Abstract: The present invention relates to treating a tissue in a mammal from the effects of reperfusion using flagellin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to treating a tissue in a mammal from the effects of reperfusion using flagellin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to treating a tissue in a mammal from the effects of reperfusion using flagellin.

Abstract: This invention provides novel antimicrobial peptides and formulations thereof. The peptides and/or formulations are effective to kill or to inhibit the growth and/or proliferation of various bacteria, yeast, and fungi.

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 present invention is directed to the cloning, sequencing, expression, and characterization of an immunoreactive ferric binding protein (Fbp) (38-kDa) protein of Ehrlichia canis encoded by a polynucleotide therefor. In particular embodiments, the protein is employed in an immunogenic composition, such as a vaccine. Methods to induce an immune reaction in an individual with compositions of the invention are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated archael and bacterial heme binding protein which reversibly binds oxygen with a low affinity. The heme binding protein may be utilized as a blood substitute. The invention also provides a method for controlled storage of oxygen by contacting a bacterial heme binding protein with oxygen allowing the protein to bind and store oxygen. The also provides methods to sense gaseous ligands using the heme binding protein. In other embodiments, the invention provides chimeric proteins having a heme-binding domain of an isolated heme binding archael bacterial protein and a heterologous signaling domain.

Abstract: Purified and isolated nucleic acid is provided which encodes a transferrin receptor protein of a strain of Haemophilus or a fragment or an analog of the transferrin receptor protein. The nucleic acid sequence may be used to produce peptides free of contaminants derived from bacteria normally containing the Tbp1 or Tbp2 proteins for purposes of diagnostics and medical treatment. Furthermore, the nucleic acid molecule may be used in the diagnosis of infection. Also provided are recombinant Tbp1 or Tbp2 and methods for purification of the same. Live vectors expressing epitopes of transferrin receptor protein for vaccination are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods which provide protection against, or reduce the severity of toxic shock and septic shock from bacterial infections. More particularly it relates to peptides derived from homologous sequences of the family of staphylococcal and streptococcal toxins, which may be polymeric, and carrier-conjugates thereof. The invention also relates to serum antibodies induced by the peptides and carrier-conjugates and their use to prevent, treat, or protect against the toxic effects of most, if not all, of the staphylococcal and streptococcal toxins. The invention also relates to diagnostic assays and kits to detect the presence of staphylococcal and streptococcal toxins, or antibodies thereto. The invention also relates isolated and purified to nucleic acids encoding the peptides of the invention and transformed host cells containing those nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the identification of a series of virulence genes in E. coli K1, the products of which may be implicated in the pathogenicity of the organisms. The identification of the genes allows them, or their expressed products, to be used in a number of ways to treat infection.

Abstract: This invention is directed to mutant SPE-C toxins or fragments thereof, vaccine and pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of using the vaccine and pharmaceutical compositions. The preferred SPE-C toxin has at least one amino acid change and is substantially non-lethal compared with the wild type SPE-C toxin. The mutant SPE-C toxins can form vaccine compositions useful to protect animals against the biological activities of wild type SPE-C toxin.

Abstract: Isolated peptide sequences and proteins containing these sequences are provided which are useful in the prevention and treatment of infection caused by Gram-positive bacteria. The peptide sequences have been shown to be highly conserved motifs in the surface proteins of Gram-positive bacteria, and these consensus sequences include amino acid sequences such as LPXTG (SEQ ID NO:13), ALKTGKIDIIISGMTSTPERKK (SEQ ID NO:14), VEGAWEKPVAEAYLKQN (SEQ ID NO:15), and EYAGVDIDLAKKIAK (SEQ ID NO:16). By virtue of the highly conserved regions, the sequences and the proteins including these sequences can be utilized to generate antibodies which can recognize these highly conserved motifs and the proteins containing them and thus be useful in the treatment or prevention of a wide range of infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to live attenuated bacteria of the genus Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae that have a mutation in an apxIV gene such that no functional ApxIV toxin can be produced. The invention also relates to methods for the production of such bacteria. Also vaccines comprising such bacteria and methods for the production of such vaccines are part of the invention. The invention further relates to subunit vaccines comprising an ApxIV toxin, to methods for the production of such vaccines and to methods for the protection of animals against infection with bacteria of the genus Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. In addition, the invention relates to the promotor of the apxIV gene. Finally, the invention relates to diagnostic test for the selective diagnosis of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae infections and to diagnostic tests discriminating between Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae field strains and vaccine strains.

Abstract: This invention is directed to mutant SPE-C toxins or fragments thereof, vaccine and pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of using the vaccine and pharmaceutical compositions. The preferred SPE-C toxin has at least one amino acid change and is substantially non-lethal compared with the wild type SPE-C toxin. The mutant SPE-C toxins can form vaccine compositions useful to protect animals against the biological activities of wild type SPE-C toxin.

