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

Abstract: An amphipathic helix at the approximate N-terminus of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural proteins mediates the association of these proteins with cytoplasmic membranes in infected cells. This association is essential for replication. Thus, assessing the ability of compounds or protocols to disrupt the association of such helices with cytoplasmic membranes permits identification of compounds and protocols which are useful in the treatment of HCV infection. Also useful in the invention are mimics, or function-disrupting ligands, of an amphipathic helix of the nonstructural proteins described herein and antibodies and fragments thereof immunoreactive with said helix.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an immunogenic composition comprising an amount of isolated dendritic cells comprising at least one fragment of a hepatitis C protein selected from the group consisting of the core protein of hepatitis C and the NS3 protein of hepatitis C, the fragment does not suppress activity of dendritic cells and is effective to produce an immunogenic response against hepatitis C infection and optionally T-lymphocytes activated for a Th1 response. This disclosure also provides a method and a kit for preparing the above composition. Further, this disclosure provides a method for treating or reducing the severity of hepatitis C and a method for enhancing immunoresponse in a patient suffering from hepatitis C virus infection by administering to the patient in need of the treatment the above composition. Finally, this disclose provides a use of the above composition for treating hepatitis C virus infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel peptides and methods for treatment, diagnosis and prognosis of virus infections including infections with HCV, HIV, CMV and Influenza. The invention further relates to methods for identifying and providing peptides useful for the treatment and diagnosis.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating and/or preventing a variety of diseases and conditions that are amenable to immunotherapy and, in one particular embodiment, compositions and methods for treating and/or preventing cancer in an animal are described. Specifically improvements related to the use of a yeast-based vaccine comprising a yeast vehicle and an antigen that is selected to elicit an antigen-specific cellular and humoral immune response in an animal, for use in prophylactic and/or therapeutic vaccination and the prevention and/or treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel immunostimulatory oligonucleotide by which an IFN-inducing activity is enhanced and an inflammatory cytokine-inducing activity is reduced, and a pharmaceutical containing the same, and an application thereof are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunogens for treatment of hepatitis B and their preparation and use, and to vaccines or medicaments comprising said immunogens for treatment of hepatitis B and their preparation and use.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptide(s) comprising the amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID No. 1 of hepatitis E virus ORF 2 or its fragment, which is in the form of n-polymeric polypeptide, wherein n is an integer from 1-180; to a chimeric protein consisting of a polypeptide of the present invention and a conserved fragment of hemagglutin antigen from influenza virus; to a polypeptide of the present invention bound to a polypeptide containing epitope from hepatitis E virus ORF3 or an immunogenic fragment thereof; to a recombinant expression vector comprising the DNA molecule encoding the above polypeptides and the host cell transformed with said recombinant expression vector which is able to express polypeptide of the present invention.

Abstract: Provided herein are nucleic acid sequences encoding hepatitis B virus (HBV) core proteins, surface antigen proteins, fragments and combinations thereof as well as genetic constructs/vectors and vaccines that express said protein sequences. These vaccines are able to induce an immune response peripherally and in the liver by recruiting both cellular and humoral agents. Also provided are methods for prophylactically and/or therapeutically immunizing individuals against HBV. The combination vaccine can also be used for particular design vaccines for particular levels of immune responses to HBV challenge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a peptide-bound liposome wherein the peptide contains a partial amino acid sequence having a length of not less than 9 amino acids in the amino acid sequence of hepatitis C virus NS3 protein, has a length of 9 to 11 amino acids, and is capable of inducing cytotoxic T lymphocytes, the liposome contains a phospholipid containing an acyl group having 14 to 24 carbon atoms and one unsaturated bond or a hydrocarbon group having 14 to 24 carbon atoms and one unsaturated bond, and a liposome stabilizer, and the peptide is bound to the surface of the liposome; a cytotoxic T lymphocyte activator containing the peptide-bound liposome; and a hepatitis C virus vaccine.

Abstract: The invention provides a protein comprising a first and a second copy of hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) in tandem, in which one or both of the copies of HBcAg comprises influenza virus A surface polypeptide M2 or a fragment thereof in the e1 loop.

