Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and, in particular, to a method of inducing neutralizing antibodies against HIV, to a method of inducing antibodies protective against HIV and to compounds and compositions suitable for use in such methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enhancing, modulating or stimulating the innate immune response to HIV-1 and other viral pathogens and to the modulation and application of immune modulators and peptides for HIV-1 or other pathogen vaccines. The invention provides methods and means to activate an innate response to HIV-1 utilizing or via the HIV capsid protein or peptide, including modulating the binding of cyclophilin A to HIV capsid protein and modulating the ability of HIV to activate the major innate transcription factor IRF3 and interferon. Methods and assays are provided for screening for compounds, agents, or peptides capable of enhancing or activating innate immune response, particularly to HIV-1.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to an immunogenic composition (e.g., a vaccine) and, in particular, to a polyvalent immunogenic composition, such as a polyvalent HIV vaccine, and to methods of using same. The invention further relates to methods that use a genetic algorithm to create sets of polyvalent antigens suitable for use, for example, in vaccination strategies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound represented by formula (I-0): wherein symbols in formula have the same meanings as described in the present specification, a salt thereof, an N-oxide thereof or a solvate thereof or a prodrug thereof, and medical use thereof. The compound of the present invention has an antagonistic activity against CXCR4 and is therefore useful as a preventive and/or therapeutic agent for CXCR4-mediated diseases, for example, inflammatory and immune diseases (for example, rheumatoidarthritis, arthritis, retinopathy, pulmonary fibrosis, transplanted organ rejection, etc.), allergic diseases, infections (for example, human immunodeficiency virus infection, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, etc.), psychoneurotic diseases, cerebral diseases, cardiovascular disease, metabolic diseases, and cancerous diseases (for example, cancer, cancer metastasis, etc.), or an agent for regeneration therapy.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the induction and characterization of a humoral immune response targeting “entry-relevant” gp41 structures. In its broadest aspect, the present invention is directed to methods of raising a neutralizing antibody response to a broad spectrum of HIV strains and isolates. The present invention targets particular molecular conformations or structures that occur at the cell surface of HIV during viral entry into host cells. Such a humoral response can be generated in vivo as a prophylactic measure in individuals to reduce or inhibit the ability of HIV to infect uninfected cells in the individual's body. Such a response can also be employed to raise antibodies against “entry relevant” gp41 structures. These antibodies can be employed for therapeutic uses, and as tools for further illuminating the mechanism of HIV cell entry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vaccines that are made in transgenic soybeans for use in humans, animals of agricultural importance, pets, and wildlife. These vaccines are used as vaccines against viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic or prion related diseases, cancer antigens, toxins, and autologous or self proteins. The transgenic soybeans of the instant invention also can be used for inducing tolerance to allergens or tolerance to autoimmune antigens, wherein an individual shows hypersensitivity to said allergen or has developed autoimmunity to autologous or self proteins, respectively. The invention also relates to prophylactically treating individuals and/or populations prior to showing hypersensitivity to allergens. Other aspects of the invention include using the transgenic soybeans as an oral contraceptive, and the expression of protein adjuvants in transgenic soybeans.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, immunogenic compositions that comprise (a) a first antigen, (b) at least first and second adjuvants, wherein the first adjuvant comprises microparticles and wherein the second adjuvant comprises an imidazoquinoline compound, and (c) a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, which compositions elicits an immune response when administered to a vertebrate subject. The invention also provides methods of producing immunogenic compositions and methods for using immunogenic compositions (e.g., for treatment), among other benefits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the generation of an immune response against a target antigen using a DNA and viral vector in a specific administration pattern.

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

Abstract: GB virus C (GBV-C or hepatitis G virus) is a flavivirus that frequently leads to chronic viremia in humans. The invention provides compositions and methods involving a-GBV-C NS5A peptide or polypeptide for inhibiting and treating HIV infections.

Abstract: A small peptide of 10 or 11 mers, when linked to an immunogenic moiety, can protect against naferious effects of Nef protein of HIV. The vaccine is not used to induce sterilizing immunity, but to block the ability of soluble Nef protein to induce apoptosis, and to therefore alleviate lymphocyte depletion and organ damage.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preventing and treating HIV infection and AIDS by introducing cells displaying HIV late-domain phenotype into a patient, or by administering to a patient nucleic acids, polypeptides or small organic compounds to cause the formation of cells displaying HIV late-domain phenotype in the body of the patient.

