Abstract: Various improvements to vaccines that include a serogroup C meningococcal conjugate antigen, including: (a) co-administration with acellular B. pertussis antigen; (b) co-administration with an inactivated poliovirus antigen; (c) supply in a kit together with a separate pneumococcal conjugate component, which may be in a liquid form; and (d) use in combination with a pneumococcal conjugate antigen but without an aluminum phosphate adjuvant. A kit may have: (a) a first immunogenic component that comprises an aqueous formulation of a conjugated capsular saccharide from Streptococcus pneumoniae; and (b) a second immunogenic component that comprises a conjugated capsular saccharide from Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of modulation of the viability of a cell. Further disclosed herein are methods of modulating an immune response. 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: Disclosed are synthetic nanocarrier methods, and related compositions, comprising B cell and/or MHC Class II-restricted epitopes and immunosuppressants in order to generate tolerogenic immune responses, such as the generation of antigen-specific regulatory B cells.

Abstract: A peptide-POD with ability to penetrate and deliver fluorophores, siRNA, DNA and quantum dots to cells in culture and retinal and ocular tissues in vivo is provided herein. POD couples to adenovirus vectors, enhancing tropism for certain cells, potentially providing a safer and more efficacious method to deliver molecules to ocular and other tissues in vivo. POD constructs are therapeutic delivery vehicles for treating cells and tissues, including ocular cells and tissues suffering from retinal degeneration.

Abstract: This invention is directed to processes for reducing the level of free carbohydrate from a solution of protein-linked carbohydrate (conjugate) and non-linked carbohydrate. In this process, the conjugate is adsorbed to a hydrophobic membrane while the carbohydrate is not. The conjugate is then desorbed from the membrane, yielding a solution that is substantially reduced in free carbohydrate.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the identification of a predominant ligand of CD8+ T cells that are responsible for type 1 diabetes. That ligand is islet-specific glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit-related protein (IGRP). Several CD8+ T cell-binding peptides from IGRP are identified, including the peptide comprising amino acids 206-214 of the IGRP sequence, which has high avidity to the most prevalent T cell receptor of pathogenic CD8+ T cells in autoimmune diabetes. The invention thus provides oligopeptide and polypeptide compositions comprising YLKTN(A/I/L/V)FL (SEQ ID NO:3), FLWSVFWLI (SEQ ID NO:4), (T/A)YY(G/T)FLNFM (SEQ ID NO:5), LR(L/V)(F/L)(G/N)IDLL (SEQ ID NO:6), KWCANPDWI (SEQ ID NO:7), and SFCKSASIP (SEQ ID NO:8). Also provided are oligopeptide compositions 8-10 amino acids in length and completely homologous with a mammalian IGRP, where the oligopeptide is capable of binding a human MHC class I molecule.

Abstract: Disclosed are immunogenic conjugates and therapeutic compositions that include such immunogenic conjugates. Also disclosed are methods of treating and/or inhibiting an Shigella sonnei infection. The disclosed immunogenic conjugates have the general structure: Pr—Sr—O—N?C-Kdo-OS wherein Pr is a carrier protein, Sr is an optional spacer moiety, Kdo is an 3-deoxy-D-manno-octulosonic acid or a derivative thereof, and OS is an oligosaccharide or polysaccharide obtained from S. sonnei. In specific examples, the immunogenic conjugates include the core oligosaccharide obtained from S. sonnei having the structure: wherein R is between 1 and 10 disaccharide repeat units. In specific examples, the disaccharide repeat unit included in the immunogenic conjugate has the structure: ?-L-AltNAcA-3-?-FucNAc4N-4-.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an immunogenic LHRH composition and more particularly to an immunogenic LHRH composition comprising a LHRH C-terminal fragment of at least five amino acids. The present invention is useful, inter alia, as a prophylactic and/or therapeutic agent for the modification of fertility and behavior patterns of animals, the achievement of livestock production gains such as increasing growth, decreasing feed conversion ratios or the control of unwanted organoleptic characteristics or the treatment of disorders of the reproductive organs.

