first polymerizable compound with the sample to form a second mixture comprising a second polymerizable compound; adding an initiator to the second mixture comprising the second polymerizable compound; performing a polymerization reaction on the second mixture comprising the second polymerizable compound to form a third mixture comprising a precipitate; and performing a turbidimetric analysis on the third mixture comprising the precipitate. In another embodiment, a method includes macerating and extracting a sample; reacting a first mixture comprising the functionalized polythiophene compound and the sample to form a second mixture comprising a second functionalized polythiophene compound; performing a colorimetric analysis on the second mixture comprising the second functionalized polythiophene compound.

Abstract: Emulsifiers for emulsions vaccine formulations and use in water-in-oil emulsion for vaccine formulations as an emulsifier. The emulsifier is an alkoxylated polyol or polyamine which is optionally acyl terminated. There is also provided a method of forming the vaccine formulation. The emulsifiers provide for emulsions which may require less emulsifier than known emulsifiers, and provide stable emulsions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides gene and gene sets, the expression of which is important in the classification and/or prognosis of cancer, in particular of renal cell carcinoma.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated peptide for use as a medicament, wherein said peptide has 9 to 30 amino acids and comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO 1 (VMAPRTLXL), wherein X is an amino acid with a hydrophobic side chain (A, I, L, F, V, P, G), preferably V, L, I or F. The invention further relates to the peptide of the invention for use as a medicament to expand and/or activate NKG2C+ natural killer (NK) cells. The invention further relates to the peptide of the invention for use in the treatment and/or prevention of a medical condition associated with pathogenic cells expressing HLA-E and a peptide comprising an amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO 1 or 2. Additionally, the invention relates to a genetically modified virus encoding a peptide comprising or consisting of a polypeptide of the invention for use as a medicament to expand and/or activate NKG2C+ natural killer (NK) cells.

Abstract: A non-aqueous, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, low pH, lubricating and moisturizing composition adapted for topical or intra-vaginal use during sexual intercourse, the composition consisting essentially of approximately 55-70 vol. % shea butter, approximately 25-40 vol. % coconut oil and approximately 1-5 vol. % grapeseed oil. The composition may further contain no more than approximately 2 vol. % of a scenting component. The composition possesses a low pH to counter the pH elevating effects of semen, soap, menopause and menstruation.

Abstract: Vaccines comprising TRAP polypeptides and Salmonella enteritidis vectors comprising TRAP polypeptides are provided. The vaccines may also include a CD154 polypeptide capable of binding to CD40. Also provided are methods of enhancing an immune response against Apicomplexan parasites and methods of reducing morbidity associated with infection with Apicomplexan parasites.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a vaccine composition comprising an immune amount of Fiber protein of egg drop syndrome virus or an immune amount of a live vector recombined with gene of the Fiber protein of egg drop syndrome virus and a veterinarily acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer for tissue engineering from biodegradable polyphosphazenes, having photopolymerizable side groups, wherein the side groups of the polyphosphazenes are formed exclusively from amino acids and/or amino acid derivatives, which are bonded to the backbone of the polyphosphazene via the amino group of the amino acid and to a spacer attached to the acid group with a carbon chain of length m, which has a vinyl group at the free end, wherein m=0 to m=10.

Abstract: Embodiments concern methods and composition related to anergic T-cells in patients, such as cancer patients.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a protein isolate of the biomass of microalgae of the genus Chlorella, characterised in that it comprises the following steps: supplying a microalgal biomass produced by fermentation, washing the biomass so as to eliminate the soluble interstitial compounds and concentrating the biomass, mechanically grinding the washed and concentrated biomass in a horizontal ball grinder-type system in order to produce an emulsion, destructuring the emulsion thus produced, triple-phase separation so as to separate the soluble fraction from the fractions containing the lipids and the cell debris, recovery of the soluble fraction thus produced in order to produce the soluble protein isolate, then evaporation, pasteurisation and atomisation of said protein isolate.

