Abstract: Peptides that specifically bind erythrocytes are described. These are provided as peptidic ligands having sequences that specifically bind, or as antibodies or fragments thereof that provide specific binding, to erythrocytes. The peptides may be prepared as molecular fusions with therapeutic agents, tolerizing antigens, or targeting peptides. Immunotolerance may be created by use of the fusions and choice of an antigen on a substance for which tolerance is desired. Fusions with targeting peptides direct the fusions to the target, for instance a tumor, where the erythrocyte-binding ligands reduce or entirely eliminate blood flow to the tumor by recruiting erythrocytes to the target.

Abstract: Molecules secreted or derived from probiotic bacteria are provided for use in compositions and methods for the treatment and/or prevention of infection by pathogenic viruses. The isolated secreted molecules can also be used in nutritional or medical food products which provide probiotics to the gastrointestinal tract of a mammal.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of modulating an innate immune response with circular RNAs are disclosed. In particular, the disclosure relates to methods for modifying an RNA by circularization and the use of circular RNAs generated with exogenous introns to stimulate an innate immune response or circular RNAs generated with endogenous introns to prevent immune recognition of foreign RNA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing the embryo implantation rate in a mammalian uterus, by administering to the uterus of a mammal an effective amount of an extracellular matrix remodeling enzyme, as well as to a product comprising an extracellular remodeling enzyme.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for use in the treatment and prevention of cholestatic diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to allergic disease, to the development of allergic disease in infants, to determining the likelihood of development of allergic disease in infants and to minimizing the likelihood of development of allergic disease in infants.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and compositions for treating a active tuberculosis infection and methods and compositions for improving the efficacy of chemotherapy regimens against active tuberculosis infection. The present disclosure relates to methods of treating an active M. tuberculosis infection or an active infection resulting from reactivation of a latent infection in a mammal and to methods of improving the efficacy of chemotherapy regimens against active M. tuberculosis infection.

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: 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: Provided are a composition and a food or drink, having the effect of enhancing an immune response to an antigen, which is administered by another route such as subcutaneous injection, by orally administering to a subject, lactic acid bacteria, a culture thereof, a treated product thereof, or a composition comprising the same. An oral ingestion composition, which comprises a lactic acid bacterium strain that is Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis enhancing the proliferation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and the generation of antibodies, or a culture or treated product thereof, and is used in combination with an antigen as a vaccine, wherein the oral ingestion composition is for use in enhancing the proliferation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) specific to the antigen and the generation of antibodies specific to the antigen.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to compositions comprising EHEC-specific antigens. In certain aspects EHEC O157:H7-specific antigen(s) are used as components of immunogenic compositions and vaccines.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to compositions comprising EHEC-specific antigens. In certain aspects EHEC O157:H7-specific antigen(s) are used as components of immunogenic compositions and vaccines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fermenting soy flour in the solid state in order to reduce non-starch polysaccharides and alpha-galactosides, said method comprising the following steps: a) preparation of the fermentation substrate; b) inoculation of the substrate with selected celluloytic bacterial strains; c) incubation; and, optionally, d) drying of the product, which generates a product with: an increase in protein of between 12 and 15% compared to non-fermented soy flour, degradation of the alpha-galactosides of more than 90% compared to non-fermented soy flour, a reduction in non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) of between 15 and 25%, an amino acid profile similar to that of non-fermented soy flour, and immune-stimulating effects.

Abstract: A combination of a bacterial endotoxin, in particular a lipopolysaccharide, and a lipoteichoic acid for treating or preventing a metabolic disorder or bacterial infection, or for improving milk energy efficiency in a subject. The combination may be administered separately, simultaneously or sequentially to a subject.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions, and method of using the compositions to elicit an immune response against Campylobacter jejuni. The compositions are isolated polysaccharide polymers derived from Campylobacter jejuni capsule.

Abstract: The present disclosure features, inter alia, receptor-targeting reagents (e.g., immunotoxic receptor-targeting reagents), methods of binding a receptor-targeting reagent to a cell and methods for treating a variety of disorders. Also featured are methods, compositions, and kits for selecting an appropriate treatment modality for a subject and/or treating a variety of disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel mycobacterial compositions containing RNA and cell walls, and methods for making and using these compositions. These compositions have immune stimulating and anti-cancer activity. The present invention also relates to a synthetic medium for the cultivation of mycobacteria.

