Abstract: The present invention relates generally to viral variants exhibiting reduced sensitivity to particular agents and/or reduced interactivity with immunological reagents. More particularly, the present invention is directed to hepatitis B virus (HBV) variants exhibiting complete or partial resistance to nucleoside or nucleotide analogs and/or reduced interactivity with antibodies to viral surface components including reduced sensitivity to these antibodies. Vaccines and diagnostic assays are also contemplated herein.

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 dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (“DMPC”); either dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol (“DMPG”) or dimyristoyltrimethylammonium propane (“DMTAP”) or both DMPC and DMTAP; and at least one sterol derivative providing a covalent anchor for one or more immunogenic polypeptide(s) or carbohydrate(s).

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant protein comprising consecutive amino acids, the sequence of which is substantially identical to a sequence of amino acids present in a Rhodococcus equi virulence-associated protein and compositions containing fusion proteins of the invention. The present invention also provides uses of the compositions in the manufacture of hyperimmune plasma against Rhodococcus equi, in producing a hyperimmune plasma against Rhodococcus equi in protecting an animal against Rhodococcus equi and in protecting a newborn animal against Rhodococcus equi.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising a mutant fragment of an outer surface protein A (OspA), a nucleic acid coding the same, a pharmaceutical composition (particularly for use as a medicament of in a method of treating or preventing a Borrelia infection) comprising the polypeptide and/or the nucleic acid, a method of treating or preventing a Borrelia infection and a method of immunizing a subject.

Abstract: The invention compositions comprising a continuous hydrophobic phase and liposomes as a vehicle for delivery of an antigen capable of inducing a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response and methods for their use in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Elimination of disulphide bond formation of cysteine-containing S. aureus antigens enhances antigen stability. The invention provides variant forms of cysteine-containing S. aureus antigen with a point mutation that replaces, deletes or modifies the cysteine residue.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns methods and materials for inducing an immune response in an animal or person against an immunodeficiency virus, such as HIV, SIV, or FIV. In one embodiment, a method of the invention comprises administering one or more antigens and/or immunogens to the person or animal wherein the antigen and/or immunogen comprises one or more evolutionarily conserved epitopes of immunodeficiency viruses. In one embodiment, the epitope is one that is conserved between HIV and SIV, or between HIV and FIV. In another embodiment, the epitope is one that is conserved between HIV, SIV, and FIV.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to assessing immunity to folate receptors. For example, methods and materials for assessing FR? immunity in a mammal are provided. This document also provides methods and materials related to stimulating immunity to folate receptors.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composition for treating and preventing an ischemic injury. More particularly, it relates to a composition containing a peptide derived from a telomerase, which is effective in treating and preventing an ischemic injury. The peptide according to the present disclosure, a peptide having 80% or more sequence identity with the amino acid sequence of the peptide or a peptide which is a fragment thereof, has a superior effect of treating and preventing an ischemic injury. Accordingly, a composition containing the peptide may be effectively used for an ischemic injury, particularly for an ischemic-reperfusion injury.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal anti-HPV (human papillomavirus) E7 antibodies capable of specifically recognizing an epitope of the C-terminal or the N-terminal region of a HPV E7 protein, diagnostic compositions and kits comprising said antibodies as well as methods for immunohistochemical and ELISA-based diagnosis of HPV infections utilizing said antibodies.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for detecting the presence or absence of a biomarker in a biological sample at a very low concentration comprising the steps of (a) contacting the biological sample with a capture binding sequence immobilized on a surface, (b) providing a conjugate comprising a detection binding sequence-glucose oxidase, (c) contacting the surface with the detection binding sequence-glucose oxidase conjugate, (d) separating any unbound detection binding sequence-glucose oxidase conjugate from the surface, (e) incubating the resulting surface with a glucose solution and a mixture comprising gold nanoparticles and a gold salt, wherein the gold nanoparticles have an initial particle size of about 5 nm, and (f) observing any change in color of the mixture. The invention also provides a method for diagnosing the presence of a prostate cancer biomarker in a subject and a kit for detecting or quantifying a biomarker in a biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immunogenic composition comprising an antigen and a dendritic cell targeting component. A charged group is covalently attached to a dendritic cell ligand and is electrostatically associated with the dendritic cell targeting component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising hepatitis C virus (HCV) Envelope 2 (E2) glycoprotein, wherein the HCV E2 is substantially monomer depleted HCV E2. Also provide are methods of inducing an HCV immune response.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for the generation of an antibody or immunogenic composition, such as a vaccine, through epitope focusing by variable effective antigen surface concentration. Generally, the composition and methods of the disclosure comprise three steps: a “design process” comprising one or more in silico bioinformatics steps to select and generate a library of potential antigens for use in the immunogenic composition; a “formulation process”, comprising in vitro testing of potential antigens, using various biochemical assays, and further combining two or more antigens to generate one or more immunogenic compositions; and an “administering” step, whereby the immunogenic composition is administered to a host animal, immune cell, subject or patient. Further steps may also be included, such as the isolation and production of antibodies raised by host immune response to the immunogenic composition.

