Abstract: Immunogenic compositions are described herein which comprise microparticles that further comprise a biodegradable polymer. The microparticle compositions also comprise a cationic polysaccharide and an immunological species selected from an antigen, an immunological adjuvant and a combination thereof. Also described are methods of making such compositions and methods of administering such compositions. Methods of modulating the release rate of immunological species from microparticles are also described. These methods comprise varying the ratio of the cationic polysaccharide relative to the biodegradable polymer within the microparticles.

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 invention provides methods for inhibiting tumor cell proliferation by inhibiting FoxM1B activity, expression, or nuclear localization in a tumor cell. The invention also provides methods for preventing tumor progression in an animal comprising inhibiting FoxM1B activity, expression, or nuclear localization. Furthermore, the invention provides methods for inhibiting tumor cell growth in an animal comprising inhibiting FoxM1B activity, expression, or nuclear localization in tumor cells in the animal.

Abstract: Provided are expression vectors for generating an immune response to a mucin. The vectors comprise a transcription unit encoding a secretable polypeptide, the polypeptide comprising a secretory signal, a mucin antigen and CD40 ligand. Also provided are methods of generating an immune response against cells expressing a mucin by administering an effective amount of the vector. Further provided are methods of generating an immune response against cancer cells expressing a mucin in an individual by administering an effective amount of the vector. Still further provided are methods of overcoming anergy to a mucin self antigen by administering an effective amount of the vector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide and the use of the nucleic acid or polypeptide in preventing and/or treating cancer. The invention relates to improved vectors for the insertion and expression of foreign genes encoding tumor antigens for use in immunotherapeutic treatment of cancer. One such foreign DNA sequence is modified CEA nucleic acid.

Abstract: Described are vaccines having one or more antigens cholesterol and CpG. Aspects of the invention relate to the use of the vaccines of the invention for the treatment and/or prevention of human and animal disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of a novel role of CXCR-4 in cell transformation and aberrant cellular proliferation. In particular, the present invention relates to the altered gene expression of CXCR-4 in a number of primary tumors and cell lines derived from tumors, in addition to, the altered gene expression of ligands for CXCR-4. Further, the present invention relates, in part, to the Applicant's surprising discovery that the inhibition of CXCR-4 gene expression or the inhibition of CXCR-4 activity in transformed cells reverses the transformed phenotype.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immunogenic composition which comprises, firstly, a carrier and, secondly, as antigenic structure, conjugates comprising all or part of the amino acid sequences of at least one peptide derived from an extracellular loop of the P-170 protein, each peptide being combined with several molecules of fatty acid containing a carbon chain of between C12 and C24 so as to allow, under suitable administration conditions, the induction of anti-P-170 antibodies. The invention relates to said composition for defining means for treating multidrug resistances.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for cancer treatment are discloses herein. More specifically the present invention describes an autologous cancer vaccine genetically modified for Furin knockdown and GM-CSF expression. The vaccine described herein attenuates the immunosuppressive activity of TGF-? through the use of bi-functional shRNAs to knock down the expression of furin in cancer cells, and to augment tumor antigen expression, presentation, and processing through expression of the GM-CSF transgene.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a vaccinia virus that specifically proliferates in a cancer cell and destroys the cancer cell and to provide use of the virus in cancer treatment. The present invention provides a microRNA-controlled vaccinia virus, in which a target sequence of a microRNA less expressed in a cancer cell than in a normal cell is inserted in a 3? untranslated region of B5R gene associated with viral proliferation in a vaccinia virus, wherein the microRNA-controlled vaccinia virus specifically proliferates in the cancer cell and has an oncolytic property that destroys the cancer cell.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials for making and using vaccines. For example, vaccine preparations (e.g., whole cell vaccines and cell lysate vaccines) that can be used to treat cancer (e.g., human ovarian cancer) are provided.

Abstract: A universal vaccine containing a mixture of allogeneic cell lines, including tumor stem cells, effective against tumors regardless of type is disclosed. The cell lines are also modified to prevent interference with the immune response by any immunosuppressive agents they may secrete.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer disclosed herein. The method of the present invention comprises administration of compositions comprising ?-glucan, a natural ligand for dectin-1, to block OX40L expression on tumor associated mDCs by blocking STAT6 phosphorylation. The ?-glucan-treated mDCs secrete higher levels of IL-12p70 and do not expand TNF? and IL-13-producing CD4+ T cells, further resulting in inhibition of Th2 responses. Thus, compositions disclosed herein reprogram the function of mDCs in breast tumor microenvironment and turn tumor promoting Th2-type chronic inflammation into Th1-type acute inflammation that are able to reject tumors. The present invention finds particular uses for the intratumoral administration of the composition thereby directly binding to and directing a Th1-type acute inflammation.

