The present invention provides vaccine or immunogenic compositions comprising novel antigens derived from the equine strain of influenza H3N8. These proteins and specific immunogenic domains are effective as primary universal influenza antigens. The disclosed vaccines or immunogenic compositions are highly effective in inducing HA specific antibodies reactive to different influenza viruses, mucosal and systemic immune responses, and cross-protection regardless of influenza virus subtypes. In some embodiments, the vaccine is cross-protective against two or more (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6) subtypes of influenza with or without the use of an adjuvant.

Strains of human-derived bacteria have been obtained from complex fecal samples and shown to induce accumulation of Th17 cells in the intestine and promote immune functions. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these bacteria can be used as anti-infectives and as adjuvants in mucosal vaccines.

A method for alleviating arthritis includes administering to a subject in need thereof a postbiotic extract. The postbiotic extract is prepared by a process including the steps of providing a first material having a first isoelectric point ranging from pH 1 to pH 6 and a second material having a second isoelectric point ranging from pH 4 to pH 8, admixing the first material and a probiotic microorganism with water having a pH greater than the second isoelectric point, so as to forma mixture, adding the second material into the mixture and then adjusting a pH of the second material-added mixture to between the first and second isoelectric points so that a precipitate is formed, and subjecting the precipitate to a cell wall isolation treatment to obtain the postbiotic extract.

The application is directed to in vitro-reared Plasmodium sporozoites of human host range wherein sporogony from gametocyte stage to sporozoite stage is external to mosquitoes, and methods of producing the same. Provided herein are in vitro-reared infectious Plasmodium sporozoites (SPZ) of human host range, particularly P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi, wherein sporogony from gametocyte stage to sporozoite stage is external to mosquitoes, and methods of producing the same.

Mutated and/or truncated malarial circumsporozoite proteins (CSP) and associated nucleic acids that are more stable and highly expressed in mammalian cells are described. The mutated and/or truncated CSP and associated nucleic acids can be expressed to produce malaria vaccine antigens.

An anti-neoplastic combined pharmaceutical composition and application thereof. The combined pharmaceutical composition is prepared from plasmodia and chemotherapeutic drugs. The combined pharmaceutical composition combines chemotherapy with Plasmodium immunotherapy, has high biosafety, has stronger antineoplastic activity than single chemotherapy or single Plasmodium immunotherapy, can prolong the lifetime of cancer patients, and provides a new strategy and idea for cancer treatment. Moreover, the dosage of the chemotherapy drugs can be reduced, toxic and side effects caused by the chemotherapy drugs are reduced, and treatment costs of tumor patients are reduced. In addition, the combined pharmaceutical composition can promote release of a tumor antigen, induces a stronger anti-tumor specific immune response, and exerts the continuous synergistic effect of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

It was found that bacteria belonging to the genus Clostridium induce accumulation of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in the colon. Moreover, the present inventors found that regulatory T cells (Treg cells) induced by from these bacteria suppressed proliferation of effector T-cells. From these findings, the present inventors found that the use of bacteria belonging to the genus Clostridium or a physiologically active substance derived therefrom made it possible to induce proliferation or accumulation of regulatory T cells (Treg cells), and further to suppress immune functions.

Mesothelin can be used as an immunotherapeutic target. It induces a cytolytic T cell response. Portions of mesothelin which induce such responses are identified. Vaccines can be either polynucleotide- or polypeptide-based. Carriers for raising a cytolytic T cell response include bacteria and viruses. A mouse model for testing vaccines and other anti-tumor therapeutics and prophylactics comprises a strongly mesothelin-expressing, transformed peritoneal cell line.

The invention features engineered probiotic lacto acid bacteria (LAB) expressing a chimeric Clostridium difficile/Lactobacillus acidophilus SlpA, or fragment thereof, and its use for the treatment or prevention of Clostridium difficile infection and gut colonization.

The present disclosure is directed to compositions and methods useful for treating, as well as vaccinating against, viral infections, including coronavirus infections.