Abstract: This in invention relates to methods for the nucleic acid amplification of multiple variants (strains) of any pathogen present in a sample, and preferably in a sample from a pathogen infected individual. In preferred embodiments, the pathogen is a retrovirus, such as HIV. The amplified pathogen nucleic acid can be used to identify the pathogen variants present in a sample, to quantitate the pathogen present in a sample, and as a nucleic acid vaccine, or in the preparation of antigen presenting cell vaccines. Nucleic acids produced by the methods of the invention or the proteins encoded thereby can be used to transfect/load antigen presenting cells. The loaded antigen presenting cells can then be used as a vaccine for the treatment of pathogen infection. In another embodiment, nucleic acids produced by the methods of the invention can be used directly as nucleic acid vaccines without prior loading into antigen presenting cells.

Abstract: An ELISPOT method of in vitro diagnosis of tuberculosis includes enriching or separating liquid blood fraction from its cellular components including visualizing immunocompetent cells by detecting different dyes and using at least two different filter sets, each including one narrowband excitation filter and one narrowband blocking filter, wherein the narrowband excitation filter is transmissive for light provided for luminescent excitation of a respective dye and the narrowband blocking filter is transmissive for light emitted by a respective dye and measuring the number of immunocompetent cells that secrete at least interferon-? and interleukin-2 as a reaction to an antigen by superimposing at least two two-dimensional images generated during visualization to avoid luminescence of different dyes interfering and strong luminescence being superimposed on weak luminescence.

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: Provided are topical delivery systems and methods for treating and/or preventing a disease or disorder in a subject, or for eliciting an immune response in a subject, including applying, to at least a portion of the subject's post-auricular region, a topical delivery system including a therapeutically effective amount of a topical pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one active agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and/or adjuvant. The topical pharmaceutical composition can include a topical immunogenic composition. The topical delivery system can further include a flexible substrate in communication with the topical immunogenic composition. The subject can be a pediatric subject.

Abstract: The invention provides an immunogenic composition comprising one or more GBS conjugates and one or more antigens selected from: a) cellular or acellular pertussis antigen, b) a tetanus toxoid, c) a diphtheria toxoid and d) an inactivated polio virus antigen, wherein each GBS conjugate is a group B streptococcus capsular saccharide conjugated to a carrier protein. The invention also provides a method for raising an immune response in a patient, comprising the step of administering to the patient a composition of the invention.

Abstract: A composition and method for immunizing a mammal infected with Mycobacterium are disclosed. The genes gcpE, pstA, kdpC, papA2, impA, umaA1, fabG2_2, aceAB, mbtH2, IpqP, map0834c, cspB, lipN, and map1634 of M. paratuberculosis and the products that they encode are vaccine targets for Johne's and Crohn's disease. Eighteen M. paratuberculosis-specific genomic islands (MAPs) were identified. Three inverted large genomic fragments in M. paratuberculosis (INV) were also identified. These genomic identifiers represent novel virulence determinants that can be used as targets for vaccines and for developments of drugs against Johne's disease. The methods can be used to deliver an immunizing compound to a mammal, to provide an immune response against Johne's or Crohn's disease in the mammal.

Abstract: CXCL12 polypeptide eluting matrices encapsulating at least one cell are described for use in the treatment of autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: A composition for use in cardiovascular therapy includes transfer factor. The transfer factor may be nonmammalian transfer factor, such as that derived from eggs, or mammalian transfer factor, such as that derived from colostrum. The composition may also include one or more of the following: an LDL receptor-binding element; a blood flow-enhancing element; a cholesterol reducing element; a fat oxidation prevention element, and an antioxidant. Treatment methods include enlisting the immune system of a subject receiving therapy to attack pathogens that cause inflammation of blood vessels or to otherwise reduce inflammation of blood vessels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising at least three peptide fragments consisting of 10 to 50 consecutive amino acid residues of at least one wild-type allergen fused to the N- and C-terminus of a surface polypeptide of a virus of the hepadnaviridae family or at least one fragment of said surface polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to reagents useful for generating immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and for diagnosing infection and disease in a subject that has been exposed to M. tuberculosis.

