Abstract: Provides is a therapeutic technology that combines the phototoxic and immune-stimulating ability of photodynamic therapy with the widespread effectiveness of the immune system to reduce the viability of such as cancer cells and tumors. The nanoparticle compositions of the disclosure combine an immunostimulant with a photosensitizer using a nanoparticle delivery platform. For example, zinc pthalocyanine, which is a long-wavelength absorbing photosensitizer, integrated into a polymeric nanoparticle core made up of poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid)-b-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA-b-PEG). The outside surface of the core can be coated with metallic nanoparticles, which are then modified with CpG-ODN. Metastatic mouse breast carcinoma cells showed significant photocytotoxicity of the hybrid after irradiation with a 660 nm LASER light and this activity was remarkably better than either treatment alone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel galactose derivatives of general formula (I) and their use as agents for stimulating the immune system of the skin and/or as immunoregulators, and for preparing a composition containing a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable medium, intended in particular to prevent and/or limit the appearance of cutaneous immune imbalances, in particular related to environmental stresses.

Abstract: The instant invention provides methods and compositions for modulation of the immune system. Specifically, the invention provides methods and compositions for increasing T cell mediated immune response useful in the treatment of cancer and chronic infection.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated regulatory immune cells as well as cell cultures and conditioned media derived therefrom. Also provided are methods of repressing B cell autoantibody production and/or secretion and methods of treating autoimmune disorders using regulatory immune cells or precursors thereto such as hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). The invention also provides methods of repressing B cell autoantibody production and/or secretion and methods of treating autoimmune disorders by administration of HSC and Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor (M-CSF). Further provided are methods of diagnosing in a mammalian subject a defect in regulatory cell mediated repression of autoantibody secretion by B cells.

Abstract: Two new TLR2 agonists, VP1 and VP3, which are structural proteins of FMDV. Residues of VP3 responsible for TLR2 activation are identified. In vivo experiments showed that VP3-4xM2e is active as a vaccine adjuvant.

Abstract: A stabilized multimodular assembly for intracellular delivery comprising a complex of at least one cationic transfection agent and of at least one negatively charged macromolecule, wherein the complex has a theoretical charge ratio ranging from about 0 to about 4, and an efficient amount of at least one amphiphilic block co-polymer acting as a steric colloidal stabilizer with respect to the complex, the block co-polymer having hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks wherein at least one hydrophilic block is conjugated with at least one targeting ligand.

Abstract: The invention provides TLR agonists and conjugates thereof useful in vaccines and to prevent, inhibit or treat a variety of disorders including pathogen infection and asthma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions of virus-like particles for the introduction of RNA-interference (RNAi-) inducing molecules into eukaryotic cells and methods for the cell type-specific transduction of a plurality of eukaryotic cells with RNAi-inducing molecules. The present invention furthermore relates to methods for a diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of diseases or disease states associated with an increased expression rate of at least one endogenous gene, and/or with the undesired expression of at least one endogenous gene and/or foreign nucleic acids, in particular viral nucleic acids.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of modulation of the viability of a cell. Further disclosed herein are methods of modulating an immune response. Further disclosed herein are methods of identifying agents capable of modulation of the viability of a cell or an immune response. Further disclosed herein are agents and compositions capable of modulation of the viability of a cell or an immune response.

Abstract: Disclosed is an attenuated flavivirus live vaccine comprising a flavivirus mutant, characterized in that the flavivirus mutant has a deletion in the capsid protein of at least more than 4 successive amino acids, wherein the carboxy-terminal hydrophobic region is not affected by the deletion.

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: The present invention relates generally to the fields of immunology and vaccine technology. More specifically, the present invention relates to stabilizers for freeze-dried live attenuated immunogenic and/or vaccine compositions, which may comprise, inter alia, canine paramyxovirus. The invention further relates to stabilized, freeze-dried live attenuated immunogenic and/or vaccine compositions of, for example, canine paramyxovirus, which may contain these stabilizers. Other aspects of the invention are described in or are obvious from the following disclosure, and are within the ambit of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds and related compositions for the treatment of viral infection, including RNA viral infection, and compounds that can modulate the RIG-I pathway in vertebrate cells, including compounds that can activate the RIG-I pathway.

Abstract: An oral enteric delivery system includes an outer shell assembled from multiple solid shell segments joined together by a binder. The binder does not dissolve upon exposure to the gastric environment, but it dissolves in the upper small intestine, causing the shell to disintegrate and causing the payload contained within the shell to be released in the digestive tube downstream of the stomach.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising a pharmaceutically active agent and a bioadhesive delivery system that provides for the oral delivery of a vaccine to animals, particularly aquatic animals.

