The present invention relates to methods for inducing an immune response, in particular methods for inducing an immune response against mycobacterial infections or disease comprising (i) at least one administration of a polypeptide Rv1196 related antigen and at least one administration of an adenovirus encoding a Rv1196 related antigen or (ii) at least one administration of a polypeptide Rv0125 related antigen and at least one administration of an adenovirus encoding a Rv0125 related antigen. Associated compositions, adenoviral constructs and polynucleotide sequences are also provided.

There is provided inter alia an isolated polynucleotide, wherein the polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of: (a) a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 1, (b) a functional derivative of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the functional derivative has an amino acid sequence which is at least 80% identical over its entire length to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, and (c) a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 3.

Methods for generating immune responses using adenovirus vectors that allow multiple vaccinations with the same adenovirus vector and vaccinations in individuals with preexisting immunity to adenovirus are provided.

The invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for the treatment or prevention of viral infections. The polyvalent (e.g., 2-valent) vaccines described herein incorporate computationally-optimized viral polypeptides that can increase the diversity or breadth and depth of cellular immune response in vaccinated subjects.

Various recombinant yeast suitable for use in oral vaccination, vaccine compositions, food compositions, methods of vaccinating an animal, and related methods, kits, and nucleic acid molecules are described.

Poxvirus vectors encoding a synthetic HIV envelope antigen and other HIV antigens, as well as compositions containing such poxvirus vectors and uses of such poxvirus vectors as vaccines to provide improved immunity against HIV, are provided. Also provided are vaccine combinations containing the disclosed poxvirus vectors, adenovirus vectors encoding one or more HIV antigens, and one or more isolated HIV antigenic polypeptides, and methods of using the vaccine combinations to provide improved immunity against HIV.

Methods are described for generating an improved effective immune response against an HIV antigen in humans. The methods comprise administration of a first composition comprising an MVA vector followed by administration of second composition comprising a human adenovirus vector. The methods can be used for the treatment of HIV.

Poxvirus vectors encoding a synthetic HIV envelope antigen and other HIV antigens, as well as compositions containing such poxvirus vectors and uses of such poxvirus vectors as vaccines to provide improved immunity against HIV, are provided. Also provided are vaccine combinations containing the disclosed poxvirus vectors, adenovirus vectors encoding one or more HIV antigens, and one or more isolated HIV antigenic polypeptides, and methods of using the vaccine combinations to provide improved immunity against HIV.

The present invention provides an expression vector for preventing or inhibiting HIV entry, fusion or replication in mammalian cells. In particular, the invention provides a recombinant retroviral vector that encodes an inhibitor of a HIV co-receptor, such as CCR5 or CXCR4, and a protein that inhibits HIV fusion to target cells and/or HIV replication. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising such constructs and methods of use thereof to prevent or treat HIV infection in a patient are also disclosed.

Described herein are novel vaccine compositions and methods for use thereof in inducing an immune response in a subject especially aged subjects. Specifically exemplified are vaccine compositions that include an antigen; a cyclic dinucleotide; soluble tumor necrosis factor (TNF); or a CD64 antibody or antibody fragment. Optionally, the vaccine composition comprises a TNF conjugated with a moDC targeting moiety in addition to or in place of TNF or CD64 antibody or antibody fragment, or both TNF and CD64 antibody or antibody fragment.