Abstract: The present invention addresses the need to improve the long-term storage stability (i.e. infectivity) of vector formulations. In particular, it has been demonstrated that for adenovirus, the use of bulking agents, cryoprotectants and lyoprotectants imparts desired properties that allow both lyophilized and liquid adenovirus formulations to be stored at 4° C. for up to 6 months and retain an infectivity between 60-100% of the starting infectivity.

Abstract: Targeted disruption of the centrin gene leads to attenuation of growth in Leishmania. Preferred embodiments of the invention provide attenuated strains of Leishmania useful for the preparation of immunogenic preparations including vaccines against a disease caused by infection with a virulent Leishmania strain and as tools for the generation of immunological and diagnostic reagents. Other preferred embodiments provide related immunogenic compositions, methods of generating an immune response, methods for producing a vaccine, and methods of forming attenuated strains of Leishmania.

Abstract: The disclosure features, inter alia, methods and compositions for detecting, isolating, and/or analyzing one or more analytes such as, but not limited to, biomolecules (e.g., proteins, glycoproteins, lipids (e.g., sphingolipids), and carbohydrates). Such methods and compositions are useful in, e.g., the discovery of novel proteins, or the amino acid sequence of novel proteins, or identifying biomarkers for diseases such as cancer, immunological disorders, or microbial infections.

Abstract: Antibodies for binding epitopes of BoNT/A and hybridomas which produce such antibodies are described. The antibodies of the present invention can be used in a method for detecting BoNT/A in a sample and/or in a method for purifying BoNT/A from an impure solution. In addition, the antibodies can be used for passive immunization against BoNT/A intoxication or as intoxication therapy. Another aspect of the invention is a kit for detecting BoNT/A in a sample.

Abstract: The invention provides modified virus Ankara (MVA), a replication-deficient strain of vaccinia virus, expressing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) env, gag, and pol genes.

Abstract: This invention relates to attenuated pestiviruses characterised in that their enzymatic activity residing in glycoprotein ERNS is inactivated, methods of preparing, using and detecting these.

Abstract: Disclosed is a recombinant vaccine for porcine atrophic rhinitis. A vaccine is provided which uses a Pasteurella multocida (D:4) outer membrane protein H. The vaccine uses a small size of peptides, so that it exhibits a remarkable activity. In addition, it is possible to provide a vaccine that can be applied in the body through a variety of routes.

Abstract: Hybridoma cell lines which produce and secrete monoclonal antibodies which selectively bind to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis have been produced. Cells of M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis in biological samples may be detected and quantified by contacting the sample with the antibodies to form a M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis/antibody immunocomplex when M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis is present, which immunocomplex may then be detected. The monoclonal antibodies also may be incorporated into kits for the detection and quantification of M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis.

Abstract: The invention provides low molecular weight compounds that block the pore formed by protective antigen and inhibit anthrax toxin action. Structures of the compounds are derivatives of ?-cyclodextrin. Per-substituted alkylamino derivates displayed inhibitory activity, and they were protective against anthrax lethal toxin action at low micromolar concentrations. Also, the addition of one of the alkylamino derivatives to the bilayer lipid membrane with multiple PA channels caused a significant decrease in membrane conductance. Thus, the invention also provides methods for protection against anthrax toxicity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel L-lysine-inducible promoter nucleic acid molecule. Also disclosed are a vector containing the nucleic acid molecule, a host cell transformed with the vector, and a method of inducing expression of a target gene using the L-lysine-inducible promoter nucleic acid molecule.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the development of a cell-based assay system having improved sensitivity to HCV NS3 protease activity when compared to known assays, which is useful for screening test compounds capable of modulating (particularly inhibiting) HCV NS3 protease activity. This system provides a first construct comprising a transactivator domain joined downstream of the NS3-5 domains of HCV under the control of a non-cytopathic viral promoter system. A second construct is also provided that comprises a reporter gene under the control of an operator sensitive to the binding of the transactivator. The NS3-5 domains encodes the NS3 polyprotein which comprises: the NS3 protease, followed by the NS4A co-factor, the NS4B and NS5A proteins (including any derivative, variant or fragment thereof, terminated by the NS5B protein (including any derivative, variant or fragment thereof) sufficient to constitute a NS5A/5B cleavage site.

Abstract: Soluble, secreted tumor necrosis factor receptor polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods are disclosed. The polypeptides comprise one cysteine-rich repeat that is homologous to other tumor necrosis factor receptors, such as transmembrane activator and CAML-interactor (TACI). The polypeptides may be used for detecting ligands, agonists and antagonists. The polypeptides may also be used in methods that modulate B cell activation.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules that comprise modified open reading frames providing increased expression of the encoded active BoNT/E in a heterologous cell, expression constructs and cells comprising such nucleic acid molecules and methods useful for expressing the encoding active BoNT/E from such nucleic acid molecules, expression constructs and cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a genetically engineered P30 antigen and a combination or mixture of antigens (e.g., the genetically engineered P30 antigen and P35) that may be used in the detection of IgM and/or IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to methods of using this genetically engineered P30 antigen and combination of antigens, antibodies raised against this genetically engineered P30 antigen and combination of antigens, as well as kits and vaccines containing the genetically engineered P30 antigen and antigens present in the combination.

Abstract: A method for the laboratory determination of prosthetic infections is described. This method, performed on biological fluids isolated from patients, is based on the detection of antibodies specific for the polysaccharides produced by bacteria colonizing prosthetic devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of animal health and in particular to Lawsonia intracellularis. In particular, the invention relates to a method of diagnosing Lawsonia intracellularis infection and a diagnostic test kit using Lawsonia intracellularis-specific antibodies. The invention also relates to the use of the method or test kit for diagnosing Lawsonia intracellularis infections.

Abstract: The invention belongs to the field of animal health and in particular the causative agent of a new bacterial poultry disease, Gallibacterium. The invention provides said Gallibacterium bacteria, vaccine comprising inactivated Gallibacterium, and a method of immunizing to prevent disease in poultry.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid sequences encoding a modified leukotoxin protein, wherein the modification comprises the removal of nucleic acid sequences encoding amino acids within hydrophobic transmembrane domains of full length leukotoxin protein, preferably from Mannheimia haemolytica. The modified leukotoxin proteins are useful in vaccine compositions effective against Mannheimia haemolytica in animals.

Abstract: A method for treating a virus-containing sample, characterized by treatment of a virus-containing sample with a treatment solution containing (1) an anionic surfactant and (2) an amphoteric surfactant, nonionic surfactant or protein denaturant; a virus assay method using said treating method; a method for treating a virus-containing sample, characterized by treatment of a virus-containing sample with a treatment solution containing (1) a chaotropic ion and (2) an acidifying agent; a virus assay method using said treating method; a virus assay method, characterized in that a virus antigen and a virus antibody are measured based on their binding to their probe in the presence of a surfactant with an alkyl group of 10 or more carbon atoms and a secondary, tertiary or quaternary amine, or a nonionic surfactant, or of both of them; and a monoclonal antibody and a hybridoma producing the same for carrying out said method.

Abstract: Soluble, secreted tumor necrosis factor receptor polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods are disclosed. The polypeptides comprise one cysteine-rich repeat that is homologous to other tumor necrosis factor receptors, such as transmembrane activator and CAML-interactor (TACI). The polypeptides may be used for detecting ligands, agonists and antagonists. The polypeptides may also be used in methods that modulate B cell activation.