The present invention provides cell-targeting molecules which can deliver a CD8+ T-cell epitope cargo to the MHC class I presentation pathway of a target cell. The cell-targeting molecules of the invention can be used to deliver virtually any CD8+ T-cell epitope from an extracellular space to the MHC class I pathway of a target cell, which may be a malignant cell and/or non-immune cell. The target cell can then display on a cell-surface the delivered CD8+ T-cell epitope complexed with MHC I molecule. The cell-targeting molecules of the invention have uses which include the targeted labeling and/or killing of specific cell-types within a mixture of cell-types, including within a chordate, as well as the stimulation of beneficial immune responses. The cell-targeting molecules of the invention have uses, e.g., in the treatment of a variety of diseases, disorders, and conditions, including cancers, tumors, growth abnormalities, immune disorders, and microbial infections.

A variety of targeting moiety peptide epitope complexes (TPECs) are described in different embodiments. In each of the embodiments, however, a targeting moiety may be used to deliver the TPEC to an area of unwanted cells, allowing for a therapeutic effect to be delivered locally. The TPEC also contains a plurality of T-cell epitopes. The TPEC further comprises cleavage sites that release the T-cell epitopes from the targeting agent, and in some embodiments from each other, when they are in the microenvironment of the unwanted cells. Although the arrangement and number of T-cell epitopes varies in different embodiments described herein, once cleaved from the targeting agent (and any neighboring T-cell epitopes), the T-cell epitopes function by stimulating an immune response against the unwanted cells.

Embodiments relate to novel vaccines against human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV-related diseases, including multiple types of cancers. The HPV vaccines are composed of anti-human dendritic cell (DC) surface receptor antibodies, including CD40, and E6/7 proteins of HPV16 and 18. The technology described is not limited to making vaccines against HPV16- and HPV18-related diseases and can be applied to making vaccines carrying E6/7 from any type of HPV. The HPV vaccines described can target DCs, major and professional antigen presenting cells (APCs), and can induce and activate potent HPV E6/7-specific and strong CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses. The HPV vaccines can be used for the prevention of HPV infection and HPV-related diseases as well as for the treatment of HPV-related diseases, including cancers.

Peptides that specifically bind erythrocytes are described. These are provided as peptidic ligands having sequences that specifically bind, or as antibodies or fragments thereof that provide specific binding, to erythrocytes. The peptides may be prepared as molecular fusions with therapeutic agents, tolerizing antigens, or targeting peptides. Immunotolerance may be created by use of the fusions and choice of an antigen on a substance for which tolerance is desired. Fusions with targeting peptides direct the fusions to the target, for instance a tumor, where the erythrocyte-binding ligands reduce or entirely eliminate blood flow to the tumor by recruiting erythrocytes to the target.

The present disclosure discloses simple and efficient glycan- or carbohydrate-based processes or methods for the rapid identification of biological markers and therapeutic targets especially glycan-related targets of infectious diseases, cancers, autoimmune diseases, allergies, inflammation, toxicity, obesity and/or other disorders of humans, animals, plants and other organisms. Therefore, novel methods and products for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of such diseases obtainable based on these therapeutic targets can be developed.

Peptides that specifically bind erythrocytes are described. These are provided as peptidic ligands having sequences that specifically bind, or as antibodies or fragments thereof that provide specific binding, to erythrocytes. The peptides may be prepared as molecular fusions with therapeutic agents, tolerizing antigens, or targeting peptides. Immunotolerance may be created by use of the fusions and choice of an antigen on a substance for which tolerance is desired. Fusions with targeting peptides direct the fusions to the target, for instance a tumor, where the erythrocyte-binding ligands reduce or entirely eliminate blood flow to the tumor by recruiting erythrocytes to the target.

Described are stable nanoparticle complexes comprising paclitaxel, albumin and rituximab. The nanoparticle complexes are suitable for the treatment of cancer.

The invention provides methods or compositions for enhancing the potency of a targeted cancer immunotherapy in a subject by using a superantigen in combination with a PD-1 inhibitor.

Described herein is an anti-class II MHC antibody fused to a SARS-CoV-2 antigen. Also described is a vaccine comprising the antibody and methods for treating and/or preventing SARS-CoV-2, wherein the methods comprise administering the antibody to a subject in need thereof. In typical aspects, the vaccine is free of an adjuvant.

The present invention relates to a fusion protein comprising a SARS-CoV-2-derived receptor-binding domain and a nucleocapsid protein, and the use thereof. The fusion protein comprising a coronavirus-derived receptor-binding domain and a nucleocapsid protein is highly applicable to a multivalent vaccine composition having greatly improved in-vivo half-life and remarkably superior efficacy compared to an immunogenic composition comprising only a receptor-binding domain. In particular, the fusion protein can greatly improve the titer of the coronavirus-specific antibody formation and T-cell immune response, and is thus useful for the prevention and treatment of coronaviruses comprising SARS-CoV-2.