Abstract:
The invention is directed to methods of screening immunogenic viral like particles and related immunogenic compositions and diagnostic techniques. In one embodiment, the invention provides methods of screening immunogenic viral like particles containing peptides corresponding to epitope regions of a wide variety of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, and microbes. Non-infectious antigens and allergens of interest can also be screened as described herein. Immunization, therapeutic and diagnostic applications are also described for the compositions and methods according to the invention. In another embodiment, the invention provides novel methods of identifying a cryptic neutralizing epitope and related vaccines, constructs, and libraries. In some embodiments, these methods use high-throughput formats that are facilitated by in silica or in vitro steps.
Abstract:
The invention enables the display of antibody single-chain variable fragments (scFv's on virus-like particles (VLPs) of bacteriophages such as MS2. The VLPs encapsidate mRNA encoding the coat protein from which it assembles, enabling the recovery by reverse transcription and PGR of affinity-selected sequences from scFv libraries. Related virus-like particles, method for constructing a library of scFv-VLPs, drug delivery vehicles comprising one or more pharmaceutically-active ingredients, biomedical imaging agents, assays, and kits are also provided.
Abstract:
The invention provides immunotherapeutic and prophylactic bacteriophage viral-like particle (VLPs) which are useful in the treatment and prevention of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and related disorders, including cervical cancer and persistent infections associated with HPV. Related compositions (e.g. vaccines), nucleic acid constructs, and therapeutic methods are also provided. VLPs and related ompositions of the invention induce high titer antibody responses against HPV L2 and protect against HPV challenge in vivo. VLPs, VLP-containing compositions, and therapeutic methods of the invention induce an immunogenic response against HPV infection, confer immunity against HPV infection, protect against HPV infection, and reduce the likelihood of infection by HPV infection.
Abstract:
An immunogen includes an antigenic EGFRvIII peptide linked to a Qβ bacteriophage virus-like particle (VLP) carrier. The antigenic EGFRvIII peptide has at least 53%, at least 61%, at least 69%, at least 76%, at least 84%, or at least 92% sequence similarity amino acid similarity to LEEKKGNYVVTDH (SEQ ID NO:1).
Abstract:
Embodiments are directed to malaria vaccines comprising a bacteriophage VLP displaying a heterologous peptide identified by affinity selection as an anti-malaria mimotope.
Abstract:
In one aspect, the invention provides immunogenic HPV L2-containing viral-like particles (VLPs). Related compositions (e.g. vaccines), nucleic acid constructs, and therapeutic methods are also provided. In certain aspects, the VLPs are comprised of a coat polypeptide of the bacteriophages PP7 or MS2, wherein the coat protein is modified by insertion of peptide antigens derived from HPV L2, and wherein the HPV L2 peptide is displayed on the VLP and encapsidates PP7 or MS2 mRNA. Specifically, VLPs of the invention display L2 peptides at the N- terminus of the bacteriophage coat protein. Surprisingly, these L2-displaying VLPs induce more broadly neutralizing antibody responses than when the same peptide is displayed in the AB-loop such that the immunogenic response is enhanced by a factor of at least 10. Immunogenic VLPs and related compositions of the invention induce high titer antibody responses against HPV L2 and protect against HPV challenge in vivo.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to the use of which are attached or anchored phospholipid biolayers further modified by CRLF-2 and CD 19 binding peptides which may be used for delivering pharmaceutical cargos, to cells expressing CRLF-2 and CD 19, thereby treating cancer, in particular, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), including (B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Novel CRLF-2 binding peptides and CLRF-2 and CD19-binding viral-like particles (VLPs) useful in the treatment of cancer, including ALL are also provided.