Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for stimulating an immune response using cationic lipids alone or in combination with antigens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a therapeutically effective amount of abscisic acid (ABA) or its analogs to treat or prevent inflammation induced by exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or respiratory inflammation. The invention also relates to methods and composition for enhancing vaccine efficacy using ABA.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the optimization of production of influenza viruses suitable as influenza vaccines are provided.

Abstract: Provided is a polypeptide composition comprising one or more polypeptides, which polypeptides are immunogenic in a vertebrate such that they cause the vertebrate to produce immune system cells capable of recognizing at least one epitope from an arthropod saliva protein fraction, wherein the arthropod saliva protein fraction has a mass of 40 kDA or less, and wherein the polypeptides are selected independently from: the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID 1-44 or sub-sequences from these sequences, the sub-sequences having 7 amino acids or more; or from polypeptide sequences having 85% homology or more with one or more of the above sequences and contained in one or more of the following databases: GenBank, Protein Data Bank (PDB), SwissProt, Protein Information Resource (PIR), Protein Research Foundation (PRF), or CDS translations of these.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a methodology for the generation of infectious ribonucleoparticles (RNPs) of negative-strand RNA viruses, and in particular of non-segmented negative-strand RNA viruses in yeast, especially in budding yeast. Accordingly, the patent application relates to a recombinant yeast strain suitable for the rescue of infectious non-segmented negative-strand RNA virus particles or infectious virus-like particles. The invention also relates to the use of the recombinant yeast to prepare vaccine seed and to the use of the produced RNPs or RNPs-like to prepare vaccine formulations. It also concerns the use of the recombinant yeast for the screening of libraries of DNA.

Abstract: Emulsion vaccine formulations containing an antigen and an adjuvant in the aqueous phase are used for the vaccination of animals wherein the adjuvant is an acrylic polymer and/or dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium bromide (DDA). These formulations can be prepared by mixing an aqueous phase containing the antigen and adjuvant with an oil phase in the presence of an emulsifier.

Abstract: An adjuvant for transdermal or transmucosal administration which comprises at least one substance selected from an aliphatic alcohol, a free fatty acid and a fatty acid derivative but does not contain a substance represented by the following formula: wherein R3 and R4 may together form a cyclic ring, and R1 and R2 independently represent an alkyl side chain having 1 to 16 carbon atoms.

Abstract: An aqueous composition having increased protein stability is obtained by: a. determining a pH at which the protein has stability at the desired temperature; b. adding to the composition at least one displacement buffer wherein the displacement buffer has a pKa that is at least 1 unit greater or less than the pH of step (a); and c. adjusting the pH of the composition to the pH of step (a); wherein the aqueous composition does not comprise a conventional buffer at a concentration greater than about 2 mM and wherein the conventional buffer has a pKa that is within 1 unit of the pH of step (a).

Abstract: The invention provides oral vaccine formulations which deliver an antigen in the vicinity of the distal ileum and the area of the ileal Brake and/or the appendix. These vaccines are useful in the treatment and/or prevention of variety of disorders, including viral and bacterial infections and cancers. Related methods of treatment which use the oral vaccine formulations of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) bearing ?-glucose (?-Glc) that preferentially stimulate human invariant NKT (iNKT) cells are provided. GSLs with ?-glucose (?-Glc) that exhibit stronger induction in humans (but weaker in mice) of cytokines and chemokines and expansion and/or activation of immune cells than those with ?-galactose (?-Gal) are disclosed. GSLs bearing ?-glucose (?-Glc) and derivatives of ?-Glc with F at the 4 and/or 6 positions are provided. Methods for iNKT-independent induction of chemokines by the GSL with ?-Glc and derivatives thereof are disclosed. Methods for immune stimulation in humans using GSLs with ?-Glc and derivatives thereof are provided.

Abstract: The current invention pertains to an aqueous composition containing a biological antigen and an acrylic acid polymer, wherein the composition comprises an electrolyte to provide an osmolarity higher than the osmolarity of a 0.9% (w/v) sodium chloride solution in water. The invention also pertains to the acrylic acid polymer for use in a one shot vaccine against porcine circo virus 2 (PCV2) and optionally Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and in an aqueous composition for reducing fever induced by the biological antigens present in the aqueous composition when the composition is administered to a subject animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel CD4+ and CD8+ T cell epitopes that are specific for HPV-specific E6 and E7 oncoproteins, to peptides comprising these novel T cell epitopes, and to (vaccine) compositions comprising these peptides for use in methods for the prevention and/or treatment of HPV related diseases. Preferred epitopes are recognized by a T cell that infiltrates a cervical neoplastic lesion or by a T cell from a draining lymph node, and are presented by an HLA-DQ or HLA-DP molecule, or an HLA-B.

