Abstract: The present invention relates to water soluble magnetic nanocomposite using an amphiphilic compound. Specifically, the present invention relates to water soluble magnetic nanocomposite which may be not only used as a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), an intelligent contrast agent for diagnosing cancer characterized by binding a tissue-specific binder ingredient, a drug delivery system for simultaneous diagnosis and treatment by polymerizing or enveloping drugs and binding a tissue-specific binder ingredient, but also used for separating a target substance using magnetism, and a process for preparing the same.

Abstract: Disclosed are synthetic nanocarrier compositions that comprise B cell antigen for desired antibody production and an off-target response attenuating polymeric coating as well as related methods.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to adjuvants for use in immunogenic compositions comprising at least one antigen and an aluminum compound comprising hydroxyl groups that has been treated with phosphate, carboxylate, carbonate, sulfate diphosphonate or a mixture of two or more of these compounds and methods of using these compositions for preventing and treating diseases are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to vaccine compositions, particularly KLH-peptide conjugates, and methods of making such compositions. The present disclosure further relates to methods of reducing abnormal cell growth using the composistions described herein.

Abstract: Methods for stimulating an immune response in a mammal by administering a toxin-antigen conjugate are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating an antigen-related state are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides synthetic immunogenic lipopeptide molecules comprising co-linear T-helper and B cell epitopes, and methods for their production and use in the generation of primary and secondary immune responses, and for the vaccination of animal subjects against particular antigens. More particularly, the present invention provides highly soluble lipopeptides wherein the lipid moiety is attached to the terminal side-chain group of an internal lysine or lysine analog, preferably to the terminal side-chain group of an internal diamino acid residue. Preferably the internal lysine or lysine analog is positioned between the T-helper epitope and the B cell epitope or within the T-helper epitope.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for generating humoral and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) immune responses in a subject and related compositions.

Abstract: Increased antigenicity of a membrane bound polypeptide produced from plants is provided by reducing fat content of the plant, plant part, or plant tissue producing the polypeptide. Methods and means of producing such plant material are provided. Methods to produce a protective immune response in animals are provided by administering to the animal the plant, plant part of plant tissue which has reduced fat content and which comprises the polypeptide or by administering to the animal an extracted polypeptide produced from such a plant.

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: The present invention provides improved methods and compositions for treating and preventing autoimmune and allergic diseases. More specifically, the invention relates to new immunomodulating complexes that are fusion proteins comprising a mutant subunit of the A1-subunit of the cholera toxin (CTA1), a peptide capable of binding to a specific cellular receptor, and one or more epitopes associated with an autoimmune or allergic disease. In the mutant CTA1 subunit, the amino acids corresponding to the amino acid 7, arginine, and amino acid 187, cysteine, in the native CTA1 have been replaced.

Abstract: Methods for inducing an immune response to a tumor in a subject are disclosed herein. These methods include selecting a subject with a tumor and administering a therapeutically effective amount of apopototic tumor cells conjugated to a CpG oligodexoynucleotide (ODN) to the subject. In some embodiments, the CpG ODN is a K-type or a D-type CpG ODN. Methods for treating a tumor in a subject are also disclosed herein. These methods include selecting a subject with a tumor and administering a therapeutically effective amount of apopototic tumor cells conjugated to a CpG oligodexoynucleotide (ODN) to the subject. In some embodiments, the tumor cells are autologous. In additional embodiments, the tumor is a lymphoma, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer or a lung cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods of use comprising hexavalent DNL complexes. Preferably, the complexes comprise anti-CD20 and/or anti-CD22 antibodies or fragments thereof. More preferably, the anti-CD20 antibody is veltuzumab and the anti-CD22 antibody is epratuzumab. Administration of the subject hexavalent DNL complexes induces apoptosis and cell death of target cells in diseases such as B-cell lymphomas or leukemias, autoimmune disease or immune dysfunction disease. In most preferred embodiments, the DNL complexes increase levels of phosphorylated p38 and PTEN, decrease levels of phosphorylated Lyn, Akt, ERK, IKK?/? and I?B?, increase expression of RKIP and Bax and decrease expression of Mcl-1, Bcl-xL, Bcl-2, and phospho-BAD in target cells. The subject DNL complexes show EC50 values for inhibiting tumor cell growth in the low nanomolar or even sub-nanomolar concentration range.

