Abstract: Methods and compositions for the treatment of biofilms and/or the inhibition of biofilm formation. In one embodiment, a biofilm is treated and/or biofilm formation is inhibited by a method comprising contacting a biofilm or a surface with a bifunctional ligand comprising a quorum-sensing-peptide-binding region and a protease-binding region, whereby the biofilm is treated and/or biofilm formation on the surface is inhibited.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for the preparation, manufacture and therapeutic use of viral vectors, such as adeno-associated virus (AAV) particles having viral genomes encoding one or more antibodies or antibody fragments or antibody-like polypeptides, for the prevention and/or treatment of diseases and/or disorders.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to using magnetic particles and alternating magnet fields to separate a target analyte from a sample. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve contacting a sample with magnetic particles including first moieties specific for a target analyte, thereby forming target/particle complexes in the sample, flowing the sample through a channel including second moieties attached to at least one surface of the channel, applying alternating magnetic fields to the flowing sample to result in target/particle complexes being brought into proximity of the surface to bind the second moieties and unbound particles remaining free in the sample, binding the target/particle complexes to the second moieties, and washing away unbound particles and unbound analytes of the sample.

Abstract: Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) capable of binding acetate and other target molecules, processes for their production, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the MIPs, and methods of using the MIPs and pharmaceutical compositions for binding target molecules and for treating conditions associated with accumulation of acetate and other target molecules.

Abstract: This disclosure provides antibodies that specifically bind to and typically neutralize botulinum neurotoxins (e.g., BoNT/A, BoNT/B, BoNT/E, etc.) and the epitopes bound by those antibodies. The antibodies and derivatives thereof and/or other antibodies that specifically bind to the neutralizing epitopes provided herein can be used to neutralize botulinum neurotoxin and are therefore also useful in the treatment of botulism.

Abstract: Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) capable of binding acetate and other target molecules, processes for their production, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the MIPs, and methods of using the MIPs and pharmaceutical compositions for binding target molecules and for treating conditions associated with accumulation of acetate and other target molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of plasminogen/plasmin and its derivatives as agents for enhancing host defense against infection or other infectious diseases. The invention also relates to a method for screening of compounds which enhance host defense against infection by evaluating the host defense against bacterial arthritis and spontaneous otitis media in an animal model.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for improving wound healing, reducing scar formation and/or promoting skin health and aesthetic appearance. In particular, the present invention provides protein compositions that are derived from Cohn fraction IV and/or IV-1 useful in promoting wound healing and for cosmetic care of the skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carrier system, a carrier and a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pathogen entry protein or fragment thereof, which specifically binds to a molecule on the surface of a mammalian target cell of said pathogen and which is covalently linked to the surface of said carrier and at least one hydrophilic antipathogenic agent. It further relates to a method of manufacturing a carrier system and the carrier system or the pharmaceutical composition for the use as a medicament.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment or prevention of Clostridium difficile infection in a subject are provided. The compositions comprise antibodies to Clostridium difficile toxin A. The methods provide for administering the antibodies to a subject in an amount effective to reduce or eliminate or prevent relapse from Clostridium difficile bacterial infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to lipopeptides consisting of a peptide chain comprising a parallel coiled-coil domain, a proline-rich peptide antigen, and a lipid moiety, all covalently linked, which aggregate to synthetic virus-like particles. Proline-rich peptide antigens considered contain negatively and positively charged amino acid, and at least 15% of the amino acids are proline. Such synthetic virus-like particles carrying proline-rich antigens derived from pneumococcal proteins are useful as vaccines against infectious diseases caused by Gram-positive bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Abstract: The present application provides stable peptide-based Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) serotype A capture agents and methods of use as detection and diagnosis agents and in the treatment of diseases and disorders. The application further provides methods of manufacturing BoNT serotype A capture agents using iterative on-bead in situ click chemistry.

