Abstract: The invention provides immunomodulatory polynucleotides and methods for immunomodulation of individuals using the immunomodulatory polynucleotides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a feed supplement which comprises a resin acid based composition comprising over 10% (w/w) resin acids for use in the prevention of growth of harmful bacteria in the animal digestive tract, in the prevention of intestinal disorders, in the modulation of microbial population of the animal digestive tract, in enhancing rumen fermentation, lowering rumen methane production and/or in binding toxins. The invention further relates to a use of the feed supplement and a feed composition comprising the feed supplement.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymer-based slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) that can prevent adhesion and colonization by fungal and bacterial pathogens and also kill and/or attenuate the colonization and virulence of non-adherent pathogens in surrounding media. The present approach exploits the polymer and liquid oil phases in these slippery materials to sustain the release of small molecules such as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, an antifungal agent, an antibacterial agent, an agent that modulates bacterial or fungal quorum sensing, an agent that attenuates virulence, or a combination thereof. This controlled release approach improves the inherent anti-fouling properties of SLIPS, has the potential to be general in scope, and expands the potential utility of slippery, non-fouling surfaces in both fundamental and applied contexts.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, kits and systems for detecting and/or capturing a target entity in a sample are disclosed. In particular, the methods, compositions and kits described herein can be used for pretreatment of target-binding agents with a blocking agent to reduce non-target binding in a complex matrix (e.g., blood). Methods and compositions for detecting and/or capturing a microbe in a test sample, including bodily fluids such as blood and tissues of a subject, food, water, and environmental surfaces are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for an adjuvant composition that is suited for injectable as well as transdermal administration. The adjuvant composition generally comprises a lipophile, a polymer of acrylic or methacrylic acid, saline, cholesterol, a saponin, and sodium hydroxide. A vaccine composition is also provided for that generally includes the vaccine composition of the present disclosure and a DNA component. A method for vaccinating animals and humans utilizing the adjuvant composition of the present disclosure is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for an adjuvant composition that is suited for injectable as well as transdermal administration. The adjuvant composition generally comprises a lipophile, a polymer of acrylic or methacrylic acid, saline, cholesterol, a saponin, and sodium hydroxide. A vaccine composition is also provided for that generally includes the vaccine composition of the present disclosure and an antigen. A method for vaccinating animals and humans utilizing the adjuvant composition of the present disclosure is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving search results using social routing are provided. In example embodiments, an affinity metric and match metric are determined for a plurality of users. The affinity metric indicates an interaction level between a given user and the match metric indicates how well the given user matches parameters of a search string. Based on a correlation between the affinity metric and the match metric, one or more items of content may be transmitted to one or more selected users. Improved search results can then be generated based on interactions with the one or more items of content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a graft copolymer of a poly(amino acid) or a salt thereof and a hydrophobic primary amine compound or a salt thereof (e.g., a graft copolymer (?-PGA-PAE) of poly(?-glutamic acid) (?-PGA) and phenylalanine ethyl ester (PAE)), an ionized graft copolymer of a poly(amino acid) or a salt thereof and a hydrophobic primary amine compound or a salt thereof, nanoparticles containing the ionized graft copolymer, and a production method thereof. The nanoparticles acquired in this way are useful as an adjuvant for producing a vaccine.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for an adjuvant composition that is suited for injectable as well as transdermal administration. The adjuvant composition generally comprises a lipophile, a polymer of acrylic or methacrylic acid, saline, cholesterol, a saponin, and sodium hydroxide. A vaccine composition is also provided for that generally includes the vaccine composition of the present disclosure and a DNA component. A method for vaccinating animals and humans utilizing the adjuvant composition of the present disclosure is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel hybrid/fusion protein derived from the CS protein of Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax), methods for preparing and purifying the same, its use in medicine, particularly in the prevention of malarial infections, for example those caused by P. vivax, compositions/vaccines containing the protein or antibodies against the protein such as monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies and use of the same, particularly in therapy. The invention also extends to lipoprotein particles of said hybrid protein and formulations/vaccines comprising the same and use thereof. In particular it relates to an immunogenic hybrid fusion protein comprising: a. at least one repeat unit derived from the repeating region of a type I circumsporozoite protein of P. vivax, b. at least one repeat unit derived from the repeating region of a type II circumsporozoite protein of P. vivax, and surface antigen S derived from Hepatitis B virus, or a fragment thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of improving tumor diagnostic efficiency of multivalent ligands by regulating the stoichiometric ratio between inner surface functionalities and ligand moieties for tumor targeting, and the multivalent ligands for tumor diagnosis.

