Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating or preventing allergic reactions, particularly anaphylactic reactions. Methods of the present invention involve administering microorganisms to allergic subjects, where the microorganisms contain a recombinant version of the protein allergen. The recombinant version can be wild-type or may include mutations within IgE epitopes of the protein allergen. Preferably the compositions are administered rectally. Particularly preferred microorganisms are bacteria such as E. coli. Any allergen may be used in the inventive methods. Particularly preferred allergens are anaphylactic allergens including protein allergens found in foods, venoms, drugs and latex. The inventive compositions and methods are demonstrated in the treatment of peanut-induced anaphylaxis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of prevention and treatment of tumors and gastrointestinal disorders. The present invention relates to the prevention and treatment of Core-1-positive carcinomas. The invention relates to coreotics and a method of producing the same and to a method of prevention and treatment of core-1 positive disorders using the same. The invention relates to microorganisms or fractions thereof capable of activating cellular immunity against carbohydrates.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for expressing heterologous proteins useful in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of bacterial infection, for example extraintestinal E. coli infection such as E. coli bacteremia, meningitis and sepsis. The invention relates also to methods of diagnosis and prevention.

Abstract: A DNA vaccine suitable for eliciting an immune response against cancer cells comprises a polynucleotide construct operably encoding an a Fra-1 protein, such as a polyubiquitinated human Fra-1 protein, and IL-18, such as human IL-18, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the polynucleotide construct is operably incorporated in an attenuated bacterial vector, such as an attenuated Salmonella typhimurium, particularly a doubly attenuated aroA- dam- S. typhimurium. Transformed host cells, methods of inhibiting tumor growth, of vaccinating a patient against cancer, and of delivering genetic material to a mammalian cell in vivo are also described.

Abstract: A recombinant operon comprising a gene assembly wherein there are at least two structural genes coding for at least two major subunits of colonization factor antigens (CFs) associated with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli bacteria (ETEC), is disclosed. Further disclosed is a host cell, such as an Escherichia coli cell, genetically engineered to comprise such a recombinant operon, wherein said operon is located on an episomal element, such as a plasmid, or integrated in the chromosome of said host cell. Also disclosed is a method of producing a host cell capable of expressing from said operon at least two major subunits of colonization factor antigens (CFs) associated with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli bacteria (ETEC). In addition, a vaccine composition against diarrhea comprising at least one such host cell together with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, buffers, and/or diluents is disclosed. Finally is disclosed the use of said operon in the production of such a vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to detoxified and immunologically active proteins (“mutant LTs”) having mutated amino acid sequences of heat-labile enterotoxin of E. coli, DNA sequences encoding the mutant LTs, recombinant expression vectors comprising the DNAs, recombinant microorganisms transformed with the recombinant expression vectors, process for preparing the mutant LTs and pharmaceutical application of the said protein as immunogenic antigens for vaccination and as adjuvants for anti-body production. In contrast to wild-type LT, the mutant LTs did not induce any toxic activities. The mutant LTs elicited high and comparable levels of anti-LT antibodies when delivered either intragastrically or intranasally, inducing systemic and local responses in serum and fecal extracts. Thus, they might be useful for the development of a novel diarrheal vaccine in humans and animals.

Abstract: This invention relates to a HB vaccine enhancing protein, its gene, gene engineering method for expressing this protein, and the application of this method. The cDNA of this protein, which is screened out from human liver cDNA library, is sequenced and then cloned into prokaryotic or eukaryotic (animal or plant) cell for expression of protein coded by the cDNA (for example, cloning into prokaryotic expression carrier and expression in E. coli) and purification of the protein. The protein obtained, when used with HB vaccine, can significantly increase the effect of the vaccine, the immune power of HBV carrier, and the titer of antibody. The protein can be used as an adjutant to HB vaccine.

Abstract: This invention is based on the experimental finding that activators of Rho GTPases, namely the cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1 (CNF1), and DNT bear immunostimulatory properties towards the systemic response to orally administered ovalbumine. This invention concerns a vaccine composition including an immunoadjuvant compound, wherein the immunoadjuvant compound consists of a Rho GTPase activator.

