Abstract: Mutant Listeria bacteria that modulate interferon-B production are provided. The subject bacteria are characterized by having a mutation in a gene chosen from a TetR gene, a LadR gene, a VirR gene, a MarR gene a MdrL gene, a MdrT gene and a MdrM gene. The subject bacteria find use in a variety of applications, where representative applications of interest include, but are not limited to: (a) use of the subject bacteria as adjuvants; (b) use of the subject bacteria as delivery vectors for introducing macromolecules into a cell; (c) use of the subject bacteria as vaccines for eliciting or boosting a cellular immune response; etc.

Abstract: Human anti-human folate receptor beta (FR?) antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof are described, as well as methods of using such antibodies and fragments to treat inflammatory disorders or cancers expressing cell surface FR?.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the detection of prior exposure to Coxiella. burnetii infection by antibody-based assays using recombinant, immunodominant C. burnetii polypeptides. The invention also relates to the design of biotin or His-tagged C. burnetii proteins useful in the antibody-based assays as standardized antigen reagents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-idiotype antibodies directed against the monoclonal antibody (HmenB3) to Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B and hybridomas producing the anti-idiotype antibodies. This invention is also directed to vaccine compositions comprising the anti-idiotypic antibodies in combination with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. These vaccine compositions can be used to prevent or treat the serogroup B meningococcal disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recombinant DNA and polypeptide sequence of an immuno-dominant phage particle associated protein from Bartonella bacilliformis. The recombinant protein is easily produced permitting the conduct of more accurate and rapid diagnositic assays for the detection of B. bacilliformis infection with reduced reagent and equipment requirements over that required by currently available methods of diagnosis. The DNA and polypeptide sequence is also useful in vaccine preparations against B. bacilliformis.

Abstract: A vaccine utilizing purified mutant alpha toxins from Clostridium septicum for humans and animals against infections caused by C septicum. Persons potentially affected by C. septicum infections include colonic cancer patients, diabetics, leukemia patients, and neutropenics. The alpha toxin mutant of the vaccine lacks the toxicity of a native C. septicum alpha toxin. A serum comprising antibodies raised to the alpha toxin mutant is also available for treating humans or animals against C. septicum infections. The serum may be used in a method for conferring passive immunity against C. septicum. Antibodies to the alpha toxin mutant may be used in diagnostic tests or in treatments to clear alpha toxin from bodily fluids. The mutant alpha toxin may be produced by recombinant methods using cDNA encoding the toxin, the cDNA contained for example in a plasmid or host cell.