Abstract: A method for immunising a human subject, wherein the subject receives (i) an immunogenic composition comprising bacterial vesicles and (ii) an antipyretic, and wherein the immunogenic composition and the antipyretic are administered to the subject within 24 hours of each other. Paracetamol significantly reduces fever rates without negatively affecting the immunogenicity either of a meningococcal vesicle vaccine or of concomitantly-administered antigens.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to multivalent Salmonella enterica serovar conjugate vaccines comprising conjugates of S. Typhimurium, S. Enteritidis, S. Choleraesuis, S. Typhi, S. Paratyphi A and optionally S. Paratyphi B, wherein the conjugates comprise a hapten antigen and a carrier antigen, wherein at least one of the hapten antigens or carrier antigens is characteristic of the Salmonella enterica serovar. The present invention also provides Salmonella enterica serovar reagent strains to produce the multivalent conjugate vaccines and attenuated Salmonella enterica serovars for use as vaccines.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to Prevotella histicola preparations. For example, Prevotella histicola preparations in the form of an oral medicament or dietary supplement (e.g., a pill, tablet, capsule) are provided. In addition, methods and materials for using a Prevotella histicola preparation provided herein as an anti-inflammatory agent are provided.

Abstract: A mucosal immunity-stimulating agent contains a Kampo preparation having a revitalizing activity and a mucosal adjuvant. An oral pharmaceutical composition for treating HPV infection contains at least HPV E7 polypeptide and a Kampo preparation having a revitalizing activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one mimotope of an epitope of alpha-synuclein for use in a method for preventing and/or treating synucleinopathies, wherein said at least one mimotope is coupled or fused to a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier protein selected from the group consisting of a non-toxic diphtheria toxin mutant, keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), diphtheria toxin (DT), tetanus toxid (TT) and Haemophilus influenzae protein D (protein D).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one mimotope of an epitope of alpha-synuclein for use in a method for preventing and/or treating ?-amyloidoses including Alzheimer's disease, wherein said at least one mimotope is coupled or fused to a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier protein selected from the group consisting of a non-toxic diphtheria toxin mutant, keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), diphtheria toxin (DT), tetanus toxid (TT) and Haemophilus influenzae protein D (protein D).

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a better intestine immunomodulator. The intestine immunomodulator of the present invention comprises bacterial cells or a bacterial component of a Lactobacillus paracasei K71 strain having an international deposit No.: FERM BP-11098 as an active ingredient. Preferably, the intestine immunomodulator is used to facilitate production of secretory immunoglobulin A or to activate natural killer cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are vaccine vectors including an antigenic polypeptide and an HMGB1 polypeptide present on the surface of the vaccine vector. Compositions comprising the vaccine vectors are also provided and include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, suitably a carrier for oral or nasal administration. Also provided are methods of enhancing immune responses, in particular antibody immune response and suitably an IgA response, by administering the vaccine vectors or compositions disclosed herein to a subject.

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 amino 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 disclosure generally relates to genetic engineering of bacteria. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to genetic engineering of Gram-negative bacteria expressing different species of lipid A on their surface. In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides for an engineered strain of E. coli according to Table 1. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides for a lipopolysaccharide purified from an engineered strain of E. coli according to Table 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fermenting soy flour in the solid state in order to reduce non-starch polysaccharides and alpha-galactosides, said method comprising the following steps: a) preparation of the fermentation substrate; b) inoculation of the substrate with selected celluloytic bacterial strains; c) incubation; and, optionally, d) drying of the product, which generates a product with: an increase in protein of between 12 and 15% compared to non-fermented soy flour, degradation of the alpha-galactosides of more than 90% compared to non-fermented soy flour, a reduction in non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) of between 15 and 25%, an amino acid profile similar to that of non-fermented soy flour, and immune-stimulating effects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nutritional composition comprising (a) at least 18 en % of proteinaceous matter; (b) at least 12 wt % of leucine, based on total proteinaceous matter; (c) a lipid fraction comprising at least a ?-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid selected from the group of eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid and docosapentaenoic acid; (d) an immune modulator; for improving the immune function in a mammal, preferably a human.

Abstract: This invention provides, a recombinant polypeptide encoding a chimera. The chimera includes a DNase I fragment or a homologue thereof and a Cdt fragment or a homologue thereof. Further, the invention provides methods, utilizing the recombinant polypeptide encoding the chimera, such as a method for inhibiting the proliferation of a neoplastic cell, a method for treating a neoplastic disease in a human subject, a method for inhibiting or suppressing a neoplastic disease in a human subject, and a method for reducing the symptoms associated with a neoplastic disease in a human subject.

Abstract: A strain of exopolysaccharide-secreting Lactobacillus brevis, BDLB0001, and an application thereof. The Lactobacillus brevis is deposited at the China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center of the China Committee of Culture Collection for Microorganisms, with a deposit number of CGMCC No. 5223. The Lactobacillus brevis secrets an elevated amount of exopolysaccharide, where the exopolysaccharide secreted is capable of eliciting B lymphocyte proliferation to enhance immunity, and has application prospects in medicaments, healthcare products and food products for immunity enhancement.

Abstract: Species of human-derived bacteria belonging to the Clostridia class have been shown to induce accumulation of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in the colon and suppress immune functions. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these bacteria can be used to prevent and treat immune-mediated diseases such as autoimmune diseases.