Abstract: A live attenuated bacterium of the genus Escherichia, Salmonella or Yersinia, said bacterium being incapable of expressing a functional Eda protein as a result of a mutation in the eda gene and a vaccine comprising the live attenuated bacterium.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of streptokinase using a genetically engineered strain of Escherichia coli which overproduces streptokinase intracellularly and more particularly, the overall process disclosed herein, concerns with an improvement in the fermentative production of streptokinase using an optimized growth medium mainly comprised of simple salts and trace-elements; thus, in principal, the present process constitutes an improved and more economical means for the production of streptokinase which may be useful in thrombolytic therapy.

Abstract: This invention relates to adjuvant formulations comprising various combinations of triterpenoids, sterols, immunomodulators, polymers, and Th2 stimulators; methods for making the adjuvant compositions; and the use of the adjuvant formulations in immunogenic and vaccine compositions with different antigens. This invention further relates to the use of the formulations in the treatment of animals.

Abstract: Methods for making and using therapeutic formulations of Proteosome-based immunoactive compositions are provided. The immunogenic compositions, which include Proteosomes and liposaccharides, may be used to elicit or enhance a nonspecific innate immune response to, for example, treat or prevent infectious disease. In addition, after activating the innate immune system, immunogenic compositions further containing an antigen may be used to elicit a specific adaptive immune response. Furthermore, provided are compositions capable of altering hyperreactive responses or inflammatory immune responses, such as allergic reactions. Such compositions may be used as a prophylactic, or in various clinical settings to treat or prevent infectious disease (such as parasite, fungal, bacterial or viral infections), or to alter inappropriate inflammatory immune responses (such as allergic reactions or asthma).

Abstract: The invention provides methods of generating phage lysate bacterins, as well as phage lysate bacterin compositions. The invention further encompasses methods of vaccination comprising administering phage lysate bacterin to an animal in need thereof. The invention further encompasses methods of reducing infection or colonization of poultry or poultry eggs using phage bacterin lysates. Method of vaccination comprising administering to an animal in need of immunization an amount of phage lysate bacterin to induce an immune response.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the treatment and/or prevention of bacterial infection in central nervous system and/or peripheral blood circulation in a mammal by administering effective amount of outer membrane protein A (OmpA) or its derivatives to a mammal. Also provided is an antibody binding to OmpA that can assay OmpA levels in a biological sample and detect or diagnose bacterial infection in central nervous system and/or peripheral blood circulation.

Abstract: This invention is directed to oral-intestinal vaccines and their use against diseases caused by enteropathogenic organisms using antigens encapsulated within biodegradable-biocompatible microspheres.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the treatment and/or prevention of bacterial infection caused by klebsiella pneumoniae and other gram-negative bacteria in central nervous system and/or peripheral blood circulation in a mammal by administering effective amount of outer membrane protein A (OmpA) or its derivatives to a mammal. Also provided are a method for vaccinating a mammal to produce an antibody against bacterial infection caused by Enterobacteriaceae family in central nervous system and/or peripheral blood circulation and a method of detecting or diagnosing bacterial infections caused by Enterobacteriaceae family in central nervous system and/or peripheral blood circulation in a mammal.

Abstract: The invention features methods and compositions for treating or preventing Gram-negative bacterial infections.

Abstract: A genetic deletion mutant live E. coli vaccine suitable for mass application to poultry, including chickens, is provided. Also provided is a safe and effective method to protect poultry against the ravages of Escherichia coli bacillosis infection and disease in which a live mutant aroA-gene deleted E. coli immunogen is administered to chickens, turkeys and the like via mass application routes such as coarse sprays and drinking water.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions including siderophore receptor polypeptides and porins from gram negative microbes, and preferably, lipopolysaccarhide at a concentration of no greater than about 10.0 endotoxin units per milliliter. The present invention also provides methods of making and methods of using such compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides a vaccine for immunizing poultry and other animals against infection by a gram-negative bacteria, and a method of immunizing an animal using the vaccine. The vaccine may contain purified siderophore receptor proteins derived from a single strain or species of gram-negative bacteria or other organism, which are cross-reactive with siderophores produced by two or more strains, species or genera of gram-negative bacteria. The invention further provides a process for isolating and purifying the siderophore receptor proteins, and for preparing a vaccine containing the proteins. Also provided is a method for diagnosing gram-negative sepsis.

