Abstract: The invention relates to dendritic cells produced from human induced pluripotent stems cells (iPSC). The invention also relates to methods for making and methods of using the dendritic cells of the invention.

Abstract: Compositions of genetically engineered, secreted gp96 (gp69-Ig) induced strong mucosal and systemic immune responses and CD8 expansion that was independent of CD4 help. Immunization of patients with gp96-Ig immunization is especially attractive for induction of mucosal and systemic immunity to SIV/HIV and other diseases.

Abstract: The present application relates to novel HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins which may be utilized as an HIV-1 vaccine immunogens, antigens for crystallization and for the identification of broad neutralizing antibodies. The present invention encompasses the preparation and purification of immunogenic compositions which are formulated into the vaccines of the present invention.

Abstract: Hybrid molecules comprising CD4 minimal modules or mimetics that bind to HIV Env polypeptides in combination with one or more HIV Tat polypeptides are described. Also described are complexes of these hybrid molecules with Env as well as methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention using the polynucleotides and polypeptides.

Abstract: Monoclonal neutralizing antibodies are disclosed that specifically bind to the CD4 binding site of HIV-1 gp120. Monoclonal neutralizing antibodies also are disclosed that specifically bind to HIV-1 gp41. The identification of these antibodies, and the use of these antibodies are also disclosed. Methods are also provided for enhancing the binding and neutralizing activity of any antibody using epitope scaffold probes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are isolated immunogens including variant gp120 polypeptides. In an example, a variant gp120 polypeptide includes a deletion of at least 8 consecutive residues of the fourth conserved loop (C4) between residues 419 and 434 of gp120 according to HXB2 numbering. Also provided are isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the disclosed isolated immunogens. In an example, an isolated nucleic acid molecule further includes a nucleic acid molecule encoding a hepatitis B surface antigen or a variant thereof. Compositions including the isolated immunogens including variant gp120 polypeptides are also disclosed. In some examples, a composition further includes a carrier protein, such as a hepatitis B surface antigen or a variant thereof (natural or recombinant). Viral-like particles are also provided including any of the disclosed isolated immunogens or compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method of screening for candidate compounds capable of being used for the preventative and/or curative treatment of a disease caused by a retrovirus in which the candidate compound which modulates the expression and/or the activity of the SAMHD1 protein is identified as a candidate compound capable of being used for the preventative and/or curative treatment of a disease caused by a retrovirus. The invention also relates to a vaccine composition and an immunogenic composition, comprising i) an inhibitor of the expression and/or of the activity of the SAMHD1 protein and ii) at least one antigen of a retrovirus.

Abstract: We have developed DNA and viral vectors that can be used, alone or in combination, as a vaccine against one HIV clade, subtype, or recombinant form of HIV or against multiple HIV clades, subtypes, or recombinant forms. Moreover, the vectors can encode a variety of antigens, which may be obtained from one clade or from two or more different clades, and the antigens selected and/or the manner in which the vectors are formulated (e.g., mixed) can be manipulated to generate a protective immune response against a variety of clades (e.g., the clades to which a patient is most likely to be exposed; with the proportions of the components of the vaccine tailored to the extent of the patient's risk to a particular clade or clades).

Abstract: The invention relates to immunogenic compositions for inducing an immune response to HIV comprising combinations of two, three, or four plasmids, where each plasmid is expressing a defined antigen, which may be a single antigen or a fusion of two or three antigens.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating central nervous system diseases and disorders are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. In particular, the invention relates to stimulating an immune response in a subject to prevent or treat diseases by administering a DNA vaccine encoding regulatory elements derived from the caprine arthritis encephalitis goat lentivirus genome and at least one immunogenic molecule to the subject. The immunogenic molecules used with the present invention may be capable of stimulating an immune response to any infectious disease causing agent. In particular, the invention is useful for stimulating an immune response to infectious diseases caused by lentiviruses. For instance, the present invention is directed to a DNA vaccine for immunization against HIV.

Abstract: Provided herein are HIV vaccines comprising HIV polypeptide-encoding DNA adsorbed to PLG and/or HIV proteins. Also provided are methods of using these vaccines to generate immune responses in a subject.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for raising an immune response in a subject by administering an HIV antigen. The HIV antigens include HIV clade C polynucleotides and polypeptides. The invention also provides for recombinant HIV viral particles and compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a Severe Combined T-B-Immune Deficient (SCID) mouse engrafted with human immunocompetent cells (Hu-SCID-mouse) as an animal model for the evaluation of the effectiveness of an HIV vaccine. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for the evaluation of an HIV vaccine, wherein a Hu-SCID-mouse of the invention is inoculated with the HIV vaccine and thereafter challenged with HI-virus. The invention also relates to novel HIV vaccine compositions, which can be evaluated using the animal model.

