Abstract: The construction of a mutant in the phoP gene by means of homologous recombination from a clinically isolated Mycobacterium tuberculosis reduces the virulence thereof in mouse bone marrow macrophage. Moreover, the phoP mutant reduces the virulence thereof in the experimental mouse model. Said phoP mutant can persist without being eliminated both in the macrophage and in the mouse. Mice inoculated with the phoP mutant are protected against M. tuberculosis infection. The use of mutants of mycobacteria in which the phoP gene or the genes regulated by phoP have been inactivated are candidates for vaccines against human and animal tuberculosis as well as possible recombinant vaccines against other pathogens.

Abstract: Antibodies that specifically bind to amyloid beta peptide A?40 or A?42, obtainable by immunization of a mammal with a polypeptide conjugated to a peptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, and 4, and method for preparing the antibodies. Preferably, the polypeptide is a conjugate of the peptide and keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), and the mammal is a rabbit. Also provided are isolated polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 3 or 4, Further provided is a method of detecting the presence or absence of amyloid peptide A?40 or A?42 in a specimen, and a method of evaluating the ability of a substance in activating the degradation of the amyloid peptide or in inhibiting their production.

Abstract: The construction of a mutant in the phoP gene by means of homologous recombination from a clinically isolated Mycobacterium tuberculosis reduces the virulence thereof in mouse bone marrow macrophage. Moreover, the phoP mutant reduces the virulence thereof in the experimental mouse model. Said phoP mutant can persist without being eliminated both in the macrophage and in the mouse. Mice inoculated with the phoP mutant are protected against M. tuberculosis infection. The use of mutants of mycobacteria in which the phoP gene or the genes regulated by phoP have been inactivated are candidates for vaccines against human and animal tuberculosis as well as possible recombinant vaccines against other pathogens.