Abstract: Protein kinases are important signaling molecules involved in tumorigenesis. Mutational analysis of the human tyrosine kinase gene family (98 genes) identified somatic alterations in -20% of colorectal cancers, with the majority of mutations occurring in NTRK3, FES, GUCY2F and a previously uncharacterized tyrosine kinase gene called MCCK/MLK4. Most alterations were in conserved residues affecting key regions of the kinase domain. These data represent a paradigm for the unbiased analysis of signal transducing genes in cancer and provide useful targets for therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: We provide for the use of an intracellular antibody therapy for targeting intracellular oncoproteins or proteins to prevent cancer metastasis. We also provide for the use of an intracellular vaccine therapy comprising an oncoprotein protein for vaccination to stimulate a host to produce its own antibodies to prevent tumor formation. The antibody may comprise a chimeric antibody.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds with high affinity to at least a portion of a segment of human prostate-derived Ets transcription factor (PDEF). The anti-PDEF antibody of the present invention is effective in prognostic and diagnostic assays for detecting PDEF with immunohistochemistry. The present invention also relates to methods of making the anti-PDEF antibody disclosed herein. The present invention further relates to vaccines against cancers associated with positive expression of PDEF, as well as methods for treating those cancers. Vectors, diagnostic kits, and hybridomas are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to HLA-A26-binding cancer antigen peptides derived from WT1, polynucleotides encoding said peptide, CTL-inducers, and cancer vaccine comprising said peptide or polynucleotide.

Abstract: The use of monoclonal antibodies to the angiotensin-II type-I receptor is provided for the treatment of cancer and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. Specifically, use is provided of a monoclonal antibody or a fragment thereof to a peptide comprising the N-terminal portion of the angiotensin-II type-1 receptor defined by the sequence MILNSSTEDG IKRIQDDCPK AGHRHNYIFVM IPTLYSIIFV VGIFG in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of cancer or in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cell proliferation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an autologous biological cancer vaccine and to a method for preparing the same. The vaccine of the present application is a biological vaccine obtained from overexpressed proteins in the serum of cancer patients, proteins to which have been added immunological adjuvants such as an attenuated virus DNA and amino acids in order to cause an immune response, blocking tumor cells. The preparation method includes obtaining the antigen associated with the tumor as well as the vaccine preparation with attenuated virus DNA, combining the components under conditions that have been determined by experimentation, filtration and refrigeration.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods of treating or preventing cancer comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising noscapine or noscapine derivatives to a subject diagnosed with a mutated adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene.

Abstract: The present invention is a vaccine adjuvant composed of a vaccinia virus vector that encodes a polypeptides capable of neutralizing immune suppressive factors thereby enhancing or stimulating an immune response to a vaccine.

Abstract: Improved vaccines which include a nucleotide sequence that encodes immunomodulating protein operably linked to regulatory elements are disclosed. The improved vaccines include DNA vaccines, recombinant vaccines for delivering foreign antigen and live attenuated vaccines. Methods of immunizing individuals are disclosed. Compositions for and methods of treating individuals with autoimmune diseases are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of neoplastic disorders. Some embodiments include methods, compositions, and kits for the prognosis and treatment of prostate cancer.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to compositions and methods to enhance an immune response in order to prevent or treat infections or hyperproliferative diseases such as cancer. More particularly, the composition is an immuno stimulator intracellular signaling peptide fused directly or indirectly to a peptide that leads to multimerization into complexes of three or more units, where the intracelluar signaling peptide must be present in a complex of three or more units in order to stimulate an immune response. Inserting this fusion construct into viruses like HIV-1 or introducing it into dendritic cells or tumor cells is predicted to lead to a positive therapeutic effect in humans, non-human mammals, birds, and fish.

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: This invention relates to methods for selecting a treatment, treating, and predicting survival time in subjects with cancer, such as colorectal cancer, based on tumor expression levels of chemokines, cytotoxic genes, and/or dendritic cell genes.