Abstract: A method of determining whether an individual is infected with mycobacteria. The method comprising the steps of (a) providing a system which comprises at least two different mycolic-acid derived antigens; (b) introducing a sample obtained from the individual into the system and into contact with each of the at least two different mycolic-acid derived antigens; and (c) detecting the presence or absence of the binding of a biomarker in the sample with each antigen in the system. The method may be particularly suitable for determining the presence or absence of a disease antibody indicative of infection with any disease caused by infection with mycobacteria, for example tuberculosis, leprosy, pulmonary disease, burili ulcer, Johne's disease and bovine tuberculosis. A kit and device are also described. The present invention may provide an over the counter device to allow individuals to check on a routine basis that they have normal immune responses.

Abstract: Compounds of general formula (I): R1-Wm-Xn-AA1-AA2-AA3-AA4-AA5-AA6-Yp-Zq-R2 (I) their stereoisomers, mixtures thereof and/or their cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical compositions which contain them and their use in medicine, and in processes of treatment and/or care of the skin, hair and/or mucous membranes, in particular in the aging and photoaging of the skin.

Abstract: Provided herein are microorganisms engineered with hybrid receptors and genetic circuits. Also provided are hybrid receptors having a CqsS polypeptide and a heterologous histidine kinase domain of a two-component system. Methods for using engineered microorganisms to sense and destroy pathogens (e.g., Vibrio cholerae) are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of treating individuals with yeast-based immunotherapy who have been preselected as being sensitive to type I interferons, as well as methods for selecting individuals for treatment with yeast-based immunotherapeutic compositions and methods for enhancing or improving an individual's response to yeast-based immunotherapy, based on the individual's sensitivity to type 1 interferons (T1IFNs).

Abstract: The invention relates to an RNA comprising at least one open reading frame (ORF) and comprising at least one modification, which increases the expression of the encoded peptide or protein. Furthermore, the invention relates to the medical use of such a modified RNA administered to a subject by jet injection. The invention relates further to a pharmaceutical composition and to a kit of parts comprising said modified RNA for administration by jet injection, preferably for use in the field of gene therapy and/or genetic vaccination. Additionally, the invention relates to a method for enhancing the (localized) expression of RNA-encoded peptides or proteins in the dermis or muscle (of a mammal) comprising administering the modified RNA by jet injection. And finally, the invention relates to a method of treatment comprising administering the modified RNA by jet injection to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Recombinant, live, attenuated viruses of the Pneumoviridae family are disclosed that include a baculovirus GP64 envelope glycoprotein or variant or fragment thereof and a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) F protein variant or fragment thereof. Also disclosed are polynucleotides encoding the virus as well as pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines containing the virus. In addition, methods of producing and using each of the above compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention generally embraces the treatment of diseases by targeting cells expressing an antigen on the cell surface. In particular the invention relates to a method for stimulating, priming and/or expanding in vivo T cells genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeted to an antigen, comprising contacting the T cells with the antigen or a variant thereof in vivo. In one embodiment, the antigen or variant thereof is provided by administering a nucleic acid encoding the antigen or variant thereof.

Abstract: There are provided an imaging device, an information acquisition method, and an information acquisition program that can simply and accurately acquire information related to a ray angle with respect to an image sensor in a case where subject light is incident on the image sensor through an interchangeable lens even though the interchangeable lens having no compatibility is mounted on the imaging device. An image sensor (201) including first phase difference pixels and second phase difference pixels is moved between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2) in the direction of an optical axis of an interchangeable lens.

Abstract: An immunogenic composition having 13 distinct polysaccharide-protein conjugates and optionally, an aluminum-based adjuvant, is described. Each conjugate contains a capsular polysaccharide prepared from a different serotype of Streptococcus pneumoniae (1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F and 23F) conjugated to a carrier protein. The immunogenic composition, formulated as a vaccine, increases coverage against pneumococcal disease in infants and young children globally, and provides coverage for serotypes 6A and 19A that is not dependent on the limitations of serogroup cross-protection.