Abstract: The invention relates to immunogenic compositions useful as HCV vaccines. Provided are HCV mosaic polypeptide and nucleic acid compositions which provide higher levels of T-cell epitope coverage while minimizing the occurrence of unnatural and rare epitopes compared to natural HCV polypeptides and consensus HCV sequences.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant viral surface antigenic protein with enhanced stability. The present invention also provides a vaccine composition against enveloped viruses.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating and/or preventing a variety of diseases and conditions that are amenable to immunotherapy and, in one particular embodiment, compositions and methods for treating and/or preventing cancer in an animal are described. Specifically improvements related to the use of a yeast-based vaccine comprising a yeast vehicle and an antigen that is selected to elicit an antigen-specific cellular and humoral immune response in an animal, for use in prophylactic and/or therapeutic vaccination and the prevention and/or treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions are disclosed.

Abstract: An immunogenic composition comprises (i) an immuno stimulatory oligonucleotide and a polycationic polymer, wherein the oligonucleotide and the polymer ideally associate with each other to form a complex, and (ii) a meningococcal serogroup B antigen. In most embodiments, the composition does not include an aluminium salt and does not include an oil-in-water emulsion.

Abstract: Isolated a Turkey Viral Hepatitis picomavirus-like viruses associated with Turkey viral hepatitis, and isolated nucleic acid sequences and polypeptides are disclosed. Antibodies against antigens from Turkey Viral Hepatitis picornavirus-like viruses, iRNAs which target nucleic acid sequences of the Turkey Viral Hepatitis picornavirus-like virus, methods for detecting the presence or absence of Turkey Viral Hepatitis picomavirus-like viruses in an animal, and immunogenic compositions for inducing an immune response against Turkey Viral Hepatitis picomavirus-like viruses in an animal are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing nonlamellar bioresorbable microparticles to which protein substances are bonded, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: (i) preparing said microparticles from at least one bioresorbable polymer without stabilizer and without surfactant, and (ii) bonding said protein substances to the microparticles obtained in step (i) without surfactant. It further relates to the bioresorbable microparticles thus obtained and use thereof in diagnosis and therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising hepatitis B virus (HBV) component(s), and which may be either nucleic acid- or polypeptide-based as well as nucleic acid molecules and vectors encoding such HBV component(s). It also relates to infectious viral particles and host cells comprising such nucleic acid molecules or vectors. It also provides composition and kits of parts comprising such nucleic acid molecules, vectors, infectious viral particles or host cells and the therapeutic use thereof for preventing or treating HBV infections.

Abstract: Improved anti-HIV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed. Immunogens disclosed include those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype A Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype B Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype C Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype D Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype B consensus Nef-Rev protein, and those having consensus sequences form HIV Gag protein subtypes A, B, C and D. Improved anti-HPV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; improved anti-HCV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; improved hTERT immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; and improved anti-Influenza immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed as well methods of inducing an immune response in an individual against HIV, HPV, HCV, hTERT and Influenza are disclosed.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a previously unrecognized clade of HCV genotypes as well as to diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic applications of nucleic acids, proteins, and antibodies to said protein, derived of or based on the newly characterized hepatitis C viruses.

Abstract: This invention provides a peptide/nucleic acid composition for oral/mucosal, dual-modal activation of immune protection systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptide compositions for use in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions against hepatitis C virus, as well as corresponding methods.

Abstract: Disclosed are split-core carrier substance which, as separate polypeptide, have the core N domain and the core C domain of the core protein of a hepatitis B virus and at least one foreign molecule against which an immune response is to be induced. According to the invention, the foreign molecule, especially the heterologous foreign amino acid sequence, is fused to the C terminus or the core N domain or to the N terminus of the core C domain and the core protein can form capsid-like particles. The invention also relates to the associated production method.

Abstract: The invention relates to immunogenic compositions. In certain embodiments, the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising an antigen, an immunostimulating substance selected form neuroactive compounds, hormones, compounds having a growth hormone activity, and mixtures thereof, and a polycationic polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to molecular approaches to the production of nucleic acid sequences, which comprises the genome of infectious hepatitis C virus. In particular, invention provides nucleic acid sequences which comprise the genomes of infectious hepatitis C viruses of either genotype 3a (strain S52) or genotype 4a (strain ED43). The invention therefore relates to the use of the nucleic acid sequences and polypeptides encoded by all or part of the sequences in the development of vaccines and diagnostic assays for HCV and in the development of screening assays for the identification of antiviral agents for HCV. The invention therefore also relates to the use of viral particles derived from laboratory animals infected with S52 and ED43 viruses.

