Abstract: The present invention relates to the contacting of one or more surfaces of an implantable medical device with one or more diketopiperazines (DKPs).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of FGK-1 immunopotentiator, composed by the peptide named GK-1, characterized by the sequence G-Y-Y-Y-P-S-D-P-N-T-F-Y-A-P-P-Y-S-A and linked to the pVIII surface protein of M13 filamentous phage, to prepare pharmaceutical products potentiating the protective immune response of vaccine antigens when used by itself or conjointly with these antigens administered either intranasally, subcutaneously, or intramuscularly, yielding an increase in the level of specific antibodies against vaccine antigens in serum and in bronchoalveolar lavages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and biomarkers (e.g., gene expression biomarkers) for detection of colorectal cancer in biological samples (e.g., tissue samples, biopsy samples, stool samples, blood samples, plasma samples, serum samples). In some embodiments, methods and biomarkers of the present invention find use in detection of colon cancer and in providing a prognosis to colorectal cancer patients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ophthalmic composition containing cyclosporine as an active ingredient and comprising propylene glycol, a surfactant, and purified water, and to a method for preparing same. The ophthalmic composition according to the present invention is in the form of a clear and transparent solution, and increases patient compliance due to the absence of side effects, such as cloudy vision or a scorching sensation, and has a high bioavailability due to improved cyclosporine absorbance in the ocular tissue, which is the target organ.

Abstract: Heterocyclic compounds that modulate C3a receptors and their use in the treatment or prevention of inflammatory diseases, infectious diseases, cancers, metabolic disorders, obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and associated cardiovascular diseases are described. The use of the compounds in stimulating or suppressing an immune response is also described together with pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts.

Abstract: Stable pharmaceutical compositions comprising recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) virions are described. The compositions provide protection against loss of recombinant AAV vector genomes and transduceability under conditions such as exposure to cycles of freezing and thawing and storage in glass or polypropylene vials. The compositions comprise recombinant AAV virions in combination with one or more dihydric or polyhydric alcohols, and, optionally, a detergent, such as a sorbitan ester. Also described are methods of using the compositions.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an universal polypeptidic carrier for targeting directly or indirectly a molecule to Gb3 receptor expressing cells and having the following formula STxB-Z(n)-Cys, wherein: STxB is the Shiga Toxin B subunit or a functional equivalent thereof, Z is an amino-acid devoided of sulfhydryl group, n being 0, 1 or a polypeptide, Cys is the amino-acid Cysteine, and the use thereof for MHC class I and MHC class II presentation of antigens.

Abstract: Precipitated bacterial capsular polysaccharides can be efficiently re-solubilized using alcohols as solvents. The invention provides a process for purifying a bacterial capsular polysaccharide, comprising the steps of (a) precipitation of said polysaccharide, followed by (b) solubilization of the precipitated polysaccharide using ethanol. CTAB can be used for step (a). The material obtained, preferably following hydrolysis and sizing, can be conjugated to a carrier protein and formulated as a vaccine. Also, in vaccines comprising saccharides from both serogroups A and C, the invention provides that the ratio (w/w) of MenA saccharide:MenC saccharide is >1.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel combination therapies involving BLyS or BLyS/APRIL inhibition and immunosuppressants for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. One preferred method is where the BLyS and/or APRIL antagonist is a Fc-fusion protein which can be a TACI-Fc-fusion protein comprising the extracellular domain of TACI or a functional fragment thereof, a BAFF-R-Fc-fusion protein comprising the extracellular domain of BAFF-R or a functional fragment thereof, or a BCMA-Fc-fusion protein comprising the extracellular domain of BCMA or a functional fragment thereof. In the methods of the present invention some of the immunosuppressive drugs contemplated include cyclophosphamide (CYC), azathioprine (AZA), cyclosporine A (CSA), or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), although any drug that suppresses the immune system may be suitable. The methods of the present invention reduce the levels of various immunoglobulins in patients in need of such reduction, such as those suffering from autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel macrocyclic peptides which inhibit the PD-1/PD-L1 and PD-L1/CD80 protein/protein interaction, and thus are useful for the amelioration of various diseases, including cancer and infectious diseases.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an LNA oligonucleotide consisting of a sequence selected from the group consisting of 5?-(Tx)GxGxcsasasgscsastscscsTxGxT-3? and 5?-(Gx)TxTxascstsgscscststscsTxTxA-3?, wherein capital letters designate a beta-D-oxy-LNA nucleotide analogue, small letters designate a 2-deoxynucleotide, underline designates either a beta-D-oxy-LNA nucleotide analogue or a 2-deoxynucleotide, subscript “s” designates a phosphorothioate link between neighbouring nucleotides/LNA nucleotide analogues, and subscript “x” designates either a phosphorothioate link or a phosphorodiester link between neighbouring nucleotides/LNA nucleotide analogues, and wherein the sequence is optionally extended by up to five 2-deoxynucleotide units. The LNA oligonucleotides are useful for modulating the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1a (HIF-1a), e.g. in the treatment of cancer diseases, inhibiting angiogenesis, inducing apoptosis, preventing cellular proliferation, or treating an angiogenic disease, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antimicrobial peptides, isolated and purified from extracts of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) gills. Such peptides may be produced by chemical synthesis or by expression in heterologous systems, such as bacteria and yeasts, by conventional molecular biology techniques. These peptides show antimicrobial activity against various organisms, including Gram positive bacteria, Gram negative bacteria, fungi and viruses. The invention also includes compositions to for controlling pathogens comprising these antimicrobial peptides. The use of such peptides in vaccine preparations, as molecular adjuvants, is also part of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ribonucleic acid (RNA) of double-stranded structure which is capable of triggering Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR-3) and which shows an increased serum stability while simultaneously being unable to be processed by the DICER complex.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a composition containing Arabinogalactan for enhancing the adaptive immune response in subjects to foreign antigen(s) by administering said composition prior, during and after the phase of exposure to said foreign antigen(s). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vaccination kit comprising a composition comprising Arabinogalactan and a vaccine.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and compositions useful in a vaccination strategy capable of neutralizing HIa to provide immunoprotection against S. aureus pneumonia. In certain aspects the invention includes a HIa with reduced toxicity, represented by a recombinant mutant form of HIa (HlaH35L) in which histidine 35 is converted to leucine, which can be used to abrogate the productive assembly of the toxin and protect a subject from staphylococcal pneumonia.