Abstract: Vaccination methods to control PCV2 infection with different PCV2 subtypes are disclosed. Specifically, a PCV2 subtype b (PCV2b) ORF2 proteins or immunogenic compositions comprising a PCV2b ORF2 protein are used in a method for the treatment or prevention of an infection with PCV2 of a different subtype, the reduction, prevention or treatment of clinical signs caused by an infection with PCV2 of a different subtype, or the prevention or treatment of a disease caused by an infection with PCV2 of a different subtype.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a method for purifying the rabies virus, comprising a single ion-exchange chromatography step, said step being cation exchange chromatography according to which: a) the supernatant of a culture of cells infected with this virus is brought into contact with a cation exchange chromatography support comprising a polymethacrylate matrix onto which sulfoisobutyl groups have been grafted such that the rabies virus binds to this support, and; b) the virus is eluted from its support.

Abstract: A mucosal vaccine for the prevention or treatment of microbial infections is described that is capable of inducing vaccine antigen-specific immune responses in an organism without the addition of a mucosal adjuvant. The mucosal vaccine comprises a composite of a nanogel comprising a hydrophilic polysaccharide having a cationic functional group and a hydrophobic cholesterol added thereto as a side chain and a vaccine antigen. The vaccine is administered via a mucosal route.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-idiotypic polypeptide scaffold that includes two or more peptide sequences that mimic a discontinuous epitope of a pathogen that is recognized by or induces formation of a broadly neutralizing antibody. Using a fibronectin FNfn10 scaffold bearing two or more modified discontinuous loops, scaffolds that recognize broadly neutralizing antibodies in vitro and from patient serum have been identified. These scaffolds should induce an immune response or mobilize germline specificities to initiate their affinity maturation.

Abstract: The present invention provides alphavirus replicons and methods of their use in producing heterologous protein.

Abstract: Materials and methods useful for generating highly mannosylated pseudotyped lentiviral vector particles comprising a Vpx protein are provided.

Abstract: A massive clonal expansion of activated CD8+ T-cells with increased frequency of HPV 16-specific CD8+ T-cells was discovered to be a characteristic of oral lichen planus (OLP), indicating a causal link between HPV infection and the dysimmune process. The invention relates to compositions and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of OLP patients.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to N-hydroxyamidino compounds which are modulators of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), as well as pharmaceutical compositions thereof and methods of use thereof relating to the treatment of cancer and other diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates nucleic acid constructs for the production of recombinant parvoviral (e.g. adeno-associated viral) vectors in insect cells, to insect cells comprising such constructs and to methods wherein the cells are used to produce recombinant parvoviral virions. The insect cells preferably comprise a first nucleotide sequence encoding the parvoviral rep proteins whereby the initiation codon for translation of the parvoviral Rep78 protein is a suboptimal initiation codon that effects partial exon skipping upon expression in insect cells. The insect cell further comprises a second nucleotide sequence comprising at least one parvoviral (AAV) inverted terminal repeat (ITR) nucleotide sequence and a third nucleotide sequence comprising a sequences coding for the parvoviral capsid proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for use in inducing tumor-specific antibody mediated complement-dependent cytotoxic response in an animal having a tumor comprising administering to said animal a composition comprising a replication competent oncolytic virus wherein administration of the composition induces in the animal production of antibodies that mediate a CDC response specific to said tumor.

Abstract: The standard dose of polio vaccines contains 40 D-antigen units of inactivated poliovirus type 1 (Mahoney), 8 D-antigen units of inactivated poliovirus type 2 (MEF-1), and 32 D-antigens units of inactivated poliovirus type 3 (Saukett). The present invention teaches that reduced doses of inactivated poliovirus can maintain adequate or improved level of protection against polio.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant baculovirus comprising: (a) a nucleotide sequence encoding a foreign virus envelope protein; (b) a first promoter operatively linked to the envelope-encoding nucleotide sequence; (c) a nucleotide sequence encoding an antigen protein; and (d) a second promoter operatively linked to the antigen-encoding nucleotide sequence; and a vaccine composition using the same. The recombinant baculovirus of the present invention has an excellent efficacy on both humoral and cellular immune responses against a specific antigen (e.g., HPV L1), enabling to function as a more efficient DNA vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention also relates to a method of reducing metastases in a subject comprising administering to the subject a composition comprising a multifunctional molecule comprising a first part which is capable of binding to an antigen bearing target and a second part which is capable of binding to a cell.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for preparing Human Papilloma Virus protein E7 antigen (HPV E7 antigen) comprising the following steps: —providing a purified preparation of HPV protein E7; —phosphorylating the HPV protein E7 in the preparation; —purifying the phosphorylated E7 protein with an anion exchange chromatography, wherein the phosphorylated E7 protein is separated from the non-phosphorylated E7 protein by a step wherein the non-phosphorylated E7 protein stays bound to an anion exchanger during the anion exchange chromatography whereas the phosphorylated E7 protein is obtained in the eluate of the anion exchange chromatography, thereby—obtaining a purified preparation of a phosphorylated HPV protein E7 antigen. The invention further discloses antibodies specific to this antigen, a kit and method for using such antibodies in clinical diagnostics and methods for generation of such antibodies.

