Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the treatment of infection caused by Streptococcus pneumonia. In particular, the invention provides human hyperimmune globulin and compositions thereof for preventing or treating pneumococcal infection. The invention provides methods of producing hyperimmune globulin containing high titers of opsonophagocytic anti-pneumococcal antibodies, compositions containing same, and methods of using the compositions for the prevention and treatment of pneumococcal infection. The invention further provides methods of preventing or treating pneumococcal infection (e.g., upper respiratory infections (e.g., bronchitis, otitis, sinusitis, etc.)) in immunocompromised subjects via administration of hyperimmune globulin compositions of the invention (e.g., containing a high titer of opsonophagocytic anti-pneumococcal antibodies) to immunocompromised subjects.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a polysaccharide-protein conjugate with capsular polysaccharide from Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 19F conjugated to a carrier protein. The method includes a prolonged incubation step prior to filtration to remove free polysaccharide.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of pneumococcal capsular saccharide conjugate vaccines. Specifically, the present invention relates to sized Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 6A capsular polysaccharides, in particular Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 6A capsular polysaccharides having the average size (e.g. Mw) of the Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 6A capsular polysaccharide is between 100-1000 kDa, suitably conjugated to a carrier protein.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides therapeutic methods and compositions for the treatment of bacterial infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. In particular, methods are provided for increasing protective antibody levels induced by pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of an agent that inhibits the interaction between a PD-1 ligand and a PD-1 polypeptide. Immunogenic compositions are also provided comprising one or more pneumococcal polysaccharide antigens and an agent that inhibits the interaction between a PD-1 ligand and a PD-1 polypeptide.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions comprising phospho-lipids, lipid vesicles, and/or liposomes, and methods of use thereof. In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to methods and compositions for delivery of, biologically active lipids to reduce microvascular dysfunction and infarct size during revascularization of the blocked artery in a mammalian subject.

Abstract: The invention provides immunostimulatory glycolipids and compositions thereof and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a number of process improvements related to the conjugation of capsular polysaccharides from Streptococcus pneumoniae to a carrier protein. These process are serotype specific and include acid hydrolysis, addition of sodium chloride to the reductive amination reaction, and addition of sucrose to dissolve polysaccharides. Polysaccharide-protein conjugates prepared using the processes of the invention can be included in multivalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel short chain peptides of formula (I) which can be useful as a vaccine when in conjugation with suitable immunogenic carrier and suitable adjuvant. These are useful for the treatment for the PCSK9 mediated diseases.

Abstract: Provided herein are Haemophilus influenzae saccharide-carrier conjugates and compositions thereof. Also provided are methods of making and using the conjugates and compositions thereof, and kits containing the conjugates. Haemophilus influenzae saccharide-lipid conjugates, Haemophilus influenzae saccharide-glycosphingolipid conjugates, compositions containing these, methods of making and using the conjugates and compositions, and kits containing these, are also disclosed. Saccharide-lipid conjugates, and saccharide-glycosphingolipid conjugates comprising saccharides from Haemophilus influenzae serotype a, as well as compositions containing these, methods of making and using the conjugates and compositions, and kits containing these, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are mixed carrier, multivalent pneumococcal conjugate compositions comprising 20 different pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide-protein conjugates, wherein each of the conjugates includes a capsular polysaccharide from a different serotype of Streptococcus pneumoniae conjugated to either tetanus toxoid or CRM197, wherein the Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes are selected from 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 8, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, and 33F, wherein two of the capsular polysaccharides are conjugated to tetanus toxoid and the remaining capsular polysaccharides are conjugated to CRMig7, and wherein the two capsular polysaccharides that are conjugated to tetanus toxoid are selected from the group consisting of serotypes 1, 3, and 5. Also provided are methods of producing the mixed carrier, multivalent pneumococcal conjugate compositions and methods of using the same for prophylaxis against Streptococcus pneumoniae infection or disease in a subject.

Abstract: Provided are mixed carrier, multivalent pneumococcal conjugate compositions comprising 16 different pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide-protein conjugates, wherein each of the conjugates includes a capsular polysaccharide from a different serotype of Streptococcus pneumoniae conjugated to either tetanus toxoid or CRM197, wherein the Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes are selected from 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 12F, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, and 33F, wherein two of the capsular polysaccharides are conjugated to tetanus toxoid and the remaining capsular polysaccharides are conjugated to CRM197, and wherein the two capsular polysaccharides that are conjugated to tetanus toxoid are selected from the group consisting of serotypes 1, 3, and 5. Also provided are methods of producing the mixed carrier, multivalent pneumococcal conjugate compositions and methods of using the same for prophylaxis against Streptococcus pneumoniae infection or disease in a subject.

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.

