Abstract: The present invention relates to a host cell, which comprises under the control of a heterologous promoter a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide capable of synthesizing a polysaccharide consisting of a dimeric repeating unit as well as to a vaccine composition comprising such host cell. Furthermore, either such host cell or a polypeptide expressed by such host cell is used for the production of a polysaccharide consisting of a dimeric repeating unit which may be used as a glycoconjugate vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polysialic acid according to the general formula (1) as given as follows and derivatives thereof: (?(2?8)Neu5Ac)n, with n being an integer in the range from 6 to 13, for use in the prevention or treatment of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising as an active ingredient said polysialic acid and/or derivatives and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of producing said polysialic acid and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a host cell, which comprises under the control of a heterologous promoter a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide capable of synthesizing a polysaccharide consisting of a dimeric repeating unit as well as to a vaccine composition comprising such host cell. Furthermore, either such host cell or a polypeptide expressed by such host cell is used for the production of a polysaccharide consisting of a dimeric repeating unit which may be used as a glycoconjugate vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in vitro methods for producing Neisseria meningitidis capsular polysaccharides which have a defined length. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising at least one capsule polymerase, at least one donor carbohydrate and at least one acceptor carbohydrate, wherein the ratio of donor carbohydrate to acceptor carbohydrate is a ratio from 10:1 to 400:1. Moreover, the present invention provides truncated versions of the capsule polymerases of Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A and X. Also provided herein are pharmaceuticals, in particular vaccines, comprising the synthetic capsular polysaccharides of Neisseria meningitidis which have a defined length. Furthermore, the invention provides for methods for the production of said vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in vitro methods for producing Neisseria meningitidis capsular polysaccharides which have a defined length. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising at least one capsule polymerase, at least one donor carbohydrate and at least one acceptor carbohydrate, wherein the ratio of donor carbohydrate to acceptor carbohydrate is a ratio from 10:1 to 400:1. Moreover, the present invention provides truncated versions of the capsule polymerases of Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A and X. Also provided herein are pharmaceuticals, in particular vaccines, comprising the synthetic capsular polysaccharides of Neisseria meningitidis which have a defined length. Furthermore, the invention provides for methods for the production of said vaccines.