Abstract: Recombinant multivalent non-pathogenic Marek's Disease virus constructs that encode and express both Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus and Newcastle Disease virus protein antigens, and methods of their use in poultry vaccines.

Abstract: Recombinant antibody-based molecules that trigger both T-cell and B-cell immune responses are disclosed. The recombinant molecules are comprised by at least one targeting unit and at least one antigenic unit connected through a dimerization motif. Also disclosed are nucleic acid molecules encoding the recombinant antibody-based molecule and methods of treating multiple myeloma or lymphoma in a patient using the recombinant antibody-based molecules or the nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: Described is a composition comprising a plurality of recombinant adenovirus particles, being a recombinant human adenovirus of serotype 5, 26, 34, 35, 48, 49 or 50, or a recombinant simian adenovirus, characterized in that the genomes of essentially all adenovirus particles in the composition comprise as the 5? terminal nucleotides the nucleotide sequence: CTATCTAT (nucleotides 1-8 of SEQ ID NO:7). Also described are methods to produce such compositions.

Abstract: The invention refers to an improved vaccine against infections with pathogens, especially viral pathogens, comprising an antigen, a peptide of the formula R1—XZSZN—XZX—R2 and an immunostimulatory deoxynucleic acid containing deoxyinosine and/or deoxyuridine residues.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically modified cells useful for viral replication and the production of viral vaccines.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of formula (I) for use as antiviral agents, particularly as anti-hepatitis virus C agents, wherein R-R 6 and q are as described herein. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating or preventing viral infection in a host by the use of these compounds, either alone or in combination with other pharmaceutically active agents. Further disclosed are methods of preparing such compounds. (I).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the examination of the pattern of immunodominant T cell epitopes in the E6 protein of Human Papilloma virus and its further characterization in terms of its amino acid sequence and Human Leukocyte Antigen restriction. These epitopes are identified based on their ability to induce specific T cell responses and therefore, are important as sources of antigens for immunotherapies to treat cervical and other cancers. The present invention contemplates identifying a number of similar epitopes restricted by a wide variety of Human Leukocyte Antigen types so that they can be used together to develop preventative or therapeutic vaccines, which can be used for the general human population. The present invention also contemplates using E6 peptides of Human Papilloma virus as a diagnosis method to predict the probability of developing persistent cervical neoplasia in an individual.

Abstract: The invention relates to a replication-deficient adenoviral vector comprising two or more nucleic acid sequences encoding Dengue virus antigens and a chimeric hexon protein. The chimeric hexon protein comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion comprises at least 10 contiguous amino acid residues from a first adenovirus serotype (e.g., serotype 5 adenovirus hexon protein), optionally with one amino acid substitution. The second portion comprises (a) at least one hypervariable region (HVR) of a hexon protein of an adenovirus of a second adenovirus serotype, or (b) at least one synthetic hypervariable region (HVR) that is not present in the hexon protein of the wild-type adenovirus of the first adenovirus serotype.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a DNA vaccine for immunization against HIV. The invention comprises a DNA molecule that has a sequence encoding a plurality of viral proteins capable of stimulating an immune response against HIV. The DNA molecule is rendered safe for use as a vaccine by the disruption of genes encoding reverse transcriptase, integrase, and Vif. The DNA molecule is further rendered safe by at least a partial deletion of the 3? LTR.

Abstract: Compositions and methods comprising asymmetrical artificial antigen presenting cells (aAPCs) are disclosed. The non-spherical aAPCs more closely mimic endogenous cell-cell interactions and can be used for antigen-specific immunotherapy.

