Abstract: An immunogenic composition comprising a siderophore covalently linked to a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier molecule wherein the antigenicity of the siderophore moiety is sufficient to stimulate an immuno-logic response to the siderophore when the composition is circulating in the bloodstream of a human or non-human animal and vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules which encode an antigen from a nontypable Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) species, a vector which comprises such nucleic acid molecule, and a host cell comprising such vector. Furthermore, the invention provides antigens from a nontypable Haemophilus influenzae species, as well as fragments and variants thereof, a process for producing such antigens, and a process for producing a cell, which expresses such antigen. More specifically such antigens are produced by or associated with bacterial infections caused by nontypable Haemophilus influenzae.

Abstract: A method is provided for improving the solubility of proteins, for example, bacterial toxins. In one embodiment, solubility is improved by introducing point mutations that replace cysteine residues capable of forming intermolecular disulfide bonds with other amino acid residues that do not form such bonds. By abrogating the ability of the cysteine residues to form inter-molecular disulfide bonds, aggregation of the protein is reduced, thereby improving the solubility of the protein. In another embodiment, solubility of the protein is improved by producing truncated forms of the protein that express the LHN domain and a fragment of the Hc domain. Proteins made according to the method of the invention are useful, for example, as immunodiagnostic agents and vaccine components.

Abstract: Based on detection of Treponema bacteria or Campylobacter bacteria present in a sample derived from the tonsil of a subject who has a positive result on at least one of a urinary protein test and a urinary occult blood test, or of a patient diagnosed with possible IgA nephropathy, presumed IgA nephropathy can be detected with a high accuracy, in a simple and quick manner without physical burden on subjects. Also, an IgA nephropathy patient for whom tonsillectomy is effective in therapy of IgA nephropathy can be selected with a high accuracy, in a simple and quick manner without physical burden on subjects.

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 invention provides compositions and methods for useful for the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease, ETBF-induced colitis, colonic hyperplasia and/or colon carcinogenesis in a subject in biological samples (e.g., stool, urine, blood, serum, tissue). The invention further provides compositions and methods for the treatment or prevention of colitis, colon cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease).

Abstract: Various specific meningococcal proteins are disclosed. The invention provides related polypeptides, nucleic acids, antibodies and methods. These can all be used in medicine for treating or preventing disease and/or infection caused by meningococcus, such as bacterial meningitis.

Abstract: The current invention provides high-affinity antibodies to the Pseudomonas aeruginosa PcrV protein that have reduced immunogenicity when administered to treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.

Abstract: A novel and rapid diagnostic method for anthrax infection is provided. Three B. anthracis gene products are described, as well as antibodies against the same, which may be used for the detection and monitoring of anthrax infection. Kits for the diagnosis of anthrax are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel DNA and protein vaccines against Clostridium botulinum. The DNA vaccine includes a DNA molecule that includes a first segment encoding a fragment of a heavy chain region of a Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin, wherein the first segment is codon-enhanced to improve expression of the isolated DNA molecule in a mammalian host, and preferably a second segment that encodes a secretion signal peptide. The chimeric protein of the present invention includes the secretion signal peptide linked N-terminal of the fragment of a heavy chain region of a Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin. Use of these materials to raise antibodies, and to impart resistance against Clostridium botulinum to a mammal is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for preventing IBS, reducing the likelihood of developing IBS and/or treating IBS by administering COT inhibitors and/or COT neutralizers to a subject in need thereof are described. Methods of eliciting a specific immune response and methods of vaccinating a subject to prevent IBS or to reduce the likelihood of developing or having IBS are also provided. Methods of diagnosing IBS by detecting the presence or absence of COT or a COT marker in a subject are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides proteins/genes, which are essential for survival, and consequently, for virulence of Streptococcus pneumoniae in vivo, and thus are ideal vaccine candidates for a vaccine preparation against pneumococcal infection. Further, also antibodies against said protein(s) are included in the invention.

