Abstract: Several new peptides have been developed that show effectiveness as vaccines against candidiasis and other fungal diseases. A new conjugate vaccine of a ?-mannotriose linked to a fungal peptide linked to tetanus toxin has been shown to be effective as a vaccine with or without use of an adjuvant. In addition, a monoclonal antibody has been identified that offers protection from a Candida infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making and using immunogenic oligosaccharide compositions comprising native O-linked and S-linked oligosaccharides coupled to a protein carrier, wherein the resultant conjugate elicits a protectively immunogenic response. These compositions may be useful in vaccines against pathogenic Candida species.

Abstract: Designed herein are multivalent heterobifunctional polymers for binding to a biological target exhibiting biological activity and to an effector template which can affect the biological activity of the biological target or detect the presence of the biological target. The polymers comprise a plurality of pre-arranged heterobifunctional ligands connected thereto, and each heterobifunctional ligand comprises a first functionality capable of binding to the biological target, and a second functionality capable of binding to the effector template. The heterobifunctional ligands are pre-arranged on the polymer so as to form a ternary complex between the polymer, the biological target and the effector template. The polymers, methods and compositions described herein provide an approach for the design and production of new therapeutic agents as well as agents useful in a variety of non-therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making and using immunogenic oligosaccharide compositions comprising native O-linked and S-linked oligosaccharides coupled to a protein carrier, wherein the resultant conjugate elicits a protectively immunogenic response. These compositions may be useful in vaccines against pathogenic Candida species.

Abstract: The present invention provides immunogenic oligosaccharide compositions and methods of making and using them. In particular, the compositions comprise native O-linked and S-linked oligosaccharides coupled to a protein carrier via a linker, wherein the resultant conjugate elicits a protectively immunogenic response, particularly in vaccines against pathogenic Candida species and more particularly against Candida albicans. Preferably the pathogenic Candida species are those that possess cell wall oligosaccharide compositions similar to the ?-mannan component of Candida albicans cell walls.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved method of preparing a 4-O-alkyl chromogenic ketoside of N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) and a 7-O-alkyl chromogenic ketoside of N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) for use in the selective detection of various influenza viruses and parainfluenza viruses. The ketosides are substrates that are selectively cleaved by a neuraminidase on the virus to be detected, but not by neuraminidases found on other viruses or on bacteria, or on the cells of the host. The syntheses are efficient and provide large quantities of the ketosides for commercial development. The synthesis includes a step of alkylating the 4- or 7-hydroxyl groups of a protected alkyl ester alkyl ketoside derivative of Neu5Ac by processes that include contacting the derivative with a composition comprising an alkyl halide to form a 4- or a 7-O-alkyl protected alkyl ester alkyl ketoside derivative of Neu5Ac.

Abstract: Compounds which bind to toxins associated with enteric bacterial infection, compositions including the compounds, methods for the neutralization of toxins in a patient, and methods for the diagnosis of bacterial and viral infections are disclosed. Toxins which can be bound by the compounds include pentameric toxins, for example SLTs, such as those from salmonella, camylobacter and other bacteria, verotoxins from E. coli, cholera toxin, clostridium difficile toxins A and B, bacterial pili from enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) and viral lectins such as viral hemagglutinins. The compounds include a core molecule bound to a plurality of linker arms, which in turn are bound to a plurality of bridging moieties, which in turn are bound to at least one, and preferably, two or more ligands which bind to the toxin. The presence of a plurality of bridged dimers of the ligands is responsible for the increased binding affinity of the compounds relative to the ligands themselves.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of preparing a 4,7-di-O-alkyl chromogenic ketoside of N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) for use in detecting influenza virus types A and B. The ketosides are substrates that are selectively cleaved by a neuraminidase on influenza virus, but not be neuraminidases found on other viruses or on bacteria. The synthesis is efficient and provides large quantities of the ketoside for commercial development. The synthesis includes a step of alkylating the 4- and 7-hydroxyl groups of a protected alkyl ester alkyl ketoside derivative of Neu5Ac by a process that comprises contacting the derivative with a composition comprising an alkyl halide to form a 4,7-di-O-alkyl protected alkyl ester alkyl ketoside derivative of Neu5Ac. The synthesis alternatively includes protecting the 8- and 9-hydroxyl groups of an alkyl ester alkyl ketoside derivative of Neu5Ac by forming an 8,9-epoxide protected alkyl ester alkyl ketoside derivative of Neu5Ac.

