Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for promoting B. subtilis to synthesize surfactin based on multi-gene synergy, and belongs to the field of genetic engineering. Firstly, B. subtilis is enabled to obtain the ability to synthesize surfactin by integrant expression of sfp protein derived from a high-yield strain, on this basis, by knocking out genes associated with a competitive pathway, overexpressing genes associated with the surfactin tolerance of B. subtilis, strengthening genes associated with a branched chain fatty acid synthesis pathway or improving the intracellular srfA gene transcription level, the synergy among genes is realized, and systemic metabolic engineering transformation is performed on the B. subtilis, thereby greatly improving the ability of B. subtilis genetically engineered bacteria to synthesize surfactin. Compared with a starting strain B. subtilis 168, the amount of extracellular accumulation of surfactin of the B.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of detecting the presence of antibodies against mycobacterial material in a sample by detecting binding of antibodies in said sample to at least two types of immobilised antigen, which antigens are capable of binding to an antibody which is indicative for the presence of mycobacterial material in a human or animal. Also disclosed is a solid substrate including a combination of said at least two antigens immobilised to said substrate, and to a biosensor having at least two types of immobilised antigen, which antigens are capable of binding to an antibody which is indicative for the presence of mycobacterial material in a human or animal.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a mutated Salmonella strain comprising mutations in flagellin II genes, like the fliF gene, in particular, in addition the aroA gene, the IpxR gene, the pagP gene, the pagL gene, the ydiV gene and optionally the eptA gene and further optionally, the arnT gene. In a further aspect, immunogenic compositions comprising said Salmonella strain are provided optionally together with a pharmaceutically accepted carrier, diluent or effluent. Moreover, a method for producing outer membrane vesicles of Salmonella is provided, said method comprises the steps of cultivating the Salmonella strain according to the present invention and isolating the outer membrane vesicles accordingly.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a biosignature that distinguishes Lyme disease, including early Lyme disease, from STARI. The present disclosure also provides methods for detecting Lyme disease and STARI, as well as methods for treating subjects diagnosed with Lyme disease or STARI.

Abstract: The invention relates to vaccine compositions for treating and/or preventing infections by a bacterium of the Chlamydiaceae family, said compositions comprising bacteria of the Chlamydiaceae family, which have been previously treated by at least one peptidoglycan inhibitor, or extracts of said treated bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising a mutant fragment of an outer surface protein A (OspA), a nucleic acid coding the same, a pharmaceutical composition (particularly for use as a medicament of in a method of treating or preventing a Borrelia infection) comprising the polypeptide and/or the nucleic acid, a method of treating or preventing a Borrelia infection and a method of immunizing a subject.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of the present invention prevent, inhibit or reduce the toxic effects of proteins and toxins secreted from microbes. A method for neutralizing microbial protein products in a subject comprises administering a composition to the subject, said composition comprising plasma-derived IgM and optionally one or more excipients in a pharmaceutical carrier, wherein the composition is administered in an amount effective to neutralize the microbial protein products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protein nanocages comprising a melanocyte-targeting moiety and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the protein cages as well as methods for treating or diagnosing hyperpigmentation disorders or other melanocyte-related disorders using the protein nanocages or pharmaceutical compositions. In the preferred embodiment, the protein nanocage is composed of Bacillus stearothermophilus E2 protein of pyruvate dehydrogenase multi-enzyme complex (E2), with a skin penetrating and cell permeating SPACE moiety, and a melanocyte-targeting moiety of alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunogenic compositions comprising a conjugate of a saccharide from Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 8 and a carrier protein, and a mixture consisting of capsular polysaccharides from Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F and 23F individually conjugated to CRM197 carrier protein, or a mixture consisting of capsular polysaccharides from Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 1, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F and 23F individually conjugated to a carrier protein, wherein the capsular polysaccharides from Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 1, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, and 23F are individually conjugated to protein D, the capsular polysaccharide from Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 18C is conjugated to tetanus toxoid and the capsular polysaccharide from Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 19F is conjugated to diphtheria toxoid. Said compositions are useful for the prevention and/or treatment of diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Abstract: Provided herein, inter alia, are compositions and methods of using the same for detecting complement activation.

