Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of separating one or more immunoglobulin containing proteins from a liquid. The method includes first contacting the liquid with a separation matrix comprising ligands immobilised to a support; allowing the immunoglobulin containing proteins to adsorb to the matrix by interaction with the ligands; followed by an optional step of washing the matrix containing the immunoglobulin containing proteins adsorbed thereon; and recovering said immunoglobulin containing proteins by contacting the matrix with an eluent which releases the proteins. The method improves upon previous separation methods in that each of the ligands comprises one or more of a protein A domain (E, D, A, B, C), or protein Z, or a functional variant thereof, with at least one of the monomers having a substitution of the Asparagine at the position corresponding to N28 of B domain of Protein A or Protein Z, and wherein the ligand provides an increase in elution pH compared to non-substituted ligand.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved binding compounds capable of specifically binding Gram-positive bacteria. Binding compounds are provided that are fully human, enabling therapeutic applications in human individuals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of separating one or more immunoglobulin containing proteins from a liquid. The method includes first contacting the liquid with a separation matrix comprising ligands immobilised to a support; allowing the immunoglobulin containing proteins to adsorb to the matrix by interaction with the ligands; followed by an optional step of washing the adsorbed immunoglobulin containing proteins; and recovering said immunoglobulin containing proteins by contacting the matrix with an eluent which releases the proteins. The method improves upon previous separation methods in that each of the ligands comprises one or more of a protein A domain (E, D, A, B, C), or protein Z, or a functional variant thereof, with at least one of the monomers having a substitution of the C-terminal most proline residue after the third alpha-helix.

Abstract: An antigenic composition comprises several antigenic components derived from antigens of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi or subsp. zooepidemicus, wherein at least one component is a fusion protein or polypeptide comprising two or more such antigens or fragments thereof. The antigenic composition may be used for immunization of mammals against S. equi subsp. equi and/or subsp. zooepidemicus. A vaccine composition comprising the antigenic composition as immunizing component is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to Clostridium difficile toxin-specific antibodies, compositions, and uses thereof. The anti-toxin antibodies may be specific for either TcdA or TcdB. The invention also includes methods of treating a Clostridium difficile infection, methods of capturing Clostridium difficile toxins, and methods of detecting Clostridium difficile toxins.

Abstract: The present invention provides fully human antibodies that bind to either toxin A or toxin B of Clostridium difficile, or to both toxin A and toxin B, compositions comprising the antibodies and methods of use. The antibodies of the invention are useful for neutralizing the toxins from C. difficile, thus providing a means of treating the disease and symptoms associated with a C. difficile infection, including the treatment of diarrhea, or pseudomembranous colitis caused by C. difficile. The antibodies may also prevent the severity and/or duration of the primary disease, or may prevent the number, duration, and/or the severity of recurrences, or relapses of the disease attributed to the presence of C. difficile. The antibodies of the invention may also be useful for diagnosis of an infection by C. difficile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a platform technology for production of antigen binding polypeptides having specificity for a desired target antigen which is based on the conventional antibody repertoire of species in the family Camelidae, and to antigen binding polypeptides obtained using this technology platform. In particular, the invention provides an antigen binding polypeptide comprising a VH domain and a VL domain, wherein at least one hypervariable loop or complementarity determining region (CDR) in the VH domain or the VL domain is obtained from a VH or VL domain of a species in the family Camelidae.

Abstract: A method for detecting an inflammatory or an autoimmune condition, comprising analyzing bacterial lipids, such as phosphorylated dihydroceramides (PDHC), in a sample; and, comparing results of the analysis of the bacterial lipids in the sample with information on occurrence of the bacterial lipids in a comparable sample, wherein the comparison is indicative of the inflammatory or the autoimmune condition. An example of the autoimmune condition is multiple sclerosis. According to one embodiment, an increased ratio of phosphoglycerol dihydroceramide (PG DHC) to phosphoethanolamine dihydroceramide (PE DHC) in a blood sample indicates a presence of MS in the source patient. The use of PDHCs as biomarkers for detection of MS is described. Antibodies specific to PG DHC or PE DHC are also provided, along with their uses. Also provided are compositions comprising bacteria-originated lipids useful for modulation of immune responses or TLR pathways in humans, animals, and human or animal cells or tissues.