Abstract: A member of the bovine type III IFN family, boIFN-?3, was identified and characterized. We expressed boIFN-?3 using a recombinant replication defective human adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) and demonstrated antiviral activity against foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) in bovine cells in vitro. Cattle were inoculated with Ad5-boIFN-?3 followed by intradermolingual or aerosol FMDV challenge. Results demonstrated that the type III IFN family is conserved in bovines and that treatment of cattle with boIFN-?3 alone or in combination with IFN-? is able to confer delayed and reduced severity of FMD. Furthermore inoculation with Ad5-boIFN-?3 alone conferred full protection against aerosol challenge for at least 7 days after administration suggesting that type III IFN used in combination with FMD vaccines could fill one of the current gaps in emergency vaccination against FMDV.

Abstract: Provided are polynucleotides and proteins encoded by them which are useful for stimulating an immune response against Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in swine. The compositions can contain a newly discovered PRRSV strain or recombinant versions of it or polynucleotides isolated or derived from it, which can be provided as pharmaceutical preparations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition, kit and method for delivering a soft flowable gel to a flock of poultry in barns, but can also be used in hatcheries or free range farms, for treating poultry with a therapeutic agent. The soft flowable gel comprises water, a gelling agent, a therapeutic agent and between about 0.05% and 0.15% xanthan gum.

Abstract: Cloned filovirus genomic cDNA and methods of using the cDNA are provided. Further provided are noninfectious lipid encapsulated filovirus-based particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a PCV2 ORF2 protein for use in a method for the reduction of the viral load, for the reduction of the infection quota and/or the reduction of the infection pressure in a herd of swine caused by an infection with PCV2. In particular, the present invention relates to any method described above, wherein said PCV2 ORF2 protein is to be administered at regular intervals to female animals of a herd and to piglets.

Abstract: Gastroretentive controlled release vehicles may, in some embodiments, (1) comprise a polymeric matrix and agents for the treatment, prevention, and/or mitigation of a disease and/or side effect thereof and (2) have both gastroretentive properties and controlled release properties. Preferrably, the polymeric matrix may comprise ethylene copolymers, ethyl celluloses, and/or thermoplastic polyurethanes that may optionally be partially crosslinked.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combined norovirus and rotavirus vaccine for prevention of norovirus and rotavirus infection and/or viral-induced diarrheal and vomiting diseases in man. More specifically, the invention comprises a method of preparing combination vaccine compositions comprising norovirus and rotavirus antigens, in particular mixtures of norovirus VLPs and rotavirus recombinant VP6 protein or double-layered VP2/VP6 VLPs. In addition, the invention relates to methods of inducing an immune response.

Abstract: A composition comprising liposomes associated with a nucleic acid operatively encoding an antigenic protein and with an assistor protein, wherein the assistor protein shares at least one epitope with the antigenic protein, and wherein the nucleic acid and said assistor protein are associated with the same liposomes is described. The composition provides an improved immune response compared to mixtures of liposomes some of which are associated with the nucleic acid and some of which are associated with the assistor protein.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of treating a human patient in need thereof with immune reconstitution therapy by administering a therapeutically effective amount of therapeutic T cell population selected and/or expanded from a mobilised blood sample or a mobilised apheresis sample, wherein selection is on the basis of a steady state marker and/or an activation marker optionally followed by expansion, or expansion is in the presence of antigen, such as a viral antigen. It also extends to methods of generating said therapeutic T cell populations and the product obtainable therefrom.

Abstract: Methods and compositions concerning mutant flaviviruses with host-range phenotypes are provided. Nucleotide sequences that encode mutant flavivirus proteins are also provided. In certain aspects, viruses comprising these sequences display reduced replication in mammalian cells. In further aspects of the invention, flavivirus vaccine compositions and methods for vaccination against flavivirus infection are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the provision of immunogens comprising an antigenic PCSK9 peptide linked to an immunogenic carrier for the prevention, treatment or alleviation of PCSK9-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 a method of reducing the transmission of a pathogen from an animal of a first species to an animal of a second species. Specifically, reduction of transmission is accomplished through the administration of antigen of the pathogen such that administration results in the reduction or absence of the reproduction of the pathogen in the animal to which the antigen was administered.

Abstract: A modified peptide derived from matrix protein 2 (hereinafter also referred to as “M2”), one of surface layer proteins of influenza virus, and a method for utilization of the modified peptide are provided. A peptide (hereinafter also referred to as “M2eC peptide”) that is made up by inserting cysteine residue(s) into a peptide (hereinafter also referred to as “M2e”) consisting of 23 amino acid residues of from positions No. 2 to No.

Abstract: Methods and immunogenic compositions for generating an immune response against Marburg virus are provided. The immunogenic composition includes antigens obtained from a Marburg viral strain in combination with an oleanolic acid triterpene adjuvant.