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: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment and prevention of diarrhea and diarrheal related diseases and disorders in both animals and humans. In some embodiments, the invention relates to the treatment of said diarrhea and diarrheal related diseases and disorders with a vaccine. In still further embodiments, the invention relates to the treatment of constipation using the disclosed methods and compositions.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the identification and initial characterization of CctA, a novel, secreted toxin of Clostridium chauvoei that represents the major cytotoxic activity of C. chauvoei. This toxin confers C. chauvoei its characteristic strong hemolytic activity towards erythrocytes of various species, since anti-CctA antibodies fully neutralize hemolysis by C. chauvoei on standard blood-agar medium or in cell-free supernatants of liquid cultures.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated M. tuberculosis protein that is a putative Ketol-acid reductoisomerase (KARI; SEQ ID NO: 1) and immunogenic peptide fragments thereof, and antibodies produced against the full-length protein and immunogenic peptide fragments for the diagnosis of tuberculosis and/or infection by one or more mycobacteria of the M. tuberculosis complex in humans, for example using an antigen-based sandwich ELISA format. The present invention also provides multianalyte assays in which the KARI-based diagnostic assays of the present invention are multiplexed with the detection of one or more immunogenic epitopes from one or more other proteins of said mycobacteria e.g., anyone of SEQ IDS NOs: 2, 14, 21, 28-29, 36, or 44, including any combinations thereof.

Abstract: There is provided an isolated immunoglobulin comprising two heavy polypeptide chains sufficient for the formation of a complete antigen binding site or several antigen binding sites, wherein the immunoglobulin is further devoid of light polypeptide chains.

Abstract: The present invention provides PBP2a peptide antigens for generating antibodies against MRSA, and provides high-affinity binding agents that detect MRSA by selective immunoreactivity with PBP2a. The antibodies are useful in methods and systems for detecting MRSA, including biosensor systems, or as components of diagnostic or detection kits. The antibodies, in some embodiments, have therapeutic value against MRSA infection.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an antigenic composition useful for immunization against P. acnes, K. pneumoniae, S. aureus, or Streptococcus pyogenes. The disclosure provides a method for producing a vaccine for preventing infection and screening agents useful for preventing infection.

Abstract: This invention is directed to compositions and methods for treating (e.g., prophylactically and/or therapeutically) infection in a preterm infant. In particular, the invention provides anti-lipoteichoic acid (LTA) antibody compositions and methods of administering the same to a preterm infant (e.g., a low birth weight preterm infant (e.g., a very low birth weight preterm infant)) under conditions to establish anti-LTA antibody serum concentrations effective to kill and/or prevent growth of bacteria (e.g., Staphylococci). Compositions and methods of the invention find use in, among other things, clinical (e.g. therapeutic and preventative medicine) and research applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated polypeptides isolatable from a Staphylococcus spp. Also provided by the present invention are compositions that include one or more of the polypeptides, and methods for making and methods for using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The subject the present invention is a method of producing affinity beds with bacterial lipopolysaccharide molecules bound to them in a non-covalent and stable fashion. The bed produced according to the present invention may be used in affinity chromatography for the purification of antibodies against lipopolysaccharides. It is particularly useful in the purification of antibodies against the labile epitopes of lipopolysaccharides, which degrade in heretofore used methods of covalent bonding of the lipopolysaccharide molecules to the solid phase.

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 present invention relates to novel diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic reagents for infection of an animal subject such as a human by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and conditions associated with such infections, such as, for example, an acute clinical exacerbation in a cystic fibrosis (CF) subject. In particular, the present invention relates to methods for diagnosing/prognosing an infection by P. aeruginosa in a subject comprising detecting the presence or amount of one or more proteins of P. aeruginosa or a fragment or epitope thereof or an antibody thereto in a sample from the subject.

