Abstract: The present invention relates to M. tuberculosis proteins and peptides, and subsequences, portions or modifications thereof and methods and compounds comprising the same for eliciting, stimulating, inducing, promoting, increasing, or enhancing an anti-M. tuberculosis immune response in a subject.

Abstract: Provided are a recombinant protein for producing a swine Mycoplasma infection-preventing vaccine composition, and a swine Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Mycoplasma hyorhinis infection-preventing vaccine composition including the recombinant protein. When the recombinant proteins for the vaccine production in accordance with the present disclosure are added to the swine Mycoplasma infection-preventing vaccine composition, the immune response to the swine Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and swine Mycoplasma hyorhinis strain and the immune response to the P97 protein are increased. As a result, the present vaccine exhibits a defensive effect superior to an existing commercially available vaccine.

Abstract: A method for separating and purifying recombinant human serum albumin (rHSA) from transgenic rice grain, sequentially comprising the steps of: 1) subjecting crude extract of rHSA to cation exchange chromatography to obtain primary product I; 2) subjecting the primary product I to anion exchange chromatography to obtain secondary product II; 3) subjecting the secondary product II to hydrophobic chromatography to obtain purified rHSA. The method may further comprise a step of ceramic hydroxyapatite chromatography prior to the hydrophobic chromatography. The method has the advantages of low cost and easy operation. The resultant rHSA has a purity of about 99% by HPLC.

Abstract: A method for separating and purifying recombinant human serum albumin (rHSA) from transgenic rice grain, sequentially comprising the steps of: 1) subjecting crude extract of rHSA to cation exchange chromatography to obtain primary product I; 2) subjecting the primary product I to anion exchange chromatography to obtain secondary product II; 3) subjecting the secondary product II to hydrophobic chromatography to obtain purified rHSA. The method may further comprise a step of ceramic hydroxyapatite chromatography prior to the hydrophobic chromatography. The method has the advantages of low cost and easy operation. The resultant rHSA has a purity of about 99% by HPLC.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions comprising a p97 adhesin adjuvant polypeptide, or a nucleic acid encoding said p97 adhesin adjuvant polypeptide, and a heterologous antigen are disclosed. Uses of the p97 adhesin adjuvant polypeptide or nucleic acid, or immunogenic compositions comprising same, for inducing an immune response against a heterologous antigen in a subject are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods for generating or enhancing the immune system of a patient against infection by a pathogen, and in particular MTB. Compositions of the invention contain one or more non-naturally occurring antigens that generate an effective cellular or humoral immune response to MTB and/or antibodies that are specifically reactive to mycolic acid or to the surface of MTB. The greater activity of the immune system generated by a vaccine of the invention involve an conjugation of peptides to increase in the generation of memory T cells that provide for a greater and/or longer lived or extended response to an MTB infection. Preferably a response involves an increased generation of antibodies that enhance immunity against MTB infection and promote an enhanced phagocytic response.

Abstract: Method for detecting M. tuberculosis antigens, comprising: a) contacting a sample of a biological fluid with a solid support; b) adding an amount of a first antibody against at least one M. tuberculosis protein; c) screening for the presence of M. tuberculosis proteins in the biological fluid by adding an amount of a second antibody which binds to the first antibody, in a Miniblotter device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to combination vaccines and/or the combined use of immunogenic compositions for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of cattle against microbiological infections, wherein the infections are caused by M. bovis and at least one further cattle relevant pathogen. The combination vaccine as described herein comprises at least one M. bovis antigen, preferably the attenuated, avirulent M. bovis as provided herewith and one or more further immunologically active components effective for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of infections caused by a further pathogen of cattle.

Abstract: Methods of preparing mutants of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with one or more disrupted genes are presented, where the disrupted genes include ctpV, rv0990c, rv0971c, and/or rv0348. Compositions containing mutants with attenuated virulence and pathogenesis, which are capable of stimulation of an immune response against tuberculosis, are described. Compositions and methods relating to immunogenic compositions, which include an attenuated M. tb strain in which the M. tb genome includes a disruption of at least one of the ctpV gene, the rv0990c gene, the rv0971c gene, and the rv0348 gene, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions including siderophore receptor polypeptides and porins from gram negative microbes, and preferably, lipopolysaccarhide at a concentration of no greater than about 10.0 endotoxin units per milliliter. The present invention also provides methods of making and methods of using such compositions.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and compositions for a diagnostic method for detecting TB in non-human primates that is easy to use, sensitive, and specific. The method utilizes recombinant mycobacterial antigens, such as polyfusion proteins. The method utilizes an antigen-antibody-antigen arrangement to detect TB infection in nonhuman primates. The method can detect IgM antibodies to TB, in addition to IgG antibodies, providing ability to detect TB earlier in nonhuman primate TB infection as compared to conventional TB tests.