Abstract: The invention relates to bacterial choline binding proteins (CBPs) which bind choline. Such proteins are particularly desirable for vaccines against appropriate strains of Gram positive bacteria, particularly streptococcus, and more particularly pneumococcus. Also provided are DNA sequences encoding the bacterial choline binding proteins or fragment thereof, antibodies to the bacterial choline binding proteins, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the bacterial choline binding proteins, antibodies to the bacterial choline binding proteins suitable for use in passive immunization, and small molecule inhibitors of choline binding protein mediated adhesion. Methods for diagnosing the presence of the bacterial choline binding protein, or of the bacteria, are also provided. In a specific embodiment, a streptococcal choline binding protein is an enolase, which demonstrates strong affinity for fibronectin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to vaccine compositions and methods for immunizing poultry. The vaccine compositions comprise inactivated bacterial organisms which can be administered to the poultry through oral intake of water.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding the outer membrane protein of Pasteurella multocida is provided. Also provided are methods to detect the presence of the nucleic acid molecule, and antibodies specific for the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule, in a sample. Further provided are immunogenic compositions comprising the outer membrane polypeptide or protien of Pasteurella multocida, or portions thereof.

Abstract: An isolated and purified outer membrane protein of a Moraxella strain, particularly M. catarrhalis, has a molecular mass of about 200 kDa. The about 200 kDa outer membrane protein as well as nucleic acid molecules encoding the same are useful in diagnostic applications and immunogenic compositions, particularly for in vivo administration to a host to confer protection against disease caused by a bacterial pathogen that produces the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein or produces a protein capable of inducing antibodies in a host specifically reactive with the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to adjuvants, and in particular to methods and products utilizing a synergistic combination of immunostimulatory oligonucleotides having at least one unmethylated CpG dinucleotide (CpG ODN) and a non-nucleic acid adjuvant. Such combinations of adjuvants may be used with an antigen or alone. The present invention also relates to methods and products utilizing immunostimulatory oligonucleotides having at least one unmethylated CpG dinucleotide (CpG ODN) for induction of cellular immunity in infants.

Abstract: A method for the selective purging ex vivo of CD77 positive cells from bone marrow or peripheral blood containing stem cells prior to autologous transplantation is described. The method involves treating the bone marrow or blood sample with shiga toxin or shiga-like toxin-1 to kill CD77+ cells or to remove them by affinity chromatography. The toxin selectively binds to CD77+ cells and not to other stem cells. The method offers a means for curing non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, myelomas and breast cancers expressing CD77.

Abstract: The invention provides ribG polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding ribG polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing ribG polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: The invention provides ribH polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding ribH polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing ribH polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: Methods for developing vaccines to protect from neurotoxins of C. botulinum have been developed. Truncated BoNT/A proteins of about 15-30 kDa in size produced immune responses that provided protection from neuronal damage by botulinum neurotoxins.

Abstract: An antigenic preparation is provided containing an outer membrane protein associated with pathogenic strains of Leptospira. The protein has been designated “LipL46” for “lipoprotein from Leptospira” and because the isolated polypeptide migrates to a position corresponding to a molecular weight of 46 kD in a denaturing polyacrylamide gel. The invention provides polynucleotides encoding LipL46 and antibodies that bind the protein which are useful in the diagnosis of leptospirosis. In addition, LipL46 can be used immunologically as a vaccine for spirochete-associated pathologies.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides comprising an immunogenic portion of a M. vaccae protein and DNA molecules encoding such polypeptides, together with methods for their use in the diagnosis and treatment of mycobacterial infection. Methods for enhancing the immune response to an antigen including administration of M. vaccae culture filtrate, delipidated M. vaccae cells or delipidated and deglycolipidated M. vaccae cells are also provided.

Abstract: Viruses of the family poxviridae such as vaccinia or fowlpox viruses are modified to contain a gene which expresses a protein corresponding to the conserved exposed region of the M6 protein. The modified products are useful as vaccines against streptococcal infection.

Abstract: A method for screening compounds for antimicrobial activity is described that utilizes bacterial protein-protein binding in vitro. The method may be performed using immobilized elements and the immobilization may be carried out using a variety of immobilization means (e.g., columns, beads, adsorbents, nitrocellulose paper, etc.) in order to screen large libraries of compounds.

