Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treating tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). In particular, provided are condensed tuberins (cTuberins), cTuberin nucleic acids, and recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) carrying a cTuberin nucleic acid for treating a patient with TSC.

Abstract: Real-time search (RTS) for mass spectrometry is described. In one aspect, a mass spectrometer can identify a candidate peptide for a product ion spectrum by searching a mass spectral database. While executing the search of the mass spectral database, the elapsed search time can be monitored. If the elapsed search time of the identification of the candidate peptide is completed before reaching a maximum value, then the mass spectrometer can perform further actions.

Abstract: This invention relates to vectors for delivery of human leukocyte antigen G to the eye and/or to cornea explants and methods of using the same for treatment and/or prevention of corneal transplant rejection and other disorders associated with an immune response and/or vascularization.

Abstract: A method and combination for treating a cancer patient by combining two distinct immuno-therapy solutions for administration to a patient within a common time period, comprising a checkpoint inhibitor antibody component such as a PD-1 or PD-L1 antibody administered by infusion, and a TAA/ecdCD40L vaccine component administered subcutaneously, wherein an initial antibody component administered is followed by at least several successive antibody boosts and an initial vaccine component administered is followed by at least several successive vaccine boosts, both the initial and boosts of each administered within at least said common time period, wherein the combined administration of said two distinct immuno-therapy solutions provides for an enhanced therapeutic effect, over that of the therapeutic effect of either of the two distinct immuno-therapy component solutions when administered alone as monotherapy.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides fusion proteins comprising Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) antigens, nucleic acid molecules encoding the same, vectors comprising nucleic acid molecules, compositions comprising the same, and methods of eliciting an immune response against tuberculosis.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) comprising an antigen binding domain (e.g., anti-TSHR), transmembrane domain (e.g., CD28), and a cytoplasmic domain (e.g., CD27, CD-137, etc.) and a safety mechanism comprising an inducible apoptosis trigger. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to use of the CARs in T cells, compositions, kits and methods for the treatment of thyroid cancers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pseudotyped retrovirus-like particles or retroviral vectors comprising both engineered envelope glycoproteins derived from a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family fused to a cell targeting domain and fused to a functional domain. The present invention also relates to the use of said pseudotyped retrovirus-like particles or retroviral vectors to selectively modulate the activity of specific subsets of cells, in particular of specific immune cells. These pseudotyped retrovirus-like particles or retroviral vectors are particularly useful for gene therapy, immune therapy and/or vaccination.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding norovirus VP1 fusion proteins and VLPs comprising the norovirus VP1 fusion proteins are provided. Methods for norovirus VP1 fusion protein and norovirus VLP production in plants are also described. The VP1 fusion protein comprises, a first sequence encoding an S domain derived from a first norovirus strain, and a second sequence encoding a P domain derived from a second norovirus strain.

Abstract: Described herein are FasL-engineered biomaterials, as well as methods of making and using such FasL-engineered biomaterials, such as for immunomodulation, such as for inducing immunosuppression and specific immune tolerance, such as for preventing or reducing the risks of rejection of cellular or tissue grafts and/or the treatment of autoimmune disorders such as Type I diabetes. In specific embodiments, the FasL-engineered biomaterials are biotinylated microgels bound to SA-FasL.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides recombinant T cells that include a vector encoding one or more of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1?), mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam), GA binding protein transcription factor alpha subunit (GABPA), and estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERR?). Such recombinant T cells can also include a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or a recombinant T cell receptor (TCR). Methods of using these recombinant T cells in cancer immunotherapy are provided. Also provided are kits and compositions that can be used with such methods.

Abstract: This invention provides WT1 peptides and methods of treating, reducing the incidence of, and inducing immune responses against a WT1-expressing cancer, comprising same.