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: A method of increasing immunity of a subject by administering an antidepressant to the subject is disclosed in the present invention. Preferably, the antidepressant is mirtazapine. And further, another object of the present invention is related to a method of administering the abovementioned antidepressant to the subject for treating cancer. The present invention tries to find the mechanism of the tumor growth inhibition by mirtazapine, and it may be due to the alteration of the tumor microenvironment, which involves the activation of the immune response and the recovery of serotonin level.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for determining the susceptibility of a hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a patient to anti-viral agents, particularly cyclophilin inhibitors such as cyclosporine A. More particularly, provided herein are methods for determining the amino acid sequence within a region of the HCV NS5A protein and comparing the viral amino acid sequence to that of a reference strain, wherein the existence of at least one variation in the viral genome is indicative that the virus is more or less susceptible to anti-viral agents relative to the reference strain. Also provided are isolated polynucleotide molecules, replicons, and kits that can be used to assay the susceptibility of a particular HCV to an anti-viral agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adjuvant compositions, vaccine compositions, and methods of enhancing an immune response to an antigen.

Abstract: The present invention provides combination vaccines that comprise an immunological agent effective for reducing the incidence of or lessening the severity of PPE caused by L. intracellularis, and one or more immunological active components effective in treatment and/or prophylaxis of at least one further disease-causing organism for swine. Moreover, the present invention also relates to a kit that comprises an immunological agent effective for reducing the incidence of or lessening the severity of PPE caused by L. intracellularis, and one or more immunological active components effective in treatment and/or prophylaxis of at least one further disease-causing organism for swine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chimeric protein vaccines and methods of use thereof in the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of generating an immune response in a mammal, that includes administering to the mammal, a composition having a chimeric protein having at least one of: a portion of a cholera toxin, a portion of a heat-labile toxin, and a portion of a shiga toxin; and an antigen having at least one of an antigenic material from S. aureus and an antigenic material from a S. aureus-specific polypeptide.

Abstract: A class of immunostimulatory nucleic acids having at least two functionally and structurally defined domains is provided. This class of combination motif immunostimulatory nucleic acids activates an immune response and is useful for treating a variety of immune related disorders such as cancer, infectious disease, and allergic disorders. The nucleic acids also stimulate activation of natural killer cells and production of type 1 interferon.

Abstract: An antigen presenting composition comprising a plurality of 2-component MHC class I complexes and a carrier is described. A method for activating a group of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells comprising incubation of a group of naïve CD8+ T cells with the antigen presenting composition is also presented. A method for inducing the proliferation of a group of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells comprising incubation of a group of naïve CD8+ T cells with the antigen presenting composition is further described.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds, and compositions comprising these compounds, which have immunomodulatory activity and/or anti-inflammatory activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of telomerase-derived peptides for the treatment of any cancer patients, particularly for the treatment of patients with renal or prostate cancer.