Abstract: Provided are the tolerogenic dendritic cells for treating a myocardial infarction and a method for preparing the same, and more particularly, the tolerogenic dendritic cells for treating a myocardial infarction, which can treat cardiac insufficiency that occurs by excessive remodeling of left ventricle in the heart muscle recovery process after an acute myocardial infarction, and a method for preparing the tolergenic dendritic cells. According to the present invention, the inflammatory reaction and the excessive remodeling of left ventricle in the heart muscle recovery process after a myocardial infarction can be inhibited, and thus, the incidence rate of cardiac insufficiency can be significantly reduced, thereby being effectively used for treating a myocardial infarction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modified colostrum protein having an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO.: 1, which is generated by replacing Ile at position 33, Glu at position 101 and Arg at position 175 present in the amino acid sequence of a wild type colostrum protein shown in SEQ ID NO.: 2 respectively with Ala, Cys and Cys.

Abstract: Methods for increasing plasmin activity in a patient in need thereof are provided, comprising administering to the patient a therapeutic amount of an agent which binds to ?2-antiplasmin at a binding site to increase conversion of ?2-antiplasmin from an inhibitor to a plasmin substrate, thereby increasing plasmin activity in the patient. Also provided are methods for the identification of compounds or molecules that increase plasmin activity, comprising determining whether the compound or molecule binds to a binding site on ?2-antiplasmin which increases the conversion of ?2-antiplasmin from an inhibitor to a plasmin substrate, wherein the compound or molecule is not an antibody, thereby identifying a compound or molecule which increases plasmin activity. Further provided are pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use thereof for the treatment of myocardial infarction, thrombosis, ischemic stroke, and pulmonary embolism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing natural killer cells (hereinafter, referred to as “NK cells”), NK cells produced thereby, and a composition for treating cancers and infectious diseases containing the same. The present invention provides a method for producing NK cells, which maintain high cytotoxicity and cell viability to exhibit high therapeutic effects against cancers and infectious diseases and can be cultured ex vivo at high efficiency and high concentration. In addition, a culture method which maintains cell concentration at a constant level is used for the production of NK cells, and thus the overgrowth of the cells can be prevented so that the cells can be maintained at an optimal state. Particularly, even when the cells are thawed after freezing, the function of the cells is not impaired, and the NK cells can maintain high cell viability and cytotoxicity.

Abstract: Provided is a method for treating and reducing the recurrence of genital tract infections such as gonococcal infections. The method comprises local application of IL-12 incorporated in polymeric microspheres. The invention relates to compositions comprising IL-12 and methods for using such compositions for treatment of genital tract infections. Infections that can be treated by the present method include those that are caused by N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis or both.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vaccine compositions comprising Norovirus antigens and adjuvants, in particular, mixtures of monovalent VLPs and mixtures of multivalent VLPs, and to methods of conferring protective immunity to Norovirus infections in a human subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides immunogenic compositions useful in prevention and treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infection. In particular, the disclosure provides delta toxin and phenol-soluble modulin peptides as well as mutants, fragments, variants or derivatives thereof. The disclosure further provides multivalent oligopeptides, fusion proteins comprising two or more staphylococcal proteins, e.g., DT, PSM, alpha hemolysin, leukocidin, superantigen, or any fragments, variants, derivatives, or mutants thereof fused together as a single polypeptide in any order.

Abstract: Lectin compositions and methods for reducing tumor cell growth and preventing or treating cancer are provided.