Abstract: Compositions comprising multivalent and adjuvanted HIV Env glycoproteins are described. Methods of using these compositions for treatment and prevention of HIV are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a modified gp140 envelope polypeptide of an HIV-1 isolate comprising a gp120 polypeptide portion comprising consecutive amino acids and a gp41 ectodomain polypeptide portion comprising consecutive amino acids, said gp41 ectodomain polypeptide portion being modified to comprise isoleucine (I) at an amino acid position equivalent to amino acid position 535; glutamine (Q) at an amino acid position equivalent to amino acid position 543; serine (S) at an amino acid position equivalent to amino acid position 553; lysine (K) at an amino acid position equivalent to amino acid position 567; and arginine (R) at an amino acid position equivalent to amino acid position 588, the amino acid positions being numbered by reference to the HIV-1 isolate KNH1144. This invention also provides nucleic acids encoding such a polypeptide, vectors, host cells, trimeric complexes and compositions thereof.

Abstract: The invention is directed to virus-like particles (VLPs) of an RNA bacteriophage that (a) comprises a coat polypeptide of said phage modified by insertion of a heterologous peptide that is displayed on said VLP and (b) encapsidates said bacteriophage mRNA as well as populations of these VLPs, and their uses. The invention is further directed to VLPs that encapsidate heterologous substances, as well as populations of these VLPs and their uses.

Abstract: The invention features immunogenic compositions and methods useful for eliciting an immune response. In preferred embodiments, papillomavirus or adenovirus vectors are used to elicit exceptionally potent antibody and T cells responses in disrupted epithelium. The methods are useful in preventing or treating a subject having a disease or an infection. In particular examples, the methods are useful for preventing or treating a viral infection.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a modified polypeptide containing at least an immunodominant region and the connecting loop between N- and C-helices of gp41 ectodomain of HIV-1, wherein the connecting loop includes at least a linker fragment having: —a size convenient for keeping the native conformation of the interaction between N- and C-helices, and —an hydrophily sufficient to provide a soluble and stable trimeric form to said modified polypeptide.

Abstract: Provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions for the prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of HIV comprising combinations of HIV fusion/entry inhibitors that exhibit synergistic effect, including T-20 (enfuvirtide), T-1249, T-1144, C34, and sifuvirtide. Also disclosed are methods of treating HIV infection by administering such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preventing and treating HIV infection and AIDS by introducing cells displaying HIV late-domain phenotype into a patient, or by administering to a patient nucleic acids, polypeptides or small organic compounds to cause the formation of cells displaying HIV late-domain phenotype in the body of the patient.

Abstract: An isolated polypeptide that has an amino acid sequence that is substantially homologous to consecutive amino acids of a c-terminal portion of the membrane proximal external region (MPER) of gp41 includes an immunogenic epitope reactive with at least one anti-HIV antibody.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mutant HIV-1 (Human immunodeficiency virus-1) protease capable of effectively enhancing cell-mediated immune responses to DNA vaccination, and use of a nucleic acid encoding the same as a vaccine adjuvant. The mutant HIV-1 protease according to the present invention has inactivated or attenuated proteolytic activity, while retaining chaperone-like activity. When the mutant HIV-1 protease is used together with a DNA vaccine against the HIV-1 envelope protein or the HPV antigen (E6 or E7), cell-mediated immune responses can be effectively enhanced for the prevention or treatment of AIDS or cervical cancer.

Abstract: Provided is a method of activating an immune cell of a subject with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), comprising contacting the immune cell with a phorbol ester and a calcium ionophore. Also provided is a composition comprising immune cells of a subject diagnosed with HIV, wherein the immune cells are activated by contact with a phorbol ester and a calcium ionophore. Methods of using the disclosed compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to novel polynucleotides that encode HIV Env polypeptides. In particular, the disclosure relates to sequences derived from HIV strain Botswana MJ4 encoding Env polypeptides. Compositions comprising these polynucleotides and methods of using these polynucleotides are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods useful for inducing an immunogenic response in a subject or host. In particular, the compositions and methods may be directed to carbohydrate HIV vaccines and to methods of producing a carbohydrate HIV vaccine by introducing antigenic sugars into mimics of the glycans of the HIV envelope glycoproteins gp120 and gp41.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for obtaining a broadly neutralizing antibody (bNab), including screening memory B cell cultures from a donor PBMC sample for neutralization activity against a plurality of HIV-1 species, cloning a memory B cell that exhibits broad neutralization activity; and rescuing a monoclonal antibody from that memory B cell culture. The resultant monoclonal antibodies are characterized by their ability to selectively bind epitopes from the Env proteins in native or monomeric form, as well as to inhibit infection of HIV-1 species from a plurality of clades. Compositions containing human monoclonal anti-HIV antibodies used for prophylaxis, diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection are provided. Methods for generating such antibodies by immunization using epitopes from conserved regions within the variable loops of gp120 are provided. Immunogens for generating anti-HIV1 bNAbs are also provided. Furthermore, methods for vaccination using suitable epitopes are provided.