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 invention provides for dendrimer conjugates useful for liver-specific delivery of therapeutic agents. The therapeutic agent is associated to the dendrimer through a enzyme-cleavable covalent linkage.

Abstract: An autologous cancer cell vaccine comprises cancer cells that express both MHCI and MHCII on their cell surface. The MHCI presents a cancer antigen and the MHCII presents a non-self antigen.

Abstract: An epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-homing vector comprising a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecule with an EGFR-binding peptide or polypeptide, is disclosed for use in combination with immune cells for treatment of cancer overexpressing EGFR.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are geometrically engineered particles having varied shapes and sizes and surface charge which can incorporate drugs and/or other biomaterials for targeted delivery, such as pulmonary delivery. The size, shape, etc. of a particle can be designed and corresponding particles can be prepared that target or de-target immunological responses to the particles themselves, for example, the response of alveolar macrophages. Methods of modulating immune responses by utilizing the particles are also disclosed. The particles can be composed substantially of therapeutic, drug and polymer or can comprise polymers and proteins. The particles may also be composed of diagnostic agents and additional biomaterials to confer aerosolization and cellular uptake properties. The particles also may have a range of physical features such as fenestrations, angled arms, asymmetry and surface roughness, charge which alter the interactions with cells and tissues.

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, block polymers, 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: The present invention relates to monomeric and multimeric peptidic compounds which have antipathogenic, in particular antiviral or/and antibacterial activity. In a preferred aspect, the peptide compounds of the invention have an activity in respect of a broad spectrum of viruses, both DNA and RNA viruses, irrespective of whether they possess virus envelope or not. Further, the present invention refers to compositions comprising said peptidic compounds for medical use, i.e. for the treatment or prevention of pathogenic, in particular viral or/and bacterial infections.

Abstract: A method for treating a human subject afflicted with multiple sclerosis or a single clinical attack consistent with multiple sclerosis with a pharmaceutical composition comprising glatiramer acetate and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, comprising the steps of determining whether the human subject is a glatiramer acetate responder by evaluating a biomarker selected from the group consisting of IL-17 concentration, TNF-? concentration, IL-2 concentration and IFN-? concentration, or a combination thereof, in the blood of the human subject and administering the pharmaceutical composition comprising glatiramer acetate and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to the human subject only if the human subject is identified as a glatiramer acetate responder.

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 present invention relates to biodegradable polymers (e.g., polyesters and polyester amides) derived from functionalized biologically active compounds that can provide site specific delivery of bioactive compounds upon biodegradation in a controlled manner.

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: There exist in the art methods of detecting simple peptides. However, methods to determine the effective plasma concentration of mixtures of peptides as a group, rather than for individual peptides with a defined amino acid sequence, are complicated by the heterogeneity of the peptides to be detected. This application provides improved methods of detecting and assessing random sequence polymer (RSP) compositions, methods for the detection and quantitation of RSP compositions, means to determine and enrich a subset of peptides in an RSP composition based on the subset's interactions with certain capture polypeptides, and methods for administering RSP compositions to a subject in need thereof, wherein the dosage regimen and quantity may be determined or evaluated based on the above-mentioned methods for detection and quantitation.

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 present invention provides methods and compositions for evaluating one or more properties of an amino acid copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides implantable medical devices coated with polyelectrolyte assemblies that are fabricated by layer-by-layer deposition of nucleic acid and polycation. Such devices facilitate the local delivery of a nucleic acid contained in the polyelectrolyte assembly into a cell or tissue at an implantation site. Also provided are methods of fabricating and using implantable medical devices according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides water-soluble, polymer derivatives having a thiol-selective terminus suitable for selective coupling to thiol groups, such as those contained in the cysteine residues of proteins, as well as methods for preparing the water-soluble, polymer derivatives having a thiol-selective terminus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable polymers (e.g., polyesters and polyester amides) derived from functionalized biologically active compounds that can provide site specific delivery of bioactive compounds upon biodegradation in a controlled manner.