Abstract: Provided herein are reagents, compositions, and therapies with which to treat Clostridium difficile infection and related disease conditions and pathologies, such as Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, resulting from infection by Clostridium difficile bacteria and the enterotoxins produced by these bacteria. In particular, antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof that bind specifically to toxin A and/or toxin B of C difficile and neutralize the activities of these toxins; compositions comprising such antibodies; and methods of using the antibodies and the compositions are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a structure-modeling approach to identify therapeutic and diagnostic targets on proteins. Means are provided to generate agents which bind and optionally antagonize a particular domain within a protein referred to as a Cleaved_Adhesin Family Domain. In an embodiment, the disclosure is directed to the control of Porphyromonas gingivalis infection or infection by related microorganisms by targeting selected domains on protease-like molecules having a hemagglutinin region. In another embodiment, the present invention enables the modulation or detection of a protein having a Cleaved_Adhesin domain homologous to those in the protease-like molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides antagonizing antibodies that bind to S. aureus alpha-toxin. The invention further provides a method of obtaining such antibodies and antibody encoding nucleic acids. The invention further relates to therapeutic methods for use of these antibodies for the treatment and/or prevention of staphylococcal disease, including, for example, pneumonia, bacteremia, sepsis, eye infection, and abscess.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, antibodies, and methods for binding intracellular antigens.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are isolated and purified Staphylococcus aureus bi-component leukocidin, referred to herein as LukAB, and its components LukA and LukB, antibodies specific to LukA, antibodies specific to LukB, therapeutic compositions containing LukA and/or LukB, or anti-LukA and/or anti-LukB antibodies, uses of the compositions to treat acute inflammatory conditions or S. aureus infection, methods for identifying inhibitors of LukAB-mediated cytotoxicity of human phagocytes, and methods for using LukAB as a marker to predict severity of S. aureus infection.

Abstract: Improved antibodies are provided selected from human, dual-specific, chimeric or humanized antibodies, wherein said human chimeric and humanized antibodies specifically bind to flagellin type A or type B of P. aeruginosa, and said dual-specific antibodies specifically binds to flagella type A and type B of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and said antibodies are protective against infection caused by P. aeruginosa. These antibodies as well as pharmaceutical composition comprising them are useful for the treatment of indications caused by P. aeruginosa infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the control of virulence of infectious bacteria by modulating the extra-cellular concentration of bacterial cell signalling molecules. Derivatives of cell signalling molecules are conjugated to suitable carrier proteins and used to isolate high affinity receptors recognising the native signal molecule(s). By binding to signalling molecules, the receptors reduce and maintain extra-cellular concentrations of signal molecules below the threshold level that would otherwise result in certain opportunistic pathogens adopting a virulent form, and can transform virulent organisms to non-virulent states. These receptors have applications for the treatment of individuals with susceptibility to infection, the treatment of patients with existing infections, in disease monitoring and management, and in related applications where the host for infection is an animal or plant.