Abstract: This invention provides DNA vaccines for the treatment of patients undergoing anti-retroviral therapy. The vaccines are surprisingly effective at controlling viremia.

Abstract: The present application relates to a novel HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein which may be utilized as an HIV-1 vaccine immunogen, antigens for crystallization and for the identification of broad neutralizing antibodies. 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 includes compositions and methods for increasing the effectiveness of antigen presentation using a DCIR-specific antibody or fragment thereof to which an antigen is attached that forms an antibody-antigen complex, wherein the antigen is processed and presented by a dendritic cell that has been contacted with the antibody-antigen complex.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptides comprising part or all of a conserved element within a Center-of-Tree (COT) sequence derived from a family of polypeptides encoded by naturally occurring variants of HIV. The invention also relates to immunogenic compositions and vaccines comprising said peptides. The invention also relates to methods for the identification of HIV controller patients based on the detection of the T cells of the patient to mount a cytotoxic T cell response against said peptides and to methods for the identification of immunogenic peptides within a family of variant polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated methylated Tat peptides; and compositions comprising the peptides. The present invention further provides isolated antibodies specific for a Lys-51-methylated Tat polypeptide. Also provided are methods of identifying agents that inhibit Lys-51 methylation of a Tat polypeptide. The present invention further provides methods of treating an immunodeficiency virus infection in a mammalian subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lipoparticles. The invention also relates to producing lipoparticles. The invention further relates to lipoparticles comprising a viral structural protein. The invention further relates to a lipoparticle comprising a membrane protein, and the lipoparticle can be attached to a sensor surface. The invention further relates to methods of producing and using the lipoparticle to, inter alia, assess protein binding interactions.

Abstract: Fusion proteins comprising CD4 minimal modules that bind to HIV Env polypeptides in a non-CD4 backbone are described. Also described are complexes of these fusion proteins with Env as well as methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention using the polynucleotides and polypeptides are also provided.

Abstract: The invention includes a heparin activated Antithrombin III encapsulated into a sterically stabilized anti-HLA-DR immunoliposome for the treatment of HIV infection in a human patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to HIV-1 and, in particular, to polyvalent immunogens suitable for use in inducing an immune response to HIV-1 in a patient, and to methods of identifying such immunogens. The invention further relates to methods of inducing an anti-HIV-1 immune response using such immunogens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical vaccine composition comprising: (a) a pathogen-derived antigen selected from the group consisting of Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen, Bacillus anthracis antigen, HAV (hepatitis A virus) antigen, HBV (hepatitis B virus) antigen, HCV (hepatitis C virus) antigen, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) antigen, influenza virus antigen, HSV (herpes simplex virus) antigen, Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) antigen, Neisseria meningitidis antigen, Corynebacterium diphtheriae antigen, Bordetella pertussis antigen, Clostridium tetani antigen and Varicella virus antigen; (b) a deacylated non-toxic LOS (lipooligosaccharide); and (c) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates specific activation of a regulatory T cell via a specific CD4 epitope and uses thereof, e.g. for the treatment of an autoimmune disease or an allergy or asthma or graft rejection or tolerance induction.

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: Described are methods of treating viral disease using compounds that block inhibitory NK cell receptors, thereby reducing their inhibition of NK cell cytotoxicity in killing infected target cells. In one embodiment, the compound is an antibody binding, for example, one or more of the human KIR2DL1, KIR2DL2, and KIR2DL3 receptors. In another embodiment, the method further comprises administering a therapeutic antibody or fusion protein which binds an antigen expressed on cells infected with the virus.

Abstract: The present invention includes cold-adapted, acid-fast bacterium for use as a vaccine and a vaccine vector. In preferred embodiments, the cold-adapted, acid-fast bacterium is a Mycobacteria, for example, Mycobacteria shottsii.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to human immunodeficiency vims (HIV-1) and, in particular, to a method of enhancing an immune response to an HIV-1 immunogen, and to compounds and compositions suitable for use in such a method.

Abstract: A method for identifying host genes and encoded proteins for potential targets for therapeutic intervention employs a Gene Search Vector that is either lentivirus or MMLV-based, and can be used to interrogate an entire cell genome without prior knowledge of the genomic sequence. This Random Homozygous Gene Perturbation (RUGP) technique is rapidly verifiable and is used to identify potential host targets for intervention for influenza, HIV and other viral infections. Using Thermal Assymetric Interlaced (TAIL)-PCR, the period for identification of promising targets is reduced from months to weeks or less. Specific targets including PTCH1, Robo1 and Nedd4 are reviewed in detail.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vaccine composition comprising at least one type of anti-HIV vaccine composition containing at least one type of stabilized Tat antigen and to the use thereof for preventing and/or treating a human HIV infection.

