Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating a subject for an infectious disease. This method involves selecting a subject infected with an infectious disease-causing agent. The infectious disease-causing agent elicits, in the selected subject, an immune response that is insufficient to cure the selected subject of the infectious disease. The method also involves administering to the selected subject a synthetic peptide representing an antigen epitope associated with an immune response to the infectious agent. The immune response to the synthetic peptide is sufficient to treat the selected subject for the infectious disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the modulation of T cells and T cell responses, particularly of Th17 effector cells. The invention provides methods of and compositions for modulating T cells, particularly T cells expressing IL-17, particularly Th17 effector cells, via the tryptophan metabolism pathway, particularly using tryptophan metabolites, kynurenines and kynurenine analogs or metabolites. The invention provides assays for screening Th17 modulators and kynurenine analogs or compounds.

Abstract: The present invention features modified Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains which lack a functional lspA gene, and vaccine formulations comprising the same. In many embodiments, a modified Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain of the invention comprises deletion or inactivation of the lspA gene and/or one or more non-lspA genes that are involved in Mycobacterium tuberculosis inhibition of macrophage responses to IFN?. The present invention also features methods of using the modified Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains to treat or present Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in mammals. In addition, the present invention features methods of using ?lspA strains to identify non-lspA genes or other cellular components that are involved in Mycobacterium tuberculosis proinflammatory stimulation of macrophages or inhibition of macrophage responses to IFN?.

Abstract: Bifunctional green fluorescent protein (GFP)-annexin fusion proteins combine the inherent strong visible fluorescent properties of GFPs with the anionic phospholipid binding specificity of annexins. Recombinant host cells, especially bacteria, are used to efficiently express the fusion proteins in high yield and soluble form, suitable for rapid, one-step affinity purification. Uses include of selective cellular and biochemical labeling, particularly anionic species, such as selectively labeling apoptotic cells.