Abstract: A polypeptide exhibiting the antigenicity of Mycoplasma gallisepticum, a fused polypeptide comprising the above polypeptide and, connected to the N-terminus thereof, a signal membrane anchor of a type II outer-membrane polypeptide of a virus that infects birds, or a polypeptide capable of reacting with a mycoplasma-immune serum or a mycoplasma-infected serum and exhibiting a substantially pure antigenecity, respectively having amino acid sequences of about 32 kDa, about 40 kDa, or about 70 kDa. The expression with a recombinant virus of a polypeptide modified to such an extent as to exhibit an antigenicity equivalent to that of any of the above polypeptides. The use of a recombinant virus as a live vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention provides EppA polypeptide, a Borrelia burgdorferi virulence protein. This 17-kD outer membrane protein has been designated EppA for exported plasmid protein A.

Abstract: This invention discloses the DNA sequences coding for the Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia hemolysin(s). It further discloses a method of producing the A. pleuropneumoniae hemolysin(s) from recombinant cells. It also provides a method of using the hemolysin(s) antigen as a protective immunogen against porcine pleuropneumonia.

Abstract: A method for the selective purging ex vivo of CD77 positive cells from bone marrow prior to autologous transplantation is described. The method involves treating the bone marrow with shiga toxin or shiga-like toxin-1 to kill CD77.sup.+ cells or to remove them by affinity chromatography. The toxin selectively binds to CD77.sup.+ cells and not to other bone marrow cells. The method offers a means for curing non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to Listeria monocytogenes specific protein that is encoded by nucleotide sequence of FIG. 1, the complementary sequence of which hybridizes to the nucleotide sequence of FIG. 1 at 5-6x SSC and 42.degree.-60.degree. C. A Listeria monocytogenes specific protein is also described having an amino aicd sequence as set forth in FIGS. 1A-1D. The proteins are suitable for the production of antibodies against Listeria monocytogenes.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are novel nucleotide primers for the identification of genes encoding toxins active against nematodes and coleopterans. The primers are useful in PCR techniques to produce gene fragments which are characteristic of genes encoding these toxins. The primers are also useful as nucleotide probes to detect the toxins-encoding genes. The subject invention also concerns novel isolates, toxins, and genes useful in the control of plant pests.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new recombinant hybrid-DNA-molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence from S. aureus coding for a protein, or polypeptide, having fibronectin binding properties.

Abstract: An antigenic preparation is provided which contains a 63 Kd outer membrane protein from Leptospira which can be used immunologically as a vaccine for leptospirosis caused by this organism. Also provided in the invention are polynucleotides encoding the protein and antibodies which bind the protein which are useful in the diagnosis of leptospirosis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a purified isolated DNA fragment of Bacteroides fragilis comprising a sequence for an operon containing two genes designated rprX and rprY. These genes encode two signal transducing regulatory proteins designated RprX and RprY. This invention further relates to the proteins RprX and RprY encoded by the operon. RprX and RprY affect the normal regulation of OmpF by OmpR and EnvZ.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production and use of recombinant Pseudomonas-derived toxins modified to increase their toxicity and potency in therapy. More particularly, the invention relates to certain deletions in domain II of the amino acid sequence of Pseudomonas exotoxin the domain which relates to the toxin's natural proteolytic processing.

Abstract: The invention provides an immunogen against tetanus toxin including a peptide having a single, linear, antigenic, tetanus-toxin-specific epitope. The epitope is derived from the heavy chain C fragment of the toxin. In a preferred embodiment, the immunogen includes the last 20 amino acids of the toxin, including the carboxy terminus. Antibodies, including antipeptide antibodies, are also provided as well as methods of vaccination.

Abstract: A highly effective vaccine for Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection utilizing a substantially pure protein capable of reacting with Mycoplasma gallisepticum immunized serum or Mycoplasma gallisepticum infected serum, having a molecular weight of about 40 kilodaltons encoded by DNA sequence derived from Mycoplasma gallisepticum and having a specific restriction enzyme map, or a protein functionally equivalent thereto.

Abstract: Useful materials for diagnostic tests, affinity chromatography, enzymatic reactions and immunoassays are prepared by covalently attaching reactive compounds containing reactive amino or sulfhydryl groups to polymeric particles having pendant carboxyl groups on the outer surfaces. Such reactive compounds include biologically reactive species, such as enzymes, polypeptides and proteins. This attachment is carried out using carbamoylonium compounds which react with the carboxyl groups to form intermediate reactive groups which then react with the amino or sulfhydryl groups to form a covalent linkage between particle and reactive compound. A kit comprises polymeric particles having carboxyl groups on the outer surfaces, and a carbamoylonium compound.