Abstract: Compounds which bind to shiga-like toxins (SLT) associated with enteric E. coli infection, compositions including the compounds, methods for the neutralization of (SLT) in a patient, and methods for the diagnosis of enteric E. coli infection are disclosed. The compounds include a core molecule bound to a plurality of linker arms, which in turn are bound to a plurality of bridging moieties, which in turn are bound to two or three di- or tri-saccharide moieties. The di- or tri-saccharide moieties themselves are active in binding to the SLTs. The presence of a plurality of bridged dimers of the di- and tri-saccharides is responsible for the increased binding affinity of the compounds relative to the di- and tri-saccharides themselves. The compounds, when administered in a timely fashion to a patient suffering from enteric E. coli infection, inhibit progression of this infection into hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

Abstract: A biosensor apparatus for detecting a binding event between a ligand and receptor. The apparatus includes an electrode substrate coated with a high-dielectric hydrocarbon-chain monolayer, and having ligands attached to the exposed monolayer surface. Binding of a receptor to the monolayer-bound ligand, and the resultant perturbation of the monolayer structure, causes ion-mediated electron flow across the monolayer. In one embodiment, the monolayers have a coil--coil heterodimer embedded therein, one subunit of which is attached to the substrate, and the second of which carries the ligand at the monolayer surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel oligosaccharide glycosides having mammalian immunosuppressive and tolerogenic properties, pharmaceutical compositions containing such oligosaccharide glycosides and to methods of using such oligosaccharide glycosides to modulate cell-mediated immune responses in a mammal.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for discriminating between cattle vaccinated against and those infected with Brucella spp. The method involves immunoassay using a purified polysaccharide containing 4,6-dideoxy-4-acylamido-D-mannopyranosyl units obtained from B. abortus or from cross-reacting organisms, and results in improved differentiation between vaccinated and infected animals. Test kits are also disclosed for performing the assay and a process is disclosed for obtaining the O-chain polysaccharides in high purity and yield.

Abstract: The antigenic O-chain polysaccharides from Brucella abortus and Yersinia enterocolitica serotype 0:9 have similar structure, i.e. 1-2 linked 4,6-dideoxy-4-formamido-.alpha.-D-mannopyranosyl units. The antigen is more readily isolated from the Yersinia and may be chemically modified to have a hydrophobic moiety attached thereto. The antigen can be adsorbed or coupled to carriers suitable for immunoassay use such as ELISA and RIA. A monoclonal antibody capable of specifically binding to B. abortus and Y. enterocolitica, has been produced. Assay procedures and kits therefor, are described.

Abstract: Carbohydrate antigenic determinants containing a glycosidically linked bridging arm are synthesized and coupled to carrier molecules to form artificial antigens, and to solid supports to form immunoadsorbents. Various artificial antigens of the blood group type are prepared and applications shown. Specific examples are given to the synthesis of the Lewis-a, Lewis-b, A, B, and H(O) blood group antigens; to the preparation of antisera to these artificial antigens, to the preparation of immunoadsorbents specific for antibodies to these antigens, and to the detection of such antigens wherever they occur.

Abstract: Carbohydrate antigenic determinants containing a glycosidically linked bridging arm are synthesized and coupled to carrier molecules to form artificial antigens, and to solid supports to form immunoabsorbants. These artificial antigens are used to detect antibodies to the carbohydrate haptens, and to raise antisera specific for the carbohydrate antigenic determinants. The immunoabsorbants are used to purify or remove antibodies to the carbohydrate haptens. Specific examples are given to the synthesis of the Lewis-a, Lewis-b, B, and H(O) blood group antigens; to the preparation of antisera to these artificial antigens, and to the preparation of immunoabsorbants specific for antibodies to these antigens.