Abstract: The present invention includes a composition and method for controlling an immune response in a host to a pathogenic bacterial infection comprising: identifying a subject in need of treatment for infection with a pathogenic bacteria; and providing a composition comprising recombinant Cystatin 9 (CST9), a cystatin C (CSTC), or both CST9 and CSTC, in an amount sufficient to restrain or prevent a life-threatening, unrestrained systemic inflammatory response syndrome in a host against a pathogenic bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention includes a composition and method for controlling an immune response in a host to a pathogenic bacterial infection comprising: identifying a subject in need of treatment for infection with a pathogenic bacteria; and providing a composition comprising recombinant Cystatin 9 (CST9), a cystatin C (CSTC), or both CST9 and CSTC, in an amount sufficient to restrain or prevent a life-threatening, unrestrained systemic inflammatory response syndrome in a host against a pathogenic bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention provides Chlamydia proteins and compositions and methods of use in the treatment/prevention of chlamydial infection in a subject, for eliciting an immune response in a subject and for reducing the likelihood of infertility and reducing the incidence and/or degree of hydrosalpinx due to Chlamydia infection in a subject.

Abstract: The instant invention concerns Francisella bacteria mediated degradation of alkaline phosphatase (AP). Detection of AP degradation may be used to determine the presence of Francisella bacteria in a sample. Furthermore, methods for identifying and treating Francisella infections by detecting AP degradation are described. Methods of the invention also concerns methods for treating Francisella infection by inhibiting AP degradation.

Abstract: The present invention provides Chlamydia proteins and compositions and methods of use in the treatment/prevention of chlamydial infection in a subject, for eliciting an immune response in a subject and for reducing the likelihood of infertility and reducing the incidence and/or degree of hydrosalpinx due to Chlamydia infection in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides Chlamydia proteins and compositions and methods of use in the treatment/prevention of chlamydial infection in a subject, for eliciting an immune response in a subject and for reducing the likelihood of infertility and reducing the incidence and/or degree of hydrosalpinx due to Chlamydia infection in a subject.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is disclosed a method of inducing an immune response in a subject comprising administering to the subject a Francisella bacterium that includes an alteration in the nucleic acid sequence encoding the mglA, iglA, iglB, iglC, or iglD gene of the bacterium.

Abstract: The present invention provides Chlamydia proteins and compositions and methods of use in the treatment/prevention of chlamydial infection in a subject, for eliciting an immune response in a subject and for reducing the likelihood of infertility and reducing the incidence and/or degree of hydrosalpinx due to Chlamydia infection in a subject.

Abstract: The instant invention concerns Francisella bacteria mediated degradation of alkaline phosphatase (AP). Detection of AP degradation may be used to determine the presence of Francisella bacteria in a sample. Furthermore, methods for identifying and treating Francisella infections by detecting AP degradation are described. Methods of the invention also concerns methods for treating Francisella infection by inhibiting AP degradation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inducing a Th1-like response against a pathogen in a neonatal host, which comprises administering to the neonatal host an effective amount of IL-12 and an antigen of the pathogen. Also encompassed by the present invention is a method of overcoming suppression of interferon-.gamma. (IFN-.gamma.) expression in a neonatal host due to exposure of the neonatal host to a pathogen or an antigen, which comprises administering to the neonatal host an effective amount of IL-12 and the antigen. The present invention also relates to a method of enhancing the cytokine expression against or in response to a pathogen in a neonatal host, which comprises administering to the neonatal host an effective amount of IL-12 and an antigen of the pathogen.