Abstract: Methods for preparing complex multivalent immunogenic conjugates that include simultaneously reacting a plurality or immunogenic-distinct polysaccharides with at least one protein to make the complex multivalent immunogenic conjugates. The simultaneous reaction involves reaction of a hydrazide group on one reactant with an aldehyde or cyanate ester group on the other reactant.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the stimulation of immune responses. Specifically, the present invention provides methods of inducing an immune response against one or a plurality of pathogens (e.g., vaccinia virus, H5N1 influenza virus, Bacillus anthracis, C. botulinum, Y. pestis, Hepatits B, and/or HIV, etc.) in a subject (e.g., a human subject) and compositions useful in such methods (e.g., immunogenic composition comprising nanoemulsion and one or a plurality of pathogens (e.g., inactivated by the nanoemulsion) and/or pathogen products and/or pathogen components). Compositions and methods of the present invention find use in, among other things, clinical (e.g. therapeutic and preventative medicine (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treatment of microbial infections and for the enhancement of resistance to infection. The invention comprises administration of an effective amount of a protein isolated from bacterial lysate compositions for the treatment of pathological conditions of microbial infections. The present invention can also be used to enhance the immune system to prevent infections by the administration of an effective amount of the compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to combination vaccines and/or the combined use of immunogenic compositions for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of cattle against microbiological infections, wherein the infections are caused by M. bovis and at least one further cattle relevant pathogen. The combination vaccine as described herein comprises at least one M. bovis antigen, preferably the attenuated, avirulent M. bovis as provided herewith and one or more further immunologically active components effective for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of infections caused by a further pathogen of cattle.

Abstract: Meningococcal lipooligosaccharide and pneumococcal serotype 14 capsular saccharide share an antigen that can cross-react with human tissue. The invention provides various ways of minimising the production of autoreactive antibodies when these two antigens are co-administered.

Abstract: This invention provides novel nitrocellulose-based or Hydrogel-based microarrays and methods of making and using them (1) to detect the presence of one or more agents in a sample, (2) to determine the amount of one or more agents in a sample, (3) to determine whether a subject is afflicted with a disorder, and (4) to determine whether an agent known to specifically bind to a first compound also specifically binds to a second compound. This invention also provides kits which comprise the instant microarrays. This invention further provides antibodies capable of specifically binding to a glycomer present both on the surface of a mammalian macrophage or intestinal epithelial cell, and on a bacterial cell. Finally, this invention provides diagnostic methods using the instant antibodies.

Abstract: The invention provides proteins from Staphylococcus aureus including amino acid sequences and the corresponding nucleotide sequences. The proteins are useful for vaccines, immunogenic compositions, diagnostics, enzymatic studies and also as targets for antibiotics.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions including polypeptides having the characteristics of polypeptides expressed by a reference microbe such E. coli or Salmonella. Examples of Salmonella strains that can be used include, for instance, S. enterica serovar Newport, S. enterica serovar Enteritidis, S. enterica serovar Typhimurium, and S. enterica serovar Dublin. Also provided are compositions including polypeptides having a particular molecular weight and a mass fingerprint that includes polypeptide fragments having a particular set of masses, or polypeptides having an amino acid sequence with at least about 95% identity with an amino acid sequence, wherein the polypeptide has seroreactive activity. The present invention also provides methods of making and methods of using such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses compositions and methods for treating, preventing and/or monitoring viral, bacterial, eukaryotic protist and/or fungal infections. In some embodiments, these compositions and methods involve human polyclonal antibodies affinity purified from human blood using certain viral, bacterial, eukaryotic protist and/or fungal antigens as described herein. Methods of making the antigenic preparations and the affinity-purified human polyclonal antibodies for passive immunization are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides Chlamydia proteins and compositions and methods of use in the treatment/prevention of chlamydial infection in a subject, for eliciting an immune response in a subject and for reducing the likelihood of infertility and reducing the incidence and/or degree of hydrosalpinx due to Chlamydia infection in a subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to Salmonella typhi Ty21a comprising core-linked Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1 O-specific polysaccharide (O-Ps) and DNA encoding O antigen biosynthesis, said DNA selected from the group consisting of: a) the DNA sequence set out in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2 and species homologs thereof; b) DNA encoding Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1 polypeptides encoded by any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2, and species homologs thereof; and c) DNA encoding a O antigen biosynthesis gene product that hybridizes under moderately stringent conditions to the DNA of (a) or (b); and related sequences, compositions of matter, vaccines, methods of using, and methods of making.

