Abstract: Described is a method for making a pharmaceutical preparation comprising the solubilisation of a peptide mixture, characterized in that the peptide mixture is solubilized by an aqueous solution containing at least one organic acid selected from the group consisting of formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and halogenated or hydroxylated forms thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein relate to methods and compositions for bypassing the involvement of CD4+ cells when generating antibody and MHC class I-restricted immune responses, controlling the nature and magnitude of the response, and promoting effective immunologic intervention in viral pathogenesis. More specifically, embodiments relate to immunogenic compositions for vaccination particularly therapeutic vaccination, against HIV and other microbial pathogens that impact functioning of the immune system, their nature, and the order, timing, and route of administration by which they are effectively used.

Abstract: Novel combined vaccine compositions are provided, comprising a hepatitis B viral antigen and optionally in addition one or more of the following: an EBV antigen, a hepatitis A antigen or inactivated attenuated virus, a herpes simplex viral antigen, a VZV antigen, a Toxoplasma gondii antigen. The vaccine compositions are formulated with an adjuvant which is a preferential stimulator of TH1 cell response such as 3D-MPL and QS21.

Abstract: Peptides are used to define epitopes that stimulate HLA-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity against hepatitis B virus antigens. The peptides are derived from regions of HBV envelope, and are particularly useful in treating or preventing HBV infection, including methods for stimulating the immune response of chronically infected individuals to respond to HBV antigens.

Abstract: The present invention provides vaccine and adjuvant formulation comprising an immunostimulant and a metal salt. The immunostimulant is adsorbed onto a particle of metal salt and the resulting particle is essentially devoid of antigen.

Abstract: A method of treating chronic hepatitis B is disclosed that comprises administering a T cell-stimulating amount of a vaccine to a patient. The vaccine comprises an immunogenic amount of chimeric, carboxy-terminal truncated hepatitis B virus nucleocapsid (core) protein (HBc) that is engineered for both enhanced stability of self-assembled particles and the substantial absence of nucleic acid binding by those particles. The chimeric protein molecule can include one or more immunogenic epitopes peptide-bonded to one or more of the N-terminus, the immunogenic loop or the C-terminus of HBc. The enhanced stability of self-assembled particles is obtained by the presence of at least one heterologous cysteine residue near one or both of the amino-terminus and carboxy-terminus of the chimer molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hepatitis virus core proteins and nucleic acids. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods comprising recombinant hepatitis virus core proteins or nucleic acids for use in vaccine formulations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detection and/or genetic analysis of HBV in a biological sample, comprising hybridizing the polynucleic acids of the sample with a combination of at least two nucleotide probes, with said combination hybridizing specifically to a mutant target sequence chosen from the HBV RT pol gene region and/or to a mutant target sequence chosen from the HBV preCore region and/or to a mutant target sequence chosen from the HBsAg region of HBV and/or to a HBV genotype-specific target sequence, with said target sequences being chosen from FIG.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanoparticle vaccines comprised of a carrier, particularly polymerized lipids, having multiple copies of an antigen or combinations of different antigens displayed on the carrier. Such antigen-displaying nanoparticles may also display a targeting molecule on its surface in order to direct it to a specific site or cell type to optimize a desired immune response. The present invention also relates to encapsulating an antigen or combinations of different antigens within such nanoparticles, with or without a targeting molecule displayed on its surface. The antigens used in this invention are effective to produce an immune response against a variety of pathological conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides particles for the presentation of haptens for the purpose of eliciting an immune response. The amino acid sequences of the monomers which make up the particles are derived from duck hepatitis B virus core protein. The particles may also deliver nucleic acids. The nucleic acids may be delivered for the purpose of enhancing an immune response, or for other purposes such as gene therapy.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing the effect of vaccines in animals, such as domestic, sport, or pet species, and humans are disclosed. More particularly, vaccine compositions comprising ribavirin and an antigen, preferably an antigen that has an epitope present in Hepatitis C virus (HCV), are disclosed for use in treating and preventing disease, preferably HCV infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for enhancing the effect of vaccines in animals, such as domestic, sport, or pet species, and humans. More particularly, the use of Ribavirin as an adjuvant to a vaccine protocol and compositions having Ribavirin and an antigen are described.