Abstract: Administration protocols for a fusion protein, matrix protein and psoralen inactivated HIV based immunogenic composition that induces an immune response to HIV. The immunogenic compositions are based on HIV biologically active fusion peptide, matrix peptide, or psoralen inactivated HIV. The number of doses is 3X. The starting dose for an adult is 1x109-1x1010. The starting dose for an adolescent is ½(1x109-1x1010). The starting dose for a pediatric patient is ¼(1x109-1x1010). The second dose will consist of 1/10th of starting concentrations. The third dose will consist of 1/100th of starting concentrations. This will facilitate a Th-1 response. The days of administration are days 1; 30; and 180. Alternatively the days of administration are days 1; 20-40; and 160-200. The site of administration is one that targets lymphatic tissue. Adjuvant is administered before, simultaneous with or after each dose of the immunogenic compositions.

Abstract: A method for the prophylaxis or treatment of a viral infection in a mammal is described. The method comprises administering to the mammal an effective amount of a mollusc hemocyanin and/or an active fragment thereof. The hemocyanin may be an abalone hemocyanin.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to reagents (antigenic and/or immunogenic reagents) and kits that are useful in a variety of in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo methods including, e.g., methods for inducing an immune response, or for generating an antibody, in a subject. The reagents described herein can be used in the treatment or prevention of HIV-1 infections. In addition, the disclosure provides methods and compositions useful for designing (or identifying) an agent that binds to an membrane proximal external region (MPER) of an HIV-1 gp160 polypeptide or an agent that inhibits the fusion of an HIV-1 particle to a cell.

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

Abstract: A method to identify small molecules useful as therapeutics and/or vaccines to prevent, alleviate or ameliorate a pathogenic infection or an autoimmune disorder. The method can be used to screen small molecule test compounds for the ability to disrupt particular antigen-antibody interactions of interest. In one embodiment, the antigen is a pathogen-derived antigen and the antibody decreases or inhibits virulence of the pathogen when bound to the antigen (e.g., a neutralizing antibody, antibody with serum bactericidal activity, etc.). In another embodiment, the antigen is a self-antigen (autoantigen) and the antibody is an autoantibody that is known to be associated with a pathological condition (e.g., autoimmune disorder). Compounds that bind to the antigen or antibody disrupt binding can be used as therapeutics to decrease or inhibit the autoimmune disorder.

Abstract: Provided is a novel, combination prime-boost vaccine against HIV/AIDS that induces long-lasting humoral, cell-mediated and mucosal immune responses against HIV.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient with a disease wherein the patient contains diseased cells which cells contain antigens for identification and which cells are capable of presenting at least part of said antigen on their surface by an HLA class I (or equivalent) molecule, the method comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of either antigen presenting cells which have been gene delivered with the interleukin 12 (IL-12) gene plus a relevant antigen. In a related set of claims said method refers to the administration to a patient of therapeutic levels of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) which recognize at least part of said antigen when presented by an HLA class I (or equivalent) molecule on the surface of a cell and which these CTL were stimulated by the antigen presenting cells, mentioned in the first section, which have been gene delivered with the interleukin 12 (IL-12) gene plus a relevant antigen.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and, in particular, to HIV-I envelope (Env) immunogens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotides encoding immunogenic HIV type C polypeptides. Uses of the polynucleotides in applications including DNA immunization, generation of packaging cell lines, and production of HIV Type C proteins are also described.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a composition comprising an immunogenic sequence or a fragment thereof and TEM8 or a fragment thereof, where the TEM8 or the fragment functions as an adjuvant and enhances the eilicitation of immune responses mediated by the immunogenic sequence or the fragment thereof. Also disclosed herein is the use of such compositions in the treatment of cancer or pathogen associated diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to chimeric HIV-1 gp120 glycoproteins, wherein at least a part of gp120 variable region V1 and/or V2 is replaced by a CD4-derived sequence to obtain the exposition of CD4 induced epitopes or CD4i capable of inducing a specific humoral immune response. Application for the preparation of vaccinal and pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: Polypeptide and polynucleotide vaccines effective to treat or prevent infection of a mammal, such as a dog, a cat, or a human, by a protozoan. Methods of treatment and prevention are also provided, including therapeutic administration of the vaccine to an infected mammal to prevent progression of infection to a chronic debilitating disease state. Preferred embodiments of the polynucleotide vaccine contain nucleotide coding regions that encode polypeptides that are surface-associated or secreted by T. cruzi. Optionally the efficacy of the polynucleotide vaccine is increased by inclusion of a nucleotide coding region encoding a cytokine. Preferred embodiments of the polypeptide vaccine include immunogenic peptides that contain membrane transducing sequences that allow the polypeptides to translocate across a mammalian cell membrane.

