Abstract: In summary of this disclosure, the present invention provides a method of nucleic acid, including DNA, immunization of a host, including humans, against disease caused by infection by a strain of Chlamydia, specifically C. pneumoniae, employing a vector, containing a nucleotide sequence encoding an POMP91B precursor protein of a strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae and a promoter to effect expression of the POMP91B precursor gene in the host. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.

Abstract: Methods for identifying and monitoring increased or decreased levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase in biological samples are provided. A collection device for detecting inducible nitric oxide synthase in biological samples is also provided. Detection of inducible nitric oxide synthase is useful in the diagnosis of inflammatory responses such as infections mediated by bacteria, yeast or viruses, transplant rejection, rheumatoid arthritis, interstitial cystitis and cancer.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotide molecules contain a nucleotide sequence that encodes a L. intracellularis HtrA, PonA, HypC, LysS, YcfW, ABC1, or Omp100 protein, a substantial portion of the sequences, or a homologous sequence. Related polypeptides, immunogenic compositions and assays are described.

Abstract: Vaccine compositions protective against Chlamydia psittaci infections in animals, including but not limited to humans and avian species, comprising an immunogenic amount of a C. psittaci major outer membrane protein (MOMP) polypeptide lacking regions VD1 and VD2 are provided. Nucleic acid vectors for the expression of MOMP polypeptides and MOMP polypeptide fusion proteins are disclosed. Nucleic acid vectors encoding a C. psittaci major outer membrane protein (MOMP) polypeptide lacking regions VD1 and VD2 useful for genetic, or “naked nucleic acid” vaccination are disclosed. Methods for preventing a Chlamydia psittaci infection in a subject using MOMP polypeptides, MOMP polypeptide-fusion proteins, or nucleic acid expression vectors are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are Moraxella catarrhalis BASB034 polypeptides and immnunogenic fragments of BASB034 polypeptides Preferably, the immunogenic fragments have at least 15 amino acids that match an aligned contiguous segment of SEQ ID NOs:2, 4, 6 or 8. The immunogenic fragments, when administered to a subject in a suitable composition (which can include an adjuvant, or a suitable carrier coupled to the fragment) raise an immune response that recognizes a polypeptide having the sequence of SEQ ID NOs:2, 4, 6 or 8. The invention further provides immunogenic compositions containing BASB034 polypeptides and immunogenic fragments thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Also provided are fusion proteins that contain BASB034 polypeptides and immunogenic fragments thereof.

Abstract: The treatment of IBD in mammals, including humans, is described. More particularly, the present invention relates to compositions and methods for the treatment of IBD associated with Helicobacter or other bacterial infections in mammals, including humans, and to vaccine compositions and antibodies suitable for use in such treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and kit for detecting antibodies in clinical samples of animals infected with equine infectious anemia virus using the immunodiagnosis with the recombinant viral antigen p26. The antigen was bound to solid supports (microtitter plates, tubes, beads or nitrocellulose papers or nylon) and reacted with the test serum. After incubation with conjugated anti-equine immunoglobulin-enzyme the reaction was revealed with a solution composed of the substrate of the enzyme used in the conjugate (cromogene). After development of the reaction (color formation) it was stopped with acid solution and measured. The immunoassay may be a direct second antibody immunoassay, a one or two step sandwich immunoassay.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an adherence gene from Helicobacter pylori, a polypeptide coded thereby and antibodies against the polypeptide.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an isolated DNA sequence encoding an antigen of Taenia solium metacestodes. A 10 kDa antigen of Taenia solium metacestodes (TSM) has been shown to be specific for immunodiagnosis of Neurocysticercosis (NCC), which is an important cause of neurological disease worldwide. This invention discloses a method of cloning a cDNA library encoding a 10 kDa protein from Taenia solium metacestodes. The cloned cDNA contained a 258 bp complete open reading frame, encoding an 86 amino acid protein with a calculated molecular weight of 9,582 Da. It showed 73% homology with a 10 kDa antigen of T. crassiceps. The recombinant protein was expressed bacterially as a fusion protein at a high level. A recombinant TSM antigen prepared according: to this invention is useful in detecting neurocysticerocosis disease. In immunoblot with purified recombinant protein, 97% of sera from active NCC showed strong reactivity while 14% of sera from chronic calcified NCC were weekly positive.

