Provided herein are anti-infective peptides and uses thereof. Such anti-infective peptides are useful against bacteria and viruses. Also provided herein are compositions comprising said anti-infective peptides.

The invention relates generally to the field of influenza vaccination, specifically to a two-component vaccine comprising influenza virus strains with native hemagglutinin (HA) and lacking the functional NS gene (delNSI influenza), for use in the vaccination of a subject, wherein a priming composition, comprising one, two or three delNSI influenza virus strains selected from group 1 influenza A virus, group 2 influenza A virus, or group 3, consisting of influenza B virus, is formulated for prime-administration prior to a boosting composition, comprising one, two or three delNSI influenza virus strains of the same group as in the priming composition but differing antigenically in the HA head, formulated for boost-administration. Further, a kit comprising said two-components and its use for preventing influenza virus infection is provided.

The invention relates generally to the field of influenza vaccination, specifically to a two-component vaccine comprising influenza virus strains with native hemagglutinin (HA) and lacking the functional NS gene (delNSI influenza), for use in the vaccination of a subject, wherein a priming composition, comprising one, two or three delNSI influenza virus strains selected from group 1 influenza A virus, group 2 influenza A virus, or group 3, consisting of influenza B virus, is formulated for prime-administration prior to a boosting composition, comprising one, two or three delNSI influenza virus strains of the same group as in the priming composition but differing antigenically in the HA head, formulated for boost-administration. Further, a kit comprising said two-components and its use for preventing influenza virus infection is provided.

The present application relates to method of vaccinating a subject against infection by an enveloped virus. The method includes providing a compound of the Formula (I) as described herein, and contacting the compound of Formula (I) with an isolated enveloped virus, having a membrane, to inactivate the membrane of the isolated enveloped virus. The subject is then treated with the enveloped virus having an inactivated membrane to vaccinate the subject against the enveloped virus. Further disclosed is an ex vivo vaccine composition including the compound of Formula (I) and an enveloped virus.

The present application relates to method of vaccinating a subject against infection by an enveloped virus. The method includes providing a compound of the Formula (I) as described herein, and contacting the compound of Formula (I) with an isolated enveloped virus, having a membrane, to inactivate the membrane of the isolated enveloped virus. The subject is then treated with the enveloped virus having an inactivated membrane to vaccinate the subject against the enveloped virus. Further disclosed is an ex vivo vaccine composition including the compound of Formula (I) and an enveloped virus.

A process for preparation of a biologically active polymer comprising an acrolein derived segment and a polyalkylene glycol oligomer, the process comprising reacting polyalkylene glycol with acrolein in aqueous solution to form a copolymer of molecular weight no more than 1000 Daltons at a temperature of no more than 15° C.

Described herein are influenza virus-like particles (VLPs) that display on truncated, re-engineered or remodeled HA molecules on their surface. Also described are methods of making and using these VLPs.

The present disclosure relates to compositions and therapeutic methods for activating an immune response in a patient in need thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the subject methods and compositions are able to antagonize the activity of VISTA, a naturally occurring “checkpoint” protein which contributes to immune tolerance, optionally in combination with an antagonist of a second checkpoint pathway such as PD-1. For example, such methods and compositions may be suitable for preventing and treating colon cancer or another cancer. An exemplary VISTA antagonist, specifically, an anti-VISTA antibody, is demonstrated herein to activate an immune response against cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, thereby conferring protective anti-tumor immunity which decreased tumor burden. Additionally, an additive benefit was observed when a VISTA antagonist was used in combination with a second checkpoint protein antagonist, specifically, an antibody against PD-1 ligand (PD-L1).

An isolated strain of Bifidobacterium longum NCIMB 42020 is useful for the treatment of viral infections, especially viral respiratory infections such as influenza, rhinovirus and RSV. Bifidobacterium longum NCIMB 42020 is also useful for clearing secondary bacterial infections.

An isolated strain of Bifidobacterium longum NCIMB 42020 is useful for the treatment of viral infections, especially viral respiratory infections such as influenza, rhinovirus and RSV. Bifidobacterium longum NCIMB 42020 is also useful for clearing secondary bacterial infections.