Abstract: The invention refers 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: Synthetic peptides of the monomer type with 13 to 33 amino acids, in linear form or in a form cyclized by means of inter-cysteine disulphide bridges, have the general formula (I): ?-Z-TrpGlyCys-?-CysTyrThrSer-???(I) wherein ? is a biotinyl radical, a biocytinyl radical, a hydrogen atom, an acetyl (CH3CO—) radical, an aliphatic chain which may contain one or two thiol, an aldehyde functional group, or an amine functional group, Z represents peptide sequence -?1-Ser-?2-, -?1-Gln-?2-, or -?1-Asn-?2-, wherein -?1 represents a peptide sequence of 0 to 9 amino acids and -?2 represents a peptide sequence of 0 to 5 amino acids, ?is -Arg Gly Arg Leu Ile-(SEQ ID NO: 15), -Arg Gly Arg Leu Val-(SEQ ID NO: 16), -Arg Gly Lys Leu Ile-(SEQ ID NO: 17), -Arg Gly Lys Leu Val-(SEQ ID NO: 18), -Lys Gly Arg Leu Ile-(SEQ ID NO: 19), or -Lys Gly Arg Leu Val-(SEQ ID NO: 20), ?, attached to the —CO— group of serine, is a hydroxyl (—OH) radical, an amino (—NH2) radical, an alkoxy radical having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a peptide sequence

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing SHIV or HIV infection in a subject comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a antisense IL-4. The antisense IL-4 inhibits viral replication in the liver, lungs, spleen, and even the lymph nodes of the subject. Further, the antisense IL-4 can be used in combination with other antiretroviral agents or vaccines.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nucleic acid molecule comprising a first expressible sequence encoding a protein of interest or polypeptide of interest which contains an MHC Class II-presented epitope, or said encoded protein or peptide. In addition, the nucleic acid molecule comprises a second expressible nucleic acid sequence encoding an antigen presentation enhancing hybrid polypeptide, or said encoded protein or peptide.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention is related to nucleic acid constructs capable of expressing a polypeptide that elicits an immune response in a mammal against more than one subtype of dengue virus, and methods of use thereof. Additionally, there are DNA plasmid vaccines capable of generating in a mammal an immune response against a plurality of dengue virus subtypes, comprising a DNA plasmid and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, and methods of use thereof. The DNA plasmid is capable of expressing a consensus dengue antigen in a cell of the mammal in a quantity effective to elicit an immune response in the mammal.

Abstract: Fusion proteins and DNA conjugates are disclosed which contain a TLR/CD40/agonist and optional antigen combination. The use of these protein and DNA conjugates as immune adjuvants and as vaccines for treatment of various chronic diseases such as HIV infection is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of vaccination via hair follicles that makes it possible to target vaccine components to the antigen-presenting cells in order to induce a protective and effective immune response against pathogens.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are sterile-filtered lyophilized nanoparticle compositions which contain at least one biodegradable polymer, at least one surfactant, at least one cryoprotective agent and at least one antigen. Also disclosed are methods of making and using such compositions and kits supplying such compositions.

Abstract: HIV antigens are mucosally administered in one or more priming immunization(s), and then HIV antigens are parenterally administered in one or more boosting immunization(s). Thus the invention provides a method for raising an immune response in a patient, comprising: (i) administering a HIV antigen to the patient via a mucosal route; and then (ii) administering a HIV antigen to the patient via a parenteral route. The antigens will typically be adjuvanted. Preferred mucosal immunizations are via the intranasal route using a detoxified mutant of E. coli heat labile toxin as the adjuvant. Preferred parenteral immunizations are via the intramuscular route using an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and, in particular, to a multicomponent vaccine and method of using same to protect against HTV-I infection.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a vaccine against the infection of an animal host by a retrovirus capable of penetrating into a host's target cell, where the target cell possesses a membrane receptor for a protein of the host, by preparing candidate vaccine agents based on a modified polypeptide having at least part of an envelope protein of the retrovirus, where the polypeptide has at least one fragment of an immunodominant region of the envelope protein, the fragment containing at least one conserved amino acid of the immunodominant region present in the pathogenic strain, wherein the polypeptide induces an immune response directed both against the immunodominant region and against the protein of the host; and selecting as a vaccine such a modified polypeptide chosen from those which induce an immune response directed against said immunodominant region of the envelope protein and not against the protein of the host.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel peptides which specifically targets and binds to dendritic cells. Also provided are fusion compositions comprising these peptides and a non-dendritic protein of fragments thereof. Further provided are DNA sequences encoding these peptides and fusion compositions. Methods of using the peptides or fusion compositions to promote an immune responses in an individual via administration also are provided.

Abstract: An immunogenic or vaccine composition comprising an immunoadjuvant compound consisting of a Rho GTPase activator. The Activators of Rho GTPases, namely the cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1 (CNF1), and DNT bear immunostimulatory properties towards the systemic response to orally administered ovalbumine.