Abstract: Novel isolated plant polynucleotide promoter sequences are provided, together with genetic constructs comprising such polynucleotides. Methods for using such constructs in modulating the transcription of DNA sequences of interest are also disclosed, together with transgenic plants comprising such constructs.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides comprising an immunogenic portion of a M. vaccae soluble 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 or delipidated M. vaccae cells are also provided.

Abstract: Polypeptides and polynucleotides isolated from Mycobacterium vaccae are provided, together with compositions comprising such polypeptide and polynucleotides and methods for their use in the enhancement of immune responses to heterologous antigens.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides comprising an immunogenic epitope of a M. vaccae protein, polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides, and fusion proteins comprising at least one such polypeptide, together with DNA constructs comprising at least one inventive polynucleotide. Compositions comprising such polypeptides, polynucleotides, fusion proteins and/or DNA constructs may be employed in the treatment of infectious diseases and immune disorders.

Abstract: Methods for the treatment of skin disorders, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, alopecia areata and skin cancers are provided, such methods comprising administering a composition having antigenic and/or adjuvant properties. Compositions which may be usefully employed in the inventive methods include inactivated M. vaccae cells, delipidated and deglycolipidated M. vaccae cells, M. vaccae culture filtrate and compounds present in or derived therefrom, together with combinations of such compositions.

Abstract: Methods for producing genetically modified plants, particularly woody plants, and most particularly plants of the Eucalyptus and Pinus species, involve transformation of target plant material with a desired genetic construct and regeneration of the transformed plant material using an adventitious shoot bud system. The methods provide a high transformation efficiency and substantially reduce the duration of the transformation and regeneration protocols. Stem segments of a target plant are transformed using Agrobacterium-mediated techniques, and adventitious shoot buds are regenerated from the Agrobacterium-infected stem segments. Preferred culture media, including selection media, and improved plant culture techniques are disclosed.