Abstract: The invention provides immune regulatory oligonucleotides (IRO) as antagonist of TLRs and methods of use thereof. These IROs have unique sequences that inhibit TLR-mediated signaling in response to a TLR ligand or TLR agonist. The methods may have use in the prevention and treatment of cancer, an autoimmune disorder, airway inflammation, inflammatory disorders, infectious disease, skin disorders, allergy, asthma or a disease caused by a pathogen.

Abstract: This invention provides submicron oil-in-water emulsions useful as a vaccine adjuvant for enhancing the immunogenicity of antigens. The present invention also provides vaccine compositions containing an antigen combined with such emulsions intrinsically or extrinsically. Methods of preparing the emulsions and vaccines are also provided by the present invention.

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: A method of preparing a capturing agent for a selected biopolymer or bioparticle, includes the steps of: a) selecting a desired biopolymer or bioparticle, and b) providing a support matrix modified to have, at predetermined conditions, such a net negative surface charge and net surface hydrophobicity in relation to the net negative surface charge and the net surface hydrophobicity of the selected biopolymer or bioparticle that the modified support matrix is capable of selective interaction and capture of the biopolymer or bioparticle through a resulting net hydrophobic interaction being the actual hydrophobic interaction minus the actual electrostatic repulsion. The use of such a capturing agent as a therapeutically active substance, as well as in chromatography and diagnosis are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oil-in-water adjuvant emulsion which comprises at least: squalene, an aqueous solvent, a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether nonionic surfactant, a hydrophobic nonionic surfactant, which emulsion is thermoreversible, and wherein 90% of the population by volume of the oil drops has a size less than 200 nm. The invention also relates to a process for preparing an immunogenic composition according to which at least one vaccine antigen is mixed with an oil-in-water emulsion, wherein the oil-in-water emulsion is obtained by means of a temperature-variation phase-inversion process.

Abstract: Measurements of the squalene content in oil-in-water emulsions can be used as a way of checking for problems during production. In particular, it has been found that a drop in squalene content can indicate that filtration problems occurred. Testing the squalene content in the final lots is easier than investigating the characteristics of the filter, and so a squalene assay simplifies the quality control of oil-in-water emulsions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modulation of the immune response in a mammal. In particular, the invention relates to methods of inducing oral tolerance and systemic immunity in a mammal. The invention sets forth methods and compositions useful in inducing oral tolerance and systemic immunity in a mammal.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to modified Streptococcus pneumonia pneumolysm (PLY) proteins which lack hemolytic activity and can be used as immunogens in an immunogenic composition or vaccine against invasive pneumococcol diseases caused by S. pneumonia. The modified pneumolysm proteins comprise ammo acid substitutions at threonine 65, glycine 293 and cysteine 428 Nucleic acids, polypeptides encoded thereby, compositions containing the same, methods for using such nucleic acids, polypeptides and compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for removing fluorine from krill material by subjecting the krill to disintegration and to an enzymatic hydrolysis process prior to or simultaneously with a removal of the exoskeleton particles producing a fluorine-reduced product. The process of the invention can process krill material with a high polar lipid content for producing superior quality, low fluorine, products suitable for the food and feed as well as the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmetic industry.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions (e.g., peptide compositions) useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Borrelia antigens. The peptide compositions comprise polypeptide sequences comprising variants in the IR6 domain of the Borrelia VlsE protein. The invention also provides devices, methods, and kits comprising such peptide compositions and useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Borrelia antigens and the diagnosis of Lyme disease.

Abstract: The invention is for a method of potentiating clinoptilolite, the method including the steps of: providing fresh or spent clinoptilolite; exposing the clinoptilolite to a saline solution having a sodium ion content of about 10% to liberate impurities from the clinoptilolite; and drying the washed clinoptilolite fraction to render a potentiated clinoptilolite fraction. Preferably, the clinoptilolite is exposed to the saline solution for a period of about 48 hours. The washed clinoptilolite may be dried by filtered, heated air. This allows an optimal cation exchange capacity of the clinoptilolite to be reached. The clinoptilolite has uses as a medicament for a variety of aliments.

Abstract: The invention relates to the therapeutic use of stabilized oligoribonucleotides as immune modulatory agents for immune therapy applications. Specifically, the invention provides RNA based oligoribonucleotides with improved nuclease and RNase stability and that have immune modulatory activity through TLR7 and/or TLR8.

