Abstract: Compositions and methods, including vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions for inducing or enhancing an immune response are disclosed based on the discovery of useful immunological adjuvant properties in a synthetic, glucopyranosyl lipid adjuvant (GLA) that is provided in substantially homogeneous form. Chemically defined, synthetic GLA offers a consistent vaccine component from lot to lot without the fluctuations in contaminants or activity that compromise natural-product adjuvants. Also provided are vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions that include GLA and one or more of an antigen, a Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist, a co-adjuvant and a carrier such as a pharmaceutical carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for causing the selective targeting and killing of tumor cells. Through ex vivo gene therapy protocols tumor cells are engineered to express an ?(1,3)galactosyl epitope. The cells are then irradiated or otherwise killed and administered to a patient. The ? galactosyl epitope causes opsonization of the tumor cell enhancing uptake of the opsonized tumor cell by antigen presenting cells which results in enhanced tumor specific antigen presentation. The animal's immune system thus is stimulated to produce tumor specific cytotoxic cells and antibodies which will attack and kill tumor cells present in the animal.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the present disclosure relates to the insight that a polypeptide comprising a ligand-binding portion of the extracellular domain of activin-like kinase I (ALK1) polypeptide may be used to inhibit angiogenesis in vivo, particularly in mammals suffering angiogenesis-related disorders. In certain aspects, the disclosure demonstrates that antagonists of BMP9 and/or BMP10, ligands for ALK1, may also be used to inhibit angiogenesis in vivo.

Abstract: A method for enhancing a vaccine therapy effect by a vaccine composition. The method including a step of implanting ?-tricalcium phosphate in an inside of a body of a subject, and a step of administering the vaccine composition to the subject at the same time with or before or after the implanting step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of immunology and, in particular, to a vaccination procedure for treatment of a patient against diseases caused for example by infection or cancers. More particularly, the invention relates to methods for predicting whether a subject is or is not susceptible to developing a prophylactic or therapeutic response, preferably immune response, after such vaccination. The present invention relates to methods and compositions for selecting patients best able to raise a therapeutic immune response in vivo by an immunogenic composition, in particular a vaccine.

Abstract: A method for promoting a sustained increased level of T-cell production in immunocompromised subjects in which method enkephalin peptides are administered according to an intermittent dose schedule. In particular, the method involves treatment of immunocompromised patients which includes the administration of enkephalin, either alone or in conjunction with other therapies, in an initial dosage regimen, with periodic booster dosages of enkephalin as necessary to maintain sustained immune system response.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating MM are provided herein.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical comprising a therapeutic protein that hinds to a therapeutic target, the protein being modified with a compound that inhibits binding of the protein to the therapeutic target, the modified protein being effective for reducing an immune response against the protein and for producing a therapeutic effect by binding to the therapeutic target. The therapeutic protein may be an antibody that includes an antibody combining site that binds to the therapeutic target.

Abstract: Methods of identifying tumor-specific mutations that can serve as B cell epitopes for the induction of autologous tumor-specific antibodies are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include: identifying a tumor-specific mutation in an expressed gene of a subject having cancer; determining that the mutation is in a region of an open reading frame predicted to encode an extracellular domain of a membrane protein; and identifying a corresponding mutant polypeptide encoded by the expressed gene comprising the tumor-specific mutation. Some embodiments relate to a method of inducing a tumor specific immune response in a subject including administering one or more polypeptides identified according to the methods disclosed herein to a subject. Other embodiments relate to pharmaceutical compositions including mutant polypeptide(s).

Abstract: It is disclosed herein that condroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4), also known as high molecular weight melanoma associated antigen, is overexpressed on basal breast carcinoma cells (BBC), specifically triple negative basal breast carcinoma cells (TNBC). Methods for detecting basal breast cancer in a subject are disclosed. Methods are also disclosed for inhibiting the growth of a basal breast cancer cell. These methods include contacting the basal breast cancer cell with an effective amount of an antibody that specifically binds CSPG4. Additional treatment methods, and the use of antibody panels, are also described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for augmenting the immunogenicity of an antigen in a mammal, comprising immunizing the mammal with a composition comprising the antigen, and an adjuvant in an amount of effective to augment the immunogenicity of said antigen, wherein the adjuvant comprises a Ling-Zhi-8 (LZ-8) protein.