Abstract: Protein replacement therapy for patients with hemophilia or other inherited protein deficiencies is often complicated by pathogenic antibody responses, including antibodies that neutralize the therapeutic protein or that predispose to potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reactions by formation of IgE. Using murine hemophilia B as a model, we have developed a prophylactic protocol against such responses that is non-invasive and does not include immune suppression or genetic manipulation of the patient's cells. Oral delivery of coagulation factor IX (F. IX) expressed in chloroplasts, bioencapsulated in plant cells, effectively blocked formation of inhibitory antibodies in protein replacement therapy. Inhibitor titers were mostly undetectable and up to 100-fold lower in treated mice when compared to controls. Moreover, this treatment eliminated fatal anaphylactic reactions that occurred after 4 to 6 exposures to intravenous F. IX protein. While only 20-25% of control animals survived after 6-8 F.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for targeting an antigen to leukocytes, delivering an antigen to leukocytes, increasing antigen uptake by leukocytes, and/or enhancing an immune response. In some embodiments, compositions and methods of the present invention comprise a conjugate comprising an antigen and a plant lectin or a mimetic thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bispecific molecules comprising an EGFR binding domain and a distinct IGFIR binding domain 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 vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding the innovative proteins. Exemplary bispecific molecules include antibody-like protein dimers based on the tenth fibronectin type III domain.

Abstract: An immunogenic composition containing a glycan conjugate including a carrier protein, and a glycan including Globo H, an immunogenic fragment thereof, or stage-specific embryonic antigen-4 (SSEA-4), wherein the glycan is conjugated with the carrier protein through a linker.

Abstract: The invention relates to building a chimeric polypeptide used for preventing or treating a Flaviviridae infection. The use of the inventive chimeric polypeptide for producing recombinant viral vectors such as a measles living viral vector is also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods comprising or using a combination of an adjuvant such as AS01B and an antigen such as a ?-amyloid antigen are provided. The compositions and methods provided are particularly useful for prevention or treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Suitable ?-amyloid antigens are A?1-5, A?1-6, A?1-7, A?1-10, A?1-14, A?1-15, A?2-7, A?2-8, A?3-7, A?3-8, A?11-16, A?11-17, A?p(E)3-7, A?p(E)3-8, A?p(E)3-40, A?p(E)3-42, A?p(E)11-16, A?p(E)11-17, A?p(E)11-40 or A?p(E)11-42, optionally with a protein carrier. Suitable adjuvants comprise QS21, 3D-MPL or an AGP, optionally in combination with a liposome.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of modulating an immune response to a second antigen which entail administration of a first antigen and an immunostimulatory polynucleotide. Modulation of the immune response is generally manifested as stimulation of a Th1 response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluorocarbon vectors for the delivery of antigens to immunoresponsive target cells. It further relates to fluorocarbon vector-antigen constructs and the use of such vectors associated with antigens as vaccines and immunotherapeutics in animals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for modulating the immune responses induced by Gram negative bacteria, potential pathogenic Gram positive bacteria and/or their derivatives, comprising lipoteichoic acid from lactic acid bacteria as an active ingredient. It also relates to the use of a lipoteichoic acid from lactic acid bacteria as an active ingredient and/or lactic acid bacteria producing it and/or its supernatant of culture, in the manufacture of a medicament, an oral or topical product for cosmetic, dermatological or ophtalmological applications, a food or petfood composition for modulating bacterial colonization, immune responses and decreasing the inflammatory processes associated with bacterially-mediated disease and infection in the gastrointestinal tract, bone, skin, eye, ear, lung and oral cavity. The invention also relates to lipoteichoic acid selected thereof.

Abstract: The present application discloses an improved method for conducting saccharide-protein conjugation reactions using carbodiimide condensation chemistry. Depending on the nature of the saccharide or protein carrier involved, the quality of the conjugate may be improved by adding one of the reaction components slowly to the reaction mixture. Immunogenic compositions are further provided comprising the saccharide-protein conjugates made by the methods disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to three-branched PEG-G-CSF conjugate of general formula (1) in which the bonding ratio of three-branched polyethylene glycol (PEG) and G-CSF is 1:1 (mol/mol), wherein PEG has an average molecular weight of from 200 to 45,000 daltons; a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same, and a preparing method thereof.

