Abstract: Novel Bacillus lysin proteins have been identified and characterized. Methods to detect the presence or absence of bacteria in a sample, methods for lysing bacteria, and methods for decontaminating or disinfecting areas contaminated with bacteria that utilize these lysin proteins have also been developed.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to recombinant bacteria, e.g. L. lactis, expressing heterologous pili containing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antigens. In certain embodiments, the recombinant bacteria are administered in combination with other HIV antigens, nucleic acids encoding HIV antigens, recombinant virus encoding HIV antigens, anti-viral agents and/or adjuvants in an effective amount to elicit a mucosal immune response against HIV.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for the display of polypeptides of interest on the tip of pili of Gram-positive bacteria. According to the present invention, the polypeptide of interest is amino terminal to a Gram-positive bacterial pilus tip protein or an active variant or fragment thereof, wherein the active variant or fragment comprises a cleaved cell wall sorting signal (CWSS) motif. The Gram-positive bacterium displaying a polypeptide of interest on the tip of pili that are disclosed herein are useful, for example, in methods for immunizing a subject with an antigen and methods for removing contaminants from a composition.

Abstract: Novel Bacillus lysin proteins have been identified and characterized. Methods to detect the presence or absence of bacteria in a sample, methods for lysing bacteria, and methods for decontaminating or disinfecting areas contaminated with bacteria that utilize these lysin proteins have also been developed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are the identification, cloning, and optimizing the lytic activity of one or more novel Bacillus lysin proteins, a method of selecting a lysin agent for use in molecular diagnostic testing that includes analyzing genome databases for Bacillus anthracis and near neighbors, selecting candidate genes encoding potential lytic enzymes based on conserved amino acid motifs as determined in peptidoglycan hydrolases, cloning the candidate genes in expression vector, isolating proteins thereof, and testing for lytic activity against Bacillus anthracis, and selecting an optimum gene of the candidate genes for optimizing lysis conditions.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to recombinant bacteria, e.g. L. lactis, expressing heterologous pili containing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antigens. In certain embodiments, the recombinant bacteria are administered in combination with other HIV antigens, nucleic acids encoding HIV antigens, recombinant virus encoding HIV antigens, anti-viral agents and/or adjuvants in an effective amount to elicit a mucosal immune response against HIV.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to recombinant bacteria, e.g. L. lactis, expressing heterologous pili containing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antigens. In certain embodiments, the recombinant bacteria are administered in combination with other HIV antigens, nucleic acids encoding HIV antigens, recombinant virus encoding HIV antigens, anti-viral agents and/or adjuvants in an effective amount to elicit a mucosal immune response against HIV.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are the identification, cloning, and optimizing the lytic activity of one or more novel Bacillus lysin proteins, a method of selecting a lysin agent for use in molecular diagnostic testing that includes analyzing genome databases for Bacillus anthracis and near neighbors, selecting candidate genes encoding potential lytic enzymes based on conserved amino acid motifs as determined in peptidoglycan hydrolases, cloning the candidate genes in expression vector, isolating proteins thereof, and testing for lytic activity against Bacillus anthracis, and selecting an optimum gene of the candidate genes for optimizing lysis conditions.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for the display of polypeptides of interest on the tip of pili of Gram-positive bacteria. According to the present invention, the polypeptide of interest is amino terminal to a Gram-positive bacterial pilus tip protein or an active variant or fragment thereof, wherein the active variant or fragment comprises a cleaved cell wall sorting signal (CWSS) motif. The Gram-positive bacterium displaying a polypeptide of interest on the tip of pili that are disclosed herein are useful, for example, in methods for immunizing a subject with an antigen and methods for removing contaminants from a composition.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to recombinant bacteria, e.g. L. lactis, expressing heterologous pili containing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antigens. In certain embodiments, the recombinant bacteria are administered in combination with other HIV antigens, nucleic acids encoding HIV antigens, recombinant virus encoding HIV antigens, anti-viral agents and/or adjuvants in an effective amount to elicit a mucosal immune response against HIV.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for the display of polypeptides of interest on the tip of pili of Gram-positive bacteria. According to the present invention, the polypeptide of interest is amino terminal to a Gram-positive bacterial pilus tip protein or an active variant or fragment thereof, wherein the active variant or fragment comprises a cleaved cell wall sorting signal (CWSS) motif. The Gram-positive bacterium displaying a polypeptide of interest on the tip of pili that are disclosed herein are useful, for example, in methods for immunizing a subject with an antigen and methods for removing contaminants from a composition.