Abstract: Methods of immunizing older adult subjects against Streptococcus pneumoniae infection are provided. Provided methods comprise immunization of naïve adult subjects with a conjugated pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. Optionally, initial immunization may be followed by additional immunization doses comprising conjugated pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine or unconjugated pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to immunogenic polysaccharide-protein conjugates comprising a capsular polysaccharide (CP) from Streptococcus agalactiae, commonly referred to as group B streptococcus (GBS), and a carrier protein, wherein the CP is selected from the group consisting of serotypes Ia, Ib, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, and IX, and wherein the CP has a sialic acid level of greater than about 60%. The invention also relates to methods of making the conjugates and immunogenic compositions comprising the conjugates. The invention also relates to immunogenic compositions comprising polysaccharide-protein conjugates, wherein the conjugates comprise a CP from GBS serotype IV and at least one additional serotype. The invention further relates to methods for inducing an immune response in subjects against GBS and/or for reducing or preventing invasive GBS disease in subjects using the compositions disclosed herein. The resulting antibodies can be used to treat or prevent GBS infection via passive immunotherapy.

Abstract: The invention provides PCSK9 inhibitors, compositions comprising the PCSK9 inhibitors, and methods of identifying and using the PCSK9 inhibitors.

Abstract: The present description relates to glycoconjugates, glycoconjugate immunogens and glycoconjugate vaccines comprising carbohydrate antigens coupled to immunogenic carrier proteins, or materials used for detection and screening of resulting antibodies. Improved methods of more directly and precisely conjugating carbohydrate antigens to free thiol groups of immunogenic carrier proteins are described, including “click-chemistry” approaches based on photocatalytic thiol-ene reactions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a synthetic peptide capable of inducing an antibody to an autoantigen, and specifically, provides: a multiplexed same type-antigenic peptide having a dendritic core and B-cell recognition peptides, wherein the multiplexed same type-antigenic peptide comprises 4 to 8 B-cell recognition peptides of the same type that are bound to the terminal ends of the dendritic core directly or via a spacer, and each B-cell recognition peptide is bound to the terminal end of the dendritic core directly or via a spacer; an antibody production-inducing agent having the peptides; and a method for producing the peptide.

Abstract: An injectable immunogenic composition comprising capsular saccharides from at least two of serogroups A, C, W135 and Y of Neisseria meningitidis, wherein said capsular saccharides are conjugated to carrier protein(s) and/or are oligosaccharides, and wherein (i) the composition comprises <50 ?g meningococcal saccharide per dose, and/or (ii) the composition further comprises an antigen from one or more of: (a) serogroup B N. meningitidis; (b) Haemophilus influenzae type B; and/or (c) Streptococcus pneumoniae. Saccharide antigens in the compositions are generally conjugated to a carrier.

Abstract: This invention relates to a solid phase method of synthesizing biomolecule-drug conjugates. In particular, this invention relates to a solid phase method of synthesizing antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). This invention also relates to intermediate methods of producing immobilized, chemically modified biomolecules, e.g. antibodies. The invention also relates to various uses of capture resins and to biomolecule-drug conjugates, intermediate products and compositions prepared by the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Methods of modulating type-I interferon production in a cell are provided. Aspects of the methods include modulating cytosolic cyclic di-adenosine monophosphate (c-di-AMP) activity in the cell in a manner sufficient to modulate type-I interferon production in the cell. Additional aspects of the invention include c-di-AMP activity modulatory compositions, e.g., c-di-AMP, mutant Listeria bacteria, cyclase and/or phosphodiesterase nucleic acid or protein compositions, etc. The subject methods and compositions find use in a variety of applications, including therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an animal-protein-free botulinum toxin composition to treat a disease, disorder or condition in a patient in need thereof whereby the animal-protein-free botulinum toxin composition exhibits a longer lasting effect in the patient compared to an animal-protein-containing botulinum toxin composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new immunogenic compositions comprising conjugated Streptococcus pneumoniae capsular saccharide antigens (glycoconjugates), kits comprising said immunogenic compositions and uses thereof. Immunogenic compositions of the present invention will typically comprise at least one glycoconjugate from a S. pneumoniae serotype not found in PREVNAR®, SYNFLORIX® and/or PREVNAR 13®. The invention also relates to vaccination of human subjects, in particular infants and elderly, against pneumococcal infections using said novel immunogenic compositions.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method of generating conditionally active biologic proteins from wild type proteins, in particular therapeutic proteins, which are reversibly or irreversibly inactivated at the wild type normal physiological conditions. For example, evolved proteins are virtually inactive at body temperature, but are active at lower temperatures.