Abstract: This invention relates to adjuvant formulations comprising various combinations of triterpenoids, sterols, immunomodulators, polymers, and Th2 stimulators; methods for making the adjuvant compositions; and the use of the adjuvant formulations in immunogenic and vaccine compositions with different antigens. This invention further relates to the use of the formulations in the treatment of animals.

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 invention provides immunomodulatory compounds and methods for immunomodulation of individuals using the immunomodulatory compounds.

Abstract: This invention relates to adjuvant formulations comprising various combinations of triterpenoids, sterols, immunomodulators, polymers, and Th2 stimulators; methods for making the adjuvant compositions; and the use of the adjuvant formulations in immunogenic and vaccine compositions with different antigens. This invention further relates to the use of the formulations in the treatment of animals.

Abstract: The present invention provides antigen-specific, tolerance-inducing microparticles for the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to immune cells. In addition, the present invention allows for sustained release of therapeutic agents for a prolonged period of time. Also provided are therapeutic uses of the present invention for the prevention and/or treatment of immune diseases and autoimmune disorders. In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides treatment for type 1 diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses administering steroid hormones to mammals to treat autoimmune related diseases, more particularly, Th1-mediated (cell-mediated) autoimmune diseases including: multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), autoimmune thyroiditis and uveitis. Most preferably the invention is used to treat a patient with a therapeutically effective amount of estriol of 8 milligrams once daily via oral administration to treat the symptoms or prevent the onset of multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: Here we identify MMG and its alpha- and ketomycolic acid derivatives as highly bioactive lipids derived from M. bovis BCG (Copenhagen) capable of stimulating and activating human DC's at exceedingly low doses. In addition to their direct role as immunostimulators of human DC's we demonstrate their use in the development of a new generation of adjuvants suitable for human administration. We furthermore identify a number of highly active synthetic MMG analogues with great potential in cancer treatment, and for vaccine adjuvants against both infectious disease and disorders like Alzheimers disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides dynamic charge state cationic polymers that are useful for delivery of anionic molecules. The dynamic charge state cationic polymers are designed to have cationic charge densities that decrease by removal of removable functional groups from the polymers. The present invention also provides interpolyelectrolyte complexes containing the polymers complexed to a polyanion. Methods for using the interpolyelectrolyte complexes to deliver anionic compounds are also provided.

Abstract: Heterochain aliphatic poly-N-oxide copolymers of general formula (1), where R?N, CH; x=2 or 4; y=0 or 2; n=10-1000; q=(0.1-0.9)n; z=(0.1-0.9)n, exhibit pharmacological activity, including an antioxidant effect and a therapeutic effect as a detoxicant and immunomodulating agent. The copolymer may be used as vaccinating agent also comprising an antigen and a vaccine against hepatitis A and hepatitis B, which contains a vaccine preparation comprising HVA Ag and HBsAg simultaneously or vaccine preparations against hepatitis A and against hepatitis B. The invention represents a new class of compounds that exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activity and a vaccination effect as well as increased safety in use, and is directed towards increasing manufacturability, cost efficiency and environmental safety in the production of drugs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable biocompatible polyketals, methods for their preparation, and methods for treating animals by administration of biodegradable biocompatible polyketals. In one aspect, a method for forming the biodegradable biocompatible polyketals comprises combining a glycol-specific oxidizing agent with a polysaccharide to form an aldehyde intermediate, which is combined with a reducing agent to form the biodegradable biocompatible polyketal. The resultant biodegradable biocompatible polyketals can be chemically modified to incorporate additional hydrophilic moieties. A method for treating animals includes the administration of the biodegradable biocompatible polyketal in which biologically active compounds or diagnostic labels can be disposed. The present invention also relates to chiral polyketals, methods for their preparation, and methods for use in chromatographic applications, specifically in chiral separations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of otic diseases or conditions with cytotoxic agent compositions and formulations administered locally to an individual afflicted with an otic disease or condition, through direct application of these compositions and formulations onto or via perfusion into the targeted auris structure(s).