Abstract: This invention relates to the PrtR-PrtK cell surface protein of Porphyromonas gingivalis and in particular a multimeric cell association protein complex comprising the PrtR and PrtK proteins. Accordingly the invention provides a substantially purified antigenic complex for use in raising an antibody response directed against Porphyromonas gingivalis. The complex comprises at least one multimeric protein complex of arginine-specific and lysine-specific thiol endopeptidases each containing at least one adhesin domain, the complex having a molecular weight of greater than about 200 kDa. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions and associated agents based on said complex for the detection, prevention and treatment of Periodontal disease associated with P. gingivalis.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated polypeptides isolatable from a Staphylococcus spp. Also provided by the present invention are compositions that include one or more of the polypeptides, and methods for making and methods for using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated polypeptides isolatable from a Staphylococcus spp. Also provided by the present invention are compositions that include one or more of the polypeptides, and methods for making and methods for using the polypeptides.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide for lysine riboswitches and analogs thereof, and methods for using the same. In certain embodiments, test compounds are identified that associate with lysine riboswitches. In other embodiments, test compounds found to associate with lysine can be used to increase or decrease gene expression of Gram-negative bacterial organisms.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel mechanism of adhesion by flagellated Gram-negative bacteria such as enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), where the bacteria secretes a protein, EtpA which binds to the conserved region of the flagellin protein located at the tip of the flagella. The present invention also discloses that EtpA-mediated interaction and intestinal colonization require interaction with flagellin. Also disclosed herein is a vaccine composition that can be used for either active or passive immunization of mammals for the prevention or treatment of infections caused by flagellated Gram-negative bacteria.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated or purified bacterial adhesin conformers, preferably with improved stability and/or immunogenicity. In a preferred aspect, the invention comprises an isolated bacterial adhesin conformer F. Also provided are methods of isolation and/or separation of such adhesin conformers. The compositions may include one or more of the immunogenic polypeptides either alone or with other antigenic components. For example, the immunogenic polypeptides may be combined with other bacterial antigens to provide therapeutic compositions with broader range.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to diagnostic tools and therapies using antibodies to Bacillus anthracis. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a B. anthracis-specific monoclonal antibody that binds to the EA1 antigen (corresponding to the eag gene) of the S-layer (surface layer) of spores. This monoclonal antibody may be used in a variety of applications, including to specifically detect and diagnose B. anthracis. Preferably, antibodies are monoclonal and bind to a surface protein, such as EA1 protein, on the spores of B. anthracis, and not to spores of either B. cereus or B. thuringiensis. Antibodies can be incorporated into detection kits using, for example, colloidal particle based lateral flow detection system. Such detection kits can distinguish anthrax spores from non-pathogenic varieties of spores. In addition, the invention is directed to B.

Abstract: An immunoglobulin of the G class (IgG) directed against the protective antigen (PA) of the anthrax toxin, includes: a light-chain variable region including an amino-acid sequence having at least 90% amino-acid identity with the sequence SEQ ID No 1 such as defined in the description, and a heavy-chain variable region including an amino-acid sequence having at least 90% amino-acid identity with the sequence SEQ ID No 2 such as defined in the description, characterized in that it consists of an IgG1 or an IgG2.

Abstract: This disclosure provides antibodies that specifically bind to and typically neutralize botulinum neurotoxins (e.g., BoNT/A, BoNT/B, BoNT/E, etc.) 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 relates to antibodies and related molecules that specifically bind to protective antigen of Bacillus anthracis (PA). Such antibodies have uses, for example, in the prevention and treatment of anthrax and anthrax toxin poisoning. The invention also relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding anti-PA antibodies, vectors and host cells containing these nucleic acids, and methods for producing the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polypeptide comprising: (a) a HC-domain or fragment thereof of the neurotoxic component of a clostridial toxin; and (b) a first LC domain or fragment thereof of the neurotoxic component of a clostridial toxin; and (c) at least one further LC domain or fragment thereof of the neurotoxic component of a clostridial toxin wherein the first and the at least one further LC domain may be the same or different from each other, and wherein each of said fragments of said first and of said at least one further LC domain still exhibits proteolytic activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated antigen from Streptomyces coelicolor that is useful for developing, inter alia, vaccines against pathogenic bacteria of humans and animals. The present invention also relates to vaccines and antibodies developed using the isolated antigen. The present invention also relates to methods of using the antigen, vaccines, and antibodies of the present invention to detect, treat, and prevent infection and diseases associated with pathogenic bacteria.

Abstract: The application reports the discovery that mycobacterial triacylglycerol synthase (MTTGS) enzymes also have a wax synthase function. This bifunctional enzymatic activity, or ‘dual function,’ implies that the enzymes contain separate binding sites for diacylglycerol and acyl alcohol and a common binding site for acyl-coenzyme A. Embodiments of the invention relate to methods of selection and/or design of therapeutic compounds that will reduce any potentially toxic side effects of candidate drugs designed to inhibit the mycobacterial enzyme.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vaccine for the treatment of disease caused by Neisseria, the vaccine comprising o more immunogenic components for Neisseria serogroups, as well as antibodies to the immunogenic components and m preventing and treating Neisseria infections.