Abstract: A vaccine delivered by transcutaneous immunization provides an effective treatment against infections by pathogens such as, for example, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) and/or for symptoms of diarrheal disease caused thereby. For example, one, two, three, four, five or more antigens derived from ETEC and capable of inducing an antigen-specific immune response (e.g., toxins, colonization or virulence factors) and one or more optional adjuvant (e.g., whole bacterial ADP-ribosylating exotoxins, B subunits or toxoids thereof, detoxified mutants and derivatives thereof) are used to manufacture vaccines or to induce systemic and/or mucosal immunity.

Abstract: Vitreous compositions of an antigen and adjuvant, and methods for making the compositions are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutically acceptable formulations of the vitreous compositions, reconstituted liquid formulations of the vitreous compositions, vaccine compositions, and kits containing the vitreous compositions. Also disclosed are devices for administering the vitreous compositions to mammals and methods for eliciting an immune response in mammals by administering the compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions of polypeptides specific to pathogenic strains comprising at least one polypeptide of a first group, having a sequence selected in the group comprising the sequences of SEQ ID No. 159, or homologous sequences of polypeptides of the first group and/or the second group with a minimum of 25% of identity with the whole sequences of said polypeptides. Application for the preparation of vaccine compositions specific to E. coli extra-intestinal infections.

Abstract: Improved, low cost vaccines for administration to living subjects such as mammals and birds are provided, which include killed recombinantly modified microorganisms (whole cell recombinant bacterin vaccine), the latter including recombinant DNA encoding at least one protective protein (e.g., an antigenic protein) which has been expressed by the microorganisms prior to killing thereof. The protective protein(s) are operable to prevent or reduce the severity of a disease of the subject. The vaccine preparations of the invention do not require separation of the protective protein(s) from the host recombinant microorganism(s), thereby materially decreasing the complexity and cost of the vaccine formulations. A preferred vaccine against kennel cough includes recombinantly modified microorganisms which express protective antigens containing pertactin and filamentous hemagglutinin protein products.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes pathogenic bacteria that have been modified to be deficient in NiFe hydrogenase activity; compositions comprising such modified bacteria, and the use of such bacteria to protect animals from pathogenic enteric bacterial infections.

Abstract: The invention provides in part methods of treating cancers of a specific organ or tissue by administering a composition that is antigenically specific for one or more microbes that are pathogenic in the specific organ or tissue in which the cancer is situated. The formulations of the invention thereby facilitate activation of a treatment response to a cancer in a particular tissue or organ. The compositions may for example include killed or attenuated microbial pathogens, and may be administered at sites distant from the cancer, for example the skin. In some embodiments, microbial species of endogenous flora that are known to cause infection in the relevant organ or tissue may be used in the formulation of the antigenic compositions. In alternative embodiments, exogenous microbial pathogens that are known to cause infection in the relevant organ or tissue may be used in the formulation of the antigenic compositions.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for stimulating an immune response against a secreted enterohemorragic Escherichia coli (EHEC) antigen are disclosed. The compositions comprise EHEC cell culture supernatants.

