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 inventors introduced mRNAs for the Epstein-Barr virus proteins LMP1 and EBNA1 into antigen-presenting cells, and as a result, demonstrated that the cells induced Epstein-Barr virus-specific cytotoxic T cells. The present inventors also demonstrated that the cytotoxic T cells recognized epitope peptides presented via HLA-A*0206, HLA-Cw*0303, or HLA-Cw*0304, inhibited the outgrowth of Epstein-Barr virus-infected B cells, and lysed Epstein-Barr virus-infected NK lymphomas and NK cells.

Abstract: Combination peptides, polypeptides and proteins that elicit high titer neutralizing antibodies against cytomegalovirus (CMV) are provided. The combination peptides, polypeptides and proteins encompass epitopes located within the UL130 and UL131 components of the gH/gL/UL128-131 protein complex, in particular, epitopes located within amino acid residues 27-46 of UL130 and amino acid residues 90-106 of UL131. The combination peptides, polypeptides and proteins, and the nucleic acids encoding them, may be used in vaccines, and as diagnostic and research tools.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to mammalian bi-specific T cells and methods for using these bi-specific T cells. More specifically, the invention relates to a method of controlling administration of cancer antigen to a subject by providing bi-specific T cells that express a viral antigen T cell receptor and a cancer antigen-specific chimeric receptors and triggering their activation by also administering antigen-presenting T-cells which express viral antigen. These bi-specific T cell clones are a source of effector cells that persist in vivo in response to stimulation with viral antigen, leading to long-term function after their transfer to patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases.

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 invention relates to neutralizing antibodies, and antibody fragments thereof, having high potency in neutralizing hCMV, wherein said antibodies and antibody fragments are specific for one, or a combination of two or more, hCMV gene UL products. The invention also relates to immortalized B cells that produce, and to epitopes that bind to, such antibodies and antibody fragments. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the antibodies, antibody fragments, and epitopes in screening methods as well as in the diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, methods, and kits for eliciting an immune response to at least one CMV antigen expressed by a cancer cell, in particular for treating and preventing cancer. CMV determination methods, compositions, and kits also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a composition comprising an agent selected from the group comprising HCMV virions, HCMV dense bodies and HCMV NIEP, whereby the composition is capable of elucidating an immune response while the virions, the NIEP and/or the dense bodies being non-fusiogenic.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a composition comprising an agent selected from the group comprising HCMV virions, HCMV dense bodies and HCMV NIEP, whereby the composition is capable of elucidating an immune response while the virions, the NIEP and/or the dense bodies being non-fusiogenic.

Abstract: The invention relates to plasmids operably encoding HCMV antigens, in which the naturally-occurring coding regions for the HCMV antigens have been modified for improved translation in human or other mammalian cells through codon optimization. HCMV antigens, which are useful in the invention include, but are not limited to pp65, glycoprotein B (gB), IE1, and fragments, variants or derivatives of any of these antigens. In certain embodiments, sequences have been deleted, e.g., the Arg435-Lys438 putative kinase in pp65 and the membrane anchor and endocellular domains in gB. The invention is further directed to methods of inducing an immune response to HCMV in a mammal, for example, a human, comprising delivering a plasmid encoding a codon-optimized HCMV antigen as described above. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising plasmids encoding a codon-optimized HCMV antigen as described above, and further comprising adjuvants, excipients, or immune modulators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, methods, and kits for eliciting an immune response to at least one CMV antigen expressed by a cancer cell, in particular for treating and preventing cancer. CMV determination methods, compositions, and kits also are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to neutralizing antibodies which are specific for human cytomegalovirus and bind with high affinity as well as immortalized B cells that produce such antibodies. The invention also relates to the epitopes that the antibodies bind to as well as the use of the antibodies and the epitopes in screening methods as well as the diagnosis and therapy of disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to neutralizing antibodies and antibody fragments having high potency in neutralizing hCMV, wherein said antibodies and antibody fragments are specific for a combination of hCMV proteins UL130 and UL131A, or for a combination of hCMV proteins UL128, UL130 and UL131A. The invention relates also to immortalized B cells that produce, and to epitopes that bind to, such antibodies and antibody fragments. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the antibodies, antibody fragments, and epitopes in screening methods as well as in the diagnosis and therapy of disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to neutralizing antibodies, and antibody fragments thereof, having high potency in neutralizing hCMV, wherein said antibodies and antibody fragments are specific for one, or a combination of two or more, hCMV gene UL products. The invention also relates to immortalized B cells that produce, and to epitopes that bind to, such antibodies and antibody fragments. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the antibodies, antibody fragments, and epitopes in screening methods as well as in the diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to neutralizing antibodies, and antibody fragments thereof, having high potency in neutralizing hCMV, wherein said antibodies and antibody fragments are specific for one, or a combination of two or more, hCMV gene UL products. The invention also relates to immortalized B cells that produce, and to epitopes that bind to, such antibodies and antibody fragments. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the antibodies, antibody fragments, and epitopes in screening methods as well as in the diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of disease.