Abstract: A novel form of Rugged dsRNA with a unique composition and physical characteristics was identified with high specificity of binding to TLR3, which conveys an important range of therapeutic opportunities. Unlike the previous known antiviral Ampligen® (poly I, poly C12,U) the new and improved form (poly I, poly C30,U) has a reduced tendency to form branched dsRNA which results in increased bioactivity due to an increased ability to bind TLR3 receptor. Pharmaceutical formulations containing the new nucleic acid as active ingredients and methods of treatment are also provided. The invention also provides a description of the physicochemical properties of this novel form of Rugged dsRNA and a method for its preparation in substantially pure form. DsRNAs acting thru TLR3 receptor activation are potent antiviral compounds as well as anticancer agents; also through secondary immunomodulation they can enhance the bioactivity of vaccines and also treat autoimmune disorders.

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 the serogroups A and C, the invention provides that the ratio (w/w) of MenA saccharide:MenC saccharide is >1.

Abstract: A prophylactic antiallergenic composition includes at least one arabinogalactan or arabinogalactan protein. The arabinogalactan or arabinogalactan protein is isolated from a grass or corresponds in its structural arrangement to an arabinogalactan that can be isolated from a grass.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an immunogenic LHRH composition and more particularly to an immunogenic LHRH composition comprising a LHRH C-terminal fragment of at least five amino acids. The present invention is useful, inter alia, as a prophylactic and/or therapeutic agent for the modification of fertility and behavior patterns of animals, the achievement of livestock production gains such as increasing growth, decreasing feed conversion ratios or the control of unwanted organoleptic characteristics or the treatment of disorders of the reproductive organs.

Abstract: A substantially pure or isolated oligodeoxynucleotide of at least 10 nucleotides is disclosed, wherein the oligodeoxynucleotide comprised a sequence represented by either formula: 5? N1N2N3T-CpG-WN4N5N6 3? wherein the CpG motif is unmethylated, W is A or T, and N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, and N6 are nucleotides, or the formula: 5? RY-CpG-RY 3? wherein the central CpG motif is unmethylated, R is A or G, and Y is C or T, as well as an oligodeoxynucleotide delivery complex and a pharmacological composition comprising the present inventive oligodeoxynucleotide, and a method of inducing an immune response by administering the present inventive oligodeoxynucleotide to a host. In some embodiments, the oligodeoxynucleotide includes the nucleic acid sequences set forth as SEQ ID NO: 137.

Abstract: A vaccine is provided wherein a polypeptide or combination of peptides from M. tuberculosis is administered to a subject to elicit an immune response. The polypeptide vaccine is administered as part of a prime-boost strategy with BCG vaccine to increase the immunoprotection in a subject such that prevention or elimination of disease is achieved. Finally, a pharmaceutical package is provided that encompasses a polypeptide vaccine for M. tuberculosis that when administered to a subject elicits immunoprotection.

Abstract: Immunostimulatory compositions and methods of use are described to either enhance or diminish the immune stimulation effects of a honey or honey isolate by recognition of the presence of type II arabinogalactan compounds and utilising this knowledge to tailor the concentration of such compounds thereby adjusting the immune stimulation effects.

Abstract: Schistosomiasis mansoni is caused by flukes called Schistosoma(es) that enters the human body through the skin in Schistosoma infested waters. The Schistosomes travel from the skin into human blood vessels where they mate, produce antigen containing eggs that travel from the blood vessels into the small intestines, where they are released in the human feces. Male and female Schistosome mates in human blood vessels, male Schistosomes secrete a protein called TGR ? protein to the Trk receptor sites on the females Schistosomes membranes. The process stimulates the formation of chemical SmInAct in female Schistosomes, a chemical necessary for the female Schistosomes to produce eggs. This novel technique describes new methods to inhibit Trk receptor sites on female Schistosome membranes using Trk inhibitor agent to prevent TGR ? proteins from binding to the Trk receptor sites. Thus, preventing SmInAct from being created in female Schistosomes, preventing production of eggs and Schistosomiasis.

Abstract: Disclosed are uses of immunotherapeutic compositions in combination with Standard of Care (SOC), or interferon therapy combined with anti-viral therapy, for the improved treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and related conditions, including liver function. The compositions, kits and uses of the invention, as compared to the use of SOC therapy alone: improves the rate of early response to therapy as measured by early virologic markers (e.g., RVR and EVR), enlarges the pool of patients who will have sustained responses to therapy over the long term, offers shortened courses of therapy for certain patients, enables “rescue” of patients who are non-responders or intolerant to SOC therapy, improves liver function and/or reduces liver damage in patients, and enables the personalization of HCV therapy for a patient, which can result in dose sparing, improved patient compliance, reduced side effects, and improved long term therapeutic outcomes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound which is a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) derivative of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or solvate thereof, for use in treating various skin disorders.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to oligodeoxynucleotides that suppress an immune response. Methods are disclosed for preventing or treating an immune-mediated disorder, such as, but not limited to, an autoimmune disease, by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a suppressive oligodeoxynucleotide. Also disclosed are methods of suppressing an immune response in a subject by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a suppressive oligodeoxynucleotide.