Abstract: Described herein are peptides and variants and mutants thereof capable of interacting with TEAD, disrupting the HIPPO pathway, or modulating the activity or function of TEAD interactions in a cell. Pharmaceutical compositions and uses of peptides, as well as methods of designing and manufacturing such peptides, to treat cancer, tumor, or any other disease/condition associated with a dysregulated HIPPO pathway or uncontrolled cell growth are also described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for stimulating an immune response. In particular, the present invention relates to immunostimulatory RNA molecules comprising sequences derived from an Influenza A virus nucleoprotein-encoding RNA molecule that act as adjuvants and/or immunostimulatory agents to enhance host immune responses.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions related to polypeptides comprising a fusion of the needle tip protein and translocator protein of a type III secretion apparatus (T3SA) from a type III secretion system (T3SS) of a Gram negative bacteria. Disclosed herein are fusion polypeptides comprising a fusion of a needle tip protein, such as, Bsp22, LcrV, BipD, PcrV, CT053, or CT668, or anantigenic fragment thereof; and a translocator protein, such as, BopB, YopB, BipB, PopB, CopB, or CopB2, or anantigenic fragment thereof from a Type III secretion system (T3SS) of a Gram negative bacteria, such as, Bordetella, Burkholderia, Chlamydia, Pseudomonas, Vibrio, or Yersinia.

Abstract: Provided is a recombinant vector including a new BiP gene fragment, and when a target protein is prepared using the recombinant vector of the subject matter, use stability can be enhanced and the production amount of target protein can also be increased by minimizing a foreign peptide sequence remaining in the target protein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of modulation of the viability of a cell using fusion proteins comprising a transporter peptide sequence and a MYC polypeptide. Further disclosed herein are methods of modulating an immune response using the fusion proteins. Further disclosed herein are methods of identifying agents capable of modulation of the viability of a cell or an immune response. Further disclosed herein are agents and compositions capable of modulation of the viability of a cell or an immune response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant virus of the family Paramyxoviridae comprising an expressible polynucleotide encoding at least one of (i) a tumor antigen, (ii) a fragment of a tumor antigen, and (iii) a variant of (i) or (ii). The present invention further relates to a polynucleotide encoding said recombinant virus of the family Paramyxoviridae and to a host cell comprising said recombinant virus of the family Paramyxoviridae and/or said polynucleotide encoding said recombinant virus of the family Paramyxoviridae. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for activating immune cells with antitumor activity in a sample comprising cancer cells and to further means, methods, and uses related to the present invention.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described in which the topical application of a toll-like receptor 7 agonist or a toll-like receptor 9 agonist at or near a subdermal vaccination site provides an enhanced response to the vaccination. The enhanced response can be an elevated antibody titer relative to an untreated but vaccinated subject, and/or development of cross-species immunity to species not present in the vaccinating composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to multiple epitope constructs, immunogenic and vaccine compositions comprising recombinant molecules presenting inserted multiple and different epitopes from a variety of antigens. The antigenic determinants being associated with different pathways leading to atherosclerosis. In particular, the invention relates to such compositions for eliciting an immune response against antigens and pathogens involved in the development of atherosclerosis the invention includes inter alia methods of treating and/or preventing the disease and recombinant protein products.

Abstract: This invention relates to chimeric virus-like particles (VLPs) assembled from a polypeptide comprising a papilloma virus (PV) L1 protein or L1/L2 protein and a target peptide comprising a CD8+ T cell epitope derived from a human pathogen. This invention also relates to methods using the chimeric VLPs as antigen-specific redirectors of immune responses.

Abstract: A recombinant fusion protein is disclosed. The fusion protein comprises: (a) a CD55 peptide sequence, (b) a linker sequence C-terminal to the CD55 sequence, (c) a transmembrane domain C-terminal to the linker sequence, and (d) an intracellular domain C-terminal to the transmembrane domain. The fusion protein does not contain a GPI anchor. The fusion protein can be expressed with an N-terminal secretory signal peptide, which is cleaved to yield the mature protein on the surface of a cell line or an enveloped virus. An oncolytic virus expressing the fusion protein is resistant to complement inactivation and can be used to treat cancer.

