Abstract: The invention relates to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) produced from source dendritic cells (DCs). The invention also relates to synthetic DCs re-differentiated the iPSCs and which display a definitive adult phenotype rather than a primitive fetal/neonatal phenotype. The invention also relates to methods for making and methods of using the iPSCs and DCs of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to engineered outer domain (eOD) immunogens of HIV gp120 and mutants thereof and methods of making and using the same. The present invention also includes fusions of eOD to various protein multimers to enhance immunogenicity. The mutant eODs bind to neutralizing antibody precursors. The mutant eODs can activate germline precursors on the pathway to eliciting a broadly neutralizing antibody (bnAb) response. The invention also relates to immunized knock-in mice expressing germline-reverted heavy chains. Induced antibodies showed characteristics of bnAbs and mutations that favored binding to near-native HIV-1 gp120 constructs. In contrast, native-like immunogens failed to activate precursors. The invention also relates to rational epitope design that can prime rare B cell precursors for affinity maturation to desired targets.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods to induce and boost antibody response, including but not limited to IgG responses binding to HIV-1 in a subject in need thereof, wherein the induced/boosted plasma level of the antibody responses, for example V3 and/or CD4 binding site antibody responses, is over a threshold level and is associated with reduced risk of maternal-to-child-transmission (MTCT) of HIV-1.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) particular, to a polyvalent vaccine for HIV-1 and to methods of making and using same.

Abstract: The present relation relates to a transgenic Vero cell line expressing CD4 and CCR5. The present invention encompasses the preparation and purification of immunogenic compositions which are formulated into the vaccines of the present invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are yeast-based immunotherapeutic compositions, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antigens, and fusion proteins for the treatment and/or prevention of HIV infection and symptoms thereof, as well as methods of using the yeast-based immunotherapeutic compositions, HIV antigens, and fusion proteins for the prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of HIV and/or symptoms thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising two or more DNA plasmids encoding consensus and transmitted founder HIV envelope glycoproteins which expressed and induce a potent immune response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vector(s) containing and expressing an optimized HIV EnvF gene, methods for making the same and cell substrates qualified for vaccine production which may comprise vector(s) containing optimized HIV genes.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to novel immunogenic combinations comprising or encoding at least two heterooligomeric mycobacterial antigens and preferably a fusion polypeptide comprising said two heterooligomeric mycobacterial antigens, where the mycobacterial antigens are selected from the group of Esx, PE and PPE antigens of a Mycobacterium species, particularly a Mycobacterium of the tuberculosis complex such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The present invention also relates to vectors, host cells and compositions comprising or encoding said immunogenic combination as well as to methods for expressing and producing it. The present invention also relates to methods of using said immunogenic combination, fusion polypeptide, vector, host cell, composition particularly for inducing or stimulating an immune response with the goal of providing a protective response against a Mycobacterium infection or any disease caused by or associated with a Mycobacterium infection.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating an individual infected with a retrovirus that comprise administering to the individual effective amounts of a mixed lineage kinase inhibitor and antiretroviral drug. In further aspects, disclosed are methods for treating an individual infected with a retrovirus that comprises administering an antiretroviral drug formulated into a crystalline nanoparticle comprising a surfactant, and a MLK inhibitor. Still further disclosed are methods for treating an individual infected with a retrovirus that comprises administering a composition comprising both an antiretroviral and MLK inhibitor formulated into a crystalline nanoparticle, which comprises a surfactant. Still further disclosed are compositions that comprise an antiretroviral drug, a MLK inhibitor, and a surfactant, wherein the composition is a crystalline nanoparticle. Compostions comprising MLK inhibitors with other drugs in nanoparticulate form, and methods of there use, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein is an adjuvant formulation comprising a monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA)-containing liposome composition to saponin (e.g., QS-21), wherein the liposome composition comprises i) a lipid bilayer comprising phospholipids in which the hydrocarbon chains have a melting temperature in water of ?23° C. and ii) cholesterol at a mole percent concentration of greater than about 50% (mol/mol), preferably about 55% to about 71% (mol/mol), or more preferably about 55% (mol/mol). The adjuvant formulation displays minimal toxicity of either lipid A or saponin.

Abstract: Multimerized human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) envelope glycoproteins are described. The envelope glycoproteins are multimerized Engineered and multimerized human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) envelope glycoproteins are described. The envelope glycoproteins can be multimerized using a heptamerization domain such as a C4b binding protein multimerization domain or a ferritin fusion. The engineered and multimerized envelope glycoproteins can derived from glycoprotein 120 (gp 120) and can used as an HIV vaccine.