Abstract: Provided are nanoparticles and methods of using and making thereof. The inventive nanoparticle comprises a) an inner core comprising a non-cellular material; and b) an outer surface comprising a cellular membrane derived from a cell or a membrane derived from a virus. Medicament delivery systems or pharmaceutical compositions comprising the inventive nanoparticles are also provided. Further provided are immunogenic compositions comprising the inventive nanoparticles, and methods of using the inventive immunogenic compositions for eliciting an immune response, and for treating or preventing diseases or condition, such as neoplasm or cancer, or disease or conditions associated with cell membrane inserting toxin. Vaccines comprising the immunogenic composition comprising the nanoparticles are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vaccine(s) comprising cancer cells expressing antigen(s), excipients, optionally adjuvant wherein the said antigen(s) is expressed on contacting the said cancer cell with p38 inducer, for use in treatment of Cancer. The vaccine composition induces specific immune response against homologous and heterologus cancer cells of the tissue/organ. The invention also provides method of preparing the same.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for treating an animal diagnosed with Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

Abstract: Methods for treating or preventing a Foxp3+ T regulatory cell (Treg) related disease in a subject in need thereof comprise administering to the subject an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an inhibitor of a histone/protein acetyltransferase (HAT). Methods for identifying an agent useful for treating or preventing a Foxp3+ T regulatory cell (Treg) related disease comprise (a) contacting a candidate agent with a test sample comprising Foxp3+ T regulatory cells (Tregs), and (b) comparing a function of the Foxp3+ Tregs in the test sample with that in a control sample, wherein inhibition of the function of the Foxp3+ Tregs in the test sample when compared with the control sample indicates that the candidate agent is an agent useful for treating or preventing a Foxp3+ Treg related disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing immunogenic polypeptides, comprising reducing disulfide bonds and blocking the resulting free thiol group with a blocking agent. The immunogenic peptides comprise a fragment of MAGE A3.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for producing a haptenized vaccine from a tissue biopsy. The method includes obtaining a tissue biopsy, isolating the cells, irradiating the cells, haptenizing the cells, and cryopreserving the cells. The present invention also discloses a method for treating cancer using the vaccines produced by the methods described herein.

Abstract: The present invention demonstrates that bisphosphonates have an intrinsic adjuvant activity and directly stimulate B cell antibody secretion. Accordingly, the present invention provides vaccines comprising a bisphosphonate, methods for stimulating an immune response, enhancing the immunogenicicty of an immunogen, and methods of treating an infection, an autoimmune disease, an allergy, and/or a cancer using the same.

Abstract: Peptide vaccines against cancer are described herein. In particular, isolated epitope peptides or immunogenic fragments derived from SEQ ID NO: 32, that bind to an HLA antigen and induce cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) are provided. The amino acid sequence of the peptide of interest may be optionally modified with the substitution, deletion, insertion, or addition of one, two, or several amino acids sequences. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating cancer that include such peptides are also provided.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and compounds for the prevention and treatment of infections with intracellular organisms, the treatment of tumors, and the prevention of infectious and allergic diseases by vaccination.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of cancer and methods and compositions for cancer immunotherapy. In one embodiment, a method for treating cancer in a patient comprises the steps of (a) administering at or near the cancer site an effective amount of a composition that promotes a therapeutic immune response to the cancer; and (b) ablating the cancer. In another embodiment, a method for treating an abnormal cellular proliferation in a patient comprises the steps of (a) administering at or near the site of the abnormal cellular proliferation an effective amount of a composition that promotes a therapeutic immune response to the abnormal cellular proliferation comprising (i) a polymeric particle; and (ii) optionally one or more therapeutic agents encapsulated in or incorporated on or into the polymeric particle; and (b) ablating the abnormal cellular proliferation.