Abstract: This invention provides an anti-cancer immunogenic agent(s) (e.g. vaccines) that elicit an immune response specifically directed against renal cell cancers expressing a G250 antigenic marker. Preferred immunogenic agents comprise a chimeric molecule comprising a kidney cancer specific antigen (G250) attached to a granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The agents are useful in a wide variety of treatment modalities including, but not limited to protein vaccination, DNA vaccination, and adoptive immunotherapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multivalent polypeptides comprising at least two fibronectin scaffold domains connected via a polypeptide linker. The invention also relates to multivalent polypeptides for use in diagnostic, research and therapeutic applications. The invention further relates to cells comprising such proteins, polynucleotide encoding such proteins or fragments thereof, and to vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding the innovative proteins.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel imidazoquinoline derived compounds, derivatives thereof, analogues thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and methods of making and using such compounds. The present disclosure also provides TLR7 agonists and TLR7/TLR8 dual agonists, probes, tissue-specific molecules, adjuvants, immunogenic compositions, therapeutic compositions, and self-adjuvanting vaccines including the imidazoquinoline derived compounds, derivatives thereof, analogues thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Derivatives of the imidazoquinoline derived compounds also include dendrimers and dimers of the imidazoquinoline derived compounds, and methods of making and using the dendrimeic and dimeric imidazoquinoline derived compounds. The present disclosure also provides dual TLR2/TLR7 hybrid agonists that include imidazoquinoline derived compounds of the present disclosure.

Abstract: The present invention provides water-soluble, polymer derivatives having a thiol-selective terminus suitable for selective coupling to thiol groups, such as those contained in the cysteine residues of proteins, as well as methods for preparing the water-soluble, polymer derivatives having a thiol-selective terminus.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing and treating pneumococcal infections are provided. Compositions include novel polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence corresponding to the R2i or R22 domain of CbpA or a consensus sequence of one of these domains, and variants and fragments thereof, wherein the polypeptide is stabilized in a desired conformation, particularly a loop conformation. The polypeptides of the invention may be engineered to comprise a first and a second cysteine residue, thereby resulting in the formation of a disulfide bond that stabilizes the polypeptide in the desired conformation. Alternatively, a polypeptide of the invention may be modified to create a synthetic linkage between a first and second amino acid residue present within the polypeptide, wherein the synthetic linkage stabilizes the polypeptide in the desired conformation. The polypeptides of the invention may further comprise an amino acid sequence for a T cell epitope.

Abstract: Delivery systems and methods are provided for delivering a biologically active protein to a host animal. The systems and methods provided include obtaining an algal cell transformed by an expression vector, the expression vector comprising a nucleotide sequence coding for the biologically active protein, operably linked to a promoter. In one illustrated embodiment, the biologically active protein is an antigenic epitope and upon administration to the animal the algal cell induces an immune response in the host animal.

Abstract: The present invention provides three-component compositions comprising microparticles, a tumor antigen, a first immune adjuvant, and a second immune adjuvant. Also provided are chemo-immunotherapeutic compositions comprising microparticles, a chemotherapeutic agent, and an immune adjuvant.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for the formation of liposomes by using high shear mixing of aqueous solution of lipid powder; the lipid powder can be produced by any known technique. Components of the liposomes include but are not limited to cationic lipids, immunostimulatory/immunopotentiators and macromolecules as components for the liposome formation. The disclosed method describes the formulation of stable liposomes solitary or complexing high concentrations of macromolecules such as proteins, DNA and RNA having opposite charge of the liposomes by high shear mixing where aggregation is avoided due to the formulation method.

Abstract: The invention describes peptide analogues of ?-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (?-MSH), which possess an increased efficacy compared to the native ?-MSH peptide. The ?-MSH analogues exhibit increased anti-inflammatory effects and increased capability to prevent ischemic conditions compared to ?-MSH. The invention further discloses use of the peptides for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment or prophylaxis of a condition in the tissue of one or more organs of a mammal, and moreover pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions, methods of making and using the compositions for modulating the immune response in a subject by providing a vaccine composition having a pollen/spore disposed in a pharmaceutical carrier for delivery to a subject, wherein the pollen/spore comprises multiple pores that connect an outer surface of the pollen/spore to an inner cavity and one or more antigens disposed on the outer surface, in the inner cavity, in the multiple pores, or a combination thereof, wherein the one or more antigens modulate an immune responses in the subject.

