Abstract: HCV assays are described. The assays utilize a 24 kd protein capable of binding the E2 envelope protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV), or functionally equivalent variants or fragments of the 24 kd protein.

Abstract: The invention provides a nodavirus RNA1 molecule modified to include a heterologous insertion which is downstream of its replicase ORF and, preferably, its B2 ORF. The insertion preferably comprises one or more protein-coding regions. The modified RNA1 may be packaged in a VLP, such as a papillomavirus VLP. The small size of nodavirus RNA1 makes it ideal for HPV packaging.

Abstract: Immunologically active polypeptides with no or reduced toxicity useful for the preparation of an antipertussis vaccine. Method for the preparation of said polypeptides which comprises, cultivating a microorganisms transformed with a hybrid plasmid including the gene/s which codes for at least one of said polypeptides in a suitable medium and recovering the desired polypeptide from the cells or from the culture medium.

Abstract: The invention provides proteins from Neisseria meningitidis (strains A & B) and from Neisseria gonorrhoeae, including amino acid sequences, the corresponding nucleotide sequences, expression data, and serological data. The proteins are useful antigens for vaccines, immunogenic compositions, and/or diagnostics.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptide, oligopeptide or polypeptide compounds that are capable of eliciting a protective immune response against the capsular polysaccharide of group B Streptococcus (GBS), particularly type III GBS. Such compounds are useful in the development of vaccines that are effective against diseases caused by these pathogens.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyepitope carrier proteins that comprise at least five CD4+ T cell epitopes, for conjugation to capsular polysaccharides. The carrier proteins are use useful as components of vaccines that can elicit a T-cell dependent immune response. These vaccines arm particularly useful to confer protection against infection from encapsulated bacteria in infants between the ages of 3 months and about 2 years.

Abstract: Methods for treating and/or protecting H. pylori infection are described. The methods utilize non-mucosal administration of an effective amount of one or more H. pylori antigens.

Abstract: A 24 kd protein capable of binding the E2 envelope protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV), and functionally equivalent variants or fragments of the 24 kd protein, are disclosed. Processes for production and purification of the 24 kd protein, and functionally equivalent variants or fragments thereof, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A 24 kd percent capable of binding the E2 envelope protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV), and functionally equivalent variants or fragments of the 24 kd protein, are disclosed. Processes for production and purication of the 24 kd protein, and functionally equivalent variants or fragments thereof, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Immunologically active polypeptides with no or reduced toxicity useful for the preparation of an antipertussis vaccine. Method for the preparation of said polypeptides which comprises, cultivating, a microorganism transformed with a hybrid plasmid including the gene/s which codes for at least one of said polypeptides in a suitable medium and recovering the desired polypeptide from the cells or from the culture medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptide, oligopeptide or polypeptide compounds that are capable of eliciting a protective immune response against the capsular polysaccharide of group B Streptococcus (GBS), particularly type III GBS. Such compounds are useful in the development of vaccines that are effective against diseases caused by these pathogens.

Abstract: A new recombinant form of the plasmid-encoded protein pgp3 from C. trachomatis, serotype D, to be used in immunogenic compositions and in the preparation of immunogenic compositions was purified by ion exchange column chromatography and shown to be suitable for quantitative immunoassy on clinical samples in an ELISA format.

Abstract: The present invention pertains generally to Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B glycoconjugates. More particularly, the invention pertains to glycoconjugates formed from a Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B capsular oligosaccharide derivative (MenB OS derivative) in which sialic acid residue N-acetyl groups are replaced with N-acyl groups. The invention also pertains to vaccine formulations containing the glycoconjugates, methods of making the vaccine formulations, and methods of using the vaccine formulations to treat or prevent Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B or E. coli K1 disease in a mammalian subject.