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/or TLR agonist).

Abstract: Cell-based immunotherapy (e.g., immunization or vaccination) may be improved by frequent administration to a human subject of allogeneic cancer cells secreting a modified heat shock protein (e.g., gp96), depletion of B cells in the subject, or both. Antigen (e.g., epitope derived from neoantigen or tumor antigen of allogeneic or syngeneic cancer cells) may induce a specific immune response in the subject. For example, the epitope bound in an immunogenic complex with the secreted heat shock protein may be obtained from allogeneic cancer cells coexpressing both secreted gp96 and antigen, or from syngeneic cancer cells of the subject expressing only antigen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vaccines comprising at least one mRNA encoding at least one antigen for use in the treatment of a disease in an elderly patient preferably exhibiting an age of at least 50 years, more preferably of at least 55 years, 60 years, 65 years, 70 years, or older, wherein the treatment comprises vaccination of the patient and eliciting an immune response in said patient. The present invention is furthermore directed to kits and kits of parts comprising such a vaccine and/or its components and to methods applying such a vaccine or kit.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides (a) isolated immunogenic PAA polypeptides; (b) isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding immunogenic PAA polypeptides; (c) vaccine compositions comprising an immunogenic PAA polypeptide or an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding an immunogenic PAA polypeptide; (d) methods relating to uses of the polypeptides, nucleic acid molecules, and compositions; and (e) vaccine-based immunotherapy regimens which involve co-administration of a vaccine in combination with an immune-suppressive-cell inhibitor and an immune-effector-cell enhancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a minimalistic gene expression construct, its transfer into cells and its use for gene expression for molecular-medical applications. According to the disclosure, a DNA construct for gene expression is provided, wherein the construct is a linear and open-chained DNA double strand comprising a promoter sequence, a coding sequence and a termination signal, wherein the construct comprises at least one L-DNA nucleotide.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and systems for delivery of nanocarriers to cells of the immune system. The invention provides vaccine nanocarriers capable of stimulating an immune response in T cells and/or B cells, in some embodiments, comprising at least one immunomodulatory agent, and optionally comprising at last one targeting moiety and optionally at least one immunostimulatory agent. The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising inventive vaccine nanocarriers. The present invention provides methods of designing, manufacturing, and using inventive vaccine nanocarriers and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. The invention provides methods of prophylaxis and/or treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions comprising administering at least one inventive vaccine nanocarrier to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for identifying a gender-specific cancer patient suitable for treatment with various treatment regimens available to cancer patients. After determining if a patient is suitable for therapy, the invention also provides methods for treating these patients.