Abstract: There are disclosed herein antigenic structures useful in producing vaccines against and compounds helpful in combating diseases caused by the bacterium Moraxella catarrhalis. Disclosed are specific structures of the carbohydrate molecules derived from genetically engineered strains of Moraxella catarrhalis, which when presented appropriately to the immune system will facilitate a functional immune response to the target core oligosaccharide region.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the treatment of subjects with cognitive or neuropsychiatric impairment induced by substance addiction and for increasing cognitive function in a subject with substance addiction. In some embodiments, the methods include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule including covalently linked first, second, and third domains; wherein the first domain is an MHC class II ?1 domain and the second domain is an MHC class II ?1 domain; or wherein the first domain is an MHC class I ?1 domain and the second domain is an MHC class I ?2 domain; and wherein the third domain is covalently linked to the first domain and comprises an antigen of the central or peripheral nervous system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods useful for controlling ?-amyloid levels. In particular, the instant invention relates to an antibody that catalyzes hydrolysis of ?-amyloid at a predetermined amide linkage are provided. The present invention also provides a vectorized antibody that is capable of crossing the blood brain barrier and is also capable of catalyzing the hydrolysis of ?-amyloid at a predetermined amide linkage. Also provided are methods for modulating ?-amyloid levels in vivo using antibodies that bind to ?-amyloid. These compositions and methods have therapeutic applications, including the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for diagnosing and treating tumors using myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are provided. More particularly, the compositions contain labeled MDSCs or MDSCs in combination with oncolytic viruses, nano-particles or other anti-tumor agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides soluble single wall nanotube (SWNT) constructs functionalized with a plurality of a targeting moiety and a plurality of one or more payload molecules attached thereto. The targeting moiety and the payload molecules may be attached to the soluble SWNT via a DNA or other oligomer platform attached to the SWNT. These soluble SWNT constructs may comprise a radionuclide or contrast agent and as such are effective as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Methods provided herein are to diagnosing or locating a cancer, treating a cancer, eliciting an immune response against a cancer or delivering an anticancer drug in situ via an enzymatic nanofactory using the soluble SWNT constructs.

Abstract: Anti-glucan antibodies have been found to be protective against systemic fungal infection with C. albicans, but the protective efficacy can be inhibited by blocking antibodies. The invention provides an immunogenic composition comprising a glucan and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, characterized in that, when administered to a mammalian recipient, the composition elicits protective anti-glucan antibodies but does not elicit antibodies which inhibit the protective efficacy of the anti-glucan antibodies. The glucan may be presented on the surface of a protease-treated microbial cell or may be presented as a protein-glucan conjugate. The glucan may be substituted by a glucan mimotope, a peptidomimetic of a glucan mimotope, or nucleic acid encoding a mimotope. Anti-glucan-antibodies show broad spectrum microbicidal activity. ?-glucans are preferred, particularly those containing one or more ?-1,6 linkages.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, preparations, formulations, kits, and methods useful for treating subjects having cancer or at risk of developing cancer. Some embodiments of the invention may comprise a composition comprising a plurality of particles comprising a platinum(IV) therapeutically active precursor.