Abstract: Two universally conserved sequences from influenza type A neuraminidases were identified by large scale sequence analysis then chemically modified and conjugated to carrier proteins to generate mono-specific and monoclonal antibodies. The two antibodies, one targeting the N-terminus of the type A neuraminidase and the other sequence close to enzymatic active site, were capable of binding to all 9 subtypes of neuraminidase while demonstrating remarkable specificity against the viral neuraminidase sequences since no cross-reactivity against allantoic proteins was observed. Quantitative analyses of NA using slot blot suggest that the antibodies can be used for NA antigen quantitation in vaccines. These represent the first time the antibody-based immunoassay can be used for NA quantitative determination.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the treatment of biofilms and/or the inhibition of biofilm formation. In one embodiment, a biofilm is treated and/or biofilm formation is inhibited by a method comprising contacting a biofilm or a surface with a bifunctional ligand comprising a quorum-sensing-peptide-binding region and a protease-binding region, whereby the biofilm is treated and/or biofilm formation on the surface is inhibited.

Abstract: Microcin MccPDI and bacteria harboring the mcpM gene which encodes MccPDI, limit growth of and/or kill pathogenic bacteria such as pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) and/or Shigella bacteria via proximity-dependent inhibition (PDl).

Abstract: Two universally conserved sequences from influenza type A neuraminidases were identified by large scale sequence analysis then chemically modified and conjugated to carrier proteins to generate mono-specific and monoclonal antibodies. The two antibodies, one targeting the N-terminus of the type A neuraminidase and the other sequence close to enzymatic active site, were capable of binding to all 9 subtypes of neuraminidase while demonstrating remarkable specificity against the viral neuraminidase sequences since no cross-reactivity against allantoic proteins was observed. Quantitative analyses of NA using slot blot suggest that the antibodies can be used for NA antigen quantitation in vaccines. These represent the first time the antibody-based immunoassay can be used for NA quantitative determination.

Abstract: Two thiourea derivatives N-(3-chlorophenyl)-N?-(3,4-difluorophenyl)thiourea and N-(3-chlorophenyl)-N-(3-methoxyphenyl)-thiourea are reported as treatment of multidrug resistance infections from Staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract: C. difficile infection (CDI) is the most common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Unfortunately, antibiotic therapy remains as the standard treatment for this antibiotic-induced disease and relapses are common. Antibiotic treatment typically is given for 10 to 14 days for initial or second episode of CDI. For recurrent episodes, more prolonged courses are recommended. It is disclosed herein that lower dose or shorter course of the antimicrobial treatment is sufficient to treat the disease and prevent recurrent disease by enabling a good immunologic response to infection, and perhaps also by better preserving normal flora, thus protecting against relapses or reinfection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of bacterial infection, for example extraintestinal E. coli infection such as E. coli bacteremia, meningitis and sepsis. The invention relates also to methods of diagnosis and prevention.

Abstract: An isolated protein or peptide selected from the group consisting of Bordetella colonization factor A (BcfA) protein and antigenic fragments thereof is described, along with an isolated nucleic acid encoding the same, antibodies that bind to the same, methods of producing an immune response in a mammalian subject in need thereof by administering the proteins, peptides or antibodies, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of an inhibitor of an interaction between type IV pilus-associated protein and CD147 for preventing or treating meningoccal bacteraemia and/or infection. The present invention also relates to the combined use of such inhibitor and of an anti-bacterial compound, such as one used to prevent or treat a meningococcal infection. The invention also relates to a method for the prevention and/or treatment of meningococcal bacteraemia and/or infection, and to a method for screening inhibitors of the interaction between type IV pilus-associated protein and CD147.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for use in modulating, including inhibiting the growth and/or reducing the virulence of gram-positive bacteria. The present invention provides methods and compositions for disrupting the cell wall and/or cell membrane in gram-positive bacteria such that cell wall or cell membrane target(s) are rendered exposed or accessible and sensitive to a modulation thereof. Methods for modulation of one or more gram-positive bacterial cell wall or cell membrane targets in a gram-positive bacteria are provided comprising disrupting the cell wall such that the cell wall or cell membrane target, which is particularly a sortase, is rendered exposed or accessible and sensitive to a modifying, modulating or binding agent, which is particularly an antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the cell wall or cell membrane target is inaccessible or relatively insensitive to the modifying, modulating or binding agent in the absence of cell wall disruption.