Abstract: Novel peptides that inhibit the release of microparticles from cells are disclosed. The peptide contains at least one VGFPV motif at the N-terminal and has a length of 10-100 amino acids. Also disclosed is polynucleotide encoding the peptide, expression vectors carrying the polynucleotide, and methods for treating AIDS and tumors using the novel peptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunostimulating agent comprising at least one chemically modified RNA. The invention furthermore relates to a vaccine which comprises at least one antigen in combination with the immunostimulating agent. The immunostimulating agent according to the invention and the vaccine according to the invention are employed in particular against infectious disease or cancer diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides lyophilised compositions comprising an antigen and a Toll-like receptor (TLR) 9 agonist. Such compositions may be reconstituted into immunogenic compositions for use in vaccination with a carrier selected from the group of particulate carriers consisting of liposomes, mineral salts, emulsions, polymers and ISCOMs. Methods of making immunogenic compositions from the lyophilised compositions of the invention and use of the same in immunisation are also herein provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to minimising the progression of cancer in a companion animal using P2X7 immunotherapy.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and materials for inhibiting tumor growth by administering viral vectors to tumor cells. Particularly exemplified herein are methods of inhibiting tumor growth of colon tumors by delivering 15-PGDH to tumor environment. Antigen presenting cells may be coadministered with 15-PGDH.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for causing the selective targeting and killing of tumor cells. Through ex vivo gene therapy protocols tumor cells are engineered to express an ?(1,3)galactosyl epitope. The cells are then irradiated or otherwise killed and administered to a patient. The ?-galactosyl epitope causes opsonization of the tumor cell enhancing uptake of the opsonized tumor cell by antigen presenting cells which results in enhanced tumor specific antigen presentation. The animal's immune system thus is stimulated to produce tumor specific cytotoxic cells and antibodies which will attack and kill tumor cells present in the animal.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of primary, metastatic, and residual cancer in mammals, and more particularly, the use of materials such as whole cells and derivatives and portions thereof to stimulate the immune system to attack cancer.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of cancer immunotherapy, particularly compositions comprising genetically-modified cells that express macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), CD40 ligand (CD40L), and chemokine C-C motif ligand 21 (CCL21), wherein the population of cells comprises bystander cells and target cancer cells, and methods of making these compositions and treating cancer using these compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for identifying immunoreactive peptides. According to said method, a sample of tumorous and corresponding healthy tissue is first provided, the tumor-specific expression profile is subsequently determined and antigenic peptides are isolated from the tumorous tissue and analyzed. The respective data that has been obtained is then matched and peptides are identified on the basis of said data.

Abstract: This invention provides a polyvalent vaccine comprising at least two conjugated antigens selected from a group containing glycolipid antigen, polysaccharide antigen, mucin antigen, glycosylated mucin antigen and an appropriate adjuvant. This invention also provides a multivalent vaccine comprising at least two of the following: glycosylated MUC-1-32mer, Globo H, GM2, Ley, Tn(c), sTN(c), and TF(c). This invention provides the vaccine above, wherein the adjuvant is saponin-based adjuvant. This invention provides a method for inducing immune response in a subject comprising administering an effective amount of the vaccine above to the subject. Finally, this invention provides a method for treating cancer in a subject comprising administering an appropriate amount of the vaccine above to the subject.

Abstract: A molecular marker for detecting a cancer stem cell in a cell mass which is a subject of interest, wherein the molecular marker can be detected in a cancer stem cell contained in the subject of interest but cannot be detected in a normal cell and a cancer cell that is different from a cancer stem cell; a method for determining the presence or absence of a cancer stem cell in a subject of interest by using the molecular marker as an measure; a kit for determining the presence or absence of a cancer stem cell, which comprises at least a reagent for detecting the molecular marker; a polypeptide encoded by the molecular marker; an antibody capable of recognizing an epitope of an expression product of a gene derived from the molecular marker; a nucleic acid capable of inhibiting the expression of the molecular marker; and a nucleic acid vaccine comprising a gene derived from the molecular marker.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides modified cell-derived exosomes substantially lacking one or more immunosuppressive polypeptides. The presently-disclosed subject matter further provides methods of producing the modified exosomes and methods of using the modified exosomes for treating cancers.

Abstract: CASB7439 polypeptides and polynucleotides, immunogenic compositions comprising them and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing CASB7439 polypeptides and polynucleotides in diagnostics, and vaccines for prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of cancers, particularly colorectal cancers, autoimmune diseases, and related conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for causing the selective targeting and killing of tumor cells. Through ex vivo gene therapy protocols tumor cells are engineered to express an ? (1,3) galactosyl epitope. The cells are then irradiated or otherwise killed and administered to a patient. The ? galactosyl epitope causes opsonization of the tumor cell enhancing uptake of the opsonized tumor cell by antigen presenting cells which results in enhanced tumor specific antigen presentation. The animal's immune system thus is stimulated to produce tumor specific cytotoxic cells and antibodies which will attack and kill tumor cells present in the animal.

