Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to an immunogenic composition that includes a Clostridium difficile toxoid A and/or a C. difficile toxoid B, and methods of use thereof. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for eliciting an immune response in a human against a C. difficile infection. The method includes administering to the human an effective dose of a composition, which includes a C. difficile toxoid, wherein the composition is administered at least two times, wherein the second administration is about 30 days after the first administration, and wherein the immune response against C. difficile toxin A and/or toxin B is sustained.

Abstract: A method for inducing and enhancing protective and/or therapeutic immunity in a mammal to HSV includes the steps of at least one immunization with an effective amount of a DNA vaccine composition which comprises a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a DNA sequence encoding the HSV type 1 or type 2 gD protein, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a DNA sequence encoding each Interleukin-12 heterodimer subunit. The method also comprises at least one subsequent immunization with an effective amount of a protein vaccine composition which comprises the HSV type 1 or type 2 gD protein; and the IL-12 heterodimer. A local anesthetic may be included in the DNA vaccine composition in an amount that forms one or more complexes with the nucleic acid molecules. When provided to the mammal in suitable effective dosages according to this protocol, the vaccine compositions used in this method produce an unexpectedly good protective and/or therapeutic immune response against HSV in an immunized mammal.

Abstract: A method for inducing and enhancing protective and/or therapeutic immunity in a mammal to HSV includes the steps of at least one immunization with an effective amount of a DNA vaccine composition which comprises a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a DNA sequence encoding the HSV type 1 or type 2 gD protein, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a DNA sequence encoding each Interleukin-12 heterodimer subunit. The method also comprises at least one subsequent immunization with an effective amount of a protein vaccine composition which comprises the HSV type 1 or type 2 gD protein; and the IL-12 heterodimer. A local anesthetic may be included in the DNA vaccine composition in an amount that forms one or more complexes with the nucleic acid molecules. When provided to the mammal in suitable effective dosages according to this protocol, the vaccine compositions used in this method produce an unexpectedly good protective and/or therapeutic immune response against HSV in an immunized mammal.

Abstract: A method for immunizing a human against hepatitis B virus comprising administering to the human a vaccine comprising a hepatitis B virus surface antigen, wherein included in the vaccine is one or more antigens of non-permitted variant sequences within residues S(139-147) of the hepatitis B virus surface antigen.