Abstract: Method for preparing a vaccine, comprising—a step a) of preparing an adjuvant composition by dispersing, in a physiologically acceptable aqueous solution, at least one inverse latex or a powder of polymer resulting from the atomization of said inverse latex; —a step b) of mixing the composition obtained in step a) into an antigenic medium, intended to form a vaccine composition.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for modulating movement of eukaryotic cells with migratory capacity. More specifically, the invention provides anti-fugetactic agents and methods for the use thereof in enhancing an immune response.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of TRPC6 mRNA levels in peripheral blood cells for the early detection/diagnosis of senile dementia. Specifically, the present invention provides a classic transient receptor potential channel 6 (TRPC6) gene or protein thereof and the use of same in preparing a reagent or test kit for detecting or diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. The present invention further relates to a polypeptide used to prepare a medicament that treats AD, and relates to a composition of said polypeptide.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure can include a therapeutic composition useful for treatment of a genitourinary disorder. The composition can be derived from a culture media having been in contact with a population of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells for a sufficient time period necessary to endow therapeutic activity in the culture media. The therapeutic property endowed to the culture media is the ability to promote structural and functional recovery of a dysfunctional organ or biological tissue associated with the genitourinary disorder.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having the formula I: where R1-R6 are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds have neprilysin inhibition activity. In another aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds; methods of using these compounds; and processes and intermediates for preparing these compounds.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to reagents useful for generating immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and for diagnosing infection and disease in a subject that has been exposed to M. tuberculosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for identifying immunoreactive peptides. According to said method, a sample of tumorous and corresponding healthy tissue is first provided, the tumor-specific expression profile is subsequently determined and antigenic peptides are isolated from the tumorous tissue and analyzed. The respective data that has been obtained is then matched and peptides are identified on the basis of said data.

Abstract: CXCL12 polypeptide eluting matrices encapsulating at least one cell are described for use in the treatment of autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed are immunogenic compositions and methods for their use in the formulation and administration of therapeutic and prophylactic pharmaceutical agents. In particular, the invention provides immunogenic compositions and methods for preventing, treating, and/or ameliorating the symptoms of one or more microbial infections, including, for example, influenza.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inducing a T-cell response against a EGFRvIII in a subject. These method comprise administering to a subject a composition which expresses at least one immunogenic polypeptide, the amino acid sequence of which comprise a plurality of EGFRvIII polypeptide sequences, the sequence of which each comprise EEKKGNYV (SEQ ID NO: 3), and/or administering the polypeptide itself.

Abstract: Isolated IMP-3-derived epitope peptides having Th1 cell inducibility are disclosed herein. Such peptides can be recognized by MHC class II molecules and induce Th1 cells. The peptides of the present invention can promiscuously bind to MHC class II molecules and induce IMP-3-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in addition to Th1 cells. Such peptides are thus suitable for use in enhancing immune response in a subject, and accordingly find use in cancer immunotherapy, in particular, as cancer vaccines. Also disclosed herein are polynucleotides that encode any of the aforementioned peptides, APCs and Th1 cells induced by such peptides and methods of induction associated therewith. Pharmaceutical compositions that comprise any of the aforementioned components as active ingredients find use in the treatment and/or prevention of cancers or tumors expressing IMP-3.

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: It has been demonstrated that the level of HBP increases in individuals that have bacterial meningitis. Accordingly, the level of HBP in an individual can be used to determine whether or not an individual has bacterial meningitis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are antifungal compositions for treatment of skin and nails, as well as methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Dendritic cells containing tumor lysate loaded particles are prepared. The dendritic cells present tumor antigens to elicit the Major Histocompatibility Complex class I pathway and can be used as a vaccine to treat cancer, including ocular melanoma.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and compositions to inhibit or prevent infection of a cell by a bacteria that exports DNABII proteins by administering to a tissue infected with the bacteria an effective amount of an antibody that specifically recognizes and binds the DNABII proteins, thereby inhibiting or preventing infection of the bacteria. Treatment methods, screens and kits are further provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Peyer's patch activator containing a polysaccharide obtained from sugar cane as an active ingredient, wherein the polysaccharide contains ?-glucan as a main component and has a peak molecular weight within a range of 720,000 to 1,080,000, with a proportion of glucose in all component sugars being 80% or more, and proportions of nonreducing terminal glucose and ?-1,6-linked glucose being 20 to 30% and 15 to 25%, respectively.

Abstract: A mutated Bordetella strain comprising at least a mutated ptx gene, a deleted or mutated dnt gene and a heterologous ampG gene is provided. The attenuated mutated Bordetella strain can be used in an immunogenic composition or a vaccine for the treatment or prevention of a Bordetella infection. Use of the attenuated Bordetella strain for the manufacture of a vaccine or immunogenic composition, as well as methods for protecting mammals against infection by Bordetella are also provided.