Abstract: The present specification discloses recombinant nucleic acid constructs encoding an immunogenic multiepitope polypeptide comprising two or more polypeptides, recombinant nucleic acid constructs encoding at least two epitopes from two or more internal proteins of influenza virus, compositions comprising such recombinant nucleic acid constructs and methods of eliciting a T cell immune response against an influenza virus in a vertebrate using such recombinant nucleic acid constructs and compositions.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes compositions of a zwitterionic polysaccharide (e.g., B. fragilis capsular polysaccharide A (PSA)) (including active fragments thereof) and methods of treating viral infection and viral infection associated inflammation with compositions of a zwitterionic polysaccharide (e.g., B. fragilis capsular polysaccharide A (PSA)) (including active fragments thereof).

Abstract: The present invention relates to DNA sequences encoding Vmp-like polypeptides of pathogenic Borrelia, the use of the DNA sequences in recombinant vectors to express polypeptides, the encoded amino acid sequences, application of the DNA and amino acid sequences to the production of polypeptides as antigens for immunoprophylaxis, immunotherapy, and immunodiagnosis. Also disclosed are the use of the nucleic acid sequences as probes or primers for the detection of organisms causing Lyme disease, relapsing fever, or related disorders, and kits designed to facilitate methods of using the described polypeptides, DNA segments and antibodies.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for preventing and treating a Mycoplasma hyorhinis infection in swine. The composition uses XylF, DnaK, P72, or a combination thereof as an active pharmaceutical ingredient. Further disclosed are an expression vector and a method for producing the active pharmaceutical ingredient of the composition using a prokaryotic expression system.

Abstract: This invention is directed to composition, vaccines, tools and methods in the treatment and prevention of Bordetella pertussis. In particular, the invention is directed to a three-pronged approach that involves removal of the nonessential vaccine components, use of a nondenatured, genetically detoxified mutant, and adding virulence factors.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes combination therapies comprising an antagonist of Programmed Death 1 receptor (PD-1) and a Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist that is a CpG-C type oligonucleotide, and the use of the combination therapies for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The invention is based upon the identification of a number of antigens derived from a species of the genus Streptococcus, which are cross reactive and which may serve as the basis of useful compositions and tests and procedures capable of identifying and/or detecting Streptococcus sp in samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of bacterial superinfections post-influenza. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of treating a bacterial superinfection post-influenza in a subject in need thereof comprising administering the subject with a therapeutically effective amount of a flagellin polypeptide optionally in combination with at least one antibiotic.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinantly modified PEGylated bacteriophage expressing a mammalian antigen presenting cell chemoattractant. The present invention further provides methods of treatment of mammalian subjects having a bacterial infection by the administration of a pharmaceutically acceptable formulation of a recombinantly modified PEGylated bacteriophage expressing a mammalian antigen presenting cell chemoattractant. The present invention further provides pharmaceutically acceptable formulations of recombinantly modified PEGylated bacteriophage expressing a mammalian antigen presenting cell chemoattractant. The present invention further provides a method of inducing an antibacterial immune response in a mammalian subject having bacterial infection by the administration of a pharmaceutically acceptable formulation of a recombinantly modified PEGylated bacteriophage expressing a mammalian antigen presenting cell chemoattractant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are polypeptides and fusion polypeptides that have anti-angiogenic activity that can be used to inhibit tumor growth and tumor metastasis. The polypeptide consists of 9 or less consecutive amino acid residues (e.g., 8, 7, 6, 5, or 4) comprising the active core amino acid sequence DWLP, or an amino acid substitution variant thereof. Specific amino acid substitutions are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the peptide consists essentially of 4-6 mers identified as exhibiting the activity of prosaposin A. Also disclosed herein are therapeutic compositions comprising the polypeptides and fusion polypeptides, and their use in the treatment, prevention, and inhibition of angiogenesis-related diseases and disorders such as cancer and cancer metastasis.