Abstract: Recombinant chimeric bovine/human parainfluenza virus 3 (rB/HPIV3) vectors expressing Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) G protein or a recombinant RSV G protein, as well as methods of their use and manufacture, are provided. The rB/HPIV3 vector comprises a genome comprising a heterologous gene encoding the RSV G protein or the recombinant RSV G protein. Nucleic acid molecules comprising the sequence of the genome or antigenome of the disclosed rB/HPIV3 vectors are also provided. The disclosed rB/HPIV3 vectors can be used, for example, to induce an immune response to RSV and HPIV3 in a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel compositions and methods for stimulation of and the production or expansion of natural killer (NK) cells. Numbers of NK cells can be increased following contact with exosomes modified with one or more stimulatory peptides. Methods and compositions for the production of exosomes, wherein the exosomes comprises stimulatory peptides are also described. Also described are methods of treating cancer using the disclosed NK-stimulating exosomes or NK cells stimulated by the disclosed methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure teaches a UV dosimeter comprising a UV-sensitive layer and a barrier that protects the UV-sensitive layer. The barrier is permeable to oxygen but impermeable to water and, thus, protects the UV-sensitive layer from water while allowing exposure of the UV-sensitive layer to oxygen. The UV-sensitive layer is accessible to both UV radiation and visible light. The UV-sensitive layer comprises a mixture of a semiconductor material, a UV-oxidizable dye, a sacrificial electron donor, and a matrix material. The semiconductor material has a band gap that corresponds to photon energy of the UV radiation. The dye has both an oxidation state and a reduction state. The oxidation state of the dye is visibly distinguishable from the reduction state of the dye. The sacrificial electron donor oxidizes when exposed to UV radiation. The matrix provides structural integrity to the mixture.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that can be used to vaccinate against and treat HIV. Specifically contemplated are vaccine compositions and methods of using these compositions treat HIV in patients. Aspects of the disclosure relate to an anti-CD40 antibody-HIV antigen fusion protein comprising (i) an anti-CD40 heavy chain (HCD40)-HIV antigen (Ag) fusion protein comprising the formula: HCD40-Ag, wherein Ag is a polypeptide with at least 80% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:1; and (ii) an anti-CD40 light chain (LCD40).

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a poultry vaccine comprising an antigenic protein comprising a PlcC protein unit that is operably linked to a peptide linker that is operably linked to a NetB protein unit, where the vaccine is effective in stimulating a protective cellular and/or humoral immune response to C. perfringens. Methods are also provided for making the vaccine and for vaccinating poultry by administering such a vaccine.

Abstract: The invention provides adenoviral vectors and compositions for the highly efficient transduction of T cells.

Abstract: Provided herein, inter alia, are compositions and kits comprising a bacterial cell and a tumor penetrating agent. Also provided are methods of treating cancer in a subject including the step of administering to the subject an effective amount of a bacterial cell and a tumor penetrating agent. Provided are methods of stimulating an immune system in a subject. The methods include administering to the subject an effective amount of a bacterial cell and a tumor penetrating agent. Also provided are methods of enhancing delivery of an anti-cancer agent to a tumor cell including the step of contacting the tumor cell with a bacterial cell, a tumor penetrating agent and an anti-cancer agent.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to molecules that specifically engage OX40, a member of the TNF receptor superfamily (TNFRSF). More specifically this invention relates to multivalent and multispecific molecules that bind at least OX40.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for reversibly localizing proteins to the exterior part of the cell surface. Compositions provided herein can include nucleic acids that encode polypeptides of interest and the ligand binding domain (LBD) of a nuclear hormone receptor. Medical applications are provided, including controlling the toxicity of CAR T cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composition for detecting a potato virus Y including an M13KO7 bacteriophage and a kit including the same. Since the M13KO7 bacteriophage of the present disclosure may be easily produced using E. coli and is a large aggregate of proteins, the M13KO7 bacteriophage is more stable than antibodies even when exposed to external physical or chemical factors. Therefore, the composition of the present disclosure has an effect of diagnosing only the PVY specifically and accurately and may be usefully used in related industries.

