Abstract: The invention provides methods for assessing immunoglobulins directed to neurodegenerative disease-associated antigens. Methods of the instant invention involve specific, sensitive and precise identification of Ig classes of antibodies present in a test sample that are capable of binding an immobilized neurodegenerative disease-associated antigen. The enhanced assessment of antibodies directed to specific neurodegenerative disease-associated antigens that is enabled by the invention improves both monitoring of neurodegenerative disease treatment and prediction of neurodegenerative disease progression.

Abstract: The present invention provides for immunogenic compositions and their methods of use as vaccines and their method of preparation. These immunogenic compositions comprise a recombinant protein of toxin A or toxin B of Clostridium difficile conjugated to a polysaccharide of a microbial pathogen. The immunogenic compositions may include only a truncated portion of toxin A or toxin B, particularly the repeating units (rARU or rBRU), that is associated with a microbial pathogen polysaccharide. Such compositions are effective in eliciting T-cell dependent and antibody responses. These compositions are therefore effective as vaccines for humans, particularly children, and animals in affording protection against one or more microbial pathogens.