Abstract: A novel subtype of type A botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT/A) is disclosed in the application. Methods to purify the neurotoxin as well as uses thereof are also 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: Isolated peptides of the Bacillus anthracis Anthrax Toxin Lethal factor Protein pX01-107, antibodies specific for the peptides and methods of stimulating the immune response of a subject to produce antibodies to the Bacillus anthracis Anthrax Toxin Lethal factor Protein pX01-107 are disclosed. Also disclosed are isolated peptides of the Small Pox Virus Surface Antigen S Precursor Protein, antibodies specific for the peptides and methods of stimulating the immune response of a subject to produce antibodies to the Small Pox Virus Surface Antigen S Precursor Protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antigenic polypeptides expressed by pathogenic microbes, including antigenic polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid sequence of FIG. 1, vaccines comprising the antigenic polypeptides and therapeutic antibodies directed to the antigenic polypeptides.

Abstract: Protease-like nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides and fragments and variants thereof are disclosed in the current invention. In addition, protease-like fusion proteins, antigenic peptides, and anti-protease-like antibodies are encompassed. The invention also provides vectors containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention and cells into which the vectors have been introduced. Methods for producing the polypeptides and methods of use for the polypeptides of the invention are further disclosed.

Abstract: This invention pertains to Lawsonia intracellularis bacterium of a serotype which is reactive with monoclonal antibody INT-LIC-02-02 as produced by hybridoma INT-LIC-02-02 deposited with the Collection Nationale de Cultures de Micro-organismes of the Institut Pasteur at Paris France under nr. CNCM I-4049 but which is not reactive with antibody INT-LIC-01-28 as produced by hybridoma INT-LIC-01-28 deposited with the Collection Nationale de Cultures de Micro-organismes of the Institut Pasteur at Paris France under nr. CNCM I-4048. The invention also pertains to vaccines for protection against an infection with Lawsonia intracellularis based on those novel bacteria, antibodies suitable for diagnosing the novel Lawsonia intracellularis serotype and hybridomas for producing the said antibodies.

Abstract: Compositions and methods effective for eliciting an immune response for preventing or reducing infection or improving clinical outcomes caused by Bacillus anthracis are provided. The compositions include a naturally occurring or synthetic protein, peptide, or protein fragment containing all or an active portion of an antigenic epitope associated with anthrax toxin proteins optionally combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The preferred antigenic epitopes correspond to immunogenic regions of protective antigen, lethal factor or edema factor, either individually or in combination. In addition, methods and compositions containing antibodies for reducing the effects of anthrax toxins are described. The methods involve administering to a human or animal the compositions described herein in a dosage sufficient to elicit an immune response or treat the anthrax infection.

Abstract: An immunogenic Chlamydia HtrA protein, which has one or more mutations relative to wild-type Chlamydia HtrA that result in a reduced or eliminated protease activity relative to the protease activity of wild-type Chlamydia HtrA. In some embodiments the serine protease activity is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: The invention relates to genes and proteins involved in the sporulation of Mycobacteria and the use thereof in the technical fields of immunology and medicine. A vaccine comprising spore forming peptides, such as CotA or CotD, or antibodies thereto is used for the treatment of diseases caused by Mycobacterium such as leprosy and tuberculosis.

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: The present invention features antigen binding protein that bind an ORF0657n target region (SEQ ID NO: 1). ORF0657n is an S. aureus protein. ORF0657n target regions are provided by the mAb 1G3.BD4, mAb 2H2.BE11, mAb 13C7.BC1, and mAb 13G11.BF3 binding sites. In a lethal model challenge, mAb 2H2.BE11 and mAb 13C7.BC1 provided for increased survival against S. aureus infection. There was also protection demonstrated in an ex vivo model with either the IgG1 or the IgG2b form of mAb 2H2; and in a passive immunization murine indwelling catheter model using mAb 2H2.BE11.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a chimeric protein comprising the NTHi twitching pilus major subunit protein (PilA) presenting a portion of the NTHi OMP P5 protein. The invention provides for vaccine compositions comprising the recombinant chimeric protein and methods of eliciting an immune response using the recombinant chimeric proteins of the invention.