Abstract: The present invention discloses crystal structure of Staphylococcus aureus Clumping factor A (ClfA) in complex with fibrinogen (Fg) derived peptide. Also, the present invention also discloses the use of this structure in the design of ClfA targeted vaccines and therapeutic agents (including monoclonal antibodies). In addition, the present invention discloses isolated and purified engineered Staphylococcus clumping factor A protein (ClfA) with a stabilized, closed conformation and immunogenic compositions thereof including methods of treating a Staphylococcus infection in an individual.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for administering antibody therapeutic agents. The methods include administering one or more (e.g., two or three) binding agents, wherein each of the binding agents has one or more monomers that have a binding region that is specific to a portion of a disease agent and one or more copies of a tag. The binding agents can be specific to one or more portions of the same or different disease agents. The tag is the same for each of the binding agents. The methods include administering an anti-tag antibody, wherein the anti-tag antibody has an anti-tag region that is specific to the tag, and can have an immunoglobulin (e.g., IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM). Disease agents include bacteria, bacterial proteins, viruses, viral proteins, cancer cells, and proteins or toxins produced therefrom or from other sources such as snakes, insects, plants, etc.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment or prevention of Gram-negative bacterial strain infection are provided herein. Methods for the manufacture of said compositions are also provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a therapeutic agent for psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, and comprises anti-Staphylococcus aureus antibodies as the active ingredient. A therapeutic agent for psoriasis or atopic dermatitis is specifically provided. This agent comprises comprehensive anti-S. aureus surface antibodies, including antibodies against entire cell-surface proteins, as the active ingredient. The agent is obtainable by: (a) treating S. aureus with a protein crosslinking/fixation reagent to fix proteins expressed on the surface of S. aureus via intramolecular crosslinking; (b) administering S. aureus treated with the protein crosslinking/fixation reagent for protein fixation to an animal as an immunogen; and (c) obtaining an antibody from the animal.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of the diagnosis of and vaccination against Streptococcal infections, and to the detection of virulence markers of Streptococci. The invention discloses a method for modulating virulence of a Streptococcus comprising modifying a genomic fragment of the Streptococcus, wherein the genomic fragment comprises at least a functional part of a fragment identifiable by hybridization in Streptococcus suis to a nucleic acid or fragment thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure provides specific and sensitive anti-toxin B antibodies and fragments thereof suitable for diagnosing Clostridium difficile infection. The antibodies and fragments recognize an epitope in the C-terminal 250-amino-acid region of toxin B of C. difficile, including epitopes defined by protein repeat sequences in this region of toxin B. This disclosure also provides the toxin B-specific epitope in the C-terminal 250-amino-acid region of toxin B of C. difficile for use in vaccine development as well as in the treatment of CDI disease and in treatment of the relapse of CDI disease. Also provided are toxin B polypeptides lacking the cytotoxic domain useful in treating or preventing CDI disease. PCR-based diagnostic assays targeting the 750-nucleotide region at the 3? end of tcdB are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enterococcal cell wall components and their uses in the prevention and therapy of bacterial infection.

Abstract: This invention provides antibodies that specifically bind to and neutralize botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) and the epitopes bound by those antibodies. The antibodies and derivatives thereof and/or other antibodies that specifically bind to the neutralizing epitopes provided herein can be used to neutralize botulinum neurotoxin and are therefore also useful in the treatment of botulism.

Abstract: Antibodies that bind to botulinum neurotoxin(s) are disclosed herein, as well as related compositions and methods of use. The present disclosure provides antibodies that specifically bind a Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) and inhibit the activity of BoNT in cleavage of its substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved microbial antigen vaccines, pharmaceutical compositions, immunogenic compositions and antibodies and their use in the treatment of microbial infections, particularly those of bacterial origin, including Staphylococcal origin. Ideally, the present invention is directed to a recombinant staphylococcal MSCRAMM or MSCRAMM-like proteins, or fragment thereof, with reduced binding to its host ligand, for use in therapy.

Abstract: A detection method and a detection kit for rapidly and specifically diagnosing Mycoplasma pneumoniae and/or Mycoplasma genitalium infections are provided. The DnaK of Mycoplasma pneumoniae or Mycoplasma genitalium is used as an indicator.