Abstract: A method for modulating Nod1 activity wherein said method comprises the steps of providing cells expressing a functional Nod1: and bringing said cells into contact with a molecule related to compositions comprising a molecule related to MTP and use of a molecule related to MTP for modulating inflammation and/or apoptosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of producing, and compositions comprising, an isolated alpha (2?8) or (2?9) oligosialic acid derivative bearing a non-reducing end enriched for one or more de-N-acetyl residues and resistant to degradation by exoneuraminidase. A representative production method involves: (i) treating an alpha (2?8) or (2?9) oligosialic acid precursor having a reducing end and a non-reducing end with sodium borohydride under conditions for de-N-acetylating the non-reducing end; and (ii) isolating alpha (2?8) or (2?9) oligosialic acid derivative having one or more de-N-acetylated residues and a non-reducing end that is resistant to degradation by exoneuraminidase. Isolated alpha (2?8) or (2?9) oligosialic acid derivatives that comprise a non-reducing end de-N-acetyl residue are provided, as well as antibodies specific for the derivatives, compositions comprising the derivatives, kits, and methods of use including protection against and detection of E. coli K1 and N.

Abstract: The present invention describes the adjuvant activity of mutants of LT-IIa and LT-IIb enterotoxin which lack ganglioside binding activity. The adjuvant activity of the LT-IIb(T13I) mutant is comparable to that of the wild type LT-IIb. The adjuvant activity of LT-IIa(T34I) mutant is also described which exhibits a late onset adjuvant activity. These mutants are useful for enhancing immune response to antigens.

Abstract: The invention provides live, attenuated enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) bacteria in which the Shiga toxin coding sequences are deleted to abolish Shiga toxin production and one or more of the nucleotide sequences for the bacterial adhesin protein intimin, the locus of enterocyte effacement encoded regulator, and the translocated intimin receptor are mutated to inactivate the activity of the encoded protein(s). This live, attenuated E. coli bacteria is used in a vaccine for reducing or inhibiting carriage and shedding of EHEC in cattle.

Abstract: A transcutaneous immunization system where the topical application of an adjuvant and an antigen or nucleic acid encoding for an antigen, to intact skin induces a systemic or mucosol antibody response. The immune response so elicited can be enhanced by physical or chemical skin penetration enhancement.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of a mutant form of EtxB or CtxB to deliver an agent to a target cell wherein the mutant has GM-1 binding activity; but wherein the mutant has a reduced immunogenic and immunomodulatory activity relative to the wild type form of EtxB or CtxB.

Abstract: A genetic deletion mutant live E. coli vaccine suitable for mass application to poultry, including chickens, is provided. Also provided is a safe and effective method to protect poultry against the ravages of Escherichia coli bacillosis infection and disease in which a live mutant aroA-gene deleted E. coli immunogen is administered to chickens, turkeys and the like via mass application routes such as coarse sprays and drinking water.

Abstract: This invention relates to amino acid sequences from within a consensus peptide of the formula: VEKNITVTASVDPTIDLLQADGSALPSAVALTYSPA (SEQ ID. NO: 1) Eight mer peptides from within the consensus peptide were tested against an antibody raised to the consensus peptide. Studies relating to antibody raised to denatured proteins from the natural organisms producing the family of proteins were also useful and showed particular value of some sequences. A sequence of the formula ASVDPTIDLLQA (SEQ ID NO: 2) was identified thereby. An enlarge sequence of the formula TVTASVDPTIDLLQAD (SEQ ID NO: 3) is also especially interesting as are intermediate sequences such as sequences VTASVDPTIDLLQAD (SEQ ID NO: 4), TASVDPTIDLLQAD (SEQ ID NO: 5), and TASVDPTIDLLQA (SEQ ID NO: 6) as being binding sites for antibodies raised to the denatured proteins.

Abstract: Compositions comprising products of the csa operon, an isolated nucleic acid encoding the csa operon or functional fragments thereof, purified polypeptide products of the csa operon or functional fragments thereof, methods of eliciting an immune response to these products, and methods of producing products of the csa operon are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to adjuvants that contain a lecithin, an oil and an amphiphilic surfactant and that are capable of forming a stable oil-in-water emulsion vaccine so as to minimize local reactions to the vaccine in the injected animal.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for stimulating an immune response against a secreted enterohemorragic Escherichia coli (EHEC) antigen are disclosed. The compositions comprise EHEC cell culture supernatants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunogenic conjugate comprising a carrier molecule coupled to an autoinducer of a Gram negative bacteria The immunogenic conjugate, when combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, forms a suitable vaccine for mammals to prevent infection by the Gram negative bacteria The immunogenic conjugate is also used to raise and subsequently isolate antibodies or binding portions thereof which are capable of recognizing and binding to the autoinducer. The antibodies or binding portions thereof are utilized in a method of treating infections, a method of inhibiting autoinducer activity, and in diagnostic assays which detect the presence of autoinducers or autoinducer antagonists in fluid or tissue samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for reducing shedding in an animal. Generally, the method includes administcriirn to an animal a composition including siderophore receptor polypeptides and porins from gram negative microbes, and preferably, lipopolysaccarhide at a concentration of no greater than about 10.0 endotoxin units per milliliter.