Abstract: Adjuvant and immunological vaccine compositions comprising modified, cationic metal oxides are disclosed, including methods of making modified, cationic metal oxides and methods of using the modified metal oxides in vaccine formulations and regimens.

Abstract: A trehalose compound having high immunopotentiating activity and low toxicity is represented by formula (1). (In the formula, X and X? each represents a phenyl, a naphthyl, R1—CHR1— (wherein R1 and R2 each represents a C7-C21 alkyl group or the like) or the like; and n and n? each independently represents an integer of 0-3). The compound exhibits a high activating effect on macrophages and neutrophils.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition from the extract of Myrciaria dubia and Echinacea purpurea, which has a synergistic effect. The composition of the invention has potentiated antioxidant and anti-flu properties, as well as a high immuno-stimulating capacity.

Abstract: Fraction A of Quil A can be used together with at least one other adjuvant for the preparation of an adjuvant composition, where the included adjuvant components act synergistically to enhance level of immune response and have synergistic immunomodulating activity on the co-administered antigens or immunogens. Other adjuvants can comprise saponins, naturally occurring, synthetic or semisynthetic saponin molecules; e.g. saponins and saponin fractions from Quil A, cell wall skeleton, blockpolymers, TDM, lipopeptides, LPS and LPS-derivatives, Lipid A from different bacterial species and derivatives thereof, e.g., monophosphoryl lipid A. CpG variants, CT and LT or fractions thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, including vaccines, and methods for vaccinating an animal against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and for treating or preventing hepatitis C viral infection in an animal. The invention includes a variety of novel HCV fusion proteins that can be used directly as a vaccine or in conjunction with a yeast-based vaccine vehicle to elicit an immune response against HCV in an animal. The invention also includes the use of the HCV fusion gene and protein described herein in any diagnostic or therapeutic protocol for the detection and/or treatment or prevention of HCV infection.

Abstract: The invention is directed to immunogenic compositions, and methods for their use in the formulation and administration of therapeutic and prophylactic pharmaceutical agents. In particular, the invention provides immunogenic compositions and methods for preventing, treating, and/or ameliorating microbial infection, including, for example, influenza, or one or more symptoms thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for the targeted bacteriostatic and antibacterial agents and for treatment of sepsis caused by infectious diseases, such as bacterial and fungal diseases. In one aspect, the invention provides methods and compositions for decreasing the levels of LPS in the circulation of an individual, e.g., a human patient with sepsis, e.g., gram negative septic shock. In one aspect, the invention is directed to chimeric proteins comprising the MD-2 polypeptide and an opsinizing agent, e.g., antibody Fc domains, or equivalent. In one aspect, the invention is directed to chimeric proteins comprising fragments or altered form of MD-2 polypeptide and an opsinizing agent, e.g., antibody Fc domains, or equivalent. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the chimeric polypeptides of the invention, and methods of making and using them, including methods for ameliorating or preventing sepsis.

Abstract: The invention provides the use of compound of formula V or formula VI in the treatment of a demyelinating peripheral neuropathy: wherein X, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, n, R1a, R2a, R3a, R4a, R5a, R6a, R7a, Xa and na are defined herein; or the N-oxide derivatives thereof or prodrugs thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or hydrate thereof. The invention further provides combinations of a compound of Formula V or VI with one or more therapeutic agents and pharmaceutical composition thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of structural formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, clathrate, or prodrug thereof, wherein Y, L, A, W1, W2, and R?1 are defined herein. These compounds are useful as immunosuppressive agents and for treating and preventing inflammatory conditions, allergic disorders, and immune disorders.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions, and related methods, of synthetic nanocarriers that target sites of action in cells, such as antigen presenting cells (APCs), and comprise immunomodulatory agents that dissociate from the synthetic nanocarriers in a pH sensitive manner. Also disclosed are compositions and methods relating to synthetic nanocarriers that encapsulate labile immunomodulatory agents that dissociate from the synthetic nanocarriers in a pH sensitive manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound of Formula I: or an enantiomer, diastereomer, tautomer, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein the symbols are as defined in the specification; a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same; and a method for treating or preventing autoimmunity disease using the same.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention illustrate methods of treating and preventing transplantation and side effects associated with transplantation. In particular, the present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibition of graft rejection and promotion of graft survival. Thus, the invention relates to modulation of cellular activities, including graft rejection, promotion of graft survival, graft versus host rejection and conditions commonly associated with graft rejection. More particularly, the present invention relates to the inhibitory compounds comprising naturally occurring and man-made inhibitors of serine protease and inducers of other alpha1-antitrypsin activities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to combination vaccines and/or the combined use of immunogenic compositions for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of cattle against microbiological infections, wherein the infections are caused by M. bovis and at least one further cattle relevant pathogen. The combination vaccine as described herein comprises at least one M. bovis antigen, preferably the attenuated, avirulent M. bovis as provided herewith and one or more further immunologically active components effective for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of infections caused by a further pathogen of cattle.

