Abstract:
Methods of delivering therapeutic agents by administering compositions including a bacterial collagen-binding polypeptide segment linked to the therapeutic agent to subjects in need of treatment with the therapeutic agent are provided. In these methods, the therapeutic agent is not a PTH/PTHrP receptor agonist or antagonist, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or epidermal growth factor (EGF). The bacterial collagen-binding polypeptide segment delivers the agent to sites of partially untwisted or under-twisted collagen. Methods of treating collagenopathies using a composition including a collagen-binding polypeptide and a PTH/PTHrP receptor agonist are also provided. In addition, methods of treating hyperparathyroidism, and hair loss using compositions comprising a collagen binding polypeptide and a PTH/PTHrP receptor agonist are provided. Finally, methods of reducing hair regrowth by administering a composition including a collagen binding polypeptide and a PTH/PTHrP receptor antagonist are provided.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides methods of administering chimeric and hybrid Factor VIII (FVIII) polypeptides comprising FVIII and Fc to subjects at risk of developing inhibitory FVIII immune responses, including anti-FVIII antibodies and/or cell-mediated immunity. The administration is sufficient to promote coagulation and to induce immune tolerance to FVIII. The chimeric polypeptide can comprise full-length FVIII or a FVIII polypeptide containing a deletion, e.g., a full or partial deletion of the B domain.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a method for inducing a cancer specific immune response against MUC1 using an immunogenic glycopeptide. Other aspects of the invention are a pharmaceutical composition comprising the immunogenic glycopeptide and a cancer vaccine comprising the immunogenic glycopeptide. Another aspect is an antibody generated using the immunogenic glycopeptide and the use of said antibody in therapy and diagnosis.
Abstract:
An immunogenic composition having 13 distinct polysaccharide-protein conjugates and optionally, an aluminum-based adjuvant, is described. Each conjugate contains a capsular polysaccharide prepared from a different serotype of Streptococcus pneumoniae (1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F and 23F) conjugated to a carrier protein. The immunogenic composition, formulated as a vaccine, increases coverage against pneumococcal disease in infants and young children globally, and provides coverage for serotypes 6A and 19A that is not dependent on the limitations of serogroup cross-protection. Also described is a method for making an immunogenic conjugate comprising Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 1 polysaccharide covalently linked to a carrier protein, the method including partial de-O-acetylation of the polysaccharide by mild hydrolysis in an alkaline pH buffer.
Abstract:
The novel omp-1 gene cluster encoding twenty one Ehrlichia ewingii (EE) proteins was isolated and sequenced completely. This invention relates to isolated E. ewingii (EE) polypeptides, isolated polynucleotides encoding EE polypeptides, probes, primers, isolated antibodies and methods of their production, immunogenic compositions and vaccines, as well as methods of using the EE polypeptides, antibodies, probes, and primers for the purpose of diagnosis, therapy and production of vaccines against E. ewingii.
Abstract:
Herein are described two antibodies that can inhibit CETP-lipoproteins interaction and CETP activity. Presently described are an antibody or fragment thereof capable of specifically binding to an epitope of the N-terminal or C-terminal domains of CETP and methods of using these antibodies for separation, identification, diagnosis and therapy.
Abstract:
Provided are expression vectors for generating an immune response to a mucin. The vectors comprise a transcription unit encoding a secretable polypeptide, the polypeptide comprising a secretory signal, a mucin antigen and CD40 ligand. Also provided are methods of generating an immune response against cells expressing a mucin by administering an effective amount of the vector. Further provided are methods of generating an immune response against cancer cells expressing a mucin in an individual by administering an effective amount of the vector. Still further provided are methods of overcoming anergy to a mucin self antigen by administering an effective amount of the vector.
Abstract:
Described herein are dengue virus E-glycoprotein polypeptides containing mutations that eliminate immunodominant cross-reactive epitopes associated with immune enhancement. The disclosed dengue virus E-glycoproteins optionally further include mutations that introduce a strong CD4 T cell epitope. The disclosed E-glycoprotein polypeptides, or nucleic acid molecules encoding the polypeptides, can be used, for example, in monovalent or tetravalent vaccines against dengue virus.
Abstract:
Provided are methods of generating an immune response to an antigen. The method comprises priming an individual by administering an expression vector encoding the antigen. The vectors comprises a transcription unit encoding a secretable fusion protein, the fusion protein containing an antigen and CD40 ligand. Administration of a fusion protein containing the antigen and CD40 ligand is used to enhance the immune response above that obtained by vector administration alone. The invention methods may be used to generate an immune response against cancer expressing a tumor antigen such as a mucin or human papilloma viral tumor antigen and to generate an immune response against an infectious agent. Also provided is a method for simultaneously producing the expression vector and the fusion protein.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to fluorocarbon vectors for the delivery of influenza antigens to immunoresponsive target cells. It further relates to fluorocarbon vector-influenza antigen constructs and the use of such vectors associated with antigens as vaccines and immunotherapeutics in animals, including humans.