Abstract: This disclosure provides antibodies that specifically bind to and typically neutralize botulinum neurotoxins (e.g., BoNT/A, BoNT/B, BoNT/E, etc.) and the epitopes bound by those antibodies. The antibodies and derivatives thereof and/or other antibodies that specifically bind to the neutralizing epitopes provided herein can be used to neutralize botulinum neurotoxin and are therefore also useful in the treatment of botulism.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and compositions to inhibit or prevent infection of a cell by a bacteria that exports DNABII proteins by administering to a tissue infected with the bacteria an effective amount of an antibody that specifically recognizes and binds the DNABII proteins, thereby inhibiting or preventing infection of the bacteria. Treatment methods, screens and kits are further provided.

Abstract: Provided are oligonucleotides for isolating human antibody cDNAs from cells or cell lines, such as hybridomas. The invention also provides cDNAs that encode at least one provided CDR of a heavy chain or a light chain of a human monoclonal antibody that binds to B. anthracis protective antigen; and cDNAs that encode at least one provided CDR of a heavy chain or a light chain of a human monoclonal antibody that binds to B. anthracis lethal factor. The invention further provides expression vectors that contain one or more cDNAs isolated according to the methods of the invention, host cells expressing one or more inventive cDNAs, and transgenic plants and animals that express one or more inventive cDNAs. In certain embodiments of the invention the expression system is a plant-based expression system. The invention further provides antibody compositions comprising one or more antibodies produced by expressing a cDNA isolated according to the methods of the invention in a suitable expression system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies that bind or neutralize anthrax lethal factor (LF), edema factor (EF), and/or protective antigen (PA). The invention provides such antibodies, fragments of such antibodies retaining anthrax toxin-binding ability, fully human or humanized antibodies retaining anthrax toxin-binding ability, and pharmaceutical compositions including such antibodies. The invention further provides for isolated nucleic acids encoding the antibodies of the invention and host cells transformed therewith. Additionally, the invention provides for prophylactic, therapeutic, and diagnostic methods employing the antibodies and nucleic acids of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-idiotypic polypeptide scaffold that includes two or more peptide sequences that mimic a discontinuous epitope of a pathogen that is recognized by or induces formation of a broadly neutralizing antibody. Using a fibronectin FNfn10 scaffold bearing two or more modified discontinuous loops, scaffolds that recognize broadly neutralizing antibodies in vitro and from patient serum have been identified. These scaffolds should induce an immune response or mobilize germline specificities to initiate their affinity maturation.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated polypeptides isolatable from a Staphylococcus spp. Also provided by the present invention are compositions that include one or more of the polypeptides, and methods for making and methods for using the polypeptides.

