Abstract: The present invention concerns gram positive bacterial mutants, particularly staphylococcus mutants of the Newman strain. It also involves transposable elements that can be used to generate these mutants, as well as methods of creating such mutants with these elements. The inventions also includes methods of using the bacterial mutants to screen for different types of genes, including virulence genes, which can lead to assays for drug compounds useful in the treatment of bacterial infection.

Abstract: The present invention is a substantially purified sortase-transamidase enzyme from Gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus. A specific sortase-transamidase enzyme disclosed has a molecular weight of about 29,076 daltons and catalyzes a reaction that covalently cross-links the carboxyl terminus of a protein having a sorting signal to the peptidoglycan of a Gram-positive bacterium, where the sorting signal has a a motif of NPQ/KTN/G therein. Variants of the enzyme, methods for cloning the gene encoding the enzyme and expressing the cloned gene, and methods of use of the enzyme, including for screening for antibiotics and for display of proteins or peptides on the surfaces of Gram-positive bacteria, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions involving modified LcrV proteins from Yersinia bacteria. These methods and compositions can be employed to invoke an immune response in a subject against the bacteria, while not suppressing the immune system as much as the native LcrV protein. In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to vaccines, as well as methods to protect a subject against Yersinia pestis and plague. Moreover, the present invention concerns methods and compositions for suppressing a subject's immune system using non-native LcrV polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions involving sortase-transamidases, including sortase B, and polypeptides that include a signal sorting sequence of NPQ/KTN/G. Methods of screening for inhibitors of Gram-positive bacteria as well as therapeutic, preventative, and research methods focusing on Gram-positive bacteria are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a substantially purified sortase-transamidase enzyme from Gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract: The present invention is a substantially purified sortase-transamidase enzyme from Gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract: Process is described for the delivery and expression of hybrid surface proteins to the surface of bacteria. The transformed bacteria are useful as vaccines, for the delivery of other active peptides to animal hosts, as diagnostic reagents and for other purposes.

Abstract: The present invention is a substantially purified sortase-transamidase enzyme from Gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus. A specific sortase-transamidase enzyme disclosed has a molecular weight of about 29,076 daltons and catalyzes a reaction that covalently cross-links the carboxyl terminus of a protein having a sorting signal to the peptidoglycan of a Gram-positive bacterium, where the sorting signal has a a motif of NPQ/KTN/G therein. Variants of the enzyme, methods for cloning the gene encoding the enzyme and expressing the cloned gene, and methods of use of the enzyme, including for screening for antibiotics and for display of proteins or peptides on the surfaces of Gram-positive bacteria, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a substantially purified sortase-transamidase enzyme from Gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract: Process is described for the delivery and expression of hybrid surface proteins to the surface of bacteria. The transformed bacteria are useful as vaccines, for the delivery of other active peptides to animal hosts, as diagnostic reagents, and for other purposes.

Abstract: Process is described for the delivery and expression of hybrid surface proteins to the surface of bacteria. The transformed bacteria are useful as vaccines, for the delivery of other active peptides to animal hosts, as diagnostic reagents, and for other purposes.