Abstract: The present application discloses a DNA molecule comprising a modified Group II intron which does not express the intron-encoded reverse transcriptase but which contains a modified selectable marker gene in the reverse orientation, wherein the marker gene comprises a Group I intron in forward orientation of causing expression in a bacteria cell of the class Clostridia and wherein the DNA molecule comprises sequences that allow for the insertion of the RNA transcript of the Group II intron in the chromosome of a bacterial cell of the class Clostridia. A method of introducing a nucleic acid molecule into a site of a DNA molecule in a bacterial cell of the class Clostridia is also provided. The DNA molecule and the method are useful for making mutations Clostridium spp.

Abstract: The present application discloses a DNA molecule comprising a modified Group II intron which does not express the intron-encoded reverse transcriptase but which contains a modified selectable marker gene in the reverse orientation, wherein the marker gene comprises a Group I intron in forward orientation of causing expression in a bacteria cell of the class Clostridia and wherein the DNA molecule comprises sequences that allow for the insertion of the RNA transcript of the Group II intron in the chromosome of a bacterial cell of the class Clostridia. A method of introducing a nucleic acid molecule into a site of a DNA molecule in a bacterial cell of the class Clostridia is also provided. The DNA molecule and the method are useful for making mutations Clostridium spp.

Abstract: The present application discloses a DNA molecule comprising a modified Group II intron which does not express the intron-encoded reverse transcriptase but which contains a modified selectable marker gene in the reverse orientation, wherein the marker gene comprises a Group I intron in forward orientation of causing expression in a bacteria cell of the class Clostridia and wherein the DNA molecule comprises sequences that allow for the insertion of the RNA transcript of the Group II intron in the chromosome of a bacterial cell of the class Clostridia. A method of introducing a nucleic acid molecule into a site of a DNA molecule in a bacterial cell of the class Clostridia is also provided. The DNA molecule and the method are useful for making mutations Clostridium app.

Abstract: A polypeptide free of toxin activity providing protection against botulinum type F toxin is provided. A fusion protein of a fragment of a toxin molecule and a purification moiety enabling purification of a fragment from solution and pharmaceutical compositions containing the polypeptide and the fusion protein are described.

Abstract: Recombinant anaerobic bacterial compositions that under anaerobic conditions present in a solid tumor and produce an enzyme capable of catalyzing the conversion of a prodrug to its cytotoxic product in situ are described. Methods of treating tumors using the composition are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements relating to cancer therapy based on the identification of a number of regions of CPG2 which contain epitopes which appear to be involved in the production of a host immune response and which may be modified to alter the immunogenicity in patients. Production of fusions of CPG2 with an antibody, where the CPG2 protein has been tagged provides a CPG2 protein which has reduced immunogenicity. By using partially glycosylated enzyme obtainable by P. pastoris expression, the efficacy of antibody-CPG2 fusions is enhanced.

Abstract: A genetically-engineered anaerobic organism is provided which, under anaerobic conditions present in a solid tumor, produces an enzyme capable of catalyzing the conversion of a prodrug to its highly cytotoxic product in situ and methods of treating tumors using same.

Abstract: Recombinant anaerobic bacterial compositions that under anaerobic conditions present in a solid tumor and produce an enzyme capable of catalyzing the conversion of a prodrug to its cytotoxic product in situ are described. Methods of treating tumors using the composition are also described.

Abstract: A genetically-engineered anaerobic organism is provided which, under anaerobic conditions present in a solid tumor, produces an enzyme capable of catalyzing the conversion of a prodrug to its highly cytotoxic product in situ and methods of treating tumors using same.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements relating to cancer therapy based on the identification of a number of regions of CPG2 which contain epitopes which appear to be involved in the production of a host immune response and which may be modified to alter the immunogenicity in patients. Production of fusions of CPG2 with an antibody, where the CPG2 protein has been tagged provides a CPG2 protein which has reduced immunogenicity. By using partially glycosylated enzyme obtainable by P. pastoris expression, the efficacy of antibody-CPG2 fusions is enhanced.

Abstract: A genetically-engineered anaerobic organism is provided which, under anaerobic conditions present in a solid tumor, produces an enzyme capable of catalyzing the conversion of a prodrug to its highly cytotoxic product in situ and methods of treating tumors using same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide free of toxin activity which gives protection against botulinum type F toxin. The invention also relates to a fusion protein comprising a fragment of a toxin molecule and a purification moiety which enables purification of the fragment from solution. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the polypeptide or the fusion protein, vaccines comprising the polypeptide, methods of producing the present polypeptides, vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of vaccinating a mammal against a botulinum toxin.

Abstract: A novel expression system is provided comprising a DNA sequence containing transcriptional and translational signals that promote the over production of recombinant proteins both in bacterial hosts (e.g., Escherichia coli) and yeasts (e.g., Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The design of the expression system lends itself to a unique strategy which allows heterologous genes to be directly cloned at a position relative to the transcription/translation signals which is optimal for expression. Particularly provided are expression cassettes comprising a sequence of the invention combined with a purpose built series of plasmids wherein the utility and efficiency of the resultant expression vectors can be demonstrated to over produce protein, particularly phenylalanine ammonia lyase (herein abbreviated to PAL), in E. coli and S. cerevisiae to levels hitherto unattainable.