Abstract: High levels of bacterial flagella in a sample such as a gastrointestinal sample and/or low levels of anti-flagella antibodies serve as an indication for metabolic syndrome (such as insulin resistance, hypertension, elevated cholesterol, increased risk for blood clotting, and obesity) with highest levels of adiposity. An intervention that reduces the level and/or activity of flagella in the gastrointestinal tract can mitigate the severity of metabolic syndrome or in protecting against the development of metabolic syndrome.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the detection, prevention, or treatment of anthrax or other infectious diseases. In one aspect, the present invention provides methods for immunizing humans or animals against Bacillus anthracis or other capsulated pathogens. The methods include administering a capsular polypeptide of a pathogen of interest and a CD40 agonist to a human or animal. The capsular polypeptide or the CD40 agonist is administered in such an amount or frequency that an immunoprotective response can be elicited in the human or animal against the pathogen of interest. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of using passive immunization with anti-capsular polypeptide antibodies to prevent or treat infections caused by Bacillus anthracis or other pathogens. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides methods useful for diagnosis of anthrax by detection of capsular polypeptide in serum or other biological samples.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new and emerging serotype of Streptococcus pneumoniae designated serotype 6D, and assays and monoclonal antibodies useful in identifying same. Also disclosed is a novel pneumococcal polysaccharide with the repeating unit?2) glucose 1 (1?3) glucose 2 (1?3) rhamnose (1?4) ribitol (5?phosphate. This new serotype may be included in pneumococcal vaccines.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions comprising immunoglobulin for use in the treatment of mucositis by topical application. In particular, the invention relates to compositions comprising J chain-containing IgA and secretory component for the treatment of mucositis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant protein comprising consecutive amino acids, the sequence of which is substantially identical to a sequence of amino acids present in a Rhodococcus equi virulence-associated protein and compositions containing fusion proteins of the invention. The present invention also provides uses of the compositions in the manufacture of hyperimmune plasma against Rhodococcus equi, in producing a hyperimmune plasma against Rhodococcus equi in protecting an animal against Rhodococcus equi and in protecting a newborn animal against Rhodococcus equi.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to the nucleic and amino acid sequences encoding vaginolysin (VLY) toxin from Gardnerella vaginalis, and biologically active fragments and variants thereof. The invention is also directed to anti-VLY antibodies and to their use therapeutically and in a new ELISA assay of VLY toxin. Other embodiments of the invention are directed to VLY toxoids and to vaccines that use the new VLY toxoids as immunogens.

Abstract: Anti-toxin compositions are described that include avian antibodies against bacterial toxins. Administration of the anti-toxin compositions binds and neutralizes the bacterial toxin in the animals. Methods of making the anti-toxin compositions against the bacterial toxins are also described. The anti-toxin compositions can be effective against pathogenic bacteria and also to decrease the amount of bacterial toxins in the individual, especially in the GI tract. The anti-toxin compositions can also act as anti-inflammatory agents.

Abstract: Methods and compositions pertaining to botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) light chain epitopes are provided. In particular, the methods and compositions relate to the use of real and mimetic BoNT light chain epitopes for generating an immune response in a subject, and for immunization against BoNT toxicity. Methods and compositions for detecting, isolating, and purifying BoNT epitopes and anti-BoNT antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: High affinity antibodies for binding epitopes of BoNT/B and hybridomas that produce such antibodies are described. The antibodies may be used in a kit for detecting BoNT/B in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention is related to novel functional antibody coated nanoparticles, and the preparation method thereof. The functional antibody coated nanoparticles according to the present invention can be used as photothermal agents to effectively inhibit the growth of microbes including drug-resistant strains and biolfilm with laser irradiation.

Abstract: The current invention relates to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases resulting from infections by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis. In particular the invention relates to the use of an antigen selected among (a) a synthetic peptide 5P having the following formula: DPhe-NMeVal-Ile-Phe-Ala-OMe (SEQ ID NO: 1); (b) a lipopeptide L5P consisting of the synthetic peptide a) wherein the N-terminal phenylalanine residue is N-acylated with an eicosanoic acid acyl chain; (c) a variant of peptide a) or lipopeptide b) able to react with anti-Mycobacterium paratuberculosis antibodies; for in vitro detection or quantification of specific anti-Mycobacterium paratuberculosis antibodies in a biological sample.

Abstract: An isolated protein or peptide selected from the group consisting of Bordetella colonization factor A (BcfA) protein and antigenic fragments thereof is described, along with an isolated nucleic acid encoding the same, antibodies that bind to the same, methods of producing an immune response in a mammalian subject in need thereof by administering the proteins, peptides or antibodies, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same.