Abstract: PD-1 antagonists are disclosed that can be used to reduce the expression or activity of PD-1 in a subject. An immune response specific to an infectious agent or to tumor cells can be enhanced using these PD-1 antagonists in conjunction with an antigen from the infectious agent or tumor. Thus, subjects with infections, such as persistent infections can be treated using PD-1 antagonists. In addition, subjects with tumors can be treated using the PD-1 antagonists. In several examples, subjects can be treated by transplanting a therapeutically effective amount of activated T cells that recognize an antigen of interest and by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a PD-1 antagonist.

Abstract: The invention provides immunostimulatory compositions and methods of administration thereof. Also provided are methods of administering a tryptanthrin compound in an effective amount to enhance the immune response of a subject to an antigen. Also provided are methods of administering an effective amount of a tryptanthrin to stimulate the immune response in a subject for the treatment of cancer. Further provided are methods of administering a tryptanthrin compounds as an immunotherapeutic in the treatment of infectious diseases.

Abstract: Described are a method for the identification of extracellular epitopes of Epstein Barr virus (EBV) encoded membrane proteins, expressed on the cuter cell surface of EBV-transformed mammalian cells, methods for the selection and preparation of antibody reagents specific for the said epitopes, as well as peptides, including extracellular domains of Epstein Barr Virus encoded tumour cell associated membrane proteins, the use of said peptide for immunization and therapeutic vaccination to induce antibodies and T-cells reactive with said domains, the use of said antibody reagents for the production of targeting cells, tumour cell purging and as diagnostic for and medicament against EBV-mediated malignant cell growth.

Abstract: A method of treating a cellular proliferative disorder with cancer antigen-activated dendritic cells that are derived from a population of somatic stem cells. Also disclosed are methods of treating tissue damages and degenerative diseases with a population of somatic stem cells.

Abstract: Provided are peptide vaccines including the signal peptide domain of selected target antigens of intracellular pathogens. The peptide vaccines of the invention contain multiple class II and class I-restricted epitopes and are recognized and presented by the majority of the vaccinated human population. Further provided, in particular, are anti tuberculosis vaccines. Also further provided are compositions including the vaccines as well as their use to treat or prevent infection.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to immunizing agents and devices.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions and prophylactic or therapeutic vaccines for use in protecting and treating against human cytomegalovirus (CMV) are disclosed. Subunit vaccines comprising a human CMV protein complex comprising pUL128 or pUL130, and nucleic acid vaccines comprising at least one nucleic acid encoding a CMV protein complex comprising pUL128 or pUL130 are described. Also disclosed are therapeutic antibodies reactive against a CMV protein complex comprising pUL128 or pUL130, as well as methods for screening compounds that inhibit CMV infection of epithelial and endothelial cells, methods for immunizing a subject against CMV infection, methods for determining the capability of neutralizing antibodies to inhibit CMV infection of cell types other than fibroblasts, and methods of diminishing an CMV infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to neutralizing antibodies, and antibody fragments thereof, having high potency in neutralizing hCMV, wherein said antibodies and antibody fragments are specific for one, or a combination of two or more, hCMV gene UL products. The invention also relates to immortalized B cells that produce, and to epitopes that bind to, such antibodies and antibody fragments. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the antibodies, antibody fragments, and epitopes in screening methods as well as in the diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of disease.