Abstract: This invention relates to hepatitis B virus (“HBV”) core antigen particles that are characterized by multiple immunogen specificities. More particularly, the invention relates to HBV core antigen particles comprising immunogens, epitopes, or other related structures, crosslinked thereto by ligands which are HBV capsid-binding peptides that selectively bind to HBV core protein. Such particles may be used as delivery systems for a diverse range of immunogenic epitopes, including the HBV capsid-binding peptides, which advantageously also inhibit and interfere with HBV viral assembly by blocking the interaction between HBV core protein and HBV surface proteins. Mixtures of different immunogens and/or capsid-binding peptide ligands may be crosslinked to the same HBV core particle. Such resulting multicomponent or multivalent HBV core particles may be advantageously used in therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines and compositions, as well as in diagnostic compositions and methods using them.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a novel hepatitis B surface antigen mutant and methods of detecting this mutant, and/or antibodies thereto, in patient samples. In particular, the mutant contains a substitution of amino acid threonine for the amino acid alanine at position 123 in the amino acid sequence of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) protein.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated strain of Hepatitis B virus designated Human Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen-‘S’-133 Oon Strain (Methionine to Threonine) which constituent viral genome is deposited under Accession Nos. P97121501, P97121502 and P97121503 with the European Collection of Cell Culture on 15th Dec. 1997. This invention also provides an isolated nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide which is a mutant major surface antigen of a strain of hepatitis B virus, such polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which differs from the amino acid sequence of a major surface antigen of a wild type hepatitis B virus in that the amino acid at position number 133 of such polypeptide is a threonine rather than a methionine. This invention also provides an isolated nucleic acid which encodes a peptide, wherein the peptide is encoded by a nucleic acid molecule comprising nucleotides 527 through 595 of SEQ. I.D. No. 1 and the purified peptide.

Abstract: Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein having a molecular weight of 28 779 Da, and hybrid proteins containing at least portions of its sequence. These proteins may in particular be used in vaccines or for the detection of specific tuberculosis antibodies.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated strain of Hepatitis B virus designated Human Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen-'?-145 Singapore Strain (Glycine to Arginine) which constituent viral genome is deposited under Accession Nos. P97121504, P97121505 and P97121506 with the European Collection of Cell Culture on 15th Dec. 1997. This invention also provides an isolated nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide which is a mutant major surface antigen of a strain of hepatitis B virus, such polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which differs from the amino acid sequence of a major surface antigen of a wild type hepatitis B virus in that the amino acid at position number 145 of such polypeptide is an arginine rather than a glycine, and the purified peptide. This invention further provides an isolated nucleic acid which encodes a peptide, wherein the peptide is encoded by a nucleic acid molecule comprising nucleotides 527 through 595 of SEQ. ID. No. 1, and the purified peptide.

Abstract: Peptides which are mimotopes of the hypervariable region 1 (HVR1) of the putative envelope protein E2 of hepatitis C virus (HCV) are provided, useful in obtaining antibodies and raising an immune response cross-reactive against different strains of HCV.

Abstract: Compositions of HBsAg particles having biologically active molecules contained in the particles, and methods of their use, e.g. in stimulating enhanced immune responses, are described. Antigenic peptides contained in HBsAg particles were found to produce a CTL response where none was elicited by the peptide alone. Encapsulation of immunostimulating molecules, such as cytokines, greatly enhanced the CTL response evoked by the HBsAg particles themselves.

Abstract: The present invention provides vaccine compositions comprising an oil-in-water emulsion optionally with 3 De-O-acylated monophosphoryl lipid A and QS21. The vaccine compositions are potent induces of a range of immune responses.

Abstract: Methods of nucleic acid immunization comprising the in utero delivery of nucleic acid molecules that encode one or more selected antigens to a vertebrate fetus are disclosed.

