Abstract: A novel lymphocyte receptor protein, its DNA sequence, and its role in the calcium activation pathway is described. The protein, or genetically engineered constructs encoding it, are shown to increase lymphocyte response, and to identify ligands of the protein receptor. Antibodies to the proteins of the invention are generated for diagnostic therapeutics. The protein and DNA can also be used for diagnostic purposes and for identifying agents for modulating the calcium induced activation pathway. A particular advantage of the present invention is that it provides lymphocyte activation of receptor found on all B cells, but only on a subset of T cells. The receptor can thus be targeted to specifically regulate B cell responses without affecting mature T cell activity. Such targeting specificity is always advantageous, particularly where an increase or decrease of antibody production is desired, e.g.

Abstract: Allelic variation in the vex2, pep27 and vncS genes of bacteria responsible for tolerance to antibiotics such as penicillin and vancomycin, is taught. Methods for identifying antibiotic tolerant bacteria and subjects infected with such bacteria, particularly antibiotic tolerant Streptococcus pneumoniae, are provided. Test kits and components useful for performing such methods, particularly including oligonucleotide primers, are also provided.