Abstract: The invention provides a composite vaccine adjuvant, which is comprised of sodium ferulate and zinc hydroxide in a mass ratio of 10:1˜50:1. When the composite vaccine adjuvant and vaccine used in combination, the humoral immunity response is enhanced effectively, the enhanced effects is similar with aluminum adjuvant, superior to single sodium ferulate adjuvant and single zinc hydroxide adjuvant. It is not only atoxic, safety, but also reliable in the range of immune dose. The composite vaccine adjuvant with easily obtained and commercially available raw materials, is low cost, stable performance and simple preparation technology, which can be used as an adjuvant of hepatitis B vaccine, gene-engineered vaccine, virus vaccine and so on.

Abstract: Compounds, particularly, glucopyranosyl lipid adjuvant (GLA) compounds, having the following structure (I) are provided: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, L9, L10, Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, are as defined herein. Pharmaceutical compositions, vaccine compositions, and related methods for inducing or enhancing immune responses, are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing and treating pneumococcal infections are provided. Compositions include novel polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence corresponding to the R2i or R22 domain of CbpA or a consensus sequence of one of these domains, and variants and fragments thereof, wherein the polypeptide is stabilized in a desired conformation, particularly a loop conformation. The polypeptides of the invention may be engineered to comprise a first and a second cysteine residue, thereby resulting in the formation of a disulfide bond that stabilizes the polypeptide in the desired conformation. Alternatively, a polypeptide of the invention may be modified to create a synthetic linkage between a first and second amino acid residue present within the polypeptide, wherein the synthetic linkage stabilizes the polypeptide in the desired conformation. The polypeptides of the invention may further comprise an amino acid sequence for a T cell epitope.

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 invention relates to the field of combating leishmaniases. Said invention results from the isolation, from wild isolates of Leishmania major, of a protein-coding gene known as LmPDI which has two regions that are identical to the sequence (Cys-Gly-His-Cys) of the potential active site of the protein disulphide isomerase (PDI). The LmPDI protein is predominantly expressed in the most virulent isolates of the parasite. Said protein forms a novel therapeutic target for developing anti-leishmaniasis medicaments and a novel element that can be used in the composition of immunogenic, and possibly vaccinating, preparations which are intended to protect a human or animal host against Leishmania.

Abstract: Embodiments herein illustrate methods and compositions for treating medical disorders. In certain embodiments, compositions and methods relate to reducing, inhibiting or treating graft rejection, transplant rejection or diabetes in a subject. Other embodiments herein relate to compounds including naturally occurring and synthetic mutant compositions of alpha-1 antitrypsin, wherein the alpha-1 antitrypsin has no significant serine protease inhibitor activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to the therapeutic use of oligonucleotides or oligonucleotide analogs as immunostimulatory agents in immunotherapy applications. The invention provides methods for enhancing the immune response caused by immunostimulatory oligonucleotide compounds.

Abstract: The current invention is directed to methods of inducing migration of an immune cell toward a cancer cell comprising inhibiting the activity of a chemorepellant released from the cancer cell.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for blocking or reducing physiological reaction in a mammal to the interaction of IgE antibodies present in said mammal upon contact with the corresponding antigen, by the administration to said mammal of a therapeutically effective amount of a neurotoxin (CnT) derived from Clostridia sp.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with novel immunostimulant microparticle compositions and their use as anti-infective agents in the treatment of bacterial and viral infections.

Abstract: Methods for making and using therapeutic formulations of Proteosome-based immunoactive compositions are provided. The immunogenic compositions, which include Proteosomes and liposaccharides, may be used to elicit or enhance a nonspecific innate immune response to, for example, treat or prevent infectious disease. In addition, after activating the innate immune system, immunogenic compositions further containing an antigen may be used to elicit a specific adaptive immune response. Furthermore, provided are compositions capable of altering hyperreactive responses or inflammatory immune responses, such as allergic reactions. Such compositions may be used as a prophylactic, or in various clinical settings to treat or prevent infectious disease (such as parasite, fungal, bacterial or viral infections), or to alter inappropriate inflammatory immune responses (such as allergic reactions or asthma).

Abstract: Disclosed are fragments of oncofetal antigen, otherwise known as immature laminin receptor protein that specifically stimulate one T cell subclass. The fragments may be formulated into compositions for potentiating T cell-mediated responses in mammalian cancer patients. They also have therapeutic uses in vitro.