Abstract: The invention provides a polypeptide having a sequence of amino acids consisting of IXDFGLAKL (SEQ ID NO: 1), as well as a nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide, vector comprising the nucleic acid, cell comprising the vector, and compositions thereof. The invention also provides a method of inducing a T-cell response in a patient with epithelial cancer, and a method inhibiting epithelial cancer, wherein the methods comprise administering the composition of the invention. The invention further provides a method of stimulating a cell with the inventive polypeptide and a cell so stimulated.

Abstract: A method for the in vitro diagnosis of colorectal cancer by determining the presence of the protein disulfide isomerase tumor marker in a biological sample taken from a patient suspected of having colorectal cancer using at least one anti-PDI monoclonal antibody directed against a PDI epitope chosen from the epitopes of sequence SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2 with an aromatic amino acid having a three-dimensional structure similar to that of PDI, and SEQ ID NO: 3.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising an immunostimulatory polypeptide and polyglutamic acid (PGA) nanoparticles, formulated in a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, carrier or excipient. Such compositions have utility in stimulating the immune system in subjects, with the components capable of interacting synergistically. The invention further provides uses of the compositions of the invention, for example in the treatment of cancer, and kit and components for use in the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a milled homogenate and/or a suspension and/or a cell lysate, stemming from a tumor resistant to at least one anti-tumoral compound in order to immunize and generate in vitro an antibody, or one of its functional fragments, directed against a tumoral antigen specifically expressed at the surface of said resistant tumor and being possibly involved in the resistance of said resistant tumor. More particularly, the present invention is directed to such antibodies obtained by applying the method, such as the antibodies 1A6, 1A9, 2E11, 3C11 and 3G7, as well as to their use for treating cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of enhancing an immune response to a cancer antigen in a mammal comprising inhibiting the activity of the foxo3a gene or gene product in dendritic cells in the mammal. The invention also provides methods of suppressing an immune response to an autoimmune disease antigen in a mammal comprising increasing the activity of the foxo3a gene or gene product in dendritic cells in the mammal. The invention also provides related methods of treating cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Fibrillar human serum albumin was shown to be effective in the treatment of various types of cancers. Methods and compositions are disclosed for using fibrillar human serum albumin as a medicament to treat subjects having cancer.

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: The invention relates to immunogenic polyepitope constructs containing CTL and/or Th epitopes and optimized spacer sequences which improve processing and presentation of the epitopes leading to induction of high level of both CD4+ and CD8+ specific T-cell responses and specific types of cytokines, and high level of protection and therapeutic activity.

Abstract: Disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions for inducing an immune response against tumor cells comprising tumor cells which are made apoptotic by treatment with high hydrostatic pressure and dendritic cells, and methods for producing such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention is based, in part, on the discovery that galectin-1 (Gal1) plays a role in viral-associated PTLD, e.g., EBV-associated PTLD and hypoxia associated angiogenesis disorders. Accordingly, the invention relates to compositions, kits, and methods for diagnosing, prognosing, monitoring, treating and modulating viral-associated PTLD, e.g., EBV-associated PTLD and hypoxia associated angiogenesis disorders.

Abstract: Improved anti-HIV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed. Immunogens disclosed include those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype A Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype B Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype C Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype D Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype B consensus Nef-Rev protein, and those having consensus sequences form HIV Gag protein subtypes A, B, C and D. Improved anti-HPV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; improved anti-HCV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; improved hTERT immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; and improved anti-Influenza immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed as well methods of inducing an immune response in an individual against HIV, HPV, HCV, hTERT and Influenza are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immunogenic composition and its use. It comprises “OLPs,” or overlapping peptides, derived from a longer, tumor antigen, in combination with polyICLC, and Montanide.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided herein for improved dual immunization strategies that induce in a subject an immune response that includes a humoral immune response and cellular immune response, both CD4 and CD8 T lymphocyte immune responses, thereby providing a complete adaptive immune response to one or more antigens. The methods described are therefore useful for treating and/or preventing (i.e., reducing the likelihood or risk of occurrence) different diseases, disorders, and conditions such as cancers and infectious diseases for which induction of both a humoral immune response and cellular immune response is desired and beneficial.

Abstract: Compositions and methods utilizing immunomodulating agents can either stimulate or indirectly augment the immune system or have an immunosuppressive effect. TNFR25 agonists disclosed herein have an anti-inflammatory and healing effect. They can be used to treat disease caused by asthma and chronic inflammation such as inflammatory bowel diseases including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease. TNFR25 antagonists disclosed herein are capable of inhibiting CD8 T cell-mediated cellular immune responses and can for example, mitigate organ or tissue rejection following a tissue transplantation.