Abstract: This invention provides antibodies that specifically bind to and neutralize botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) and the epitopes bound by those antibodies. The antibodies and derivatives thereof and/or other antibodies that specifically bind to the neutralizing epitopes provided herein can be used to neutralize botulinum neurotoxin and are therefore also useful in the treatment of botulism.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with tools for the quality control and safety during manufacture of neurotoxins. In particular, it relates to a method for the determination of the amount of partially processed and/or unprocessed Botulinum neurotoxin A polypeptide (BoNT/A) in a solution comprising processed and partially processed and/or unprocessed BoNT/A comprising the steps of contacting a sample of the solution with a capture antibody which specifically binds to the partially processed and unprocessed BoNT/A under conditions which allow for binding of the antibody to the partially processed and unprocessed BoNT/A, whereby a complex is formed, and determining the amount of the formed complex, whereby the amount of the complex is indicative for the amount of the partially processed and/or unprocessed BoNT/A in the solution. Moreover, the present invention contemplates a device and a kit for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, particularly human monoclonal antibodies, that bind specifically to poly-N-acetyl glucosamine (PNAG), such as Staphylococcal PNAG, in acetylated, partially acetylated and/or fully deacetylated form. The invention further provides methods for using these peptides in the diagnosis, prophylaxis and therapy of infections by bacteria that express PNAG such as but not limited to Staphylococci and E. coli. Some antibodies of the invention enhance opsonophagocytic killing and in vivo protection against bacteria that express PNAG such as but not limited to Staphylococci and E. coli. Compositions of these peptides, including pharmaceutical compositions, are also provided, as are functionally equivalent variants of such peptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, particularly human monoclonal antibodies, that bind specifically to poly-N-acetyl glucosamine (PNAG), such as Staphylococcal PNAG, in acetylated, partially acetylated and/or fully deacetylated form. The invention further provides methods for using these peptides in the diagnosis, prophylaxis and therapy of infections by bacteria that express PNAG such as but not limited to Staphylococci and E. coli. Some antibodies of the invention enhance opsonophagocytic killing and in vivo protection against bacteria that express PNAG such as but not limited to Staphylococci and E. coli. Compositions of these peptides, including pharmaceutical compositions, are also provided, as are functionally equivalent variants of such peptides.

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 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: Disclosed are compositions and methods related to variable lymphocyte receptors (VLRs). More particularly, disclosed are a variety of antigen specific polypeptides, including soluble, monoclonal, and multivalent forms, as well as methods of using the polypeptides, antibodies that bind the antigen specific polypeptides, and nucleic acids, vectors and expression systems that encode the polypeptides. Antigen specific polypeptides that selectively bind pathogens, like anthrax, and carbohydrates, like blood group determinants, are specifically disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides antibodies that specifically bind to and neutralize botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) and the epitopes bound by those antibodies. The antibodies and derivatives thereof and/or other antibodies that specifically bind to the neutralizing epitopes provided herein can be used to neutralize botulinum neurotoxin and are therefore also useful in the treatment of botulism.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an antibody against a Panton-Valentine leukocidin toxin contained in Staphylococcus aureus, a method and a kit for detecting the toxin with the use of the antibody, and a pharmaceutical composition containing an antibody against a Panton-Valentine leukocidin toxin for treating PVL infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus containing PVL are provided. Also, an antibody which is capable of binding to Panton-Valentine leukocidin F and has no cross-reactivity to LukD and/or HlgB and an antibody which is capable of binding to Panton-Valentine leukocidin S and has no cross-reactivity to at least one of LukE, HlgC, and HlgA are provided.

Abstract: The invention features a polypeptide complex synthesized by bacteria of the genus Clostridia that contains the serotype E botulinum neurotoxin and five neurotoxin associated polypeptides having molecular weights of about 118, 80, 65, 40, and 18 kDa, respectively. The complex is useful in the treatment of diseases or conditions that are caused by excessive release of acetylcholine from presynaptic nerve terminals.

Abstract: This invention provides antibodies that specifically bind and neutralize Staphylococcus enterotoxin B. In addition, nucleic acids encoding such antibodies, and cells that express such antibodies are provided. Also provided are methods for treating diseases mediated by, and for neutralizing Staphylococcus enterotoxin B.

Abstract: The present invention refers to human antibodies derived from human antibody libraries prepared from atherosclerotic plaques. It further refers to human antibodies able to immunologically recognize both human transgelin or fragments thereof and a protein with at least 50% similarity to OmpK36 (Outer membrane protein, Klebsiella, K36; GI: 295881594) or fragments thereof. Human transgelin is preferably transgelin 1 (Accession N° Q01995, GI:48255907). The antibodies further recognize an antigen in the atherosclerotic plaque and are useful for the preparation of immunodiagnostic reagents or assays to detect atherogenic diseases. The invention also relates to the use of anti-TAGLN monoclonal antibodies, showing cross-reactivity with a bacterial antigen having at least 50% similarity with OmpK36, for detecting antigens in the atherosclerotic plaque or as atherosclerotic related reagents in an immuno-competition assay.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved binding compounds capable of specifically binding Gram-positive bacteria. Binding compounds are provided that are fully human, enabling therapeutic applications in human individuals.