Abstract: The invention provides an inactivated varicella zoster virus (VZV), and compositions and vaccines comprising said inactivated VZV, wherein the infectivity of the VZV is undetectable and wherein the inactivated VZV induces an immune response against VZV when administered to a patient. In embodiments of the compositions described herein, the VZV is inactivated with gamma radiation. The invention also provides a method of preparing an inactivated VZV vaccine, the method comprising gamma irradiating a sample comprising a VZV using from about 5 kGy to about 50 kGy of gamma radiation. Also provided by the invention herein is a method of treatment of or immunization against HZ or other disease associated with the reactivation of VZV, the method comprising administering to a subject a vaccine or pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an inactivated VZV and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the VZV is inactivated by gamma irradiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inducing and amplifying specific effectors, which comprises obtaining pulsed plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) by incubation of a pDC line with at least one antigen, the pulsed pDC being subsequently irradiated and brought into contact with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and cultured or injected into an organism. The pulsed and irradiated pDC and the PBMC share at least one major histocompatibility complex (MHC) allele.

Abstract: The present invention provides pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine-4-yl amines pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyrimidin-4-yl amines that modulate the activity of Janus kinases and are useful in the treatment of diseases related to activity of Janus kinases including, for example, immune-related diseases and cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the stimulation of immune responses. Specifically, the present invention provides nanoemulsion compositions harboring one or more immunogens within the oil phase of the nanoemulsion and methods of using the same for the induction of immune responses (e.g., innate and/or adaptive immune responses (e.g., for generation of host immunity against an environmental pathogen)). Compositions and methods of the invention find use in, among other things, clinical (e.g., therapeutic and preventative medicine (e.g., vaccination)) and research applications.

Abstract: Disclosed are dosage forms and related methods, that include a first population of synthetic nanocarriers that have one or more first antigens coupled to them, one or more second antigens that are not coupled to the synthetic nanocarriers, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

Abstract: The present invention provides synthetic compounds, antibodies that recognize and bind to these compounds, polynucleotides that encode these compounds, and immune effector cells raised in response to presentation of these epitopes. The invention further provides methods for inducing an immune response and administering immunotherapy to a subject by delivering the compositions of the invention.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions and prophylactic or therapeutic vaccines for use in protecting and treating against human cytomegalovirus (CMV) are disclosed. Subunit vaccines comprising a human CMV protein complex comprising pUL128 or pUL130, and nucleic acid vaccines comprising at least one nucleic acid encoding a CMV protein complex comprising pUL128 or pUL130 are described. Also disclosed are therapeutic antibodies reactive against a CMV protein complex comprising pUL128 or pUL130, as well as methods for screening compounds that inhibit CMV infection of epithelial and endothelial cells, methods for immunizing a subject against CMV infection, methods for determining the capability of neutralizing antibodies to inhibit CMV infection of cell types other than fibroblasts, and methods of diminishing an CMV infection.

Abstract: A recombinant varicella-zoster virus; a process for producing the same; a pharmacological composition containing recombinant varicella-zoster virus; a vector containing a genomic gene of varicella-zoster virus and BAC vector sequence; cells containing the above vector; a fragment capable of homologous recombination with a genome of varicella-zoster virus; and a nucleic acid cassette containing the BAC vector sequence. For these, there is provided a process for producing recombinant varicella-zoster virus, comprising use of the BAC vector sequence.

Abstract: Improved (safer and more effective) methods of therapy using TNF-R agonists, e.g., CD40 agonists are provided. These methods provide for the addition of an amount of a type 1 interferon and/or a TLR agonist that is effective to prevent or reduce the toxicity (liver toxicity) that may otherwise result in some patients of the TNF-R agonist is used as a monotherapy (without the type 1 interferon and/r TLR agonist).

Abstract: The invention is related to polynucleotide-based cytomegalovirus vaccines. In particular, the invention is plasmids operably encoding HCMV antigens, in which the naturally-occurring coding regions for the HCMV antigens have been modified for improved translation in human or other mammalian cells through codon optimization. HCMV antigens which are useful in the invention include, but are not limited to pp65, glycoprotein B (gB), IE1, and fragments, variants or derivatives of either of these antigens. In certain embodiments, sequences have been deleted, e.g., the Arg435-Lys438 putative kinase in pp65 and the membrane anchor and endocellular domains in gB. The invention is further directed to methods to induce an immune response to HCMV in a mammal, for example, a human, comprising delivering a plasmid encoding a codon-optimized HCMV antigen as described above.