Abstract: The invention is crustacean hemolymph as a utility for the pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic treatment of viral and other neoplastic or pre-neoplastic mammalian tissue lesions. The method comprises topically administering to mammalian tissue a formula that is made from lobster hemolymph—neat; or lobster hemolymph extracts; or lobster hemolyph in combination with certain carriers, binders; or as an adjuvant. The hemolymph may be from various species of lobster, Homarus americanus in particular.

Abstract: The invention encompasses compounds having formula I and the compositions and methods using these compounds in the treatment of conditions in which modulation of the JAK pathway or inhibition of JAK kinases are therapeutically useful.

Abstract: To date, no immune tolerance agent or combination of immune tolerance agents has been able to sustain insulin-independence among type 1 diabetes patients. This patent provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for providing insulin independence among newly diagnosed and existing type 1 diabetes. Methods include utilization of PPIs, which increase gastrin resulting in the transformation of human ductal tissue into insulin-secreting new beta cells, used in combination with an immune tolerance agent to protect the new insulin-producing beta cells generated by the PPI from immune destruction. Compositions and methods are provided for beta cell generation therapy comprising at least one member from a group of PPIs with formulations selected from immune tolerance agents, when used in combination result in insulin-independence among new and existing type 1 patients whom currently require insulin to sustain life.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel class of compounds viz. generally lipopeptides like Pam3CSK4, immunogenic compositions and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods of using such compounds to treat or prevent diseases or disorders associated with Toll-Like Receptors 2. In one aspect, the compounds are useful as adjuvants for enhancing the effectiveness a vaccine.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method of preparing an immunologically-active adjuvant-bound freeze dried vaccine composition. A specific embodiment provides a stable vaccine composition comprising an aluminum-salt adjuvant, a recombinant Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin protein and a glass-forming agent. These vaccine compositions are useful in the treatment of humans and other animals at risk of infection from Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel compositions that cause effective redirection of class I-immunity to Tc1 effectors, that take advantage of the unexpected loading of MHC I by peptide within IgG backbone combined with appropriate instruction of antigen presenting cells. Such compositions are able to transform a seemingly ineffective therapeutics into a highly effective one, associated with generation of class I-restricted cytolytic cells and IFN-?, IL-2 producing T cells, further associated with protection against a highly virulent microbe or recovery from malignant tumoral process.

Abstract: The invention provides polymer compositions for cell and drug delivery.

Abstract: According to the present invention there are provided methods of use in companion animals of probiotic bacteria of the genus Lactobacilli.

Abstract: Peptides including an amino acid sequence of a fragment of mammalian Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), analogs and derivatives thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions including these peptides. Methods for modulating a TLR-4 mediated immune response, particularly stimulating TLR-4 mediated immune response, thereby treating infectious diseases and cancer.

Abstract: Bioactive hydroforming luminal liner compositions are formed of an absorbable crystalline amphiphilic polyether-ester-urethane dissolved in a liquid derivative of a polyether glycol that undergoes transformation into a tissue-adhering, resilient interior cover or liner for the controlled release of its bioactive payload at clinically compromised conduits in humans as in the case of bacteria- and yeast-infected vaginal canals, esophagi, and arteries following angioplasty.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions in the form of cells exhibiting the phenotype of a mesenchymal stem cell and uses of such cells in the preparation of medicament and the treatment of an allergic reaction in an asthmatic subject. Also provided are methods of inducing tolerance to an allergen in an asthmatic subject and methods of assessing a non-asthmatic subject for amenability to allergy treatment by administering mesenchymal stem cells.

Abstract: Provided is a novel IgA secretion promoter useful as a mucosal immunity stimulation agent and a method of promoting IgA secretion in a body of animal to stimulate mucosal immunity. A significant action of promoting IgA secretion was observed in oral administration of indigestible dextrin.