Abstract: The present invention describes blood cells chemically coupled with immunodominant myelin peptides and their use in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses vaccines or compositions comprising the chimeric KSAC protein that possesses immunogenic and protective properties, and methods of use including administering to an animal the antigenic KSAC protein thereof to protect animals. The invention also encompasses methods for making and producing the soluble, disaggregated, refolded or active proteins from inclusion bodies produced from prokaryotes or eukaryotes.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of molecular immunology, more in particular in the field of medical treatment of animals such as humans suffering from unwanted immune reactions. The invention relates to methods for the treatment of unwanted immune reactions and provides means and methods for suppressing an immune response. The present invention relates in particular to regulatory T cells and methods of long-term, culture-expanding, activating and using same in immunotherapy and for the suppression of autoimmune responses, allergies and inflammatory diseases. The invention provides a sia alpha 2,3-conjugated antigen for use in the suppression of an immune response in a patient in need of such a treatment.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with the development of a vaccine against Aeromonas hydrophila for use especially in fish. The invention provides an immunogenic S-layer protein of approximately 50 kDa of A. hydrophila for use in the development of a vaccine, as well as the nucleic acid encoding said protein and vaccines comprising said protein or nucleic acid encoding said protein.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a composition added to animal feed used in combination with a vaccine to enhance the effectiveness of the vaccine. Amongst other effects, the composition raises the titer of antibodies to the vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel therapeutic uses of T-140 analog peptides and compositions comprising same. Specifically, the invention provides compositions and methods useful for immunomodulation.

Abstract: The present invention comprises novel compositions and methods for eliciting high immune responses, of great specifity yielding conformationally sensitive antibodies. These antibodies recognize specific epitopes on a wide variety of antigens including but not limited to, amyloid protein, prion protein, P170 glycoprotein. The novel compositions of the invention comprise supramolecular antigenic constructs generally comprising a peptide sequence, covalently attached to pegylated lysine resulting in modified and enhanced peptide presentation. The unique modification methodology of the present invention is applicable to a variety of peptides and can ultimately be employed in therapeutic formulations and vaccines for diseases and disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Two-domain MHC polypeptides are useful for modulating activities of antigen-specific T-cells, including for modulating pathogenic potential and effects of antigen-specific T-cells. Exemplary MHC class II-based recombinant T-cell ligands (RTLs) of the invention include covalently linked ?1 and ?1 domains, and MHC class I-based molecules that comprise covalently linked ?1 and ?2 domains. These polypeptides may also include covalently linked antigenic determinants, toxic moieties, and/or detectable labels. The disclosed polypeptides can be used to target antigen-specific T-cells, and are useful, among other things, to detect and purify antigen-specific T-cells, to induce or activate T-cells, to modulate T-cell activity, including by regulatory switching of T-cell cytokine and adhesion molecule expression, to treat conditions mediated by antigen-specific T-cells, including treatment and/or prevention of central nervous system damage relating to stroke.

Abstract: The present invention is related to peptides, which are suitable for use as cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), variants thereof and/or complexes, fusion molecules and/or conjugates comprising same, use thereof for manufacture of compositions for diagnosing, treating and/or preventing of medical conditions.

Abstract: The disclosure provides antibodies that bind the N-terminal region of tau and also bind to pathological tau aggregates, conformational epitopes and peptides mimicking these epitopes (mimotopes). The antibodies may be used to treat tauopathies (e.g. Alzheimer's disease).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ligand/receptor and antigen/antibody specificity exchangers comprising a saccharide or glycoconjugate. Methods of making these specificity exchangers and methods of using said specificity exchangers to treat or prevent human disease are described herein.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube (CNT)-based compositions for activating cellular immune responses are provided. The CNTs function as high surface area scaffolds for the attachment of T cell ligands and/or antigens. The CNT compositions function as artificial antigen-presenting cells (aAPCs) or as modular vaccines. The disclosed CNT aAPCs are efficient at activating T cells and may be used to activate T cells ex vivo or in vivo for adoptive or active immunotherapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for pretargeting delivery of therapeutic agents. In preferred embodiments, the pretargeting method comprises: a) administering a bispecific antibody with a first binding site for a disease-associated antigen and a hapten on a targetable construct; b) administering a targetable construct comprising at least one therapeutic agent. In preferred embodiments, the bispecific antibody is made by the dock-and-lock (DNL) technique. In a more preferred embodiment, the targetable construct comprises one or more SN-38 moieties.

Abstract: Disclosed are synthetic nanocarrier methods, and related compositions, comprising B cell and/or MHC Class II-restricted epitopes and immunosuppressants in order to generate tolerogenic immune responses, such as the generation of antigen-specific regulatory B cells.