Abstract: A peptide comprising the amino acid sequence RMFPNAPYL or a portion or variant thereof provided that the peptide is not intact human WT-1 polypeptide or a peptide comprising the amino acid sequence CMTWNQMNL or a portion or variant thereof provided that the peptide is not intact human WT-1 polypeptide or a peptide comprising the amino acid sequence HLMPFPGPLL or a portion or variant thereof provided that the peptide is not intact human gata-1 polypeptide, and polynucleotides encoding these peptides. The peptides and polynucleotides are useful as cancer vaccines.

Abstract: The disclosure provide hollow nanospheres and methods of making and using the same. The methods and compositions of the disclosure are useful for drug delivery and gene transfer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immunity-inducing agent comprising, as an active ingredient, at least one polypeptide having immunity-inducing activity that is selected from among polypeptides (a), (b), and (c): (a) a polypeptide of at least seven contiguous amino acids of the amino acid sequence shown by any even SEQ ID number selected from SEQ ID NOs: 2 to 30 listed in the Sequence Listing; (b) a polypeptide of at least seven amino acids having 90% or more sequence identity with the polypeptide (a); and (c) a polypeptide comprising the polypeptide (a) or (b) as a partial sequence thereof, or a recombinant vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding said polypeptide and capable of expressing said polypeptide in vivo.

Abstract: The compound N-(4-{[4-amino-2-butyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl]oxy}butyl)octadecanamide is a useful drug compound for enhancing immune response and can be used, for example, as a vaccine adjuvant and a cancer treatment.

Abstract: Peptide vaccines against cancer are described herein. In particular, epitope peptides derived from the TTLL4 gene that elicit CTLs are provided. Antigen-presenting cells and isolated CTLs that target such peptides, as well as methods for inducing the antigen-presenting cell, or CTL are also provided. The present invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions containing peptides derived from TTLL4 or polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides as active ingredients. Furthermore, the present invention provides methods for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of (i.e., preventing) cancers (tumors), and/or the prevention of a postoperative recurrence thereof, as well as methods for inducing CTLs, methods for inducing anti-tumor immunity, using the peptides derived from TTLL4, polynucleotides encoding the peptides, or antigen-presenting cells presenting the peptides, or the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to treatment of prostate cancer and metastases thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to immunogenic polypeptides comprising at least a portion of a prostatic tumor cell-associated protein or immunologically active variants thereof and to nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides and to the use thereof in immunotherapeutic methods of treatment of prostate cancer. Said immunogenic polypeptides are provided by the zona pellucida (ZP) (glyco)proteins. ZP (glyco)proteins and fragments thereof that can induce a CD8+ and/or CD4+ T cell response as well as nucleic acid sequences encoding them can suitably be used in the present immunotherapeutic strategies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for producing dendritic cells and particularly to compositions and methods for producing immature dendritic cells that are immunocompetent. We describe a method of producing dendritic cells by cultivation of monocytes, characterised by at least one of: pre-treatment of a tissue culture surface with at least one of: a substantially plasma-free and serum-free pre-treatment medium, a pre-treatment medium comprising heparin, and a pre-treatment medium comprising a protein solution; adsorption of monocytes using at least one of: a substantially plasma-free and serum-free adsorption medium; cultivation of monocytes using a substantially plasma-free and serum-free cultivation medium. We also describe compositions including the dentritic cells and uses of the dentritic cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vaccine which comprises at least one antigen and a peptide comprising a sequence R1-XZXZNXZX-R2, whereby N is a whole number between 3 and 7, preferably 5, X is a positively charged natural and/or non-natural amino acid residue, Z is an amino acid residue selected from the group consisting of L, V, I, F and/or W, and R1 and R2 are selected independently one from the other from the group consisting of —H, —NH2, —COCH3, —COH, a peptide with up to 20 amino acid residues or a peptide reactive group or a peptide linker with or without a peptide; X-R2 may also be an amide, ester or thioester of the C-terminal amino acid residue, as well as the use of said peptide for the preparation of an adjuvant for enhancing the immune response to at least one antigen.