Abstract: The present relation relates to a transgenic Vero cell line expressing CD4 and CCR5. The present invention encompasses the preparation and purification of immunogenic compositions which are formulated into the vaccines of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vector(s) containing and expressing an optimized HIV EnvF gene, methods for making the same and cell substrates qualified for vaccine production which may comprise vector(s) containing optimized HIV genes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human dose of an immunogenic composition comprising an antigen or antigenic preparation, in combination with an adjuvant which adjuvant comprises an immunologically active saponin fraction derived from the bark of Quillaja Saponaria Molina presented in the form of a liposome and a lipopolysaccharide wherein said saponin fraction and said lipopolysaccharide are both present in said human dose at a level of below 30 ?g. The present invention further provides an adjuvant composition in a human dose suitable volume comprising between 1 and 30 ?g of a lipopolysaccharide and between 1 and 30 ?g of an immunologically active saponin fraction presented in the form of a liposome.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to peptides having antimicrobial activity. In certain aspects, the invention relates to peptides having potent antimicrobial activity, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, and/or the ability to kill otherwise antibiotic-resistant microbes, or microbes protected by biofilms.

Abstract: Briefly described, virus-like particles, methods of preparing virus-like particles, immunogenic compositions that include virus-like particles, and methods of eliciting an immune response using immunogenic compositions that include virus-like particles are described herein. A virus-like particle (VLP) can include a viral core protein that can self assemble into the VLP core and at least one viral surface envelope glycoprotein expressed on the surface of the VLP. The VLP can also optionally include at least one adjuvant molecule expressed on the surface of the VLP.

Abstract: The present relation relates to recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus for use as prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines for infectious diseases of AIDS. The present invention encompasses the preparation and purification of immunogenic compositions which are formulated into the vaccines of the present invention.

Abstract: Methods for producing virus particles and viral antigens with simplified glycosylation profiles, such as mono-glycosylated forms of HIV, HCV, Dengue virus, West Nile virus and influenza virus. When used as targets for vaccine production, the conserved nature of such sites generate vaccines that are less sensitive to viral mutations. Such methods may include the use of glycosylation inhibitors for production of viruses or viral antigens with simplified glycosylation profiles.

Abstract: Provided is a method for easily and efficiently producing encapsulated substance vesicles wherein a substance is encapsulated in the cavity of vesicles obtained by polymer self-assembly. Empty vesicles that have membranes comprising a first polymer that is a block copolymer with uncharged hydrophilic segments and a first kind of charged segments and a second polymer with a second kind of charged segments that carry a charge that is the opposite of said first kind of charged segments as well as spaces that are enclosed by said membranes are mixed in an aqueous medium with the substance that is to be encapsulated in the spaces.

Abstract: Chiral 1-(4-methylphenylmethyl)-5-oxo-{N-[(3-t-butoxycarbonyl-aminomethyl)]-piperidin-1-yl}-pyrrolidine-2-carboxamides as inhibitors of collagen induced platelet activation and adhesion. The present invention provides chiral (2S)-1-(4-methylphenylmethyl)-5-oxo-(3S)-{N-[(3-t-butoxycarbonyl aminomethyl)]-piperidin-1-yl}-pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide, and (2S)-1-(4-methylphenylmethyl)-5-oxo-(3R)-{N-[(3-t-butoxycarbonyl amino methyl)]-piperidin-1-yl}-pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide of formula 6 and 7 respectively. The present invention also relates to use of these moieties as inhibitors of collagen induced platelet adhesion and aggregation mediated through collagen receptors. The present invention provides a process for preparation of chiral carboxamides of formula 6 and 7 using the process which has advantage to avoid any racemization at the a-carboxylic center, during N-alkylation. The reagent LiHMDS is used at low temperatures to furnish methyl N-(p-methylphenylmethyl)1pyroglutamate in good chiral purity.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention relate to mutant forms of flock house virus B2 protein characterized by having enhanced suppressor of RNA silencing activity as compared to wild type flock house virus B2 protein. Certain embodiments of the invention relate to nucleic acid sequences and vectors that encode and/or direct expression of such mutant forms of flock house virus B2 protein in eukaryotic cells. Certain embodiments of the invention relate to methods of using such mutant forms of flock house virus B2 protein and/or nucleic acid sequences and vectors that encode and/or direct expression thereof in eukaryotic cells to increase a replication rate of a plant or animal virus in a plant or animal cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides cell lines deficient in mannosyl (alpha-1,3-)-glycoprotein beta-1,2-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I (Mgat1). Also provided are methods for producing the Mga1 deficient cell lines and methods for using the Mgat1 deficient cell lines for the production of recombinant proteins having simple glycoforms.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for protein delivery. The invention features virus like particles, methods of making virus like particles and methods of using virus like particles to deliver proteins to a cell, to provide protein therapy and to treat diseases or disorders. The invention also features methods of targeting a protein to a cell, methods of protein therapy and methods of treating diseases or disorders using a TUS protein, a NLS or NES identified from full length TUS.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions and methods for the treatment of HIV/HSP/HPV, in particular, compositions and methods for a 3 part combination therapy for HIV/HSV/HPV, comprising a viral attachment inhibitor, a viral sequence integration inhibitor, and a proviral transcription inhibitor. The therapy is advantageous for the treatment of HIV infection, and is also effective for HSV and HPV infection. Also disclosed are novel viral attachment inhibitors and methods of use.

