Abstract: The present invention provides novel adjuvants which comprise oil bodies. The invention also provides vaccine formulations comprising oil bodies and an antigen and methods for preparing the vaccines and the use of the vaccines to elicit an immune response.

Abstract: There is provided a composition for the prevention and treatment of age-related physical and mental disorders that includes phospholipids that have been extracted from chick embryos aged between about 6 days old and about 14 days old. Also provided is a method for extracting these phospholipids by incubating them for between about 6 days to about 14 days. The chick embryos are then prepared for chemical extraction, and the lipids are extracted from the chick embryos. Further provided is a method for preventing and treating age-related physical and mental disorders, in human subjects in need thereof, by administering a sufficient dosage of a composition including phospholipids extracted from chick embryos incubated for between about 6 days and about 14 days to a human subject.

Abstract: Methods and compositions useful for inducing a cytotoxic T lymphocyte response (CTL) in a human or domesticated or agriculturally important animal. The method includes the steps of providing the antigen to which the CTL response is desired and providing a microfluidized antigen formulation which comprises, consists, or consists essentially of two or more of a stabilizing detergent, a micelle-forming agent, and an oil. This antigen formulation is preferably lacking in an immunostimulating peptide component, or has sufficiently low levels of such a component that the desired CTL response is not diminished. This formulation is provided as a stable oil-in-water emulsion.

Abstract: The invention relates to adjuvants that contain a lecithin, an oil and an amphiphilic surfactant and that are capable of forming a stable oil-in-water emulsion vaccine so as to minimize local reactions to the vaccine in the injected animal.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptides which bind to MHC Class I and to MHC Class II molecules. These peptides are useful in different therapeutic and diagnostic contexts.

Abstract: A purified preparation of a peptide consisting essentially of an amino acid sequence identical to that of a segment of a naturally-occurring human protein, said segment being of 10 to 30 residues in length, inclusive, wherein said peptide binds to a human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II allotype.

Abstract: A method of administering a vaccine to females to prevent or treat infections associated with pathogens which cause sexually transmitted diseases is described. The vaccine comprises one or more antigens for the prevention or treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, for example an HSV glycoprotein D or an immunological fragment thereof, and an adjuvant, especially a TH-1 inducing adjuvant. The use of the vaccine components for the formulation of a vaccine composition for the prevention or treatment of sexually transmitted diseases in female subjects is also described.

Abstract: A therapeutic composition comprising (i) at least one antigen or at least one in vivo generator of a compound comprising an amino acid sequence and (ii) at least one adjuvant comprising at least one pharmaceutically acceptable and water-soluble salt of an organic anion and a metal cation.

Abstract: The invention concerns an alkaloid glycoside for use in medicine. In a preferred aspect, the alkaloid glycoside is used for the stimulation of a class I-restricted immune response and/or a class II-restricted immune response. In a preferred aspect, the alkaloid glycoside is tomatine.

Abstract: A composition comprising at least one antigenic medium and at least one adjuvant, wherein the at least one antigenic medium and the at least one adjuvant each comprise one or more phases which are distinct from each other when the composition is in a solid state, and the composition is in the liquid state when its temperature is greater than or equal to 4° C.

Abstract: An antigenic preparation for use in the treatment or prevention of Helicobacter infection in a mammalian host, comprises the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Helicobacter bacteria, particularly the LPS of H. pylori or H. felis, or an immunogenic fragment thereof.

Abstract: Vaccinal preparations comprising an antigen such as tumor-associated antigens and viral antigens, together with a hydrophobized polysaccharide as adjuvant, e.g., hydrophobized polysaccharides containing a saccharide unit whose primary hydroxyl group is represented by the following formula: —O—(CH2)mCONH(CH2)nNH—CO—O—R wherein R represents an alkyl group or a sterol residue; m represents 0 or 1; and n represents an arbitrary positive integer, at a ratio of one to five units per 100 saccharide units that constitute the polysaccharide, preferably comprising an antigen encapsulated in microparticles of aggregated hydrophobized polysaccharide.

Abstract: A kit useful for immunization is described. The kit contains an antigenic substance from a Mycobacterium and an adjuvant combination of dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium bromide and monophosphoryl lipid A.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided to reduce glucose concentration in an organism. Particularly contemplated compositions include a compound that binds to a thaumatin-like protein and that is isolated from a plant. Contemplated compositions further reduce blood lipid concentrations at the concentration effective to reduce the glucose concentration.