Abstract: A fusion protein comprising a first recombinant viral coat protein, a second recombinant viral coat protein and a first linkage peptide is provided. The first recombinant viral coat protein is linked to N-terminus of the first linkage peptide. The second recombinant viral coat protein is linked to C-terminus of the first linkage peptide. The first and second recombinant viral coat proteins are derived from the coat protein (CP) of alfalfa mosaic virus (AIMV). The fusion protein may form a virus like particle (VLP). Where the fusion protein further comprises a target protein, the target protein may be displayed on the surface of the VLP. Also provided are methods for producing the fusion protein and the VLP as well as the uses of the fusion protein and/or the VLP.

Abstract: Provided in the present invention are a Slit2D2-HAS fusion protein and the use thereof against tumours. The fusion protein can significantly inhibit the migration of tumour cells. Also provided in the present invention are a pharmaceutical composition comprising the fusion protein and a method for preparing the fusion protein.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for regulating the blood coagulation pathway are disclosed. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to thrombin-thrombomodulin fusion proteins, vectors, host cells and methods for preparing the thrombin-thrombomodulin fusion proteins. The present disclosure further relates to methods for measuring protein C in plasma and kits for measuring protein C in plasma.

Abstract: Disclosed here includes a method for purifying a biologic composition, comprising diafiltering the biologic composition into a composition comprising phosphate buffered saline (PBS) to obtain a purified composition. The method disclosed here can be particularly useful for removing one or more impurities from the biologic composition, such as bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino-tris(hydroxymethyl)methane (Bis-tris).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are artificial Invaplexes comprising deacylated lipopolysaccharides and methods of making and using thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new molecular design that allows micelles to report their activation and disassembly by an enzymatic trigger. The molecular design is based on introduction of a labeling moiety selected from a fluorescent dye, a dark quencher, combinations of dyes or dyes/quenchers, and a fluorinated moiety (a 19F-magenetic resonance (MR) probe for turn ON/OFF of a 19F-MR signal) through covalent binding to the focal point of amphiphilic polymer-dendron hybrids with the labeling moiety. At the assembled micellar state, the dyes are closely packed and hence the probability for intermolecular interactions increases significantly, leading to alteration of the fluorescent properties (signal quench or shift) or the 19F-MR signal (OFF state) of the micelles. Upon enzymatic cleavage of the hydrophobic end-groups from enzyme-responsive dendron, the polymers become hydrophilic and disassemble.

Abstract: The invention features methods to induce and maintain a protective cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response to a peptide of the HER2/neu oncogene, E75, with the effect of inducing and maintaining protective or therapeutic immunity against breast cancer in a patient in clinical remission. The methods comprise administering to the patient an effective amount of a vaccine composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, an adjuvant such as recombinant human GM-CSF, and the E75 peptide at an optimized dose and schedule. The methods further comprise administering an annual or semi-annual booster vaccine dose due to declining E75-specific T cell immunity. The invention also features vaccine compositions for use in the methods.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to polynucleotides that encode CDR3 in TCR-[alpha] and TCR-[beta] chain genes of CD4+ helper T-cells that are specific to WT1 helper peptides having an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 123. The present invention further pertains to the peptides encoded by said polynucleotides. The present invention further pertains to CD4+ T cells into which TCR genes that contain said polynucleotides have been introduced, the induction of WT1-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) using the CD4+ T-cells, the treatment of cancer, etc.