Abstract: A chimeric, carboxy-terminal truncated hepatitis B virus nucleocapsid protein (HBc) is disclosed that contains an immunogen for inducing the production of antibodies to malarial proteins. An immunogenic malarial epitope is expressed between residues 78 and 79 of the HBc immunogenic loop sequence. The chimer preferably contains a malaria-specific T cell epitope and is preferably engineered for both enhanced stability of self-assembled particles and enhanced yield of those chimeric particles. Methods of making and using the chimers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel combined vaccine composition preferentially for administration to adolescents are provided, comprising a hepatitis B viral antigen and a herpes simplex viral antigen and optionally in addition one or more of the following: an EBV antigen, a hepatitis A antigen or inactivated attenuated virus, an HPV antigen, a V2V antigen, a HCMV antigen, a Toxoplasma gondii antigen. The vaccine compositions are formulated with an adjuvant which is a preferential stimulator of TH1 cell response such as 3D-MPL and QS21.

Abstract: The invention relates to HBV antigen-containing compositions that are useful in treating or preventing HBV infection. The content of the compositions can vary, as described herein, but the compositions comprise a stress protein, or a portion (e.g., a fragment) or derivative thereof, and an HBV antigen.

Abstract: Peptides are used to define epitopes that stimulate HLA-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity against hepatitis B virus antigens. The peptides are derived from regions of HBV envelope, and are particularly useful in treating or preventing HBV infection, including methods for stimulating the immune response of chronically infected individuals to respond to HBV antigens.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating patients infected with hepatitis B virus comprising the adminstration of both a nucleoside analogue and interferon-? over a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A vaccine formulation for the treatment or prophylaxis of hepatitis, especially hepatitis, especially hepatitis B, infections is provided comprising the hepatitis antigen and a suitable carrier such as alum in combination with 3-O-deacylated monophosphoryl lipid. A combination vaccines including the vaccine formulation are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyepitope carrier proteins that comprise at least five CD4+ T cell epitopes, for conjugation to capsular polysaccharides. The carrier proteins are use useful as components of vaccines that can elicit a T-cell dependent immune response. These vaccines arm particularly useful to confer protection against infection from encapsulated bacteria in infants between the ages of 3 months and about 2 years.

Abstract: This invention relates to hepatitis B virus (“HBV”) core antigen particles that are characterized by multiple immunogen specificities. More particularly, the invention relates to HBV core antigen particles comprising immunogens, epitopes, or other related structures, crosslinked thereto by ligands which are HBV capsid-binding peptides that selectively bind to HBV core protein. Such particles may be used as delivery systems for a diverse range of immunogenic epitopes, including the HBV capsid-binding peptides, which advantageously also inhibit and interfere with HBV viral assembly by blocking the interaction between HBV core protein and HBV surface proteins. Mixtures of different immunogens and/or capsid-binding peptide ligands may be crosslinked to the same HBV core particle. Such resulting multicomponent or multivalent HBV core particles may be advantageously used in therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines and compositions, as well as in diagnostic compositions and methods using them.

Abstract: Novel vaccine compositions are provided comprising a hepatitis B antigen formulated with aluminium phosphate. The vaccine compositions may additionally contain an inactivated hepatitis A virus, aluminium hydroxide and formol. The combined hepatitis A and B vaccine formulations can, if desired, be administered to human subjects in a 2 dose regimen. Suitable formulations are illustrated.

Abstract: Peptides are used to define epitopes that stimulate HLA-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity against hepatitis B virus antigens. The peptides are derived from regions of HBV envelope, and are particularly useful in treating or preventing HBV infection, including methods for stimulating the immune response of chronically infected individuals to respond to HBV antigens.