Abstract: Precipitated bacterial capsular polysaccharides can be efficiently re-solubilized using alcohols as solvents. The invention provides a process for purifying a bacterial capsular polysaccharide, comprising the steps of (a) precipitation of said polysaccharide, followed by (b) solubilization of the precipitated polysaccharide using ethanol. CTAB can be used for step (a). The material obtained, preferably following hydrolysis and sizing, can be conjugated to a carrier protein and formulated as a vaccine. Also, in vaccines comprising saccharides from both serogroups A and C, the invention provides that the ratio (w/w) of MenA saccharide:MenC saccharide is >1.

Abstract: Precipitated bacterial capsular polysaccharides can be efficiently re-solubilized using alcohols as solvents. The invention provides a process for purifying a bacterial capsular polysaccharide, comprising the steps of (a) precipitation of said polysaccharide, followed by (b) solubilization of the precipitated polysaccharide using ethanol. CTAB can be used for step (a). The material obtained, preferably following hydrolysis and sizing, can be conjugated to a carrier protein and formulated as a vaccine. Also, in vaccines comprising saccharides from both serogroups A and C, the invention provides that the ratio (w/w) of MenA saccharide:MenC saccharide is >1.

Abstract: Methods of immunizing older adult subjects against Streptococcus pneumoniae infection are provided. Provided methods comprise immunization of naïve adult subjects with a conjugated pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. Optionally, initial immunization may be followed by additional immunization doses comprising conjugated pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine or unconjugated pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine composition.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an adjuvant for a mucosal vaccine with high safety that induces a sufficient immune response on the mucosa. According to the present invention, an adjuvant for a mucosal vaccine comprising a protein complex composed of hemagglutinin (HA) subcomponents HA1, HA2, and HA3 of botulinum toxin is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunogenic conjugates comprising S. aureus serotype 5 and 8 capsular polysaccharides conjugated to carrier proteins and methods for their preparation and use. Methods for making the immunogenic conjugates of the invention involve covalent conjugation of the capsular polysaccharides with the carrier proteins using conjugation chemistry involving either 1,1-carbonyl-di-1,2,4-triazole (CDT) or 3-(2-pyridyldithio)-propionyl hydrazide (PDPH).

Abstract: Precipitated bacterial capsular polysaccharides can be efficiently re-solubilised using alcohols as solvents. The invention provides a process for purifying a bacterial capsular polysaccharide, comprising the steps of (a) precipitation of said polysaccharide, followed by (b) solubilisation of the precipitated polysaccharide using ethanol. CTAB can be used for step (a). The material obtained, preferably following hydrolysis and sizing, can be conjugated to a carrier protein and formulated as a vaccine. Also, in vaccines comprising saccharides from both serogroups A and C, the invention provides that the ratio (w/w) of MenA saccharide: MenC saccharide is >1.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a novel nutritional formula for treating or preventing systemic inflammation in a subject. The nutritional formula comprises a therapeutically effective amount of inactivated Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG).

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.

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: Process for conjugation of bacterial saccharides including Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae saccharides by reductive amination are provided herein.

Abstract: Process for conjugation of bacterial saccharides including Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae saccharides by reductive amination are provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new pneumococcal vaccines. The invention also relates to vaccination of subjects, in particular immunocompromised subjects, against pneumoccocal infections using said novel pneumococcal vaccines.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to conjugates of the capsular polysaccharide of Vibrio cholerae O139, or a structurally and/or immunologically related oligo- or poly-saccharide, and a carrier. These conjugates are useful as pharmaceutical compositions and/or vaccines to induce serum antibodies which have bactericidal (vibriocidal) activity against V. cholerae, in particular V. cholerae O139, and are useful to prevent, treat and/or reduce the severity of disease caused by V. cholerae infection, such as cholera. The present disclosure also relates to diagnostic tests for V. cholerae infection, and/or cholera caused by V. cholerae infection, using one or more of the oligo- or poly-saccharide-carrier conjugates or antibodies described above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a immunogenic or immunostimulatory composition comprising a Shigella outer membrane protein (OMP) and Shigella LPS molecule in medicine and methods for preparing the composition.

Abstract: Methods of modulating type-I interferon production in a cell are provided. Aspects of the methods include modulating cytosolic cyclic di-adenosine monophosphate (c-di-AMP) activity in the cell in a manner sufficient to modulate type-I interferon production in the cell. Additional aspects of the invention include c-di-AMP activity modulatory compositions, e.g., c-di-AMP, mutant Listeria bacteria, cyclase and/or phosphodiesterase nucleic acid or protein compositions, etc. The subject methods and compositions find use in a variety of applications, including therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enterococcal cell wall polymers and their uses in the prevention and therapy of bacterial infection.