Abstract: An isolated protein construct comprising a polyepitope derived from multiple human cytomegalovirus protein antigen epitopes conjugated to an extracellular domain of glycoprotein B, which isolated protein is capable of eliciting a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte immune response as well as a neutralizing antibody response to human cytomegalovirus. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the isolated protein or an adenoviral expression construct for delivery and expression of a nucleic acid encoding the isolated protein for prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of human cytomegalovirus infection, particularly in humans.

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 invention relates to neutralising antibodies which are specific for human cytomegalovirus and bind with high affinity as well as immortalised B cells that produce such antibodies. The invention also relates to the epitopes that the antibodies bind to as well as the use of the antibodies and the epitopes in screening methods as well as the diagnosis and therapy of disease.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for modulating Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in a patient. The compositions may include peptides or peptidomimetics that are related to gp42 and function to inhibit EBV-mediated membrane fusion.

Abstract: The invention relates to neutralizing antibodies and antibody fragments having high potency in neutralizing hCMV, wherein said antibodies and antibody fragments are specific for a combination of hCMV proteins UL130 and UL131A, or for a combination of hCMV proteins UL128, UL130 and UL131A. The invention relates also to immortalized B cells that produce, and to epitopes that bind to, such antibodies and antibody fragments. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the antibodies, antibody fragments, and epitopes in screening methods as well as in the diagnosis and therapy of disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating an infection or disease or lesion, in particular an HPV infection. Furthermore, it relates to a vaccine for treating a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection or an associated disease or lesion in a subject.

Abstract: Use of an immunogenic composition comprising VZV gE, or immunogenic fragment thereof, and a TH-1 adjuvant in the preparation of a medicament for the prevention or amelioration of shingles and/or post herpetic neuralgia. Compositions comprising a truncated VZV gE antigen and an adjuvant containing QS21, cholesterol and 3D MPL are also claimed.

Abstract: Use of an immunogenic composition comprising VZV gE, or immunogenic fragment thereof, and a TH-1 adjuvant in the preparation of a medicament for the prevention or amelioration of shingles and/or post herpetic neuralgia.

Abstract: Methods of eliciting humoral responses, methods of immunization, and methods of vaccination using lentiviral vector are disclosed. Additionally, immunogenic compositions and vaccines for West Nile Virus are disclosed.

Abstract: It is described the use of the long pentraxin PTX3 (PTX3) or one of its functional derivatives, for the preparation of a medicament for the prevention or treatment of viral diseases and/or for inhibiting virus activation.

Abstract: An immunogenic composition comprising a viral vector, said vector comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a C4bp domain or variant or fragment thereof and a nucleic acid sequence encoding an antigen of interest.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an ex vivo method for producing a preparation containing CD4+ T cells specific for EBV structural antigens for use in the prophylaxis and treatment of patients with a reduced T cell activity in order to prevent or treat growth of EBV infected B cells.

Abstract: Use of an immunogenic composition comprising VZV gE, or immunogenic fragment thereof, and a TH-1 adjuvant in the preparation of a medicament for the prevention or amelioration of shingles and/or post herpetic neuralgia.

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 invention is related to a composition comprising an agent selected from the group comprising HCMV virions, HCMV dense bodies and HCMV NIEP, whereby the composition is capable of elucidating an immune response while the virions, the NIEP and/or the dense bodies being non-fusiogenic.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of vaccination as well as pharmaceutical combinations and kits for enhancing vaccine effectiveness, including for immunodeficient or immunecompromised patients, including non-responders and low-responders to vaccination. As disclosed herein, the invention relates to administering a vaccine and a regimen of thymosin alpha peptide so as to provide higher antibody titers, speed the development of such antibody titers, and/or to provide for a longer duration of such antibody titers, thereby providing a greater protective effect. In another aspect, the invention allows for reducing a vaccine dose, such as an influenza vaccine dose, by administration of a thymosin peptide regimen.

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.