Abstract: Bacterial strains are provided having at least one of a reduced size, a sialic acid coat, inducibly altered surface antigens, and expression of PD-L1 or CTLA-4 agonists and/or tryptophanase. The bacteria may have improved serum half-life, increased penetration into tumors, increased tumor targeting and increased antitumor activity. The bacteria are useful for delivery of therapeutic agents that treat of neoplastic diseases including solid tumors and lymphomas.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a first biological molecule from a Neisseria bacterium and a second biological molecule from a Neisseria bacterium. The term “biological molecule” includes proteins and nucleic acids. Preferred Neisseria species are N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae.

Abstract: The present application relates to modified T cell epitopes derived from fungal ribotoxins, including a-sarcin, clavin, gigantin, mitogillin, and restrictocin, as well as modified ribotoxin molecules comprising one or more of the modified epitopes. The modified ribotoxin molecules inhibit protein synthesis, like the wild type ribotoxins, but exhibit reduced immunogenicity as compared to the corresponding wild type ribotoxin. Another aspect relates to a fusion protein which comprises a modified ribotoxin fused or conjugated or otherwise linked to a targeting molecule that is effective for binding a target of interest. Another aspect relates to the use of the modified ribotoxin or fusion protein for treating or managing a disease or condition.

Abstract: According to the present invention new isolates of bacterial strains have been shown to possess unique properties. These bacterial strains are plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR), posses an enhanced competitive advantage at colonizing leguminous plants, and enhance the overall performance of leguminous plant growth. Further still, the present invention discloses a novel method for screening and selecting bacterial strains having the aforementioned beneficial characteristics.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a treatment probe comprising an elongated body member and a needle portion. The elongated body member can have a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The needle portion can be connected to the distal end portion. The needle portion can include at least one electrode and at least one fluid port. The at least one electrode and the at least one fluid port can be configured to deliver electrical energy and a tumescent fluid, respectively, so that superficial tissue planes overlying a target nerve are protected from inadvertent heat damage as a result of application of electrical energy to a target nerve.

Abstract: Compositions for the treatment or prevention of Neisserial infection and methods for their use and manufacture are provided herein.

Abstract: The invention provides human secreted proteins (SECP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode SECP. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for diagnosing, treating, or preventing disorders associated with aberrant expression of SECP.

Abstract: Agents, compositions, methods and kits useful for the treatment and diagnosis of Staphylococcal intramammary infection are disclosed. The agents, compositions, methods and kits are derived from genes expressed during Staphylococcal intramammary infection, and more particularly genes SACOL0029, SACOL0264, SACOL0442, SACOL0718, SACOL0720, SACOL1353, SACOL1416, SACOL1611, SACOL1944, SACOL2144, SACOL2365 or SACOL2599, based on the gene nomenclature from the Staphylococcus aureus COL (SACOL) genome.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 71. In another aspect, the invention relates to an immunogenic composition including an isolated non-lipidated, non-pyruvylated ORF2086 polypeptide from Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B, and at least one conjugated capsular saccharide from a meningococcal serogroup.