Abstract: E. coli proteins have been identified that are useful as carrier proteins to improve a response to a polysaccharide immunogen conjugated to such protein. In particular, AcfD precursor protein (orf3526 polypeptide), Flu antigen 43 protein (orf1364 polypeptide), and Sel1 repeat-containing protein (upec-5211 polypeptide) have been shown to be effective. Additionally, these E. coli proteins can enhance the immune response to glucans, particularly fungal glucans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides comprising at least one antigenic determinant or epitope of an apicomplexan Ferlin, Ferlin-like protein and/or another C2-domain containing protein for use as malaria vaccines. It further relates to compositions comprising said peptides and to the use of such compositions as malaria vaccines.

Abstract: A method for processing multi-phasic dispersions is provided. The method comprises providing a multi-phasic dispersion, the dispersion including dispersed and continuous phases, the dispersion comprising solid microparticles, providing a non-solvent, combining the multi-phasic dispersion and the non-solvent, and selectively effecting migration of the dispersed phase into or through the non-solvent such that the microparticles are separated from the dispersion.

Abstract: Disclosed are synthetic nanocarrier compositions, and related methods, comprising CD1d-restricted antigens and immunosuppressants that provide tolerogenic immune responses.

Abstract: Dextrans produced by lactic acid bacteria Leuconostoc mesenteroides and consisting of linear ?1,6-glucan chains modified with short side-chains composed of consecutive ?1,6-linked glucose residues were linked to a carrier protein. Three dextrans, namely Dextran-5K, Dextran-3.5K and Dextran-1.5K, with molecular masses of 5,000 Da, 3,500 Da and 1,500 Da, respectively, were modified with a diamino group-containing linker, followed by the introduction of maleimido functionality and conjugation to thiolated tetanus toxoid (TT), yielding Dextran-5K-TT, Dextran-3.5K-TT and Dextran-1.5K-TT conjugates. Studies performed with post-immune sera of mice and rabbits immunized with dextran-based glycococonjugates demonstrated cross-reactivity with LPS from typeable and non-typeable H. pylori strains and selected mutants. The post-immune sera from rabbits that received the conjugates exhibited functional activity against ?1,6-glucan-positive strains of H.

Abstract: Disclosed are synthetic nanocarrier compositions that provide controlled release of immunosuppressants as well as related methods. The synthetic nanocarrier compositions may also include antigen in some embodiments.

Abstract: We describe examples using aptamers for capturing and reporting the presence of a target, such as a pathogen. Examples described here include a set of aptamers that are specific to F. tularensisis. Other examples described here include an Aptamer-Linked Immobilized Sorbent Assay (ALISA) and dot blot assay. An example of a method provided here comprises: providing a set of DNA sequences that exhibit high binding affinity to target antigen, placing the DNA sequences in a sandwich aptamer-linked immobilized sorbent assay (ALISA), contacting the DNA sequences with a sample, and detecting whether the target is present in the sample. Some alternative implementations may include dot blots and different reporters. Quantum dot sandwich assays and quantum dot de-quenching reporters can be used.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided herein for immunizing a subject against Chlamydial genital infection by administering to the subject an effective amount of a Chlamydial immunogenic peptide or an immunogenic fragment or variant thereof incorporated within a vault-like particle carrier. In some aspects, the vault-like-particles are administered to the nasal mucosa. The methods and compositions advantageously exhibit enhanced ability to induce cell-mediated immunity and/or antibody-based immunity at mucosal surfaces while reducing inflammation associated with Chlamydia infection.

Abstract: Vaccine formulations effective against Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are disclosed, as well as methods of using the vaccine formulations in the treatment, prevention and prophylaxis of Staphylococcus aureus infections in a subject.

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: Disclosed are synthetic nanocarrier compositions, and related methods, comprising immunosuppressants and MHC Class II-restricted epitopes of an allergen that provide tolerogenic immune responses specific to the allergen.

Abstract: This invention provides novel reagents for cyanating polysaccharides in aqueous or part aqueous solutions so that they may be covalently linked to proteins either directly or through a spacer. These reagents include 1-cyano-4-pyrrolidinopyridinium tetrafluoroborate (CPPT), 1-cyano-imidazole (1-CI), 1-cyanobenzotriazole (1-CBT), or 2-cyanopyridazine-3(2H)one (2-CPO), or a functional derivative or modification thereof. The examples illustrate the use of these reagents with a variety of polysaccharides and proteins showing that the methods are generally applicable.