Abstract: The invention discloses pharmaceutical compositions in liquid form comprising a peptide with the amino acid sequence KLKL5KLK and an oligodeoxynucleotide with the nucleic acid sequence (dIdC)13 and wherein the peptide and the oligodeoxynucleotide are present as sterile-filterable nanoparticles in the composition, thereby forming a suspension, characterized in that the mean particle size of the solid particles is less than 1 ?m.

Abstract: To gain a better understanding of brain tumor angiogenesis, new techniques for isolating brain endothelial cells (ECs) and evaluating gene expression patterns were developed. When transcripts from brain ECs derived from normal and malignant colorectal tissues were compared with transcripts from non-endothelial cells, genes predominantly expressed in the endothelium were identified. Comparison between normal- and tumor-derived endothelium revealed genes that were specifically elevated in tumor-associated brain endothelium. These results confirm that neoplastic and normal endothelium in human brains are distinct at the molecular level, and have significant implications for the development of anti-angiogenic therapies in the future.

Abstract: Regulatory B cells (tBreg) are disclosed herein. These regulatory B cells express CD25 (CD25+) a pan B cell marker such as B220 (B220+), and also express CD19 (CD19+). These regulatory B cells suppress resting and activated T cells in cell contact-dependent manner. Methods for generating these regulatory B cells are also disclosed herein, as are methods for using these regulatory B cells to produce regulatory T cells (Treg). In some embodiments, methods for treating an immune-mediated disorder, such as an autoimmune disease, transplant rejection, graft-versus-host disease or inflammation, are disclosed. These methods include increasing regulatory B cell number or activity and/or by administering autologous regulatory B cells. Methods for treating cancer are also disclosed herein. These methods include decreasing regulatory B cell activity and/or number.

Abstract: This invention discloses the process for lyophilisation of the treated cells which comprises the use of a solution containing Trehalose along with amphipathic polymer Polyvinylpyrrolidone. Further the invention discloses the process treating cancer cells, freezing, lyophilizing and reconstituting. Immunomodulator treated dead, but intact cancerous cells were recovered, which can subsequently be used for cancer immunotherapy.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to treating cancer. For example, methods and materials for using nucleic acid libraries to treat cancer are provided.

Abstract: Use of VPg proteins, fragments or analogs thereof having the ability to bind an eukaryotic initiation factor eIF4E, for inhibiting cell-proliferation.

Abstract: MHC Class I-restricted peptides derived from the tumor associated antigen, survivin, which peptides are capable of binding to Class I HLA molecules at a high affinity, capable of eliciting INF-?-producing cells in a PBL population of a cancer patient and capable of in situ detection of cytotoxic T cells in a tumor tissue, therapeutic and diagnostic composition comprising the peptide and uses thereof.

Abstract: Fusion proteins comprising an antigen derived from NY-ESO-1 linked to an antigen derived from LAGE-1, which may further comprise carriers, fusion partners, or the like, are provided. Methods for preparing, formulating, and using such fusion proteins are also provided. Such proteins are useful a vaccine components for inducing an immune response against a range of cancer-antigen-bearing cells.

Abstract: The invention concerns the optimization of the wild R9M peptide and the use of the resulting peptides for therapeutic vaccination and/or preventive vaccination against leukaemia in humans. More particularly, the invention concerns mutated immunogenic peptides derived from the human TEL/AML1 fusion protein comprising the wild R9M peptide sequence Arg-Ile-Ala-Glu-Czs-Ile-Leu-Gly-Met. The invention also concerns polynucleotides coding for the mutated R9M immunogenic peptides, cellular expression vectors comprising nucleic acid sequences expressing the mutated R9M immunogenic peptides and polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies capable of being fixed on at least one of said peptides/polynucleotides. The invention further concerns the use of said peptides, polynucleotides and/or antibodies for preparing vaccines, anti-tumoral medicines and compositions and for in vitro and in vivo stimulation of the immune response in humans.

Abstract: The invention relates to CTSP polypeptides and the nucleic acid molecules that encode them. The invention further relates to the use of the nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides and fragments thereof in methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of diseases, such as cancer. More specifically, the invention relates to the discovery of a novel cancer/testis (CT) antigen, CTSP-1.