Abstract: The invention relates, at least in part, to compositions comprising populations of synthetic nanocarriers that comprise different sets of antigens as well as related methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of vaccination against Salmonella in animals, particularly avian animals. The present invention also encompasses kits and uses of Salmonella immunogenic compositions or vaccines. The present invention further relates to methods and compositions comprising at least one primo-administration of an attenuated immunogenic composition or vaccine, comprising a pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable excipient, diluent or vehicle and at least one attenuated Salmonella, administered to an avian animal before at least one boost-administration of an inactivated immunogenic composition or vaccine, comprising a pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable excipient, diluent or vehicle, and at least one inactivated Salmonella.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a novel S. aureus bioconjugate vaccine. More generally, the invention is directed to Gram-positive and other bioconjugate vaccines containing a protein carrier, at least one polysaccharide such as a capsular Gram-positive polysaccharide, and, optionally, an adjuvant or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The instant invention also includes methods of producing Gram-positive and other bioconjugate vaccines. An N-glycosylated protein is also provided that contains one or more polysaccharides such as Gram-positive polysaccharides. The invention is additionally directed to engineered prokaryotic organisms comprising nucleotide sequences encoding a glycosyltransferase of a first prokaryotic organism and a glycosyltransferase of a second prokaryotic organism. The invention further includes plasmids and prokaryotic cells transformed with plasmids encoding polysaccharides and enzymes which produce an N-glycosylated protein and/or bioconjugate vaccine.

Abstract: Disclosed are isolated Chlamydia trachomatis proteins, methods of fusion protein and associated antibody production, and methods of using isolated proteins and antibodies in diagnosis and detection. Also disclosed are compositions comprising isolated proteins, wherein the compositions can further comprising pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, an adjuvant and/or an immunostimulant, and methods using the pharmaceutical compositions for treating or preventing an infection by Chlamydia in a subject. The compositions may also comprise a protein or immunogenic fragment of a pathogenic organism other than Chlamydia trachomatis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various combinations of pneumococcal polypeptides for use in immunisation. Also disclosed herein are pneumococcal polypeptides that may be useful as single antigens. These polypeptides may optionally be used in combination with pneumococcal saccharides. The antigens may be used in pneumococcal vaccines, but may also be used as components in vaccines for immunising against multiple pathogens.

Abstract: Chimeric flaviviruses that are avirulent and immunogenic are provided. The chimeric viruses are constructed to contain amino acid mutations in the nonstructural viral proteins of a flavivirus. Chimeric viruses containing the attenuation-mutated nonstructural genes of the virus are used as a backbone into which the structural genes of a second flavivirus strain are inserted. These chimeric viruses elicit pronounced immunogenicity yet lack the accompanying clinical symptoms of viral disease. The attenuated chimeric viruses are effective as immunogens or vaccines and may be combined in a pharmaceutical composition to confer simultaneous immunity against several strains of pathogenic flaviviruses.

Abstract: The present invention features peptides of a PorB polypeptide, which PorB peptides are useful in production of antibodies that bind the full-length PorB polypeptide and as a therapeutic agent. In specific embodiments the invention features a composition comprising one or more PorB peptides (other than a full-length PorB polypeptide), which peptides contain at least one epitope that can elicit Chlamydia-neutralizing antibodies. The invention also features methods for induction of a protective immune response against infection by Chlamydia and Chlamydophila.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of bacterial polysaccharide antigen vaccines. In particular, the present invention relates to vaccines comprising a pneumococcal polysaccharide antigen, typically a pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate antigen, formulated with a protein antigen form Streptococcus pneumoniae, and optionally a Th1-inducing adjuvant.

Abstract: The invention relates to vaccines comprising recombinant vectors, such as recombinant adenoviruses. The vectors comprise heterologous nucleic acids encoding for at least two antigens from one or more tuberculosis-causing bacilli. The invention also relates to the use of specific protease recognition sites linking antigens through which the encoded antigens are separated upon cleavage. After cleavage, the antigens contribute to the immune response in a separate manner. The recombinant vectors may comprise a nucleic acid encoding the protease cleaving the linkers and separating the antigens. The invention furthermore relates to the use of genetic adjuvants encoded by the recombinant vectors, wherein such genetic adjuvants may also be cleaved through the presence of the cleavable linkers and the specific protease.

Abstract: Combination vaccines for treating or preventing Neisseria meningitidis infection are described. The vaccines include Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B proteoliposomic vesicles and Neissera meningitidis serogroup C conjugated oligosaccharides.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to vaccine formulations comprising an immunogenic composition for inducing antibodies to both S. pneumoniae and N. meningitides in a subject. In a preferred aspect, the immunogenic composition comprises covalently conjugated recombinant PsaA (“rPsaA”) from S. pneumoniae and capsular polysaccharide from N. meningitidis serogroup C. This disclosure further relates to methods for producing the immunogenic composition as well as methods for their use.