Abstract: Described is an immunostimulatory oligodeoxynucleic acid molecule (ODN) having the structure according to formula (I), wherein any NMP is a 2? deoxynucleoside monophosphate or monothiophosphate, selected from the group consisting of deoxyadenosine-, deoxyguanosine-, deoxyinosine-, deoxycytosine-, deoxyuridine-, deoxythymidine-, 2-methyl-deoxyinosine-, 5-methyl-deoxycytosine-, deoxypseudouridine-, deoxyribosepurine-, 2-amino-deoxyribosepurine-, -6-S-deoxyguanine-, 2-dimethyl-deoxyguanosine- or N-isopentenyl-deoxyadenosine-monophosphate or -monothiophosphate, NUC is a 2? deoxynucleoside, selected from the group consisting of deoxyadenosine-, deoxyguanosine-, deoxyinosine-, deoxycytosine-, deoxyuridine-, deoxythymidine-, 2-methyl-deoxyinosine-, 5-methyl-deoxycytosine-, deoxypseudouridine-, deoxyribosepurine-, 2-amino-deoxyribosepurine-, 6-S-deoxyguanine-, 2-dimethyl-deoxyguanosine- or N-isopentenyl-deoxyadenosine, any X is O or S, a and b are integers from 0 to 100 with the proviso that a+b is between 4 and 150,

Abstract: The present invention provides novel self-replicating and self-propagating chimeric viral vectors and chimeric virus particles comprising a modified genome of a carrier RNA virus packaged within structural proteins of a second virus. Also provided are pharmaceutical formulations comprising the chimeric viral vectors and virus particles and methods of inducing an immune response by administration of the same to a subject.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition including an adjuvant effective amount of a protected inosine monophosphate (IMP) compound. The pharmaceutical composition includes the protected IMP compound alone, or in combination with vaccine agents with or without additional adjuvants. The pharmaceutical composition can be utilized as a vaccine composition or can be included with existing vaccine compositions in order to increase a specific T lymphocyte mediated immune response thereto. Various methods relating to the pharmaceutical composition and the vaccine are described herein. The vaccines can be employed to prevent or treat infections. Additionally, the pharmaceutical compositions not only increase T-cell responses, but also confer, by pretreatment, non-specific protection against a variety of pathogens. This combination of actions is appropriate for enhancing defense against bioterrorism with organisms like smallpox and anthrax.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated monoclonal antibodies which specifically bind to the C-terminal heptad repeat region of gp41 (HR2) and neutralize an HIV-1 primary isolate.

Abstract: This disclosure demonstrates a novel therapy immunological approach using polyamine-based therapy (PBT) for relieving tumor-induced suppression of the patient's immune system. The demonstration of the pharmacological release from the naturally occurring polyamine-mediated immune suppression offers profound impact on the immunotherapy of cancer together with a variety of diseases caused by the disease-causing vector's ability to evade an immune reaction. This therapeutic approach is equally applicable to disease states whereby immune system suppression by polyamines has been demonstrated including; bacterial infections, parasitic infections including malaria and typanosomiasis, viral infections, peptic ulcers and gastric cancer due to H. Pylori infection together with prevention of pregnancy. With a small molecule drug, used in combination with DFMO, the pharmacological manipulation of polyamine levels for therapeutic benefit in various disease states is possible.

Abstract: The claimed invention is directed toward modified HIV-1 gp41 C-terminal heptad repeat fusion inhibitors. In particular, peptide derivatives of C-34 were prepared (e.g., FB006M) and modified with 3-maleimidoproionic acid (MPA), which allows rapid and irreversible conjugation to serum albumin at a 1:1 molar ratio. These polypeptides have an extended half-life in vivo and display potent antiviral activity against HIV-1.

Abstract: Env-CD4 polypeptide complexes and hybrids that expose cryptic epitopes important in virus neutralization are disclosed. Methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention using the polypeptides are also provided.

Abstract: The current invention relates to the field of Biotechnology applied to human health. Here it is described a vaccine vehicle wherein toxins from eukaryotic organisms are encapsulated into multilamellar vesicles obtained by the dehydration-rehydration procedure whose lipidic composition is dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine:cholesterol in a 1:1 molar ratio for subcutaneous or intramuscular administration. These compositions do not require the use of other adjuvants. The disclosed compositions allow modulation of CTL-specific immune response against one or several antigens co-encapsulated into toxin-containing liposomes. The vaccinal vehicle of the present invention shows advantages over others disclosed by the previous art due to the robustness and functionality of the induced immune response as well as its immunomodulating properties.

