The present invention relates to peptides, proteins, nucleic acids and cells for use in immunotherapeutic methods. In particular, the present invention relates to the immunotherapy of cancer. The present invention furthermore relates to tumor-associated T-cell peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides that can for example serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions that stimulate anti-tumor immune responses, or to stimulate T-cells ex vivo and transfer into patients. Peptides bound to molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), or peptides as such, can also be targets of antibodies, soluble T-cell receptors, and other binding molecules.

The oligonucleotide nanostructures enable pattern-recognized targeting of diseases, particularly useful as high-specificity detectors and inhibitors of viruses and toxins, such as for Dengue virus particles. The nanostructures include an oligonucleotide scaffold with a plurality of binders arranged in a pattern conforming to a plurality of surface epitopes of a target disease. Binding of the scaffolds to these surface epitopes has been shown to have inhibitory effects against the target disease. The scaffolds can also include functional domains that activate upon target binding. Assembly of the scaffolds can be achieved via annealing of separate oligonucleotide segments of predetermined length and sequence, which also advantageously define locations of binding domains in the resulting structure. This approach provides precise control over the spacing and orientation of epitope binding sites in the scaffold.

Molecular beacons and developmental methods related thereto. Methods include obtaining a nucleotide sequence for an aptamer that binds to a target analyte. The aptamer comprises a binding domain nucleotide sequence, a first domain nucleotide sequence, and a displacement domain nucleotide sequence complementary to the first domain nucleotide sequence. A molecular beacon is developed based on the nucleotide sequence of the aptamer by preserving the binding domain nucleotide sequence and truncating or extending one or both of the first domain nucleotide sequence or the displacement domain nucleotide sequence. The resultant molecular beacon is developed such that the molecular beacon comprises a Gibbs free energy value that is greater than the Gibbs free energy value of the aptamer.

The present invention relates to G-quadruplex forming iso-RNA oligomers and a process for the preparation thereof. The present invention further relates to a stable, guanine rich 2′-5′-linked iso-RNA selected from 2′-5′-linked iso-RNA. The instant 2′-5′-linked isoRNA oligomer of the thrombin binding aptamer (iso-rTBA) is highly resistant to RNase A and also resistant to other nucleases, including snake venom phosphodiesterase (SVPD) and forms a thermally stable functional G-quadruplex.

The invention is in the field of therapy of gut inflammatory diseases such as Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) including Gluten hypersensitivity. The inventors showed that ELA2A secreted by epithelial cells in the extracellular space is over-expressed in IBD conditions degrading tight junction proteins and controlling cytokines expression. Overexpression of ELA2A conferred a pro-inflammatory phenotype both in cell expression systems and in vivo in animal model of IBD. The inventors also showed that ELA2 over-expressing intestinal epithelial cells increase the release of CXCL8 protein compared to control cells. The increased CXCL-8 protein release observed in cells overexpressing ELA2A is inhibited by ELAFIN addition to the culture, in a dose-dependent manner. In particular, the invention relates to inhibitors of Elastase ELA2A, for use in the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, such as Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Celiac disease, and Pouchitis.

Velvet disease infestation is detected using affinity reagents that are cross-reactive with one or more A. ocellatum or P. pillulare antigens. The analysis may be performed shipboard, dockside, in an aquaculture or aquarium setting, otherwise in situ at the point of sample collection or elsewhere. The results may be used to monitor health and disease of captured or cultured fish species or the safety of water to be introduced into an aquaculture facility.

An aptamer, capable of inhibiting DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) for use in therapy of diseases characterised by aberrant DNA methylation, e.g. cancer. Method for identifying inhibitors of DNA methyltransferase. An aptamer, capable of inhibiting DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) for use in therapy of diseases characterised by aberrant DNA methylation, e.g. cancer. SELEX method for identifying aptamers of DNA methyltransferase optionally using 2-fluoro-pyrimindine nucleotide derivatives.

Described herein are aptamers capable of binding to growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) protein; compositions comprising a GDF11 binding aptamer with a GDF11 protein; and methods of making and using the same.

The present invention relates to diagnostic test and technology. In particular, it relates to a method for determining an analyte suspected to be present in a sample comprising contacting said sample with at least one sensor element comprising at least one binding agent which is capable of specifically binding to the analyte and which comprises at least one magnetic label; and in functional proximity thereto a magnetic tunnel junction generating a signal which is altered upon binding of the analyte to the binding agent for a time and under conditions which allow for specific binding of the analyte suspected to be present in the sample to the at least one binding agent, measuring an altered signal generated by the magnetic tunnel junction upon analyte binding to the at least one binding agent comprising the at least one magnetic label, and determining the analyte based on the altered signal which is generated by the magnetic tunnel junction. The present invention further relates to a device for determining an analyte suspected to be present in a sample and for using such a device. Moreover, the present invention furthermore relates to an aptamer which is capable of specifically binding to an analyte and which comprises at least one magnetic label and a method for identifying such an aptamer. Finally, the invention relates to a kit for determining an analyte suspected to be present in a sample.

This invention relates to nanofibers comprising aptamers, which have increased stability and activity relative to free aptamers. The invention further relates to kill-switch nanofibers which disrupt the aptamer nanofibers. The invention further relates to methods of using the aptamer nanofibers and the kill-switch nanofibers to regulate the activity of extracellular targets recognized by the aptamers.