Abstract: Antitoxin and vaccine compositions based on nodavirus VLPs are provided. Anthrax antitoxin and vaccine compositions are provided. Methods of treating toxins with VLP-based antitoxins are provided. Methods of raising an immune response with immunogen decorated VLPs are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination vaccine comprising a mixture of antigens for protection against diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, whole cell pertussis and polio. The present invention also relates to inclusion of one or more antigens in the said combination vaccine, for protection against infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae. Hepatitis virus, and other pathogens, such that administration of the vaccine can simultaneously immunize a subject against more than one pathogen. The invention in particular relates to a fully liquid stable combination vaccine comprising the antigens as indicated above and the methods for manufacturing the same.

Abstract: An antigen composition for stimulating an immune response in an inoculated avian species to at least one intestinal pathogenic organism includes seven field strains of E. coli, Pseudomona aeruginosa, Aerobacter aerogenes, Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella agona, and Salmonella Kentucky. The antigen composition can be used alone or in combination with a Marek's Disease vaccine to reduce shedding of E. coli and/or Salmonella bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunogenic compositions comprising a recombinant Neisseria gonorrhoeae OpcA and methods of eliciting an immune response in a mammal by administering a formulation comprising N. gonorrhoeae OpcA or a portion or fragment of N. gonorrhoeae OpcA. The invention also provides for methods and kits for diagnosing N. gonorrhoeae infection using said recombinant N. gonorrhoeae OpcA.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nutritional composition comprising a combination of non-digestible oligosaccharides and a product obtained by incubating an aqueous substrate by bifidobacteria and optionally a product obtained by incubating an aqueous substrate by S. thermophilus. Said combination synergistically improves the immune system by stimulating the Th1 response, and/or decreasing the Th2 response, improving the vaccination response, improving the resistance against infections and/or decreasing allergy.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for preparing a stable powder formulation of an alum-adsorbed vaccine. The methods comprise atomizing a liquid formulation comprising an immunogen adsorbed onto an aluminum adjuvant to produce an atomized formulation, freezing the atomized formulation to produce frozen particles, and drying the frozen particles to produce dried powder particles. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a stable powder formulation of an alum-adsorbed vaccine are also disclosed herein. The pharmaceutical compositions are stable at high temperatures and can be reconstituted in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to produce a reconstituted liquid vaccine that exhibits little or no particle agglomeration and retains immunogenicity. Methods of using the alum-adsorbed vaccine compositions for preventing and treating a disease in a subject, wherein the disease is associated with the particular immunogen, are further provided.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterin vaccine composition, which advantageously provides immunity from infection after a single administration. The composition comprises an inactivated Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterin and an adjuvant mixture, which, in combination, provide immunity from Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infection after a single administration, and elicit an immune response specific to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterin and including cell-mediated immunity and local (secretory IgA) immunity. In a preferred embodiment, the adjuvant mixture comprises an acrylic acid polymer, most preferably CARBOPOL®, and a mixture of a metabolizable oil such as one or more unsaturated terpene hydrocarbons, preferably squalene or squalane, and a polyoxyethylene-polypropylene block copolymer such as PLURONIC®. The vaccine composition may optionally include a preservative, preferably thimerosal and/or EDTA.

Abstract: The invention provides proteins from group B streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) and group A streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes), including amino acid sequences and the corresponding nucleotide sequences. Data are given to show that the proteins are useful antigens for vaccines, immunogenic compositions, and/or diagnostics. The proteins are also targets for antibiotics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination vaccine against Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) and M. tuberculosis and/or M. bovis for use in methods of immunizing a subject against mycobacterial infection, preventing or treating mycobacterial infection, and preventing a disease associated with mycobacterial infection.

Abstract: A vaccine composition for vaccinating dogs comprising any one or more of (a) an agent capable of raising an immune response against Streptococcus equi sub species zooepidemicus in a dog, (b) an agent capable of raising an immune response against Mycoplasma cynos in a dog, and (c) an agent capable of raising an immune response against a Chlamydophila in a dog.

Abstract: The present invention provides Chlamydia proteins and compositions and methods of use in the treatment/prevention of chlamydial infection in a subject, for eliciting an immune response in a subject and for reducing the likelihood of infertility and reducing the incidence and/or degree of hydrosalpinx due to Chlamydia infection in a subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptide carrier proteins that comprise at least five CD4+ T cell epitopes, for conjugation to capsular polysaccharides. The carrier proteins are useful as components of vaccines that can elicit a T-cell dependent immune response. These vaccines are particularly useful to confer protection against infection from encapsulated bacteria in infants between the ages of 3 months and about 2 years.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for eliciting an immune response against Streptococcus pneumoniae. More particularly, the compositions and methods relate to immunogenic polypeptides, including fragments of PcpA and variants thereof, and nucleic acids, vectors and transfected cells that encode or express the polypeptides. Methods of making and using the immunogenic polypeptides are also described.