Abstract: The current invention provides high-affinity antibodies to the Pseudomonas aeruginosa PcrV protein that have reduced immunogenicity when administered to treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating skin disorders including acne vulgaris are disclosed. The composition comprises a neutralizing agent directed against the organism and derivatives associated with the skin disorder, a synergistic agent selected from the group consisting of anti-acne actives, anti-microbial actives, antifungal actives, anti-inflammatory actives, exfoliating agents and mixtures thereof; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other aspects, methods for the manufacture of plasma-derived immunoglobulin G compositions highly enriched for anti-brain disease related protein antibodies (e.g., anti-A?, anti-RAGE, and anti-?-synuclein antibodies). Advantageously, the methods provided do not affect the manufacturing processes or capabilities for producing plasma-derived IgG therapeutics. Plasma-derived IgG compositions that are highly enriched for anti-brain disease related protein antibodies (e.g., anti-A?, anti-RAGE, and anti-?-synuclein antibodies), as also provided here. Methods for the treatment of brain diseases and disorders by administration of plasma-derived IgG compositions highly enriched for anti-brain disease related protein antibodies (e.g., anti-A?, anti-RAGE, and anti-?-synuclein antibodies), are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and compositions administered to the lymphatic tissue of an animal to prevent or reduce the incidence of disease or disease symptoms caused by one or more disease causing entities. Tonsillar compositions can be administered to the lymphatic tissue in the oral/nasal region of the animal and can include avian antibodies from eggs of hens inoculated with one or more target disease causing entities. Treating the lymphatic tissue in the oral/nasal region with the compositions described herein can reduce or prevent the disease causing entities from adhering to the lymphatic tissue resulting in reduced infection rates. The present disclosure also relates to oral compositions that can be used to reduce or eliminate oral pathogens in animals.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for the targeted bacteriostatic and antibacterial agents and for treatment of sepsis caused by infectious diseases, such as bacterial and fungal diseases. In one aspect, the invention provides methods and compositions for decreasing the levels of LPS in the circulation of an individual, e.g., a human patient with sepsis, e.g., gram negative septic shock. In one aspect, the invention is directed to chimeric proteins comprising the MD-2 polypeptide and an opsinizing agent, e.g., antibody Fc domains, or equivalent. In one aspect, the invention is directed to chimeric proteins comprising fragments or altered form of MD-2 polypeptide and an opsinizing agent, e.g., antibody Fc domains, or equivalent. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the chimeric polypeptides of the invention, and methods of making and using them, including methods for ameliorating or preventing sepsis.

Abstract: This invention relates to stable formulations of multiple antibodies comprising a plurality of anti-botulism antibodies and an effective amount of a succinate buffer, an effective amount of arginine, wherein the antibodies are present in substantially equal concentrations and the pH of the formulation is between about 5 and about 6.5.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for treating or preventing a bacterial infection, particularly infection by a Staphylococcus bacterium. The invention provides methods and compositions for stimulating an immune response against the bacteria. In certain embodiments, the methods and compositions involve a non-toxigenic Protein A (SpA) variant or an antibody directed thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides nanoparticles including a metallic core having a length along each axis of from 1 to 100 nanometers and a coating disposed on at least part of the surface of the metallic core, wherein the coating comprises polydopamine, along with methods for making and using such nanoparticles. The metallic core may be gold, silver or iron oxide and the polydopamine coating may have other substances bound to it, such as silver, targeting ligands or antibodies, or other therapeutic or imaging contrast agents. The disclosed nanoparticles can be targeted to cells for treating cancer or bacterial infections, and for use in diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated antigen from Streptomyces coelicolor that is useful for developing, inter alia, vaccines against pathogenic bacteria of humans and animals. The present invention also relates to vaccines and antibodies developed using the isolated antigen. The present invention also relates to methods of using the antigen, vaccines, and antibodies of the present invention to detect, treat, and prevent infection and diseases associated with pathogenic bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated polypeptides isolatable from a Yersinia spp. Also provided by the present invention are compositions that include one or more of the polypeptides, and methods for making and methods for using the polypeptides.