The present invention relates to polypeptides and cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigens that include at least one introduced amino acid mutation relative to the amino acid sequence of the wild-type HCMV glycoprotein B (gB). In some embodiments, the polypeptide is stabilized in a conformation alternative to the gB postfusion conformation. Also disclosed are compositions including the polypeptides and uses thereof.

The disclosure describes HCMV ribonucleic acid (RNA) vaccines, as well as methods of using the vaccines and compositions comprising the vaccines.

This document provides methods and materials relating to isolated polypeptides, polypeptide preparations, vaccine preparations (e.g., anti-cancer vaccine preparations), and methods for vaccinating mammals. For example, polypeptides (e.g., CMV, MUC1, HER2, Mesothelin (MESO), TRAG-3, or CALR polypeptides) having the ability to be processed into different polypeptides such that the processed polypeptides as a group are capable of being presented by different MHC molecules present in a particular mammalian population are provided.

The present invention relates to: a composition for delivering a viral antigen-derived CD8.sup.+ T cell antigen epitope or a peptide comprising same to the cytoplasm of a target cell to thereby present the epitope or peptide to major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-1), which is an antigen-presenting molecule on the cell surface; a composition comprising same; and a use thereof.

The present invention relates to artificial antigen presenting cell (aAPC) scaffolds to provide cells with specific functional stimulation to obtain phenotypic and functional properties ideal to mediate tumor regression or viral clearance. In particular, the scaffolds of the present invention comprise stabilized MHC class I molecules comprising a heavy chain comprising an alpha-1 domain and an alpha-2 domain connected by a disulfide bridge, wherein said MHC class I molecules are free of antigenic peptide. The scaffolds can be loaded with antigenic peptide on demand, providing an agile platform for effective expansion and functional stimulation of specific T cells in a peptide-MHC-directed fashion.

This disclosure provides modified cytomegalovirus (CMV) gL proteins and complexes comprising gL proteins. The modified gL proteins remain intact and are able to form complexes with other CMV proteins.

Modified HCMV gB proteins in a non-post-fusogenic conformation, compositions comprising such proteins, and uses thereof.

Pre-conditioning a vaccine site with a potent recall antigen such as tetanus/diphtheria (Td) toxoid can significantly improve the lymph node homing and efficacy of tumor antigen-specific DC vaccines. Patients given Td had enhanced DC migration bilaterally and significantly improved survival. In mice, Td pre-conditioning also enhanced bilateral DC migration and suppressed tumor growth in a manner dependent on the chemokines CCL3 and CCL21 and Td-activated CD4.sup.+ T cells. Interference with any component of this axis markedly reduced Td-mediated DC migration and antitumor responses. Our clinical studies and corroborating investigations in mice suggest that pre-conditioning with a potent recall antigen represents a viable strategy to increase DC homing to lymph nodes and improve antitumor immunotherapy.

This invention relates to cytomegalovirus (CMV) proteins suitable for vaccine uses. Provided herein are mammalian host cells, in particular CHO cells, in which the sequence(s) encoding CMV proteins gH, gL, pUL128, pUL130, pUL131 (or a complex-forming fragment thereof) are stably integrated into the genome.

Provided herein are genetically modified arenaviral vectors suitable as vaccines for prevention and treatment of cytomegalovirus infections and reactivation. Also provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the treatment of cytomegalovirus infections and reactivation. Specifically, provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions, vaccines, and methods of treating cytomegalovirus infections and reactivation.