Abstract: Purified and isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided which encode a FlaC flagellin protein of a strain of Campylobacter, particularly C. jejuni, or a fragment or an analog of the FlaC flagellin protein. The nucleic acid molecules may be used to produce proteins free of contaminants derived from bacteria normally containing the FlaA or FlaB proteins for purposes of diagnostics and medical treatment. Furthermore, the nucleic acid molecules, proteins encoded thereby and antibodies raised against the proteins, may be used in the diagnosis of infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides antiviral proteins, peptides and conjugates, as well as methods of obtaining these agents. The antiviral proteins, peptides and conjugates of the present invention can be used alone or in combination with other antiviral agents in compositions, such as pharmaceutical compositions, to inhibit the infectivity, replication and cytopathic effects of a virus, such as a retrovirus, in particular a human immunodeficiency virus, specifically HIV-1 or HIV-2, in the treatment or prevention of viral infection.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated PR Family Member (PFM) nucleic acid molecule that contains a PFM PR domain nucleotide sequence, a PFM ZF domain nucleotide sequence, or a modification thereof. The invention also provides an isolated PFM nucleic acid molecule that contains a nucleotide sequence that encodes a PFM PR domain polypeptide, or that encodes a PFM ZF domain polypeptide, or that encodes an immunologically equivalent modification thereof. Also provided are isolated PFM oligonucleotides. The invention also provides methods for detecting a PFM nucleic acid molecule in a sample. Further provided is a method of modulating cell growth by expressing an encoded PFM polypeptide in the cell.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of immunization against Helicobacter, involving mucosal administration of an attenuated Salmonella vector including a nucleic acid molecule encoding a Helicobacter antigen, and parenteral administration of a soluble Helicobacter antigen, co-administered with a suitable parenteral adjuvant. Also provided by the invention are attenuated Salmonella vectors for use in this method.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new protein, designated Rib, and subfragments, multiples or variants thereof, which confers protective immunity against infection with many group B streptococcal strains, in particular those of serotype III. The invention includes a procedure for purification of the protein, a procedure for preparation of highly specific antibodies, a reagent kit, a DNA sequence encoding the protein and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the protein or fragments or variants thereof.

Abstract: The present invention to an isolated DNA which codes for a gene essential for cell wall glucan synthesis of Candida albicans, wherein the gene is referred to as CaKRE9, wherein the sequence of the DNA is as set forth in FIG. 1. The present invention relates to antifungal in vitro and in vivo screening assays for identifying compounds which inhabit the synthesis, assembly and/or regulation of &bgr;1,6-glucan. There is also disclosed an in vitro method for the diagnosis of disease caused by fungal infection in a patient.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions relating to semaphorin K1 (sema K1) polypeptides which regulate cellular guidance and physiology, and related nucleic acids. The polypeptides may be produced recombinantly from transformed host cells from the disclosed sema K1 encoding nucleic acids or purified from human cells. The invention provides isolated sema K1 hybridization probes and primers capable of specifically hybridizing with the disclosed sema K1 genes, sema K1-specific binding agents such as specific antibodies, and methods of making and using the subject compositions in diagnosis, therapy and in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple immunochemical semi-quantitative assay method according to chromatography, which comprises trapping a certain amount of an analyte in a sample with a predetermined amount of a fixed antibody for the analyte before qualitative analysis of the analyte, the certain amount corresponding to the amount of the fixed antibody, and thereby decreasing a concentration of the analyte to be subjected to subsequent immunochemical qualitative determination, and an apparatus therefor.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of inducing a protective or therapeutic immune response to Helicobacter infection in a mammal by parenterally administering to the mammal one or more Helicobacter antigens and an adjuvant selected from one or more of LT, CT, LTB, and CTB.

Abstract: Polyclonal antibodies can be produced that reacts with recombinant EPO and its degradation products but not with native EPO. This antibody precipitation can be used to identify those glycopeptides that are uniquely reactive. These glycopeptides can be produced on preparative scale and used in the production of monoclonal antibodies which are screened against the original EPO and glycopeptides to select antibodies reactive to the specific glycopeptides an recombinant EPO but not to native human EPO. The monoclonal antibodies so selected are incorporated in a conventional ELISA and used to monitor urine and other bodily samples taken from athletes, either human or animal, and patients for presence and level of recombinant peptides or proteins. Alternatively, the polyclonal antibody can be used directly to produce ELISA tests.

Abstract: The invention relates to a S-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-cysteine peptide which has two long-chain fatty acids bonded in the form of esters at the dihydroxypropyl group, and which has the following sequence: Dhc GN NDE SNI SFK EK (SEQ ID No 1)     1    5     10 The invention relates also to a composition comprising the mentioned peptide.