Abstract: Novel bactericidal antibodies against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (“MenB”) are disclosed. The antibodies either do not cross-react or minimally cross-react with host tissue polysialic acid and hence pose minimal risk of autoimmune activity. The antibodies are used to identify molecular mimetics of unique epitopes found on MenB or E. coli K1. Examples of such peptide mimetics are described that elicit serum antibody capable of activating complement-mediated bacteriolysis of MenB. Vaccine compositions containing such mimetics can be used to prevent MenB or E. coli K1 disease without the risk of evoking autoantibody.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of their production and use, including use in increasing de-N-acetyl sialic acid antigen of a mammalian cell and methods that exploit the increase in deNAc sialic acid antigen on such cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to inhibitors of polysialic (PSA) de-N-acetylase, methods of their production and use. The methods involve use of a PSA de-N-acetylase inhibitor for modifying the growth of cells, such as inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. The compositions include an inhibitor of a PSA de-N-acetylase, such as N-substituted derivatives of the amino sugars hexosamine and neuraminic acid, as well as conjugates and aggregates. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions that include a PSA de-N-acetylase inhibitor of the invention. Kits containing one or more inhibitor compositions of the invention, as well as methods of preparing the compositions also are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of producing, and compositions comprising, an isolated alpha (2?8) or (2?9) oligosialic acid derivative bearing a non-reducing end enriched for one or more de-N-acetyl residues and resistant to degradation by exoneuraminidase. A representative production method involves: (i) treating an alpha (2?8) or (2?9) oligosialic acid precursor having a reducing end and a non-reducing end with sodium borohydride under conditions for de-N-acetylating the non-reducing end; and (ii) isolating alpha (2?8) or (2?9) oligosialic acid derivative having one or more de-N-acetylated residues and a non-reducing end that is resistant to degradation by exoneuraminidase. Isolated alpha (2?8) or (2?9) oligosialic acid derivatives that comprise a non-reducing end de-N-acetyl residue are provided, as well as antibodies specific for the derivatives, compositions comprising the derivatives, kits, and methods of use including protection against and detection of E. coli K1 and N.

Abstract: Novel bactericidal antibodies against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (“MenB”) are disclosed. The antibodies either do not cross-react or minimally cross-react with host tissue polysialic acid and hence pose minimal risk of autoimmune activity. The antibodies are used to identify molecular mimetics of unique epitopes found on MenB or E. coli K1. Examples of such peptide mimetics are described that elicit serum antibody capable of activating complement-mediated bacteriolysis of MenB. Vaccine compositions containing such mimetics can be used to prevent MenB or E. coli K1 disease without the risk of evoking autoantibody.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and vaccines for the prevention of diseases caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, particularly serogroup B strains.

Abstract: Novel bactericidal antibodies against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (“MenB”) are disclosed. The antibodies either do not cross-react or minimally cross-react with host tissue polysialic acid and hence pose minimal risk of autoimmune activity. The antibodies are used to identify molecular mimetics of unique epitopes found on MenB or E. coli Kl. Examples of such peptide mimetics are described that elicit serum antibody capable of activating complement-mediated bacteriolysis of MenB. Vaccine compositions containing such mimetics can be used to prevent MenB or E. coli Kl disease without the risk of evoking autoantibody.

Abstract: Novel bactericidal antibodies against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (“MenB”) are disclosed. The antibodies either do not cross-react or minimally cross-react with host tissue polysialic acid and hence pose minimal risk of autoimmune activity. The antibodies are used to identify molecular mimetics of unique epitopes found on MenB or E. coli K1. Examples of such peptide mimetics are described that elicit serum antibody capable of activating complement-mediated bacteriolysis of MenB. Vaccine compositions containing such mimetics can be used to prevent MenB or E. coli K1 disease without the risk of evoking autoantibody.

Abstract: Novel bactericidal antibodies against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (“MenB”) are disclosed. The antibodies either do not cross-react or minimally cross-react with host tissue polysialic acid and hence pose minimal risk of autoimmune activity. The antibodies are used to identify molecular mimetics of unique epitopes found on MenB or E. coli K1. Examples of such peptide mimetics are described that elicit serum antibody capable of activating complement-mediated bacteriolysis of MenB. Vaccine compositions containing such mimetics can be used to prevent MenB or E. coli K1 disease without the risk of evoking autoantibody.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and vaccines for the prevention of diseases caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, particularly serogroup B strains.

Abstract: Novel bactericidal antibodies against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B ("MenB") are disclosed. The antibodies either do not cross-react or minimally cross-react with host tissue polysialic acid and hence pose minimal risk of autoimmune activity. The antibodies are used to identify molecular mimetics of unique epitopes found on MenB or E. coli K1. Examples of such peptide mimetics are described that elicit serum antibody capable of activating complement-mediated bacteriolysis of MenB. Vaccine compositions containing such mimetics can be used to prevent MenB or E. coli K1 disease without the risk of evoking autoantibody.

Abstract: Molecular mimetics of unique epitopes of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B ("MenB") are disclosed. Compositions containing such molecular mimetics can be used to prevent MenB or E. coli K1 disease without the risk of evoking autoantibody responses.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is a moiety selected from the group consisting of ##STR2## R.sub.2 -R.sub.22 are amino acid moieties wherein R.sub.2 is an optional moiety which when present is selected from the group consisting of Ser and Gly,R.sub.8 is Leu or Val,R.sub.10 is Gln, Lys, or Gly,R.sub.11, R.sub.14, and R.sub.20 are each independently selected from the group consisting of Gln and Lys,R.sub.12 is Leu or Trp,R.sub.13 is Gln or Ser,R.sub.17 is Gln or His,R.sub.19 is Leu or Cys,R.sub.21 is Gln or Thr,R.sub.22 is an optional moiety which when present is selected from the group consisting of Leu and Tyr;R.sub.24 -R.sub.