Abstract: The invention concerns a recombinant vector characterized in that it comprises a polynucleotide comprising a central initiation cis-active region (cPPT) and a termination cis-active region (CTS), the regions being of retroviral or retroviral-like origin, and the vector further comprising a predetermined nucleotide sequence (transgene or nucleotide sequence of interest) and retrotranscription regulating, expressing, and packaging signals of retroviral or retroviral-like origin.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions for eliciting an immune response, including a prophylactic immune response, against human immunodeficiency virus. The composition includes nucleic acid constructs encoding HIV antigenic polypeptides of multiple clades or strains. Methods for eliciting an immune response by administering the composition to a subject are also provided.

Abstract: A sensor chip for detecting an immune response against a virus, the sensor chip including a substrate having a surface and a plurality of virus-like particles or capsid fragments bound to discrete locations on the surface of the substrate. Detection devices containing the sensor chip and methods of detecting anti-viral immune responses are also described herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of inducing a cross-protective immune response in a subject against a pathogen, such as influenza, comprising administering a first unique pathogen antigen to the subject; and administering a second unique pathogen antigen 3-52 weeks after a); wherein the second unique pathogen antigen and the first unique pathogen antigen are immunologically distinct but share conserved sites that are not normally immunogenic for antibodies. Also disclosed herein are assays for detecting cross-protective antibodies, methods of generating novel cross-protective antibodies. Further provided are novel antibodies against influenza.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polynucleotide adjuvant (PICKCa) composition and methods of use in eliciting an immune response, in particular a mucosal immune response. The polynucleotide adjuvant comprises of a polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid (PIC), at least one antibiotic and at least one positive ion. The present invention also provides an immunogenic composition comprising the polynucleotide adjuvant composition together with other immunogenic compositions such as an antigen (e.g., as in a vaccine) selected from viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic and/or cancer antigens. The present invention further contemplates methods of use of such adjuvant compositions, particularly in eliciting an immune response, in particular a mucosal immune response to an antigenic compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel insertion sites useful for the integration of exogenous sequences into the Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) virus genome. The present invention further provides plasmid vectors to insert exogenous DNA into the genome of MVA. Furthermore, the present invention provides recombinant MVA comprising an exogenous DNA sequence inserted into the new insertion site as medicine or vaccine.

Abstract: The invention provides novel compositions comprising imidazoquinoxaline compounds of formula (I) and analogs thereof. Also provided are methods of administering the compositions in an effective amount to enhance the immune response of a subject. Further provided are novel compositions and methods of administering the compositions in combination with (an) other agent(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the design of gene transfer vectors and especially provides lentiviral gene transfer vectors suitable for either a unique administration or, for iterative administration in a host, and to their medicinal application (such as vaccination against Immunodeficiency Virus, especially suitable in human hosts). Gene transfer vectors are either integrative or non-integrative (NI) vectors, dependently upon the purpose of their use. The invention relates to the use of gene transfer vectors for unique or for multiple in vivo administration into a host in need thereof. The field of application of the present application concerns in particular animal treatment or treatment of human being (e.g. prophylactic or therapeutic or symptomatic or curative treatment), gene therapy or vaccination in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel insertion sites useful for the integration of exogenous sequences into the Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) virus genome. The present invention further provides plasmid vectors to insert exogenous DNA into the genome of MVA. Furthermore, the present invention provides recombinant MVA comprising an exogenous DNA sequence inserted into the new insertion site as medicine or vaccine.

Abstract: The disclosure provides vectors encoding one or more HIV antigens and GM-CSF. Also provided are methods of inducing an immune response in a subject, methods of treating a subject having HIV, and methods of manufacturing a medicament for inducing an immune response that require the use of these vectors and vaccine inserts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated immunogenic peptide comprising a V2 loop fragment from HIV surface envelope glycoprotein gp120. This peptide binds specifically with antibodies in blood of patients vaccinated with a vaccine that has shown protection from HIV-1 infection, does not react with blood of matched patients who did not receive the vaccine, and can, therefore, elicit anti-HIV-1 antibodies which protect against HIV-1 infection. Other aspects of the present invention relate to an isolated immunogenic polypeptide comprising the peptide inserted into an immunogenic scaffold protein, a vaccine composition comprised of the immunogenic peptide and an immunologically or pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle or excipient as well as methods of inducing an immune response against HIV-1 and methods of detecting HIV-1.