Abstract: Chiral 1-(4-methylphenylmethyl)-5-oxo-{N-[(3-t-butoxycarbonyl-aminomethyl)]-piperidin-1-yl}-pyrrolidine-2-carboxamides as inhibitors of collagen induced platelet activation and adhesion The present invention provides chiral (2S)-1-(4-methyl-phenylmethyl)-5-oxo-(3S)—{N-[(3-t-butoxycarbonyl aminomethyl)]-piperidin-1-yl}-pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide, and (2S)-1-(4-methylphenylmethyl)-5-oxo-(3R)—{N-[(3-t-butoxycarbonyl amino methyl)]-piperidin-1-yl}-pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide of formula 6 and 7 respectively. The present invention also relates to use of these moieties as inhibitors of collagen induced platelet adhesion and aggregation mediated through collagen receptors. The present invention provides a process for preparation of chiral carboxamides of formula 6 and 7 using the process which has advantage to avoid any racemization at the a-carboxylic center, during N-alkylation. The reagent LiHMDS is used at low temperatures to furnish methyl N-(p methylphenylmethyl)lpyroglutamate in good chiral purity.

Abstract: The invention provides an aqueous acidic formulation suitable for use as in the preparation of a pharmaceutically acceptable fluorocarbon-linked peptide formulation, which aqueous formulation comprises a first fluorocarbon-linked peptide, wherein: the peptide linked to the fluorocarbon is at least 20 amino acid residues long, comprises at least 50% hydrophobic amino acid residues and has an isoelectric point greater than or equal to 7; and the fluorocarbon-linked peptide is present in micelles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are trimeric polypeptide pharmaceutical compositions comprising three monomers, each monomer comprising a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of the N-terminal heptad repeat (NHR or HR1) or C-terminal heptad repeat (CHR or HR2) of the transmembrane glycoprotein of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and a trimerization motif.

Abstract: Polyvalent influenza virus-like particles (VLPs) comprising influenza antigenic polypeptides are described. Also described are compositions comprising these polyvalent VLPs as well as methods of making and using these VLPs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vaccination strategy that establishes protective immunity, including a protective memory T-cell population.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to immunogenic compositions that comprise an HIV RNA component and a HIV polypeptide component. Immunogenic compositions that deliver antigenic epitopes in two different forms—a first epitope from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), in RNA-coded form; and a second epitope from HIV, in polypeptide form—are effective in inducing immune response to HIV. The invention also relates to a kit comprising an HIV RNA-based priming composition and an HIV polypeptide-based boosting composition. The kit may be used for sequential administration of the priming and the boosting compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for obtaining an antigen-loaded dendritic cell showing higher viability and migratory capacity towards lymphatic nodes. The invention also relates to vaccines containing said dendritic cells as well as to the use thereof for the treatment of infectious diseases, especially AIDS.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a chimeric gammaretrovirus comprising an gammaretroviral virion which contains a lentiviral Vpx protein and methods of use thereof. In a particular aspect, the chimeric gammaretrovirus is a chimeric murine leukemia virus (MLV) comprising an MLV virion which contains a lentiviral Vpx protein. The invention is also directed to use of the chimeric gammaretrovirus to produce a MLV that can transduce a non-dividing cell (G1/S/G2), transduce a non-dividing cell; enhance the ability of a MLV to transduce a non-dividing cell; transduce a quiescent (G0) cell; and enhance the ability of a human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) to transduce a quiescent (G0) cell.