Abstract: Customized whole cell cancer vaccines can be produced from autologous (ex vivo or in situ) or allogeneic human or veterinary patient cell lines. Cells are transformed with S. pyogenes DNA that expresses an Emm protein on the cell surface and cytosol. Treatment of cancer patients with an Emm vector vaccine induces an immunologic response to the cancer by enhancing immunogenicity of a tumor. Emm vaccines can be used in patients where the cancer is not identified due to lower tumor burden or used to treat a specific cancer and subsequently treat for a second type that may have arisen through metastasis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel vaccine compound of micellar nanoparticles to be administered intranasally to treat and/or prevent the disease called atherosclerosis, which results from an abnormal metabolism of circulating lipids. The novelty of the vaccine compound of the present invention is the use of Archaebacterian lipids, lysophosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylcholine, which give nanoparticles stability and facilitates antigen presentation in its appropriate secondary peptidic conformation. A novel process for the preparation of vaccine compounds which allows obtaining homogeneous nanoparticles with high stability is also presented in this invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel immunogenic proteins derived from Staphylococcus aureus, as well as methods for their use in conferring protective immunity against S. aureus infections. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding the proteins and methods of use of these nucleic acids.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to provide a beneficial biological effect for a subject, and/or a method of treating the subject using the apparatus. The apparatus may be configured to trigger and maintain the elevation of Glutathione levels within the subject. The apparatus may rely on a non-invasive mechanism to elevate Glutathione levels in the subject. The apparatus may not require a traditional power source such as a battery or wall plug in order to be effective in elevating Glutathione levels in the subject. To trigger and maintain the elevation of Glutathione levels within the subject, the apparatus may transmit communication to the body of the subject that results in increased levels of Glutathione within the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of eliminating, reducing or preventing bacterial biofilms by means of a fusion protein comprising an endolysin, an autolysin or a bacteriocin to which a peptide with membrane or LPS disrupting activity is fused. Further, the present invention relates to fusion proteins for use as a medicament, in particular for the treatment or prevention of Gram-negative and/or Gram-positive bacterial infections associated with bacterial biofilm, as diagnostic means, disinfectant or as cosmetic substance. The present invention also relates to the removal or reduction or prevention of Gram-negative and/or Gram-positive bacterial contamination associated with bacterial biofilm of foodstuff, of food processing equipment, of food processing plants, of surfaces coming into contact with foodstuff, of medical devices, of surfaces in hospitals and surgeries.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for use in prophylaxis of puerperal metritis and improving reproductive function of ruminants. The methods and compositions are for subcutaneous administration and are provided as veterinary compositions and as articles of manufacture. The veterinary composition can contain whole cells selected from whole cells of Escherichia coli (E. coli), Trueperella pyogenes (T. pyogenes), Fusobacterium necrophorum (F. necrophorum) and combinations thereof; and/or proteins selected from F. necrophorum leukotoxin (LKT), E. coli type 1 fimbrial adhesin (FimH), T. pyogenes pyolysin (PLO), and all combinations of the whole cells and the proteins.

Abstract: Assays for detecting anti-streptococcal antibodies in biological samples using one or more streptococcal antigens are described herein. Various combinations of antigens may be used in the assays. For example, one or more of Ply, PhtD, PhtE, LytB and PcpA may be utilized. Additional streptococcal antigens may also be used. The assays may also be used in combination with assays that detect streptococcal nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to fusion proteins, antigen cocktails and immunological compositions such as vaccines against infections caused by virulent mycobacteria, e.g. by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium africanum, Mycobacterium bovis, Mycobacterium microti, Mycobacterium canettii, Mycobacterium pinnipedii or Mycobacterium mungi. The fusion proteins or antigen cocktails are based on ESX secreted or associated proteins e.g. proteins secreted by the ESAT-6 secretion system 1 (ESX-1) which are among the most immunodominant M. tuberculosis (MTB) antigens.

Abstract: Serogroup B meningococcus antigens can successfully be combined with diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis toxoids (“DTP”) to provide effective combination vaccines for protecting against multiple pathogens. These combinations are effective with a range of different adjuvants, and with both pediatric-type and booster-type DTP ratios. The adjuvant can improve the immune response which the composition elicits; alternatively, by including an adjuvant it is possible for the compositions to have a relatively lower amount of antigen while nevertheless having immunogenicity which is comparable to unadjuvanted combination vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of suppressing the virulence of one or more virulence antigenic factors of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Aspects of the invention include administering of an expression vector alone or in conjunction with a fusion protein. The expression vector has a transcription unit encoding a fusion protein composed of a virulence antigenic factor of MRSA attached through a linker to the aminoterminal end of the ecd CD40 ligand. The fusion protein is composed of a virulence antigenic factor of MRSA and CD40 ligand and has the ability to generate antibodies which prevents host cell infection by suppressing virulence functions of MRSA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to humanized antibodies which bind the pertussis toxin protein and their use as therapeutic agents. In particular, the present invention is directed to improved humanized 1B7 and 11E6 antibodies which bind the pertussis toxin protein.