Abstract: Provided are peptide vaccines including the signal peptide domain of selected target antigens of intracellular pathogens. The peptide vaccines of the invention contain multiple class II and class I-restricted epitopes and are recognized and presented by the majority of the vaccinated human population. Further provided, in particular, are anti tuberculosis vaccines. Also further provided are compositions including the vaccines as well as their use to treat or prevent infection.

Abstract: Drug delivery compositions and methods of delivering compounds into a cell or into an individual are disclosed. Vaccines and methods of immunizing individuals are disclosed. Compositions for drug delivery including gene therapy and methods of treating individuals using such compositions are disclosed.

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 analogs and/or reduced interactivity with antibodies to viral surface components including reduced sensitivity to these antibodies. The present invention further contemplates assays for detecting such viral variants, which assays are useful in monitoring anti-viral therapeutic regimens and in developing new or modified vaccines directed against viral agents and in particular HBV variants. The present invention also contemplates the use of the viral variants to screen for agents capable of inhibiting infection, replication and/or release of the virus.

Abstract: Chimeric therapeutics are disclosed that include a modified viral core protein comprising at least one mutation or modification in an immunogenic epitope and a therapeutic agent. The therapeutic agent may be associated with the modified viral core protein and may be a nucleic acid, a protein, or a small molecule. Also disclosed are particles and compositions that include the disclosed chimeric therapeutics.

Abstract: The invention provides consensus sequences for hepatitis C virus 1a and 1b. Also provided are non-synonymous changes for each residue of the consensus sequences. These sequences are useful as compositions or vaccines for prophylactic use or treating HCV-infected individuals. Also provided are methods for lessening the chances for a HCV-infected individual to enter a chronic phase of infection and methods of diagnosing an individual with HCV 1a or HCV 1b infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for delivery of one or more hepatitis C virus (HCV) antigens using a bacterium recombinantly encoding and expressing such antigens. In certain embodiments, the bacterial platform comprises the use of attenuated and killed but metabolically active forms of Listeria monocytogenes.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to the discovery of a novel hepatitis C virus (HCV) isolate. Embodiments include HCV peptides, nucleic acids encoding said HCV peptides, antibodies directed to said peptides, compositions containing said nucleic acids and peptides, as well as methods of making and using the aforementioned compositions including, but not limited to, diagnostics and medicaments for the treatment and prevention of HCV infection.

Abstract: An amphipathic helix at the approximate N-terminus of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural proteins mediates the association of these proteins with cytoplasmic membranes in infected cells. This association is essential for replication. Thus, assessing the ability of compounds or protocols to disrupt the association of such helices with cytoplasmic membranes permits identification of compounds and protocols which are useful in the treatment of HCV infection. Also useful in the invention are mimics, or function-disrupting ligands, of an amphipathic helix of the nonstructural proteins described herein and antibodies and fragments thereof immunoreactive with said helix.

Abstract: The present invention features Ad6 vectors and a nucleic acid encoding a Met-NS3-NS4A-NS4B-NS5A-NS5B polypeptide containing an inactive NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase region. The nucleic acid is particularly useful as a component of an adenovector or DNA plasmid vaccine providing a broad range of antigens for generating an HCV specific cell mediated immune (CMI) response against HCV.

Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptide carrier proteins that comprise at least five CD4+ T cell epitopes, for conjugation to capsular polysaccharides. The carrier proteins are useful as components of vaccines that can elicit a T-cell dependent immune response. These vaccines are particularly useful to confer protection against infection from encapsulated bacteria in infants between the ages of 3 months and about 2 years.

Abstract: HBsAg is expressed in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae host, carrying a plasmid having a HBsAg coding sequence, wherein the plasmid includes: (1) an upstream promoter from a glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene, for controlling expression of the HBsAg coding sequence; and (2) an ARG3 transcription terminator downstream of the HBsAg coding sequence. The plasmids may also include: (3) a LEU2 selection marker; (4) a 2? plasmid sequence; and (5) an origin of replication functional in Escherichia coli. HBsAg can be expressed in this host, and can be purified for use in the manufacture of vaccines, and in particular for the manufacture of combination vaccines and in new monovalent HBV vaccines e.g. with non-alum adjuvants.

Abstract: Improved anti-HCV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed. Immunogens disclosed include those having consensus HCV genotype 1 a/1 b NS3 and NS4A. Pharmaceutical composition, recombinant vaccines comprising and live attenuated vaccines are disclosed as well methods of inducing an immune response in an individual against HCV are disclosed.