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 present invention encompasses a recombinant bacterium comprising a regulated rfaH nucleic acid, as well as a vaccine comprising said recombinant bacterium. Other embodiments of the present invention encompass a recombinant bacterium comprising a regulated rfaH nucleic acid and a regulated rfc nucleic acid, while additional embodiments encompass a recombinant bacterium comprising a regulated rfaH nucleic acid and at least one nucleic acid encoding at least one exogenous antigen.

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: Methods are provided herein for preventing, delaying the onset of or reducing the progression of colorectal tumorigenesis in a subject identified as at risk of colorectal tumorigenesis, comprising adjusting the composition of gut microbiota in the subject via administering to the subject a composition comprising Bacteroides bacteria or administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising zwitterionic polysaccharide (ZPS). In another aspect, methods are provided for treating or ameliorating a colorectal cancer in a subject, comprising adjusting the composition of gut microbiota in the subject having the colorectal cancer. In a further aspect, methods are provided for relieving gastrointestinal (GI) distress of a subject having a colorectal condition, comprising: determining the colorectal condition of the subject; and relieving GI distress in the subject by adjusting the composition of gut microbiota in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the stimulation of immune responses. Specifically, the present invention provides methods of inducing an immune response against one or a plurality of pathogens (e.g., vaccinia virus, H5N1 influenza virus, Bacillus anthracis, C. botulinum, Y. pestis, Hepatitis B, and/or HIV, etc.) in a subject (e.g., a human subject) and compositions useful in such methods (e.g., immunogenic composition comprising nanoemulsion and one or a plurality of pathogens (e.g., inactivated by the nanoemulsion) and/or pathogen products and/or pathogen components). Compositions and methods of the present invention find use in, among other things, clinical (e.g. therapeutic and preventative medicine (e.g., vaccination)) and research applications.

Abstract: An immunological adjuvant comprises an aluminum salt, an immunostimulatory oligonucleotide and a polycationic polymer, wherein the oligonucleotide and the polymer ideally associate with each other to form a complex. The adjuvant can be included in a composition with an immunogen e.g. to elicit an immune response that protects against a bacterial disease or a fungal disease.

Abstract: The use of flagellin and flagellin related polypeptides for the protection of mammals from the effects of apoptsis is described.

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 coated dehydrated microorganisms comprising a dehydrated microorganism surrounded by at least one coating, said coating comprising by dry weight at least 25% of hygroscopic salt(s) and wherein the pH of the coating is compatible with viability of the coated dehydrated microorganism. The coating can be partially crystalline, the salt(s) in the coating having preferably a crystallinity degree of up to 60% once applied onto the dehydrated microorganism. The present invention also relates to liquid coating compositions, methods for coating and protecting a dehydrated microorganism. Finally, the present invention relates to a method for the preparation of food products, feed products, consumer healthcare products or agri-products as well as to a food product, feed product, a consumer healthcare product or an agri-product containing such coated dehydrated microorgansims.

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: This invention provides an IFN inducer comprising, as an active ingredient, lactic acid bacteria and capable of inducing IFN production, an immunopotentiating agent or prophylactic agent against virus infection comprising such inducer, and a food or drink product comprising such IFN inducer and having IFN-inducing activity, immunopotentiating activity, or prophylactic activity against virus infection. The agent for inducing IFN production comprises, as active ingredients, lactic acid bacteria that can activate plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and promote IFN production, such as Lactococcus garvieae NBRC100934, Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris JCM16167, Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris NBRC100676, Lactococcus lactis subsp. hordniae JCM1180, Lactococcus lactis subsp. hordniae JCM11040, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis NBRC12007, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis NRIC1150, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis JCM5805, Lactococcus lactis subsp.

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: A composition and method for immunizing a mammal infected with Mycobacterium are disclosed. The genes gcpE, pstA, kdpC, papA2, impA, umaA1, fabG2_2, aceAB, mbtH2, lpqP, map0834c, cspB, lipN, and map1634 of M. paratuberculosis and the products that they encode are vaccine targets for Johne's and Crohn's disease. Eighteen M. paratuberculosis-specific genomic islands (MAPs) were identified. Three inverted large genomic fragments in M. paratuberculosis (INV) were also identified. These genomic identifiers represent novel virulence determinants that can be used as targets for vaccines and for developments of drugs against Johne's disease. The methods can be used to deliver an immunizing compound to a mammal, to provide an immune response against Johne's or Crohn's disease in the 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: A liposomal composition, preferably a vaccine, comprising liposomes formed of liposome forming compounds, containing coentrapped polysaccharide antigen and T-cell dependent protein carrier, such as tetanus toxoid or diphtheria toxin modified to render it non-toxic. The invention is of use in the production of vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae or Neisseria meningitidis.

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: 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: An adjuvant combination that stimulates immune activation or response includes a hydrophobic immune adjuvant and a pathogen derived lipoprotein that chaperones the hydrophobic immune adjuvant to an immune receptor.