Abstract: The present invention provides variant LcrE sequences and/or combinations of variant LcrE sequences across the Chlamydia trachomatis serovars. Such changes in LcrE genotypes across the Chlamydia trachomatis serovars are likely to correspond with changes in LcrE phenotypes, in particular, with changes in immunogenicity. The present invention also provides peptides surrounding or associated with the amino acid substitutions, in particular, peptides surrounding or associated with high frequency mutated amino acid positions or hypervariable regions, which are likely to be B and/or T cell epitopic regions capable of eliciting Chlamydia specific cell mediated immune responses. The variant LcrE sequences and/or combinations of the variant LcrE sequences and/or epitope regions associated with the variant LcrE sequences are useful as immunogens and/or in the preparation of immunogenic compositions for preventing and/or treating and/or, diagnosing Chlamydia infections.

Abstract: The invention provides proteins from group B streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) and group A streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes), including amino acid sequences and the corresponding nucleotide sequences. Data are given to show that the proteins are useful antigens for vaccines, immunogenic compositions, and/or diagnostics. The proteins are also targets for antibiotics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotides encoding immunogenic HIV type C Gag- and/or Env-containing polypeptides. Uses of the polynucleotides in applications including DNA immunization, generation of packaging cell lines, and production of Gag- and/or Env-containing proteins are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of a new adhesin islands within the genomes of several Group A and Group B Streptococcus serotypes and isolates. The adhesin islands are thought to encode surface proteins which are important in the bacteria's virulence. Thus, the adhesin island proteins of the invention may be used in immunogenic compositions for prophylactic or therapeutic immunization against GAS or GBS infection. For example, the invention may include an immunogenic composition comprising one or more of the discovered adhesin island proteins.

Abstract: Quinazolinone compounds, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and prodrugs thereof; compositions that include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and one or more of the quinazolinone compounds, either alone or in combination with at least one additional therapeutic agent. Methods of using the quinazolinone compounds, either alone or in combination with at least one additional therapeutic agent, in the prophylaxis or treatment of proliferative diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides proteins from group B streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) and group A streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes), including amino acid sequences and the corresponding nucleotide sequences. Data are given to show that the proteins are useful antigens for vaccines, immunogenic compositions, and/or diagnostics. The proteins are also targets for antibiotics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotides encoding immunogenic HIV type C Pol, Gag- and/or Env-containing polypeptides. Uses of the polynucleotides in applications including DNA immunization, generation of packaging cell lines, and production of Pol, Gag- and/or Env-containing proteins are also described.

Abstract: CD40 antagonists are used to prepare compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, for treating autoimmune and neoplastic diseases in a mammal. The CD40 antagonist compositions are useful for reversing or substantially diminishing such autoimmune diseases as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and psoriasis.

Abstract: West Nile virus capture oligonucleotides, primers and probes derived from conserved regions of the West Nile virus genome are disclosed. Also disclosed are nucleic acid-based assays using the capture oligonucleotides, primers and probes.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of cancer-related genes. Specifically it relates to methods for detecting cancer or the likelihood of developing cancer based on the presence or absence of the SEM A4D gene or proteins encoded by this gene. The invention also provides methods and molecules for upregulating or downregulating the SEMA4D gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the efficient expression of HIV polypeptides in a variety of cell types, including, but not limited to, mammalian, insect, and plant cells. Synthetic expression cassettes encoding the HIV Gag-containing polypeptides are described, as are uses of the expression cassettes in applications including DNA immunization, generation of packaging cell lines, and production of Env-, tat- or Gag-containing proteins. The invention provides methods of producing Virus-Like Particles (VLPs), as well as, uses of the VLPs including, but not limited to, vehicles for the presentation of antigens and stimulation of immune response in subjects to whom the VLPs are administered.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to novel polynucleotides that encode HIV Env polypeptides. In particular, the disclosure relates to sequences derived from HIV strain Botswana MJ4 encoding Env polypeptides. Compositions comprising these polynucleotides and methods of using these polynucleotides are also disclosed.

Abstract: Mosaic VLPs of viral capsid proteins from different virus types are described, as are methods of making the same. Specifically, a diploid yeast strain that coexpresses the L1 and L2 capsid proteins of both HPV-6 and HPV-16 as mosaic VLPs is described. The mosaic VLPs induced the production of conformational antibodies against both L1 proteins upon administration to mice.

Abstract: This invention is directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising an HIV antigen and a mucosal adjuvant and methods for raising an immune response in a subject by administering these compositions. Preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention can be used to treat or prevent HIV infection.

Abstract: The invention provides immunostimulatory compositions comprising a small molecule immuno-poteniator (SMIP) compound and methods of administration thereof. Also provided are methods of administering a SMIP compound in an effective amount to enhance the immune response of a subject to an antigen. Further provided are novel compositions and methods of administering SMIP compounds alone or in combination with another agent for the treatment of cancer, infectious diseases and/or allergies/asthma.

Abstract: Anti-?-1,3-glucan antibodies have been found to be protective against systemic fungal infection with Candida albicans. The present invention provides monoclonal antibodies that bind to ?-1,3-glucan, hybridoma cell lines producing the antibodies, compositions comprising the antibodies and methods of using such antibodies for treatment of microbial infections, particularly against Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatis infections. The antibodies of the present invention are not specific for ?-1,6-glucan.

Abstract: Polypeptides comprising a mutant non-structural Hepatitis C virus useful in diagnostic and/or immunogenic compositions are disclosed, in which the mutant is an N-terminal mutation that functionally disrupts the catalytic domain of NS3. Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, host cells transformed with polynucleotides and methods of using the polypeptides and polynucleotides are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of therapy for B-cell malignancies are provided. The methods comprise administering a therapeutically effective amount of an antagonist anti-CD40 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof to a patient in need thereof. The antagonist anti-CD40 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof is free of significant agonist activity when the antibody binds a CD40 antigen on a normal human B cell, exhibits antagonist activity when the antibody binds a CD40 antigen on a malignant human B cell, and can exhibit antagonist activity when the antibody binds a CD40 antigen on a normal human B cell. Antagonist activity of the anti-CD40 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof beneficially inhibits proliferation and/or differentiation of malignant human B cells.

Abstract: Human endogenous retroviruses of the HML-2 family show up-regulated expression in prostate tumors. This finding can be used in prostate cancer screening, diagnosis and therapy.

Abstract: Env-CD4 polypeptide complexes and hybrids that expose cryptic epitopes important in virus neutralization are disclosed. Method of diagnosis, treatment and prevention using the polypeptides are also provided.