Abstract: This invention relates to hepatitis B virus (“HBV”) core antigen particles that are characterized by multiple immunogen specificities. More particularly, the invention relates to HBV core antigen particles comprising immunogens, epitopes, or other related structures, crosslinked thereto by ligands which are HBV capsid-binding peptides that selectively bind to HBV core protein. Such particles may be used as delivery systems for a diverse range of immunogenic epitopes, including the HBV capsid-binding peptides, which advantageously also inhibit and interfere with HBV viral assembly by blocking the interaction between HBV core protein and HBV surface proteins. Mixtures of different immunogens and/or capsid-binding peptide ligands may be crosslinked to the same HBV core particle. Such resulting multicomponent or multivalent HBV core particles may be advantageously used in therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines and compositions, as well as in diagnostic compositions and methods using them.

Abstract: Recombinant adenovirus and methods of administration to a host are provided for eliciting immune response of the host to various pathogens. In one aspect of the invention, a vaccination method is provided for enhancing immunity of the host to the pathogen through rotation of the serotypes of the recombinant adenoviruses administered to the host.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated strain of Hepatitis B virus designated Human Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen-‘S’-133 Oon Strain (Methionine to Threonine) which constituent viral genome is deposited under Accession Nos. P97121501, P97121502 and P97121503 with the European Collection of Cell Culture on 15th December 1997. This invention also provides an isolated nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide which is a mutant major surface antigen of a strain of hepatitis B virus, such polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which differs from the amino acid sequence of a major surface antigen of a wild type hepatitis B virus in that the amino acid at position number 133 of such polypeptide is a threonine rather than a methionine. This invention also provides an isolated nucleic acid which encodes a peptide, wherein the peptide is encoded by a nucleic acid molecule comprising nucleotides 527 through 595 of SEQ. I.D. No. 1 and the purified peptide.

Abstract: In a method of treating viral infections and of tumors induced thereby a radioimmunoconjugate (RIC) containing an immunologically effective component and a radioactive component is provided. The immunologically effective component contains a) a receptor molecule or a fragment thereof having affinity to an epitope of the viral structural proteins expressed on the plasma membrane of infected cells, or b) a fragment of the cellular receptor molecule modified by mutagenesis, the fragment having affinity to an epitope of the viral structural proteins expressed on the plasma membrane of infected cells. The radioactive component is an alpha emitter or a beta emitter. The therapeutical agent is effective against viral infections such as HIV, HBV, HCV, HDV, HTLV, CMV, EBV, or HHV8 infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjuvant and vaccine composition containing pre-S of the hepatitis B virus, and more specifically to a modified recombinant pre-S that can enhance immunogenicity of a general vaccine antigen. The present invention also relates to an improved prophylactic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine and a therapeutic vaccine for the treatment of chronic HBV carriers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vaccine formulation for the prevention of Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib) infections and where the antigen is adsorbed onto aluminum phosphate. The invention also relates to a multivalent vaccines, that is a vaccine for the amelioration or treatment of more than one disease states. The present invention also relates to the production and use of such vaccines in medicine.

Abstract: Plant expression vectors comprising at least two expression cassettes are provided which function to reduce transcriptional silencing of polynucleotide expression. Further, novel plant expression vectors for expression of immunogenic polypeptides, including HBsAg, are provided. The plant expression vectors can be used to produce immunogenic polypeptides, including HBsAg, in edible plant tissues. The edible plant tissues can be used to elicit an immune response in humans and animals when the plant tissues are consumed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for enhancing the effect of vaccines in animals, such as domestic, sport, or pet species, and humans. More particularly, the use of Ribavirin as an adjuvant to a vaccine protocol and compositions having Ribavirin and an antigen are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides microspheres intended to be administered by injection comprising a protein active ingredient and an agent coating the active ingredient intended to prolong its release, wherein they are free of any trace of organic solvent and they can be obtained according to a coating method involving bringing the active ingredient and the coating agent into contact, with stirring, in a supercritical fluid, said coating agent being soluble in this supercritical fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition, which includes a hepatitis B surface antigen stabilized with a milk protein and/or a milk protein component. This composition can be used in an oral vaccine for treatment of hepatitis B. The present invention further relates to methods of immunizing a subject against hepatitis, methods of administrating the composition of the present invention, and methods of producing a stabilized hepatitis B surface antigen protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for regulating hematopoiesis using CpG containing oligonucleotides. In particular, the invention relates to methods of treating thrombopoiesis and anemia by regulating hematopoiesis. The invention also relates to methods of regulating immune system remodeling by administering CpG oligonucleotides to control hematopoiesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for enhancing the effect of vaccines in animals, such as domestic, sport, or pet species, and humans. More particularly, the use of Ribavirin as an adjuvant to a vaccine protocol and compositions having Ribavirin and an antigen are described.