Abstract: Certain novel compositions of the adjuvant saponin QS-21 having improved properties are disclosed. The compositions of the present invention are designed (1) to minimize the lytic effects of QS-21, (2) to improve the tolerance of QS-21 containing formulations in humans or other animals, (3) to stabilize the QS-21 from alkaline hydrolysis and/or (4) to maintain the high adjuvant potency of the QS-21 product. These compositions may be employed with vaccines comprising proteins or peptides, polysaccharides, lipids, or nucleic acids.

Abstract: A composition for a nutritional supplement for convalescing patients recovering from illness or surgery, those with limited appetite such as the elderly, children or anorexic patients, or those who have impaired ability to digest other sources of protein such as persons having chronic gastritis who have a reduced gastric pepsin digestion. The supplement comprises: (i) a protein source which provides at least about 8% total calories of the composition and which includes at least about 50% by weight whey protein; (ii) a lipid source having an omega 3:6 fatty acid ratio of about 5:1 to about 10:1 and which provides at least about 18% total calories of the composition; (iii) a carbohydrate source; and (iv) a balanced macronutrient profile comprising at least vitamin E and vitamin C. The supplement has reduced capacity to induce satiety.

Abstract: The invention pertains to adjuvant and vaccine compositions of monophosphoryl lipid A, sugar and optionally an amine based surfactant, which when frozen and thawed or lyophilized and reconstituted reform a colloidal suspension having a light transmission of greater than or equal to 88% as measured spectrophotometrically.

Abstract: An adjuvant composition which is a stable oil-in-water emulsion comprising a metabolizable oil, one or more surfactants, an antioxidant and a compound to make the emulsion isotonic is described and claimed. The stable emulsion has a hydrophobic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of from about 7.5 to about 10.5 and a particle size of less than 3 &mgr;m. In a preferred embodiment, the stable emulsion comprises 10% volume to volume squalene, 0.09% weight to volume PLURONIC F-68 block co-polymer, 1.9% weight to volume egg phosphatidyl choline, 1.75% volume to volume glycerol and 0.05% weight to volume &agr; tocopherol. The preferred emulsion has a HLB of 8.0 and a particle size of about 0.2 &mgr;m. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the stable emulsion is combined with an attenuated lipid A derivative such as monophosphoryl lipid A or 3-deacylated monophosphoryl lipid A to enhance the adjuvanticity of the composition.

Abstract: A vaccine formulation for the treatment or prophylaxis of hepatitis, especially hepatitis B, infections is provided comprising the hepatitis antigen and a suitable carrier such as alum in combination with 3-O-deacylated monophosphoryl lipid A. Combination vaccines including the vaccine formulation are also described.

Abstract: Peptides are used to define epitopes that stimulate HLA-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity against hepatitis B virus antigens. The peptides are derived from regions of HBV polymerase, and are particularly useful in treating or preventing HBV infection, including methods for stimulating the immune response of chronically infected individuals to respond to HBV antigens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adjuvant compositions which are suitable to be used in vaccines. In particular, the adjuvant compositions of the present invention comprises a saponin and an immunostimulatory oligonucleotide, optionally with a carrier. Also provided by the present invention are vaccines comprising the adjuvants of the present invention and an antigen. Further provided are methods of manufacture of the adjuvants and vaccines of the present invention and their use as medicaments. Methods of treating an individual susceptible to or suffering from a disease by the administration of the vaccines of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns an oil-in-water immunostimulant emulsion comprising an aqueous phase and an oil phase, characterised in that it further comprises an immunostimulant polynucleotide whereof at least part is covalently bound to at least a lipid molecule. The invention also concerns a vaccine composition comprising such an emulsion as immunoadjuvant.

Abstract: The incorporation of multiple branch peptide constructions having activity against HIV into liposomes of sufficient size for white blood cell internalization (e.g. greater than 150 nm and preferably approximately 250-400 nm. ) has been shown to increase the activity of those MBPCs manifold. The liposomes and pharmaceutical compositions are described herein.

Abstract: A therapeutic composition comprising (i) at least one antigen or at least one in vivo generator of a compound comprising an amino acid sequence and (ii) at least one adjuvant comprising at least one pharmaceutically acceptable and water-soluble salt of an organic anion and a metal cation.

Abstract: An immunogenic complex includes at least one glycoside and at least one lipid. The complex further contains a) at least one mucosal surface targeting protein, protein derivative or carbohydrate that targets lymphatic tissue and induces an immune response when administered locally on mucous membranes; and b) at least one passenger immunogen that lacks tropism for mucous membranes.

