Abstract: A method for identifying a polypeptide which acts as an adjuvant in a host organism. The invention further provides adjuvant compositions comprising said polypeptides and optionally further comprising an antigen.

Abstract: Presented are methods of isolation of pili and pilus-like structures from Gram-positive bacteria including Streptococcus pneumoniae and compositions that include such isolated pili. These compositions are useful as immunogenic compositions for the production of antibodies and immunostimulation. Also presented are methods of inhibiting Streptococcus pneumoniae, and methods of identifying inhibitors of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Abstract: This invention provides polynucleotides encoding Helicobacter pylori cytotoxin associated immunodominant antigen. The polynucleotides can be used as probes to identify the presence of complementary target nucleotide sequences. The invention also provides kits and vectors containing the polynucleotides of the invention.

Abstract: Presented are methods of isolation of pili and pilus-like structures from Gram-positive bacteria including Streptococcus pneumoniae and compositions that include such isolated pili. These compositions are useful as immunogenic compositions for the production of antibodies and immunostimulation. Also presented are methods of inhibiting Streptococcus pneumoniae, and methods of identifying inhibitors of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Abstract: New pertussis toxin (PT) mutants are described being immunologically active and having reduced or no toxicity, characterized in that at least one of the amino acid residues Glu129, Asp11, Trp26, Arg9, Phe50, Asp1, Arg13, Tyr130, Gly86, Ile88, Tyr89, Tyr8, Gly44, Thr53 and Gly80 of subunit S1 amino acid sequence is deleted and substituted by a different amino acid residue selected in the group of natural amino acids; Bordetella strains capable of providing and secreting said PT mutants and means and methods for obtaining them are also described. The Bordetella strains and the PT mutants produced by them are particularly suitable for the preparation of effective cellular and acellular antipertussis vaccines.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for clustering gene and protein sequences. In particular, it involves generation of networks of sequences where the interconnections are based upon a measure of similarity. The invention also provides methods of optimizing and improving the networks by re-wiring of the network based upon overlap of the nearest neighbors of given pairs of nodes. The invention further provides methods of identifying clusters of sequences within the networks and the optimized networks based upon the topology of the network. The clusters identified represent groups of sequences that are related by function and/or evolution. The invention has particular applicability in annotation of sequences in databases and identification of functional homologs which can be very useful for novel therapeutic and diagnostic targets based upon such targets belonging to a cluster or family that contains a known sequence such as a diagnostic sequence, antigen or other therapeutic target.

Abstract: A method for identifying a polypeptide which acts as an adjuvant in a host organism. The invention further provides adjuvant compositions comprising said polypeptides and optionally further comprising an antigen.

Abstract: New pertussis toxin (PT) mutants are described being immunologically active and having reduced or no toxicity, characterized in that at least one of the aminoacid residues Glu129, Asp11, Trp26, Arg9, Phe50, Asp1, Arg13, Tyr130, Gly86, Ile88, Tyr89, Tyr8, Gly 44, Thr53 and Gly80 or subunit's 1 aminoacid sequence is deleted and substituted by a different aminoacid residue selected in the group of natural aminoacids; Bordetella strains capable of providing and secreting said PT mutants and means and methods for obtaining them are also described. The Bordetella strains and the PT mutants produced by them are particularly suitable for the preparation of effective cellular and acellular antipertussis vaccines. (FIG.

Abstract: Presented are methods of isolation of pili and pilus-like structures from Gram-positive bacteria including Streptococcus pneumoniae and compositions that include such isolated pili. These compositions are useful as immunogenic compositions for the production of antibodies and immunostimulation. Also presented are methods of inhibiting Streptococcus pneumoniae, and methods of identifying inhibitors of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Abstract: This invention provides polypeptides of Helicobacter Pylori cytotoxin associated immunodominant (CAI) antigen. The invention also provides prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines comprising polypeptides of Helicobacter pylori CAI antigen, and methods for preparation. The invention also provides methods of treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection using these vaccines.

Abstract: 91 genes have been identified in Streptococcus pneumoniae that, when knocked out, result in a lethal phenotype. A further 10 genes have been identified that, when knocked out, result in poor growth characteristics when cultured in the absence of blood. These 101 genes are essential to bacterial growth and are thus useful antibiotic targets. Their invention includes knockout mutants for these 101 genes and screening methods involving the protein products of the 101 genes.

Abstract: This invention provides polypeptides of Helicobacter pylori cytotoxin associated immunodominant (CAI) antigen. The invention also provides prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines comprising polypeptides of Helicobacter pylori CAI antigen, and methods for their preparation. The invention also provides methods of treatment of Helicobactor pylori infection using these vaccines.

Abstract: This invention provides polypeptides of Helicobacter pylori cytotoxin protein. The invention also provides prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines comprising the polypeptides of Helicobacter pylori cytotoxin protein, and methods for their preparation.

Abstract: Helicobacter pylori is known to cause or be a cofactor in type B gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric tumors. In both developed and developing countries, a high percentage of people are infected with this bacterium. The present invention relates generally to certain H. pylori proteins, to the genes which express these proteins, and to the use of these proteins for diagnostic and vaccine applications. Specifically, molecular cloning, nucteotide, and amino acid sequences for the H. pylori cytotoxin (CT), the "Cytotoxin Associated Immunodominant" (CAI) antigen, and the heat shock protein (hsp60). are described herein.

Abstract: A cytotoxin associated immunodominant antigen and the nucleic acid encoding the antigen from Helicobacter pylori are described. This antigen was identified from the cytotoxin positive CCUG 17874 Helicobacter pylori strain, and both the antigen and the DNA encoding it have been sequenced. The antigen is a hydrophilic, surface-exposed protein having a molecular weight of 120-132 kDa. The nucleic acid encoding the antigen may be incorporated into a vector for transformation of host cells for expression of the antigen. Both the DNA and the antigen can be used in assays for detection of disease or infection by Helicobacter pylori, and may find use in treating and preventing infection by Helicobacter pylori and the diseases associated with such infection.

Abstract: Helicobacter pylori known to cause or be a cofactor in type B gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric tumors. In both developed and developing countries, a high percentage of people are infected with this bacterium. The present invention relates generally to certain H. pylori proteins, to the genes which express these proteins, and to the use of these proteins for diagnostic and vaccine applications. Specifically, molecular cloning, nucleotide, and amino add sequences for the H. pylori cytotoxin (CT), the "Cytotoxin Associated Immunodominant" (CAI) antigen, and the heat shock protein (hsp60) are described herein.

Abstract: Helicobacter pylori is known to cause or be a cofactor in type B gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric tumors. In both developed and developing countries, a high percentage of people are infected with this bacterium. The present invention relates generally to a certain H. pylori region located 5' to the CagA gene locus, to proteins encoded thereby, and to the use of these genes and proteins for diagnostic and vaccine applications.