Abstract: C-type lectins are involved in the binding of many different types of carbohydrates. Considering their diversity in kind and expression of different types of cells, the influence of such binding is very diverse and dependent among others on the type of cell, the environment of the cell and the type of carbohydrate bound. In the present invention new carbohydrate specificities of C-type lectins are disclosed. Interference with this binding property has uses in the prevention of pathogen binding and also in influencing signaling pathways in the C-type lectin containing cell, particularly in Toll like receptor expressing cells such as dendritic cells. Also provided is the use of the carbohydrate specificity to enhance antigen presentation by antigen presenting cells and to manipulate migration of C-type lectin containing cells and the interaction of C-type lectin expressing cells with cellular ligands on neighboring cells.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to fibrillar adjuvants. Epitopes assembled into nanofibers by a short synthetic fibrillization domain elicited high antibody titers in the absence of any adjuvant.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for making and using anti DC-ASGPR antibodies that can, e.g., activate DCs and other cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a radiolabeled affibody molecule comprising a fragment of an IgG-binding domain of protein A from Staphylococcus aureus, a bifunctional linker, and a radiolabel comprising 18F or 76Br, wherein the bifunctional linker links the fragment and the radiolabel. The affibody molecule binds with high affinity to select receptors, which are over-expressed in certain cancers. Since the radionuclides emit a positron, the in vitro and in vivo binding characteristics of the radiolabeled affibody can be assessed using diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: Disclosed are synthetic nanocarrier compositions, and related methods, comprising APC presentable transplant antigens and immunosuppressants that provide tolerogenic immune responses (e.g., a reduction in CD8+ T cell proliferation and/or activity) specific to the APC presentable transplant antigens.

Abstract: This invention relates, at least in part, to compositions comprising synthetic nanocarriers and immunosuppressants that result in immune suppressive effects. Such compositions can further comprise antigen and provide antigen-specific tolerogenic immune responses.

Abstract: Disclosed are synthetic nanocarrier compositions, and related methods, comprising MHC Class II-restricted epitopes and immunosuppressants that provide tolerogenic immune responses, such as a reduction in CD4+ T cell help specific to an antigen.

Abstract: There exist in the art methods of detecting simple peptides. However, methods to determine the effective plasma concentration of mixtures of peptides as a group, rather than for individual peptides with a defined amino acid sequence, are complicated by the heterogeneity of the peptides to be detected. This application provides improved methods of detecting and assessing random sequence polymer (RSP) compositions, methods for the detection and quantitation of RSP compositions, means to determine and enrich a subset of peptides in an RSP composition based on the subset's interactions with certain capture polypeptides, and methods for administering RSP compositions to a subject in need thereof, wherein the dosage regimen and quantity may be determined or evaluated based on the above-mentioned methods for detection and quantitation.

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: Disclosed are synthetic nanocarrier methods, and related compositions, comprising administering B cell and/or MHC Class II-restricted epitopes of an antigen and immunosuppressants in order to reduce antigen-specific activation of innate immune cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are synthetic nanocarrier methods, and related compositions, comprising administering immunosuppressants and MHC Class I-restricted and/or MHC Class II-restricted epitopes that can generate tolerogenic immune responses (e.g., antigen-specific T effector cell deletion).

Abstract: Disclosed are synthetic nanocarrier compositions, and related methods, comprising MHC Class I-restricted and/or MHC Class II-restricted epitopes associated with undesired CD8+ T cell responses and immunosuppressants that provide tolerogenic immune responses against antigens that comprise the epitopes.

Abstract: The present invention is related to methods and compositions that are capable of immediately immunizing a human or animal against any molecule or compound. The present invention comprises an immunity linker molecule with at least two sites; (1) a first binding site that binds to an immune system molecule in a human or animal that has been preimmunized against the first binding site, and (2) one or more second binding sites that bind specifically to a desired compound or molecule. The first binding site and the second binding site(s) are linked by a linker portion of the molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the provision of novel immunogens comprising an antigenic IgE peptide preferably linked to an immunogenic carrier for the prevention, treatment or alleviation of IgE-mediated disorders. The invention further relates to methods for production of these medicaments, immunogenic compositions and pharmaceutical compositing thereof and their use in medicine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to anti-drug vaccines based on conjugates between the drug and a non-immunogenic carrier protein. In preferred embodiments, it provides for anti-cocaine vaccines and their use to diminish the effects and/or use of cocaine in a subject.