Abstract: An immunological response potentiation process is disclosed for synthetic or genetically engineered antigens having low immunogenicity. The antigen is embedded into biodegradable microparticles, and the antigen-loaded microparticles are dispersed in a biodegradable medium. When parenterally administered, the antigen-loaded microparticles trigger a potentiated antibody, TH-lymphocyte and Tc-lymphocyte response, as compared to an aqueous antigen solution. The extent of immunological potentiation is at least comparable with that attained by Incomplete Freund's adjuvant compositions. Linear B-TH-cell epitopes, linear Tc-cell epitopes, dimers and multimers of those epitopes, and mixtures thereof, are used as low immunogenicity antigens. The microparticles are based on biodegradable biopolymers such as polyester, polyanhydride, and polyorthoester.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a composition comprising an oil with a high content of essential fatty acids of &ohgr;3 and &ohgr;6 type, preferably blackcurrant seed oil, and at least one compound selected from &bgr;-carotene, lycopene, tocopherol and its derivatives, tocotrienols and their derivatives, ascorbic acid and nicotinamide, as a nutritional supplement intended for preventing and/or combating the harmful effects of xenobiotics on the skin, in particular on the skin's immune system.

Abstract: The invention relates to adjuvants that contain a lecithin, an oil and an amphiphilic surfactant and that are capable of forming a stable oil-in-water emulsion vaccine so as to minimize local reactions to the vaccine in the injected animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adjuvant compositions which are suitable to be used in vaccines. In particular, the adjuvant compositions of the present invention comprises a saponin and an immunostimulatory oligonucleotide, preferably the saponins used in said adjuvant combinations are haemolytic. Also provided by the present invention are vaccines comprising the adjuvants of the present invention and an antigen. Further provided are methods of manufacture of the adjuvants and vaccines of the present invention and their use as medicaments.

Abstract: Compositions are provided which include biodegradable microparticles with entrapped or adsorbed antigens, in combination with submicron oil-in-water emulsions. Also provided are methods of immunization which comprise administering to a vertebrate subject (a) a submicron oil-in-water emulsion, and (b) a therapeutically effective amount of a selected antigen entrapped in a microparticle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adjuvant compositions which are suitable to be used in vaccines. In particular, the adjuvant compositions of the present invention comprises a saponin and an immunostimulatory oligonucleotide, optionally with a carrier. Also provided by the present invention are vaccines comprising the adjuvants of the present invention and an antigen. Further provided are methods of manufacture of the adjuvants and vaccines of the present invention and their use as medicaments. Methods of treating an individual susceptible to or suffering from a disease by the administration of the vaccines of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: Art adjuvant composition for stimulating an effective immune resposne to an antigenic substance when co-administered to an animal with said antigenic substance, comprising: (a) a saponin with immune stimulating activity; (b) a polycationic polyelectrolyte with immune stimulating activity; and (c) an immunoadjuvant oil.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of medicinal chemistry. In particular, the invention is related to vaccines comprising novel combinations of saponin adjuvants, to pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines comprising these novel combinations, to methods of using these novel combinations to enhance the immune response of an individual to an antigen, and to the use of the novel combinations to increase the immunogenicity of vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved adjuvant formulation and a process for producing said adjuvant. The adjuvant comprises an ISCOM structure comprising a saponin, said ISCOM structure being devoid of additional detergent.

Abstract: The present invention includes novel polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene block copolymers as well as methods for making the block copolymers. The block copolymers are high molecular weight molecules and are useful as general surfactants and display enhanced biological efficacy as vaccine adjuvants.

Abstract: Metabolizable lipid emulsions, such as Intralipid and Lipofundin, are excellent vehicles for peptide therapy of autoimmune diseases and of other TH1 T cell mediated diseases or conditions, as it promotes a TH1 to TH2 cytokine shift.

Abstract: A therapeutic composition comprising (i) at least one antigen or at least one in vivo generator of a compound comprising an amino acid sequence and (ii) at least one adjuvant comprising at least one pharmaceutically acceptable and water-soluble salt of an organic anion and a metal cation.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to adjuvants, and in particular to methods and products utilizing a synergistic combination of immunostimulatory oligonucleotides having at least one unmethylated CpG dinucleotide (CpG ODN) and a non-nucleic acid adjuvant. Such combinations of adjuvants may be used with an antigen or alone. The present invention also relates to methods and products utilizing immunostimulatory oligonucleotides having at least one unmethylated CpG dinucleotide (CpG ODN) for induction of cellular immunity in infants.