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, immunogenic compositions that comprise (a) a first antigen, (b) polymeric particles and (c) a benzonaphthyridine compound, which compositions elicits an immune response when administered to a vertebrate subject. The invention also provides, inter alia, methods of producing immunogenic compositions and methods for using immunogenic compositions (e.g., for treatment), among other benefits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a poly(organophosphazene)-bioactive molecule conjugates in which biodegradable and thermosensitive poly(organophosphazene) with a functional group showing the sol-gel phase transition with change of temperature is combined with various bioactive molecules, such as drugs, a preparation method thereof, and a use thereof for delivery of bioactive molecules.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition containing particulate composite of a polymer and a therapeutic agent. The composition also contains a complexing agent. The polymer interacts with the complexing agent in a host-guest or a guest-host interaction to form an inclusion complex. A therapeutic composition of the invention may be used to deliver the therapeutic agent and to treat various disorders. Both the polymer of the particulate composite and the complexing agent may be used to introduce functionality into the therapeutic composition. The invention also relates to a method of preparing a composition. The method combines a therapeutic agent, a polymer having host or guest functionality, and a complexing agent having guest or host functionality to form the therapeutic composition. The complexing agent forms an inclusion complex with the polymer. The invention also relates to a method of delivering a therapeutic agent.

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 present invention relates to combinations of 5?-methylthioadenosine and glatiramer acetate, and to their use in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. In a particular embodiment, the present invention relates to a product comprising 5?-methylthioadenosine and glatiramer acetate as a combined preparation for the simultaneous, separate, or sequential use thereof for the prevention and/or treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: The invention provides immunomodulatory compounds and methods for immunomodulation of individuals using the immunomodulatory compounds.

Abstract: Bisacyloxycysteine type conjugates have been found to be useful as adjuvants and/or immunomodulators for prophylactic and/or therapeutic vaccination in the treatment of infectious diseases, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, tumors, and allergies, as well as in the control of fertility in human or animal populations. The compounds can be administered by system or mucosal routes and are particularly useful as mucosal adjuvants. These compounds can function as active ingredients in pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides immunomodulatory compounds and methods for immunomodulation of individuals using the immunomodulatory compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable biocompatible polyketals, methods for their preparation, and methods for treating animals by administration of biodegradable biocompatible polyketals. In one aspect, a method for forming the biodegradable biocompatible polyketals comprises combining a glycol-specific oxidizing agent with a polysaccharide to form an aldehyde intermediate, which is combined with a reducing agent to form the biodegradable biocompatible polyketal. The resultant biodegradable biocompatible polyketals can be chemically modified to incorporate additional hydrophilic moieties. A method for treating animals includes the administration of the biodegradable biocompatible polyketal in which biologically active compounds or diagnostic labels can be disposed. The present invention also relates to chiral polyketals, methods for their preparation, and methods for use in chromatographic applications, specifically in chiral separations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acids of the general formula (I): (NuGlXmGnNv)a and derivatives thereof as an immunostimulating agent/adjuvant and to compositions containing same, optionally comprising an additional adjuvant. The present invention furthermore relates to a pharmaceutical composition or to a vaccine, each containing nucleic acids of formula (I) above and/or derivatives thereof as an immunostimulating agent, and optionally at least one additional pharmaceutically active component, e.g. an antigenic agent. The present invention relates likewise to the use of the pharmaceutical composition or of the vaccine for the treatment of cancer diseases, infectious diseases, allergies and autoimmune diseases etc. Likewise, the present invention includes the use of nucleic acids of the general formula (I): (NuGlXmGnNv)a and/or derivatives thereof for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of such diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides dynamic charge state cationic polymers that are useful for delivery of anionic molecules. The dynamic charge state cationic polymers are designed to have cationic charge densities that decrease by removal of removable functional groups from the polymers. The present invention also provides interpolyelectrolyte complexes containing the polymers complexed to a polyanion. Methods for using the interpolyelectrolyte complexes to deliver anionic compounds are also provided.