Abstract: An isolated, altered fibronectin-binding protein (Fnb) of S. aureus having at least one mutation in an amino acid selected from residues corresponding to Gln103, Gln105, Lys157, Lys503, Lys620, Lys702, Lys762, Gln783 and Gln830 of FnbA of S. aureus strain ATCC49525 is described. Replacement of these reactive residues within the fibronectin-binding protein renders this protein less capable than wild-type Fnb of covalently cross-linking with fibronectin and fibrin. The altered fibronectin-binding protein effectively interferes with adhesion of S. aureus to fibronectin and fibrin, and therefore, an immunogenic composition comprising such altered Fnb exhibits improved immunogenic properties and is safer to use.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Staphylococcus epidermidis that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Staphylococcus epidermidis that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for recombinantly producing, via rescue of mumps virus, a nonsegmented, negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus, and immunogenic compositions formed therefrom. Additional embodiments relate to methods of producing the mumps virus as an attenuated and/or infectious virus. The recombinant viruses are prepared from cDNA clones, and, accordingly, viruses having defined changes, including nucleotide/polynucleotide deletions, insertions, substitutions and re-arrangements, in the place of the genome are obtained.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to recombinant polynucleotides, positive-strand RNA virus (psRNAV) recombinant expression vectors, and packaging systems. The packaging systems are based on the expression of helper functions by coinfecting recombinant poxvirus vectors comprising recombinant polynucleotides. Methods for obtaining psRNAV replicon particles using these packaging systems are disclosed. Immunogenic compositions and pharmaceutical formulations are provided that comprise replicon particles of the invention. Methods for generating an immune response or producing a pharmaceutical effect are also provided.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody is provided which specifically binds to human interleukin-5. Also provided are a hybridoma which produces the monoclonal antibody; complementary DNAs which encode the heavy and light chain variable regions of the monoclonal antibody and CDRs therefrom; humanized monoclonal antibodies; and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the monoclonal antibody or anti-idiotypic antibodies directed against it, humanized monoclonal antibodies, binding fragments, binding compositions or single-chain binding proteins derived from the antibody and a physiologically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to the purification, crystallization of and structure of hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Also, crystallization conditions for NS5B are provided. Further, the atomic coordinates for the NS5B protein are disclosed. Examples of its use for the determination of the three-dimensional atomic structures of HCV NS5B or HCV NS5B in complex with substrates or substrate analogs or inhibitors are also provided.