Abstract: Compositions are provided which include biodegradable microparticles with entrapped or adsorbed antigens, in combination with submicron oil-in-water emulsions. Also provided are methods of immunization which comprise administering to a vertebrate subject (a) a submicron oil-in-water emulsion, and (b) a therapeutically effective amount of a selected antigen entrapped in a microparticle.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to molecular compounds which encode the protective M-like protein of Streptococcus equi (SeM), the amino acid compound which is thereby encoded, and compositions of matter which incorporate either the encoding compounds or the cellular components for which they encode. For instance, vaccines which utilize the amino acid compounds or vectors and cell lines useful to make the amino acid compounds described herein are subjects of the present invention. The present invention provides methods to stimulate S. equi-specific immune response in horses. It also provides diagnostic assays for Streptococcus equi.

Abstract: An adjuvant composition, comprising a metabolizable oil and an emulsifying agent, wherein the oil and the detergent are present in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion having oil droplets substantially all of which are less than 1 micron in diameter. In preferred embodiments, the emulsifying agent is also an immunostimulating agent, such as a lipophilic muramyl peptide. Alternatively, an immunostimulating agent separate from the emulsifying agent can be used.

Abstract: A composition for transdermal administration of a cytokine is described. The composition includes a conjugate composed of a cytokine, such as an interferon, and at least one fatty acid moiety covalently attached to the cytokine. The conjugate has enhanced cutaneous delivery relative to the cytokine alone.

Abstract: An antigen-containing formulation is provided, comprising: (a) an antigen; (b) a TH1-inducing adjuvants; and (c) a sparingly soluble amino acid or a derivative thereof. The adjuvants may be, for example, monophosphoryl lipid A, 3′-de-O-acetylated monophosphoryl lipid A, derivatives thereof, or any other adjuvants that enhances an individual's TH response to the antigen. Suitable amino acids include tyrosine, tryptophan, derivatives thereof, and the like. Methods for using the formulation are also provided; in a particularly preferred embodiment, the formulation is used as a vaccine.

Abstract: A vaccine contains at least one Drosophila cell-secreted, recombinantly-produced form of a truncated Flavivirus envelope glycoprotein, as an active ingredient, and an adjuvant, as a critical component of the vaccine. The adjuvant is an immunomodulating agent having an iscom-like structure and comprising within the iscom-like structure at least one lipid and at least one saponin, and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. Such a vaccine protects a subject against infection by a Flavivirus.

Abstract: The present invention includes novel polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene block copolymers as well as methods for making the block copolymers. The block copolymers are high molecular weight molecules and are useful as general surfactants and display enhanced biological efficacy as vaccine adjuvants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil in water emulsion compositions, their use in medicine, in particular to their use in augmenting immune responses to a wide range of antigens, and to methods of their manufacture; the oil in water emulsion comprising a metabolisable oil, a saponin and a sterol.

Abstract: A water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) emulsion to be used in an antigen delivery system to induce rapid and long-lasting immunity among populations of livestock, birds, and fish. The external aqueous phase of the W/O/W emulsion contains a thixotropic inorganic salt, such as aluminum hydroxide or alum. The presence of the inorganic salt helps to elicit both a Th1 and a Th2 response from the subject's immune system, and the thixotropic properties of the salt stabilize the water-in-oil-in-water emulsion, thereby providing a longer vaccine shelf life. The antigen dose to be delivered to the subject may be contained in entirely in the internal aqueous phase. Alternatively, a first portion of the total antigen dose may be included in the internal aqueous phase and a second portion is included in the external aqueous phase. The incorporation of a portion of the antigen in the external aqueous phase triggers a more uniform immune response across a vaccinated population.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oil in water emulsion compositions, their use in medicine, in particular to their use in augmenting immune responses to a wide range of antigens, and to methods of their manufacture; the compositions having oil phase and an aqueous phase, a sterol and a saponin; the sterol being present in the oil phase and the saponin being present in the aqueous phase.

Abstract: The present invention provides immunogenic compositions and methods for inducing enhanced immune responses using an antigen by use of an adjuvant comprising a member selected from a Caulobacter (in particular, C. crescentus) LPS or a fragment or derivative thereof.

Abstract: Saponin preparations based on defined compositions of purified saponin fractions derived from the bark of Quillaja saponaria Molina are disclosed. The saponin preparations are useful in immunostimulating complex (iscom) matrices. The saponin preparations, and iscom matrices prepared using them, have particular activity as adjuvants.