Abstract: The present invention relates to cholera toxin CTA1 protein fragments, adjuvant compositions, and methods relating to adjuvants for vaccines. The invention also relates to using recombinant CTA1 fragments conjugated to a polypeptide containing a protein transduction domain or cell-penetrating peptide as an immunomodulator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cholera toxin CTA1 protein fragments, adjuvant compositions, and methods relating to adjuvants for vaccines. The invention also relates to using recombinant CTA1 fragments conjugated to a polypeptide containing a protein transduction domain or cell-penetrating peptide as an immunomodulator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protein antigens IcsP2 and SigA2 from Shigella that are common among numerous Shigella types and species and which can protect against shigellosis or other enteric infections when administered as vaccines. In addition, the present invention relates to antigens that are in common between Shigella species and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC). The invention also relates to the use of antibodies raised against these antigens and of DNA probes for use in the diagnosis of Shigella and EIEC infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protein antigens IcsP2 and SigA2 from Shigella that are common among numerous Shigella types and species and which can protect against shigellosis or other enteric infections when administered as vaccines. In addition, the present invention relates to antigens that are in common between Shigella species and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC). The invention also relates to the use of antibodies raised against these antigens and of DNA probes for use in the diagnosis of Shigella and EIEC infections.

Abstract: An immunogenic or vaccine composition comprising an immunoadjuvant compound consisting of a Rho GTPase activator. The Activators of Rho GTPases, namely the cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1 (CNF1), and DNT bear immunostimulatory properties towards the systemic response to orally administered ovalbumine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protein antigens IcsP2 and SigA2 from Shigella that are common among numerous Shigella types and species and which can protect against shigellosis or other enteric infections when administered as vaccines. In addition, the present invention relates to antigens that are in common between Shigella species and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC). The invention also relates to the use of antibodies raised against these antigens and of DNA probes for use in the diagnosis of Shigella and EIEC infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protein antigens IcsP2 and SigA2 from Shigella that are common among numerous Shigella types and species and which can protect against shigellosis or other enteric infections when administered as vaccines. In addition, the present invention relates to antigens that are in common between Shigella species and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC). The invention also relates to the use of antibodies raised against these antigens and of DNA probes for use in the diagnosis of Shigella and EIEC infections.

Abstract: This invention is based on the experimental finding that activators of Rho GTPases, namely the cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1 (CNF1), and DNT bear immunostimulatory properties towards the systemic response to orally administered ovalbumine. This invention concerns a vaccine composition including an immunoadjuvant compound, wherein the immunoadjuvant compound consists of a Rho GTPase activator.

Abstract: Described are methods for inducing both a mucosal and a systemic immune response in the respiratory, digestive or urogenital tracts of a mammal to a microbial pathogen. The methods comprise topically administering onto the sublingual mucosa of the mammal an amount of an antigen effective to induce the mucosal and systemic immune responses and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. Pharmaceutical formulations and dosage forms for immunizing a mammal against a microbial pathogen to elicit a mucosal and systemic immune response in the respiratory, digestive or urogenital tracts are also described.

Abstract: This invention is based on the experimental finding that activators of Rho GTPases, namely the cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1 (CNF1), and DNT bear immunostimulatory properties towards the systemic response to orally administered ovalbumine. This invention concerns a vaccine composition including an immunoadjuvant compound, wherein the immunoadjuvant compound consists of a Rho GTPase activator.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the use of the non-toxic cell-binding B subunit of CT (CTB), and holotoxin CT that is devoid of ADP-ribosylating activity, as adjuvants for enhancing transcutaneous immune response to a co-administered protein allergen. It was found that topical administration of CTB to mice induced serum antibody response against itself comparable to those evoked by CT, but was inefficient at promoting systemic antibody responses against an admixed prototype protein allergen. To the contrary co-administration of either CT or CTB with allergen led to vigorous antigen-specific T cell proliferative responses in lymph nodes draining the cutaneous site of administration and at distant systemic sites. Consistent with these observations, it was found that CTB selectively potentiated Th1-driven responses without affecting Th2-dependent responses.

Abstract: An agent comprising a mucosa-binding molecule linked to a specific microbial antigen is disclosed. Further, a method of inducing immnunological tolerance in an individual against a specific microbial antigen, including hapten, which causes an unwanted immune response in said individual, comprising administration by a mucosal route of an immunologically effective amount of an immunological tolerance-inducing agent of the invention to said individual, is described.

Abstract: An immunological tolerance-inducing agent comprising a mucosa-binding molecule linked to a specific tolerogen is disclosed. Further, a method of inducing immunological tolerance in an individual against a specific antigen, including hapten, which causes an unwanted immune response in said individual comprising administration by a mucosal route of an immunologically effective amount of an immunological tolerance-inducing agent of the invention to said individual, is described.

Abstract: An agent comprising a mucosa-binding molecule linked to a specific microbial antigen is disclosed. Further, a method of inducing immunological tolerance in an individual against a specific microbial antigen, including hapten, which causes an unwanted immune response in said individual, comprising administration by a mucosal route of an immunologically effective amount of an immunological tolerance-inducing agent of the invention to said individual, is described.

Abstract: An immunological tolerance-inducing agent comprising a mucosa-binding molecule linked to a specific tolerogen is disclosed. Further, a method of inducing immunological tolerance in an individual against a specific antigen, including hapten, which causes an unwanted immune response in said individual comprising administration by a mucosal route of an immunologically effective amount of an immunological tolerance-inducing agent of the invention to said individual, is described.

Abstract: Peptides corresponding to regions of the human immunodeficiency virus protein gp-120 are provided for eliciting T-cell activation.