Abstract: This invention provides a polyvalent vaccine comprising at least two conjugated antigens selected from a group containing glycolipid antigen, polysaccharide antigen, mucin antigen, glycosylated mucin antigen and an appropriate adjuvant. This invention also provides a multivalent vaccine comprising at least two of the following: glycosylated MUC-1-32mer, Globo H, GM2, Ley, Tn(c), sTN(c), and TF(c). This invention provides the vaccine above, wherein the adjuvant is saponin-based adjuvant. This invention provides a method for inducing immune response in a subject comprising administering an effective amount of the vaccine above to the subject. Finally, this invention provides a method for treating cancer in a subject comprising administering an appropriate amount of the vaccine above to the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and systems for delivery of nanocarriers to cells of the immune system. The invention provides nanocarriers capable of stimulating an immune response in T cells and/or in B cells. The invention provides nanocarriers that comprise an immunofeature surface. The nanocarriers are capable of targeting antigen presenting cells when administered to a subject. The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising inventive nanocarriers. The present invention provides methods of designing, manufacturing, and using inventive nanocarriers and pharmaceutical compositions thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides improved agents and methods for treatment of diseases associated with amyloid deposits of A? in the brain of a patient. Such methods entail administering agents that induce a beneficial immunogenic response against the amyloid deposit. The methods are useful for prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Preferred agents including N-terminal fragments of A? and antibodies binding to the same.

Abstract: Complex metal-containing matrices, and especially chromium-containing matrices are produced from a water soluble preparation that is derived from an item suitable for animal (and most typically human) consumption. In particularly contemplated aspects, the water soluble preparation is an extract or filtrate of disintegrated brewer's yeast, and the so prepared complex mixture is combined with a chromium-3+ ions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of increasing an immune response in an individual, the method involving administering to an individual in need thereof an inhibitor of SIRT1. The present disclosure provides a method of reducing an immune response, e.g., to treat chronic immune hyperactivity, the method generally involving administering to an individual in need thereof an activator of SIRT1. The present disclosure provides a method of modulating activation and differentiation of CD4+ T cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel n-alkenyl glycosides and glycoconjugates, n-alkyl glycoamino acids, and methods for the synthesis thereof. In another aspect, the present invention provides novel clustered glycopeptides and methods for the synthesis thereof. In still another aspect, the present invention provides methods for the treatment of cancer, preferably for the prevention of recurrence of cancer, and methods for inducing antibodies in a subject, comprising administering to a subject in need, an effective amount of any of the inventive glycoconjugates as disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel uses of a construct consisting of virus-like particle (VLP) structure chemically coupled to a fragment of the A beta-1-42 peptide and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts (hereinafter CONSTRUCT), in particular to dosage regimens, modes of and dosage forms for the administration of a CONSTRUCT for the treatment of patients suffering from dementia, in particular dementia of the Alzheimer's type.

Abstract: This invention relates to use protein-polymer conjugates described in the specification to treat various diseases, including disease is idiopaic myelofibrsis, polycythaemia vera, and essential thromobocythaemia.

Abstract: Nanoparticles for providing immune responses for the treatment or prophylaxis of infection by infectious agents such as viruses, parasites, bacteria, prions and fungi are described which comprises a core including metal and/or semiconductor atoms, wherein the core is covalently linked to a plurality of ligands, the ligands including a carbohydrate residue capable of stimulating an innate immune response, a T cell helper peptide and a danger signal. This platform may then be adapted by including one or more further ligands capable of producing a specific response to a target infectious agent.

Abstract: This disclosure provides therapeutic compositions and methods for inducing an anti-inflammatory response and/or treating inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and/or accumulating gut microbial antigen-specific anti-inflammatory T cells in a patient in need thereof.

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. Also described is a method for making an immunogenic conjugate comprising Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 3 polysaccharide covalently linked to a carrier protein, the method including periodic acid oxidation of the polysaccharide in the presence of bivalent cations.