Abstract: Certain propionitrile compounds which have a cyclohexapeptidyl nucleus and which are found to have antibiotic activity with physical properties suitable for use in therapeutic compositions are described. A novel process for their preparation is also described.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the cloning and expression of genes coding for the non-toxic subunit of the heat-labile enterotoxin (LT-B) of E. coli. The LT-B thus produced may be formulated for use as an immunogen in vaccines. Specific antibodies produced by this invention may be used in diagnostic tests for the detection of Vibrio cholerae or LT positive enterotoxigenic E. coli. The antibodies of this invention may further be formulated into passive vaccines for the prophylactic or therapeutic protection of human beings or other mammalian species against diarrheal diseases caused by Vibrio cholerae or by the LT positive enterotoxigenic E. coli or other bacteria.

Abstract: New bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic, thermostable peptides which are isolated from hemolymph of immune honeybees and which are distinct from lysozymes, attacins, cecropins, diptericins and magainins. The peptides feature at least the 10 C-terminal amino acids of the following peptide:H.sub.2 N-Gly-Asn-Asn-Arg-Pro-X-Tyr-Ile-Pro-Gln-Pro-Arg-Pro-Pro-His-Pro-Arg-Z-OHin whichX is a valyl or isoleucyl residue andZ is a leucyl or isoleucyl residue.

Abstract: An enzyme sample having Peptide-N.sup.4 -(N-acetyl-.beta.-N-glucosaminyl) asparagine Aminidase F (PNGase F) activity completely free from Endo-.beta.-N-acetylglucosaminidase F (Endo F) activity.

Abstract: The following new polypeptides are described: (a) H-X.sup.1 -Asp-Asp-Pro-Pro-Ala-Thr-Val-Tyr-Arg-Tyr-Asp-Ser-Arg-Pro-Pro-Glu-Asp-X.sup .2 -Y, (b) H-X.sup.1 -Ser-Glu-Tyr-Leu-Ala-His-Arg-Arg-Ile-Pro-Pro-Glu-Asn-Ile-Arg-Arg-Val-Thr-A rg-Val-X.sup.2 -Y, (c) H-X.sup.1 -Ala-Phe-Val-Ser-Thr-Ser-Ser-Ser-Arg-Arg-Tyr-Thr-Glu-Val-Tyr-X.sup.2 -Y, (d) H-X.sup.1 -Gly-Ile-Thr-Gly-Glu-Thr-Thr-Thr-Thr-Glu-Tyr-Ser-Asn-Ala-Arg-Tyr-Val-X.sup .2 -Y, and (e) H-X.sup.1 -Leu-Glu-His-Arg-Met-Gln-Glu-Ala-Val-Glu-Ala-Glu-Arg-Ala-Gly-Arg-Gly-Thr-G ly-His-Phe-Ile-X.sup.2 -Y, in which X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 each represents an optional coupling-facilitating amino acid residue, and Y represents --OH or --NH.sub.2. Additionally, there is described an artificial pertussis toxin antigen, which mainly consists of at least one peptide sequence reacting with antibodies induced by the native pertussis toxin selected from the above polypeptides (a) to (e) and parts thereof.

Abstract: Novel fusion reporter genes, fusion reporter proteins, and an improved reporter system for measuring the relative activity of a promoter sequence. A luxAB fusion gene of the present invention is particularly useful as a reporter gene and is derived from the fusion of a luxA gene and a luxB gene from Vibrio harveyi. The gene products of the luxA and luxB genes are the .alpha.- and .beta.-subunits, respectively, of a bacterial luciferase. A fusion protein encoded by a luxAB fusion gene is a single active protein and is particularly useful as a reporter protein having luciferase activity. An advantage of such a reporter system to assay gene expression in many cells which contain FMNH.sub.2, such as bacterial and yeast cells, is that an immediate and quantitative assessment of gene expression may be made from real-time light measurements using intact cells.

Abstract: The synthetic peptide TT3, the amino acid sequence of which corresponds to the region 947-967 of the tetanus toxin is recognized by different human Th cell clones in association with a wide range of alleles of the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Said peptide contains at least two epitopes, of which one (953-967) is recognized by the DR5-restricted clones and the other (947-960) is recognized by all other DR and DP alleles restricted clones. The TT3 peptide and the peptide corresponding to the 947-960 epitope can be used as universal carriers in the preparation of immunogenic conjugates consisting of at least one of said peptides and a natural or synthetic hapten derived from a pathogenic agent of interest.The immunogenic conjugates are particularly suitable for preparing synthetic vaccines able to provide a protective immunity against different pathogenic agents which is not genetically restricted or is only slightly genetically restricted.

Abstract: A cloned subtilsin gene has been modified at specific sites to cause amino acid substitutions at certain spots in the enzyme. The modified enzyme, preferably produced by Bacillus, is useful in combination with detergents.