Abstract: Methods for preparing high avidity anti-antigen polyclonal antibody preparations by antigen affinity column purification and high avidity anti-antigen polyclonal antibody preparations are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vaccine for canine Lyme disease and methods of making and using the vaccine alone, or in combinations with other protective agents.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for separating a carbohydrate antigen from a Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria in a purified form that contains no more than 10% protein. The separated antigen is coupled to an affinity column, over which polyclonal antibodies to the same bacteria are chromatographed and recovered in a purified form that exhibits high specificity and sensitivity in immunoassays for the raw carbohydrate antigen corresponding to the purified antigen on the column. A particularly preferred form of rapid immunochromatographic assay employing the purified antibodies, which assay is very useful as an aid to rapid diagnosis of diseases caused by bacteria, is disclosed.

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 Chlamydiophila.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antibody composition comprising ovine antibodies, for use in the prevention or treatment of C. difficile infection wherein the antibodies bind to a C. difficile toxin.

Abstract: In this application are described fully human monoclonal antibodies which specifically recognize F1 or V antigen of Y. pestis and epitopes recognized by these monoclonal antibodies. Also provided are mixtures of antibodies of the present invention, as well as methods of using individual antibodies or mixtures thereof for the detection, prevention, and/or therapeutical treatment of plague infections in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the pharmaceutical field. Specifically, it contemplates a polynucleotide encoding a neurotoxin polypeptide exhibiting a reduced duration of the biological effect in a subject, wherein the polypeptide comprises at least one degradation signal in the light chain of the neurotoxin polypeptide as well as vectors and host cells comprising the polynucleotide, polypeptides encoded thereby and antibodies specifically binding to the polypeptides. Moreover, the invention relates to medicaments comprising the polynucleotides and polypeptides, as well as specific therapeutic applications thereof. Furthermore, the present invention contemplates methods for the manufacture of the polypeptides and medicaments.

Abstract: This invention relates to conjugates of the O-specific polysaccharide of E. coli O157 with a carrier, and compositions thereof, and to methods of using of using of these conjugates and/or compositions thereof for eliciting an immunogenic response in mammals, including responses which provide protection against, or reduce the severity of, bacterial infections. More particularly it relates to the use of polysaccharides containing the tetrasaccharide repeat unit: (?3)-?-DGalpNAc-(1?2)-?-D-PerpNAc-(1?3)-?-L-Fucp-(1?4)-?-D-Glcp-(1?), and conjugates thereof, to induce serum antibodies having bactericidal (killing) activity against hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) causing E. coli, in particular E. coli O157. The conjugates, and compositions thereof, are useful as vaccines to induce serum antibodies which have bactericidal or bacteriostatic activity against E. coli, in particular E. coli O157, and are useful to prevent and/or treat illnesses caused by E. coli O157.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for stimulating an immune response against Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) antigens are disclosed. The compositions include a multiple epitope fusion protein comprising more than one epitope of an immunogenic STEC protein from more than one STEC serotype. Additional compositions include at least two purified STEC proteins, wherein the STEC proteins are selected from a full-length STEC protein, an immunogenic fragment or variant thereof, wherein at least one of the STEC proteins generates antibodies that react with STEC O157 and at least one other STEC serotype.

Abstract: Antibodies immunoreactive to mutant Pseudomonas HPPD are provided, and in an embodiment the mutant HPPD is one in which the wild-type HPPD is substituted at residue 336 with tryptophan for glycine. Also provided are hybridomas producing the antibodies, as well as methods of making and using the antibodies.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition includes a purified antibody and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The antibody can be a monoclonal antibody having both an antigen-binding portion that binds at least one bacterial antigen and a constant region that does not bind staphylococcal protein A.