Abstract: The invention provides improved agents and methods for treatment of diseases associated with synucleinopathic diseases, including Lewy bodies of alpha-synuclein in the brain of a patient. Such methods entail administering agents that induce a beneficial immunogenic response against the Lewy body. The methods are particularly useful for prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: The efficacy of S. pneumoniae vaccines can be enhanced by adjuvanting S. pneumoniae saccharide and/or protein antigens with a mixture of a TLR agonist (preferably a TLR7 agonist) and an insoluble metal salt (preferably an aluminium salt). The TLR agonist is typically adsorbed to the metal salt. The S. pneumoniae antigen can also be adsorbed to the metal salt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cholera toxin CTA1 protein fragments, adjuvant compositions, and methods relating to adjuvants for vaccines. The invention also relates to using recombinant CTA1 fragments conjugated to a polypeptide containing a protein transduction domain or cell-penetrating peptide as an immunomodulator.

Abstract: The present application relates to glycoengineered outer membrane vesicles obtained from recombinant, gram-negaetive bacteria comprising hetereologous DNA encoding an enzyme or enzymes that produce a heterologous glycan that replaces all or a portion of the naturally-occurring O antigen in the lipopolysaccharides of the bacteria. Also provided by the present application are immunogenic compositions and vaccines prepared from the glycoengineered outer membrane vesicles expressing the heterologous glycans at their surface.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to multivalent Salmonella enterica serovar conjugate vaccines comprising conjugates of S. Typhimurium, S. Enteritidis, S. Choleraesuis, S. Typhi, S. Paratyphi A and optionally S. Paratyphi B, wherein the conjugates comprise a hapten antigen and a carrier antigen, wherein at least one of the hapten antigens or carrier antigens is characteristic of the Salmonella enterica serovar. The present invention also provides Salmonella enterica serovar reagent strains to produce the multivalent conjugate vaccines and attenuated Salmonella enterica serovars for use as vaccines.

Abstract: The invention relates to the areas of immunology and vaccine delivery. More specifically, it relates to a bacterial vaccine delivery technology with built-in immunostimulatory properties which allows the immobilization of any antigen of interest, without prior antigen modification. Provided is an antigen-loaded immunogenic carrier complex comprising at least one bifunctional polypeptide attached to an immunogenic carrier, said bifunctional polypeptide comprising a peptidoglycan binding domain (PBD) through which the polypeptide is attached to said carrier, fused to an antigen binding domain (ABD) to which at least one antigen of interest is bound. Also provided is a pharmaceutical (e.g. vaccine) composition comprising an antigen-loaded immunogenic carrier complex of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a conjugate of a Neisseria meningitidis serogroup X capsular polysaccharide and a carrier molecule. The conjugate is typically made by (a) oxidising a primary hydroxyl group in the capsular polysaccharide, to give an oxidised polysaccharide with an aldehyde group; and (b) coupling the oxidised polysaccharide to a carrier molecule via the aldehyde group, thereby giving the conjugate. The conjugate may be part of an immunogenic composition. This composition may comprise one or more further antigens, particularly capsular polysaccharides from serogroups A, W135, C and Y and conjugated forms thereof. The composition may be in an aqueous formulation. The composition is useful as a vaccine, e.g. for raising an immune response in a mammal. The invention also provides processes for making the conjugate.

Abstract: The present invention describes a combined vaccine that offers broad protection against meningococcal disease caused by the pathogenic bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. The vaccine is comprised of four distinct polysaccharide-protein conjugates that are formulated as a single dose of vaccine. Purified capsular polysaccharides from Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, W-135, and Y are chemically activated and selectively attached to a carrier protein by means of a covalent chemical bond, forming polysaccharide-protein conjugates capable of eliciting long-lasting immunity to a variety of N. meningitidis strains in children as well as adults.

Abstract: Provided are immunogenic compositions and methods for eliciting an immune response against B. anthracis and other bacteria that contain 3-methyl-3-hydroxybutyrate- or 3-hydroxybutyrate-substituted saccharides. Conjugates of 3-methyl-3-hydroxybutyrate- or 3-hydroxybutyrate-substituted saccharides elicit an effective immune response against B. anthracis spores in mammalian hosts to which the conjugates are administered.

Abstract: The present invention provides multivalent chimeric conjugate vaccine molecule and methods of using the conjugate to immunize subjects against bacterial infections. A conjugate molecule of the invention comprises multiple bacterial capsular polysaccharides linked to a carrier protein. Accordingly, the conjugate molecule provides immune protection against multiple types of bacteria in a single vaccines. In particular, conjugate molecules of the invention are used to prevent or attenuate Group B Streptococcus and meningococcal infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of bacterial polysaccharide antigen vaccines. In particular, the present invention relates to bacterial polysaccharides conjugated to protein D from H. influenzae.