Abstract: The invention provides compositions for treatment anthrax infection. The composition comprises a therapeutically effective amount of at least one B. anthracis metalloprotease inhibitor. The composition may further include an antimicrobial agent. The invention also provides methods for treating anthrax infection in a human or an animal subject. The method comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for developing vaccines and treatments against pathogens associated with biological warfare, cardiac disease, cancer, and emerging infectious diseases is to analyze the sequences of proteases of the pathogens and determine which peptide antigens will be useful in treating or preventing the effects of one or more pathogens as vaccines or to provide passive immunity. The sequences of the selected proteases are used to screen the genomes of other pathogens to produce broad spectrum vaccines and treatments that target one or several pathogens. Amino acid sequences of the peptide antigens and immunogenic compositions comprising them are also contemplated.

Abstract: A treatment or prophylaxis for viral infection using interferon (IFN) cytokines alone or in combination with ribavirin is provided. The treatments and prophylaxis allow for lowered dosages of IFNs, reduced pro-inflammatory responses, and delays the initiation time and reduced frequency of the IFN treatment required.