Abstract: Isolated, latently infected T cell lines are provided that can be utilized in high throughput screening to discover compounds capable of activating HIV-I. The T cell lines harbor a latent HIV-I derived vector pro virus, which upon activation expresses a marker for late viral gene expression due to the insertion of the marker gene in the position of HIV-I envelope.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for potentiating a specific immune response to an antigen in a mammal in need thereof. The method comprises administering to the mammal an effective amount of Ov-ASP, or at least one subunit of Ov-ASP, and an antigenic moiety.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for the generation of an antibody or immunogenic composition, such as a vaccine, through epitope focusing by variable effective antigen surface concentration. Generally, the composition and methods of the disclosure comprise three steps: a “design process” comprising one or more in silico bioinformatics steps to select and generate a library of potential antigens for use in the immunogenic composition; a “formulation process”, comprising in vitro testing of potential antigens, using various biochemical assays, and further combining two or more antigens to generate one or more immunogenic compositions; and an “administering” step, whereby the immunogenic composition is administered to a host animal, immune cell, subject or patient. Further steps may also be included, such as the isolation and production of antibodies raised by host immune response to the immunogenic composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acids encoding mosaic clade M HIV-1 Env polypeptides and to compositions and vectors comprising same. The nucleic acids of the invention are suitable for use in inducing an immune response to HIV-1 in a human.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mosaic HIV-1 group M Gag sequences and to a composition comprising same.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions and methods for the treatment of HIV/HSP/HPV, in particular, compositions and methods for a 3 part combination therapy for HIV/HSV/HPV, comprising a viral attachment inhibitor, a viral sequence integration inhibitor, and a proviral transcription inhibitor. The therapy is advantageous for the treatment of HIV infection, and is also effective for HSV and HPV infection. Also disclosed are novel viral attachment inhibitors and methods of use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preventing or treating acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in a patient, wherein the patient is administered with a Tat protein comprising amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2, or a variant thereof capable of stimulating an immune response against Tat proteins.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for the detection of immunodeficiency virus infection, especially immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-I) infection. The invention particularly concerns compositions and methods that may be used in HIV vaccine recipients whose sera may contain vaccine-generated anti-HIV-1 antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods of using arginine to inactivate or reduce the infectious titer of enveloped viruses potentially present in biological compositions produced by eukaryotic cells (such as a antibodies or other therapeutic proteins). In some embodiments, inactivation or reduction of viral titers by exposure to arginine is achieved in a neutral (pH ˜7) or near neutral (˜pH 6 to ˜pH 8) environment.

Abstract: Microparticles with adsorbed polynucleotide-containing species, compositions containing the same, methods of making such microparticles, and uses thereof are disclosed. The microparticles comprise (a) a biodegradable polymer, such as a polyhydroxy butyric acid, a polycaprolactone, a polyorthoester, a polyanhydride, or a polycyanoacrylate, (b) a cationic surfactant such as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, (c) and a polynucleotide-containing species adsorbed on the surface of the microparticles, wherein the polynucleotide-containing species constitutes at least 5 percent of the total weight of said microparticles. Examples of polynucleotide-containing species include polynucleotide-containing immunological adjuvants, such as CpG oligonucleotides, and polynucleotide-containing species that encode polypeptide-containing antigens, such as RNA and DNA vector constructs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a probiotic cell transformed with a construct suitable to overexpress and display on the surface of the probiotic cell a fusion protein comprising at least a portion of a transport protein coupled to at least a portion of one or more antigenic proteins or peptides. Probiotic-derived vesicles displaying this fusion protein as well as methods of inducing an immune response using the probiotic cells or vesicles are also disclosed.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates, in-general, to Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and in particular to a carbohydrate-based vaccine for HIV and to methods of making and using same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inducing the production in a patient of anti-HIV antibodies. The method comprises administering to a patient in need thereof an amount of at least one liposome-peptide conjugate in an amount sufficient to effect that induction. The peptide comprises a membrane external proximal region (MPER) epitope and the liposome comprises lysophosphorylcholine or phosphatidylserine.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of enhancing the immunogenicity of pathogenic antigens by removing or disrupting intrachain disulfide bonds responsible for maintaining tertiary protein structure. Removal of one or more disulfide bonds can increase the titer of neutralizing antibodies to a pathogen (e.g., a bacterium, fungus, virus, or parasite). The invention also features vaccines, expression vectors, and methods for the manufacture and use thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are immunogenic compositions comprising fusion proteins, the fusion proteins comprising lentivirus gp41 or a fragment thereof, a trimerization or oligomerization motif and an immunoenhancer that elicit potent and broad HIV neutralizing antibody responses in the immunized hosts. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the immunogenic compositions.

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.