Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunogenic conjugate comprising a carrier molecule coupled to an autoinducer of a Gram negative bacteria The immunogenic conjugate, when combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, forms a suitable vaccine for mammals to prevent infection by the Gram negative bacteria The immunogenic conjugate is also used to raise and subsequently isolate antibodies or binding portions thereof which are capable of recognizing and binding to the autoinducer. The antibodies or binding portions thereof are utilized in a method of treating infections, a method of inhibiting autoinducer activity, and in diagnostic assays which detect the presence of autoinducers or autoinducer antagonists in fluid or tissue samples. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION 1 2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1 3. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 4 4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 7 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 7 ??5.

Abstract: Novel bacterial quinolone signal molecules and, more particularly, pseudomonas quinolone signal (“PQS”) molecules, e.g., 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4-quinolone, and analogs and derivatives thereof are described. Therapeutic compositions containing the molecules, and therapeutic methods, methods of for regulating gene expression, methods for identifying modulators of the autoinducer molecules, and methods of modulating quorum sensing signalling in bacteria using the compounds of the invention are also described.