Abstract: Modified streptococcal polysaccharides and methods of using the modified polysaccharides are provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel rod-shaped pleiomorphic non-motile Gram-negative bacterium causing a new, deadly, disease in fish, to a microbiological culture comprising said bacterium, to a vaccine comprising said bacterium and methods for the preparation of such a vaccine, to antibodies reactive with said bacterium, to diagnostic test kits and to the use of said bacterium.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a bacterial composition having immunomodulation properties comprising at least one strain selected from the group consisting of Lactobacillus acidophilus PTA-4797, Lactobacillus plantarum PTA-4799, Lactobacillus salivarius PTA-4800, Lactobacillus paracasei PTA-4798, Bifidobacterium bifidum PTA-4801 and Bifidobacterium lactis PTA-4802. An other subject of the invention is an immunomodulation method comprising the step of using the at least one strain selected from the preceding group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of neisserial vaccine compositions, their manufacture, and the use of such compositions in medicine. More particularly it relates to processes of making novel engineered meningococcal strains which are more suitable for the production of neisserial, in particular meningococcal, outer-membrane vesicle (or bleb) vaccines. Advantageous processes and vaccine products are also described based on the use of novel LOS subunit or meningococcal outer-membrane vesicle (or bleb) vaccines which have been rendered safer and/or more effective for use in human subjects. In particular combinations of gene downregulations are described such as PorA and OpA, PorA and OpC, OpA and Opc, and PorA and OpA and OpC. Alternatively, or in addition, lgtB? is shown to be an optimal mutation for effectively and safely using L3 and/or L2 LOS in Neisseria vaccine compositions.

Abstract: A combination of CpG oligonucleotides and polymer microparticles is an extremely effective adjuvant for Neisserial antigens. The invention therefore provides a composition comprising: (a) a Neisserial antigen; (b) a CpG oligonucleotide; and (c) a biodegradable polymer microparticle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated refolded NspA protein, and a method of preparing it.

Abstract: The present invention relates i.a. to vaccines for combating Mycoplasma infection, to mycoplasmal L-?-glycerophosphate oxidase for use in such vaccines, to the use of mycoplasmal L-?-glycerophosphate oxidase for the manufacturing of such vaccines, to methods for the preparation of such vaccines and to diagnostic tests for the discrimination of animals vaccinated with said vaccines and animals vaccinated with whole cell vaccines or animals suffering from field infection.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel proteins, e.g., antigens, from Piscirickettsia salmonis. The present invention further discloses nucleic acids that encode these proteins. The present invention also discloses the use of the proteins, e.g., antigens, and nucleic acids to prepare vaccines against salmonid rickettsial septicemia (SRS). The present invention also discloses vaccines that can be used to protect fish from Piscirickettsia salmonis, as well as other pathogens. In addition, the present invention discloses methods of using the vaccines of the present invention to protect fish from SRS as well as from other pathogenic diseases.

Abstract: An antigen composition for stimulating an immune response in an inoculated avian species to at least one intestinal pathogenic organism includes seven field strains of E. coli, Pseudomona aeruginosa, Aerobacter aerogenes, Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella agona, and Salmonella Kentucky. The antigen composition can be used alone or in combination with a Marek's Disease vaccine to reduce shedding of E. coli and/or Salmonella bacteria.

Abstract: The methods and compositions of the present invention are directed to a vaccine against Vibrio cholerae comprised of V. cholerae outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). Such vaccines are relatively stable, facilitating distribution. Inventive methods generally include administration of a vaccine against Vibrio cholerae by intranasal, intraperitoneal, oral or intragastric routes. Such vaccines confer immunity to the individual, and when administered to pregnant subjects, can be conferred to the offspring of individuals.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions and methods for eliciting an immune response against B. anthracis and other bacilli are provided that include immunogenic conjugates of a poly-?-glutamic acid (?PGA) polypeptide of B. anthracis, or of another Bacillus that expresses a ?PGA polypeptide. The ?PGA conjugates elicit an effective immune response against B. anthracis, or against another Bacillus, in mammalian hosts to which the conjugates are administered.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a Neisserial antigen and a detoxified ADP-ribosylating toxin are provided. These compositions have been found useful for mucosal immunization, particularly for nasal immunization against Neisseria meningitidis.

Abstract: The invention provides a fusion protein comprising a flagellin adjuvant and a Yersinia pestis antigen. Also provided are compositions comprising a flagellin adjuvant and a Yersinia pestis antigen. The invention also discloses methods of making a fusion protein comprising a flagellin adjuvant and a Yersinia pestis antigen. The invention further provides pharmaceutical formulations and methods for inducing an immune response against Yersinia pestis.

Abstract: Vaccine preparations for the prevention and treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and, in particular, its most severe form, termed “shipping fever”, are provided. The preparations comprise chimeric proteins comprising immunodominant epitopes of recombinant Mannheimia haemolytica outer membrane protein PlpE, and immunodominant epitopes of recombinant M. haemolytica leukotoxin.