Abstract: Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein having a molecular weight of 28.779 Da, and hybrid proteins containing at least portions of its sequence. These proteins may in particular be used in vaccines or for the detection of specific tuberculosis antibodies.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel aldehyde containing compounds and their uses as adjuvants and immunoeffectors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the general field of recombinant protein expression, purification of recombinant proteins, diagnosis of HCV infection, prophylactic treatment against HCV infection and to the prognosing/monitoring of the clinical efficiency of treatment of an individual with chronic hepatitis, or the prognosing/monitoring of the natural disease. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of yeast, i.e.

Abstract: This invention relates to hepatitis B virus (“HBV”) core antigen particles that are characterized by multiple immunogen specificities. More particularly, the invention relates to HBV core antigen particles comprising immunogens, epitopes, or other related structures, crosslinked thereto by ligands which are HBV capsid-binding peptides that selectively bind to HBV core protein. Such particles may be used as delivery systems for a diverse range of immunogenic epitopes, including the HBV capsid-binding peptides, which advantageously also inhibit and interfere with HBV viral assembly by blocking the interaction between HBV core protein and HBV surface proteins. Mixtures of different immunogens and/or capsid-binding peptide ligands may be crosslinked to the same HBV core particle. Such resulting multicomponent or multivalent HBV core particles may be advantageously used in therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines and compositions, as well as in diagnostic compositions and methods using them.

Abstract: A vaccine produced in edible plant and/or animal products, as well as a method of second-generation vaccine development through the production of at least one complete structure of a pathogen in a transgenic plant or animal is described. Preferably, the present invention enables the production of virus-like particles in edible food plants, through the co-expression of a plurality of proteins and/or of a plurality of portions of such proteins. The co-expression of viral structural proteins should enhance the immunogenicity of the transgenic antigen by providing all elements necessary to induce a protective immune response. In one variation of the method the immune response to the transgenic vaccine would be induced by presenting the transgenic proteins as part of an edible plant structure, utilizing this to stimulate the mucosal immune system. Alternatively, the vaccine produced in transgenic plant/animal products could be purified and used as an immunogen in other vaccination strategies.

Abstract: A chimeric, carboxy-terminal truncated hepatitis B virus nucleocapsid protein (HBc) is disclosed that is engineered for both enhanced stability of self-assembled particles and the display of an immunogenic epitope. The immunogenic epitope is peptide-bonded to one or more of the N-terminus, in the immunogenic loop or at the C-terminus of HBc, whereas the enhanced stability of self-assembled particles is obtained by the presence of at least one heterologous cysteine residue near the aminio-terminus of the chimer molecule. Methods of making and using the chimers are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to hepatitis B virus (“HBV”) core antigen particles that are characterized by multiple immunogen specificities. More particularly, the invention relates to HBV cote antigen particles comprising immunogens, epitopes, or other related structures, crosslinked thereto by ligands which are HBV capsid-binding peptides that selectively bind to HBV core protein. Such particles may be used as delivery systems for a diverse range of immunogenic epitopes, including the HBV capsid-binding peptides, which advantageously also inhibit and interfere with HBV viral assembly by blocking the interaction between HBV core protein and HBV surface proteins. Mixtures of different immunogens and/or capsid-binding peptide ligands may be crosslinked to the same HBV core particle. Such resulting multicomponent or multivalent HBV core particles may be advantageously used in therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines and compositions, as well as in diagnostic compositions and methods using them.