Abstract: Novel peptide compositions are described. In particular, peptide compositions are described which include at least two peptides which are selected from among the following peptides: a peptide A having at least the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO 1, a peptide B having at least the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO 45, a peptide C having at least the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO 127, and a peptide D having at least the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO 174. The compositions can be used, in particular, in the preparation of active pharmaceutical compositions against the hepatitis C virus.

Abstract: The invention relates to immunogenic compositions. In certain embodiments, the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising an antigen, an immunostimulating substance selected form neuroactive compounds, hormones, compounds having a growth hormone activity, and mixtures thereof, and a polycationic polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for inducing immune responses against Hepatatis C virus (HCV). The compositions comprise one or more epitope from a hotspot epitope. In certain embodiments, an HCV vaccine comprising at least two epitopes, each from a different hotspot epitope, is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a targeted multi-layered drug delivery system for the delivery of cytotoxic agents to B-cells.

Abstract: Peptide compositions are described. In particular, peptide compositions are described which include at least two peptides which are selected from among the following peptides: a peptide A having at least the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N° 1, a peptide B having at least the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N° 45, a peptide C having at least the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N° 127, and a peptide D having at least the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID N° 174. The compositions can be used, in particular, in the preparation of active pharmaceutical compositions against the hepatitis C virus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel compositions that cause effective redirection of class I-immunity to Tc1 effectors, that take advantage of the unexpected loading of MHC I by peptide within IgG backbone combined with appropriate instruction of antigen presenting cells. Such compositions are able to transform a seemingly ineffective therapeutics into a highly effective one, associated with generation of class I-restricted cytolytic cells and IFN-?, IL-2 producing T cells, further associated with protection against a highly virulent microbe or recovery from malignant tumoral process.

Abstract: Disclosed are uses of immunotherapeutic compositions in combination with Standard of Care (SOC), or interferon therapy combined with anti-viral therapy, for the improved treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and related conditions, including liver function. The compositions, kits and uses of the invention, as compared to the use of SOC therapy alone: improves the rate of early response to therapy as measured by early virologic markers (e.g., RVR and EVR), enlarges the pool of patients who will have sustained responses to therapy over the long term, offers shortened courses of therapy for certain patients, enables “rescue” of patients who are non-responders or intolerant to SOC therapy, improves liver function and/or reduces liver damage in patients, and enables the personalization of HCV therapy for a patient, which can result in dose sparing, improved patient compliance, reduced side effects, and improved long term therapeutic outcomes.

Abstract: A chimeric, carboxy-terminal truncated hepatitis B virus nucleocapsid (HBc) protein is disclosed that contains an immunogen for inducing the production of antibodies to the influenza M2 protein. An immunogenic influenza sequence in two to four copies is preferably expressed at or near the N-terminus or in the HBc immunogenic loop sequence. The HBc chimer preferably contains an influenza-specific T cell epitope and is preferably engineered for both enhanced stability of self-assembled particles and enhanced yield of those chimeric particles. Methods of making and using the chimers are also disclosed.

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. The present invention further contemplates assays for detecting such viral variants, which assays are useful in monitoring anti-viral therapeutic regimens and in developing new or modified vaccines directed against viral agents and in particular HBV variants. The present invention also contemplates the use of the viral variants to screen for and/or develop or design agents capable of inhibiting infection, replication and/or release of the virus.

Abstract: A method for inducing cytotoxic T-cells that includes binding to an HLA molecule on the surface of a cell that is a target of a cytotoxic T-cell a peptide containing one or more types of amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 13 and consisting of not less than 8 and not more than 11 amino acid residues, or a peptide derived from a precursor thereof.

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 analogs and/or reduced interactivity with antibodies to viral surface components including reduced sensitivity to these antibodies. The present invention further contemplates assays for detecting such viral variants, which assays are useful in monitoring anti-viral therapeutic regimens and in developing new or modified vaccines directed against viral agents and in particular HBV variants. The present invention also contemplates the use of the viral variants to screen for agents capable of inhibiting infection, replication and/or release of the virus.

Abstract: Immunogenic HCV E1E2809 DNA compositions and methods of using the same are described. The compositions comprise HCV E1E2809 DNA adsorbed to cationic microparticles, such as poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) microparticles.