Abstract: A method and system of reducing the likelihood of a Porphyromonas gingivalis infection in a human being includes the use of a bioadhesive strip that binds to a person's mucosal membrane for at least 1 hour while inside a person's mouth, where the strip has a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-biofilm agent, compounds that facilitate the growth of desired bacteria beneficial to a person's health, and an antibiotic effective amount to kill Porphyromonas gingivalis bacteria. The method and system reduces the virulence factor gingipain. In other embodiments, the likelihood that a subject will suffer from Alzheimer's Disease is reduced by administering, via local gingival application to a subject that has been diagnosed with periodontitis, an effective amount of an antibiotic effective to kill Porphyromonas gingivalis bacteria residing on the subgingival tooth area of the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to the fields of vaccines and vaccine adjuvants, and generally relates to polynucleotide adjuvants, polynucleotide vaccines and vaccine compositions. More specifically, the invention relates to said polynucleotides and vaccine compositions for use in inducing or enhancing a prophylactic or therapeutic immune response in a mammalian subject. Furthermore, it relates to said polynucleotides and vaccine compositions for use in the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of an infectious disease, such as in the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of leishmaniasis.

Abstract: An immunogenic composition comprising of Diphtheria toxoid antigen (D), tetanus toxoid (T) antigen, Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), inactivated whole-cell B. pertussis (wP) antigen, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) capsular saccharide conjugated to a carrier protein, Inactivated Polio Virus (IPV) antigen and additionally one or more antigens and the method of preparing the same. A fully liquid combination vaccine, showing improved immunogenicity, reduced reactogenicity and improved stability. Improved methods of formaldehyde inactivation, improved adsorption profile of Diphtheria toxoid antigen (D), tetanus toxoid (T) antigen and Hepatitis B (HepB) surface antigen adsorbed individually onto aluminium phosphate adjuvant, minimum total aluminum content (Al3+) and optimized concentration of 2-phenoxyethanol (2-PE) as preservative.

Abstract: Antibiotics (Abx) are the worlds most misused drugs. Antibiotics misuse occurs when the drug is administered in case of a non-bacterial infection (such as a viral infection) for which it is ineffective. Overall, it is estimated that 40-70% of the worldwide Abx courses are mis-prescribed. The financial and health consequences of Abx over-prescription include the direct cost of the drugs, as well as the indirect costs of their side effects, which are estimated at >$15 billion annually. Furthermore, over-prescription directly causes the emergence of Abx-resistant strains of bacteria, which are recognized as one of the major threats to public health today. This generates an immediate need for reliable diagnostics to assist physicians in correct Abx prescription, especially at the point-of-care (POC) where most Abx are prescribed. Accordingly, some aspects of the present invention provide methods using biomarkers for rapidly detecting the source of infection and administrating the appropriate treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising one or more compounds and/or extracts which induce, promote and/or improve production/release/delivery/excretion of hyaluronic acid from and/or in the cornea, and methods of using the compositions to treat the eye.

Abstract: Provided herein are compounds, compositions, formulations, kits, uses, and methods for vaccinating a subject against Neisseria meningitidis.

Abstract: Composition and methods for detection of Coccidioidomycosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fields of genetically modified Agrobacterium strains, vaccine adjuvants, and generally molecular biology and immunology. Provided herein are modified Agrobacterium strains that produce lipopolysaccharide (LPS) having reduced toxicity or detoxified lipopolysaccharide, and methods of obtaining such strains for plant-based production of biologies. Also provided herein are uses of reduced or detoxified LPS as adjuvants suitable for clinical use.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides binding proteins (e.g., antibodies or antigen binding fragments thereof) that specifically bind to Klebsiella pneumoniae O1 and induce opsonophagocytic killing of Klebsiella (e.g., Klebsiella pneumoniae). The present disclosure also provides methods of reducing Klebsiella (e.g., Klebsiella pneumoniae) or treating or preventing Klebsiella (e.g., Klebsiella pneumoniae) infection in a subject comprising administering the Klebsiella pneumoniae O1 binding proteins, (e.g., antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof) to the subject.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are modified Clostridial Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) polypeptides with a modified receptor binding domain of Clostridial Botulinum serotype B, comprising one or more substitution mutations at positions corresponding 1248 or 1249 in serotype B, strain 1. Specific substitution mutations include I1248F, I1248Y, I1248H, I1248W, V1249W, V1249F, V1249Y, V1249H, I1248W/V1249F, I1248W/V1249Y, I1248W/V1249H, I1248F/V1249Y, I1248F/V1249H, I1248Y/V1249H, I1248F/V1249W, I1248Y/V1249W, I1248H/V1249W, I1248Y/V1249F, I1248H/V1249F, or I1248H/V1249Y. Other substitution mutations are also disclosed. Isolated modified receptor binding domains, chimeric molecules, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of using the same are also disclosed.