Abstract: Among the methods, compositions, combinations and kits provided herein are those for determining gene expression levels in one or more cell types in heterogeneous cell samples, for identifying genes differentially expressed in different cell types, and for detecting a cell type in a sample from a subject. Also provided herein are methods, compositions, combinations and kits for determining gene expression levels in cells corresponding to phenotypes, and for identifying a phenotype of a subject by detecting differentially expressed genes.

Abstract: This invention reveals the beneficial use of vitamin E tocotrienols for inhibition of chlamydial infections. Chlamydial infection levels in mouse macrophages treated with tocotrienol were decreased >50%, with concomitant aberrant pathogen development. The number of large and small inclusions in tocotrienol-versus-control cells was decreased 3-fold and 2-fold, respectively. When treated with delta tocotrienol, Chlamydia in human lymphocytes was inhibited by at least 2.6-fold in 1.5 days. Dietary delta tocotrienol inhibited Chlamydia infection and persistence in hypercholesterolemic patients with a corresponding drop in LDL. These studies demonstrate that tocotrienol lowers cholesterol, thus preventing or diminishing the cholesterol hijacking by Chlamydia obligatory for its infectivity and replication. Therefore, hypolipidemic agents used to treat cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes are used as monotherapies, or in combination with tocotrienol to treat Chlamydia.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for detecting and depleting cells infected with bacteria of the Chlamydiaceae family from a biological sample. Compositions include, for example, an immunoglobulin constant region polypeptide linked to an imaging moiety or a bactericide. Methods include, for example, contacting a biological sample that includes chlamydia infected cells, with a composition that includes an immunoglobulin constant region polypeptide linked to a detectable moiety, wherein the composition is selectively taken up by chlamydia infected cells and thereby detectably labels them.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for detecting bacteria of the Chlamydiaceae family in a biological sample. Methods include, for example, contacting a biological sample with an antibody that specifically binds to a chlamydial antigen displayed on the surface of a chlamydia-infected blood cell; and analyzing the sample using fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry to detect bound antibody.

Abstract: The invention features a composition that includes a substantially pure recombinant gas vesicles which have at least one heterologous peptide inserted into at one of their structural proteins. The recombinant gas vesicle, when administered to a mammal, is capable of eliciting antibodies which specifically bind to the heterologous peptide. The heterologous peptide can be any peptide against which one wishes to raise antibodies, e.g., a peptide found in the gp12O protein of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).