Abstract: An immunogenic fusion protein includes at least the following two peptides a) —on the C-terminal side, a first peptide constituted of: —the amino acid sequence of the protein S or the protein M of a human hepatitis B virus (HBV) isolate, which protein S or protein M is optionally deleted at the N-terminal end thereof, and b) —on the N-terminal side, a second peptide constituted of: —the sequence of amino acids of at least one transmembrane domain and the ectodomain of at least one protein of a Zika virus isolate selected from the envelope protein E or a fusion peptide including the envelope protein E and the protein prM.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to polynucleotides that encode CDR3 in TCR-[alpha] and TCR-[beta] chain genes of CD4+ helper T-cells that are specific to WT1 helper peptides having an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 123. The present invention further pertains to the peptides encoded by said polynucleotides. The present invention further pertains to CD4+ T cells into which TCR genes that contain said polynucleotides have been introduced, the induction of WT1-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) using the CD4+ T-cells, the treatment of cancer, etc.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to molecules that specifically bind bacterial V-tip proteins of the type III secretion system of Gram negative bacteria such as PcrV from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. More specifically, this invention relates to molecules that block the injection of effector molecules into target cells. This invention also relates to molecules that specifically bind to bacterial lipoproteins, such as OprI. The molecules of the present invention are monospecific or multispecific and can bind their target antigen in a monovalent or multivalent manner. The invention also relates generally to molecules that specifically bind bacterial cell surface proteins such as OprI, and to methods of use these molecules in a variety of therapeutic, diagnostic, and/or prophylactic indications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for targeted deletion of double-stranded DNA. The compositions include fusion proteins comprising a cleavage domain (or cleavage half-domain) and an engineered zinc finger domain, and polynucleotides encoding same. Methods for targeted deletion include introduction of such fusion proteins, or polynucleotides encoding same, into a cell such that two targeted cleavage events occur. Subsequent cellular repair mechanisms result in deletion of sequences between the two cleavage sites.

Abstract: The invention relates to immunogenic compositions and vaccines containing a ZIKV protein or a polynucleotide encoding a Zika virus (ZIKV) protein and uses thereof. The invention also provides methods of treating and/or preventing a ZiKV infection by administering an immunogenic composition or vaccine of the invention to a subject (e.g., a human).

Abstract: The present application relates to the field of immunology, in particular, a vaccine composition of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) surface proteins, Fusion (F) and Glycoprotein (G) proteins subunit vaccine preferentially mixed with the immune cell targeting and enhancer, nanoemulsion to induce a protective immune response and avoid vaccine-induce disease enhancement.

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: Disclosed herein are methods of modulation of the viability of a cell using fusion proteins comprising a transporter peptide sequence and a MYC polypeptide. Further disclosed herein are methods of modulating an immune response using the fusion proteins. Further disclosed herein are methods of identifying agents capable of modulation of the viability of a cell or an immune response. Further disclosed herein are agents and compositions capable of modulation of the viability of a cell or an immune response.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to PVRIG polypeptides and their uses.

Abstract: The present invention provides new compositions and methods for preventing and treating pathogen infection. In particular, the present invention provides compounds having an anchoring domain that anchors the compound to the surface of a target cell, and a therapeutic domain that can act extracellularly to prevent infection of a target cell by a pathogen, such as a virus. The present invention also comprises therapeutic compositions having sialidase activity, including protein-based compounds having sialidase catalytic domains. Compounds of the invention can be used for treating or preventing pathogen infection, and for treating and reducing allergic and inflammatory responses. The invention also provides compositions and methods for enhancing transduction of target cells by recombinant viruses. Such compositions and methods can be used in gene therapy.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to an immunogenic composition that includes a mutant Clostridium difficile toxin A and/or a mutant Clostridium difficile toxin B. Each mutant toxin includes a glucosyltransferase domain having at least one mutation and a cysteine protease domain having at least one mutation, relative to the corresponding wild-type C. difficile toxin. The mutant toxins may further include at least one amino acid that is chemically crosslinked. In another aspect, the invention relates to antibodies or binding fragments thereof that binds to said immunogenic compositions. In further aspects, the invention relates to isolated nucleotide sequences that encode any of the foregoing, and methods of use of any of the foregoing compositions.