Abstract: A peptide for inhibiting Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signalling comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 4, SEQ ID NO 55, SEQ ID NO 68, SEQ ID NO. 69, SEQ ID NO 70, SEQ ID NO 71, SEQ ID NO 72, SEQ ID NO 79, SEQ ID NO 82, SEQ ID NO 85, SEQ ID NO 88, SEQ ID NO 91, SEQ ID NO 94, SEQ ID NO 97, SEQ ID NO 100, SEQ ID NO 103, SEQ ID NO 106, SEQ ID NO 109, SEQ ID NO 112, or SEQ ID NO 115. The peptide may comprise a delivery sequence such as a cationic peptide.

Abstract: Helicobacter pylori is closely associated with chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric adenocarcinoma. Helicobacter pylori neutrophil-activating protein (HP-NAP), a virulence factor of Helicobacter pylori, plays an important role in pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori infection. Since HP-NAP has been proposed as a candidate vaccine against Helicobacter pylori infection, an efficient way to obtain pure HP-NAP needs to be developed. In the present invention, recombinant HP-NAP expressed in Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli was purified through a single step of DEAE SEPHADEX ion-exchange chromatography with high purity. Also, purified recombinant HP-NAP was able to stimulate neutrophils to produce reactive oxygen species. Thus, recombinant HP-NAP obtained from our Bacillus subtilis expression system and Escherichia coli expression system is functionally active.

Abstract: An immunogenic composition having 13 distinct polysaccharide-protein conjugates and optionally, an aluminum-based adjuvant, is described. Each conjugate contains a capsular polysaccharide prepared from a different serotype of Streptococcus pneumoniae (1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F and 23F) conjugated to a carrier protein. The immunogenic composition, formulated as a vaccine, increases coverage against pneumococcal disease in infants and young children globally, and provides coverage for serotypes 6A and 19A that is not dependent on the limitations of serogroup cross-protection. Also described is a method for making an immunogenic conjugate comprising Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 3 polysaccharide covalently linked to a carrier protein, the method including periodic acid oxidation of the polysaccharide in the presence of bivalent cations.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for identifying inhibitors of Rv0256c functions, e.g., inhibitors of Rv0256c expression, DNA binding, nuclear localization and iNOS inhibition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Thermoanaerobacter sp. bacterial strain (BKH1) isolated from a hot spring, a purified protein (bioremediase) isolated from bacterial strain BKH1, as well as concrete compositions comprising BKH1 and/or the protein, and methods of using the protein and/or composition. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding the protein isolated from BKH1, as well as expression vectors, host cells, cell lines, and methods for generating and purifying the bioremediase protein.