Abstract: A genetic deletion mutant live E. coli vaccine suitable for mass application to poultry, including chickens, is provided. Also provided is a safe and effective method to protect poultry against the ravages of Escherichia coli bacillosis infection and disease in which a live mutant aroA-gene deleted E. coli immunogen is administered to chickens, turkeys and the like via mass application routes such as coarse sprays and drinking water.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating mastitis in a milk producing animal. The methods include administering compositions including siderophore receptor polypeptides and porins from gram negative microbes, and preferably, lipopolysaccarhide at a concentration of no greater than about 10.0 endotoxin units per milliliter.

Abstract: There is disclosed vaccines formulated for administration to the mucosa of the lungs of a mammal, and the use thereof in methods for prophylaxis or treatment of an infection by at least one pathogenic microorganism. The vaccines comprise a cellular fraction of the microorganism that is essentially free of particulate matter and includes polyvalent soluble antigen from the microorganism.

Abstract: The invention features methods and compositions for treatment or prevention of infection by, or disease caused by infection with, certain species of bacteria, including in particular bacteria in which a RAP-type and/or TRAP-type molecule plays a role in pathogenesis. This includes Staphylococcus species.

Abstract: A novel protein which has an activity to transport hydantoin compounds is described, as well as a recombinant expressing this transporter protein. From Microbacterium liquefaciens strain AJ3912, a novel gene was discovered to encode a protein which is able to transport hydantoin compounds. A recombinant with an excellent ability to uptake hydantoin compounds is obtained by introducing and expressing the novel gene, called mhp, using gene recombination techniques.

Abstract: There is provided a vaccine composition comprising a combination of a genetic deletion mutant S. typhimurium microorganism and a genetic deletion mutant E. coli microorganism, suitable for mass application to poultry. Also provided is a safe and effective method to protect poultry against the ravages of E. coli and Salmonella infection and disease.

Abstract: A method for producing target proteins by deleting or amplifying ibpA and/or ibpB genes coding for inclusion body-associated proteins. Two methods for producing target proteins using ibpA and/or ibpB genes coding for inclusion body-associated proteins of E. coli are described. The first method enhances the secretory production and activity of target proteins using ibpA and/or ibpB genes-deleted bacteria. The second method enhances the production of target proteins in the cytoplasm and also converts the target proteins from soluble form to insoluble inclusion body, using ibpA and/or ibpB gene-amplified bacteria.

Abstract: A polypeptide, called Tir (for translocated intimin receptor, which is secreted by attaching and effacing pathogens, such as the enteropathogenic (EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) E. coli. These bacterial pathogens inserts their own receptors into mammalian cell surfaces, to which the bacterial pathogen then adheres to trigger additional host signaling events and actin nucleation. Diagnosis of disease caused by pathogenic E. coli can be performed by the use of antibodies which bind to Tir to detect the protein or the use of nucleic acid probes for detection of nucleic acids encoding Tir polypeptide. Isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding Tir polypeptide, Tir peptides, a recombinant method for producing recombinant Tir, antibodies which bind to Tir, and a kit for the detection of Tir-producing E. coli are provided. A method of immunizing a host with Tir to induce a protective immune response to Tir or a second polypeptide of interest is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for making compositions including siderophore receptor polypeptides and porins from gram negative microbes. The methods include providing a gram negative microbe, disrupting the microbe, solubilizing the disrupted microbe, and isolating the polypeptides.