Therion Biologics Corporation

Virus Research Institute

Avant Immunotherapeutics, Inc.

Theriod Biologics, Incorporated

Bryan E Roberts

Dennis L Panicali

Linda R Gritz

Gail P Mazzara

Virginia Stallard

Sharon A Jenkins

Lendon G Payne

Anna Mahr

Alexander K Andrianov

Jean R Loebelenz

Yichen Lu

Alexander K Andrainov

Anna Mahe

The present invention provides immunogenic compositions and methods for inducing enhanced immune responses using an antigen and a combination of water soluble polymer and an amphiphilic compound.

Immunoadjuvants

Recombinant viral vectors which coexpress heterologous polypeptides capable of assembling into defective nonself-propagating viral particles are disclosed. The viral vectors as well as the viral particles can be used as immunogens and for targeted delivery of heterologous gene products and drugs.

Self-assembled, defective, nonself-propagating viral particles

A composition and method for inducing a protective immune response to HIV-1 in an individual, of (a) a replication incompetent HIV-1, HIV-1 pseudovirus, HIV-1 VLP or oligomeric gp120; and (b) a water soluble polyphosphazene polyelectrolyte, wherein (a) and (b) are present in an amount effective to induce a protective immune response against HIV-1.

HIV-1 prophylactic composition and method

Recombinant avipox viral vectors which express heterologous polypeptides capable of assembling into defective nonself-propagating viral particles are disclosed. The recombinant avipox viruses can be used to produce significant amounts of the heterologous polypeptides in avian or non-avian cells. Preferably, the recombinant avipox virus is a fowlpox virus. The viral particles can also be used as immunogens and for targeted delivery of heterologous gene products and drugs.

Self assembled, defective, nonself-propagating viral particles

The present invention provides recombinant DNA viral vectors which co-express lentivirus genes encoding structural and enzymatic polypeptides capable of assembling into defective nonself-propagating viral particles. The viral DNA vectors as well as the viral particles can be used as immunogens and for targeted delivery of heterologous gene products and genes.

Self-assembled, defective, non-self-propagating lentivirus particles

Recombinant viral vectors which coexpress heterologous polypeptides capable of assembling into defective non-self-propagating lentiviral particles are disclosed. The viral vectors as well as the viral particles can be used as immunogens and for targeted delivery of heterologous gene products and drugs.

Self assembled defective non-self propagating lentiviral particles

Self assembled, defective, non-self-propagating lentivirus particles

Water soluble polymers or polymeric hydrogels are used to encapsulate antigen to form vaccines. The antigen is mixed with a polymer solution, microparticles are formed of the polymer and antigen, and, optionally, the polymer is crosslinked to form a stable microparticle. Preferred polymers are alginate and polyphosphazenes, and mixtures thereof. Microparticles can be adminstered parenterally or mucosally. For oral delivery, the microparticles are preferably fifteen microns or less in diameter, and adhere to the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract, increasing uptake by the reticuloendothelium.

Hydrogel microencapsulated vaccines

An immunoadjuvant soluble polyphosphazene polyelectrolyte is disclosed. In one embodiment, the polymeric adjuvant is an poly(organophosphazene) with (i) ionized or ionizable pendant groups that contain, for example, carboxylic acid, sulfonic acid, or hydroxyl moieties, and (ii) pendant groups that are susceptible to hydrolysis under the conditions of use, to impart biodegradability to the polymer.

Growing community of inventors

Cambridge, MA, United States of America

Bryan E Roberts