Abstract: The present invention discloses compositions and methods for treating, preventing and/or monitoring viral, bacterial, eukaryotic protist and/or fungal infections. In some embodiments, these compositions and methods involve human polyclonal antibodies affinity purified from human blood using certain viral, bacterial, eukaryotic protist and/or fungal antigens as described herein. Methods of making the antigenic preparations and the affinity-purified human polyclonal antibodies for passive immunization are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosed technology provides an enriched antibody population, highly specific for an antigen of a surface polysaccharide, from a mycobacterium. In a related embodiment, the antibody is enriched by having been raised in an environment that maintains antigenically active antigen. These antibodies may be used in an immunoreactive environment for detecting the presence of a mycobacterial infection in a sample from a subject.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for producing androstenedione (4-androstenedione), of improved purity and for modulating its production, for example by deletion or inactivation of ksdA, cxgA, cxgB, cxgC, or cxgD. The invention also provides methods and compositions, including nucleic acids that encode enzymes, for producing 1,4-androstadiene-3,17-dione (ADD) and related pathway compounds, including 20-(hydroxymethyl)pregna-4-en-3-one and 20-(hydroxymethyl)pregna-1,4-dien-3-one. The compositions of the invention include nucleic acids, probes, vectors, cells, transgenic plants and seeds, transgenic animals, kits and arrays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fusion proteins containing at least two Mycobacterium species antigens. In particular, it relates to nucleic acids encoding fusion proteins that include two or more individual M. tuberculosis antigens, which increase serological sensitivity of sera from individuals infected with tuberculosis, and methods for their use in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tuberculosis infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to genes and proteins involved in the sporulation of Mycobacteria and the use thereof in the technical fields of immunology and medicine. A vaccine comprising spore forming peptides, such as CotA or CotD, or antibodies thereto is used for the treatment of diseases caused by Mycobacterium such as leprosy and tuberculosis.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in a human that include providing blood serum, contacting the serum with an Eis antigen fixed on a substrate, thereby forming complexes of Eis antigen with a human antibody that binds to the Eis antigen, contacting the antibody/Eis complexes with a labeled anti-human secondary antibody, and measuring a titer of the human antibody bound to the Eis antigen. In addition, statistically significant positive or negative diagnosis of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis is provided by comparing patient serum antibody titer with a second titer from a negative control blood sample.

Abstract: A device that includes a scaffold composition and a bioactive composition with the bioactive composition being incorporated therein or thereon, or diffusing from the scaffold composition such that the scaffold composition and/or a bioactive composition captures and eliminates undesirable cells from the body a mammalian subject. The devices mediate active recruitment, sequestration, and removal or elimination of undesirable cells from their host.

Abstract: A method of detecting a surrogate marker for active tuberculosis involves obtaining first, second and third samples from a subject suspected of having active tuberculosis, diluting the first sample and exposing part of it to an immobilized mycolic acid antigen in a test vessel and part of it to an immobilized mycolic antigen in a control vessel. The second sample is exposed to mycolic acid antigen-containing liposomes and the third sample is exposed to liposomes not containing mycolic acid antigens. The second sample is added to the test vessel and the third to the control vessel and binding of antibodies to the mycolic acid and antigen in both the test and control vessel is detected. The degree of binding between the test and control vessels is compared and lesser binding in the test vessel is an indicator of the presence of antibodies to the mycolic acid antigen.

Abstract: A novel method of treating and preventing bacterial diseases is provided. In particular, the present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibition of Gram negative, Gram positive and acid fast bacilli in general and tuberculosis (TB), mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), and anthrax in particular. Thus, the invention relates to modulation of cellular activities, including macrophage activity, and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to the inhibitory compounds comprising naturally occurring and man-made inhibitors of serine protease.

Abstract: A number of protein and glycoprotein antigens secreted by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) have been identified as “early” Mtb antigens on the basis early antibodies present in subjects infected with Mtb prior to the development of detectable clinical disease. Epitope-bearing peptide fragments of these early Mtb antigens, in particular of an 88 kDa secreted protein, GlcB (SEQ ID NO:106) and of Mtb antigen MPT51 (SEQ ID NO:107) have been identified. These peptides, variants thereof, peptide multimers thereof that include two or more repeats of one or more of the peptides, and fusion polypeptides that include early Mtb antigenic proteins, peptides or both, are useful in immunoassay methods for early, rapid detection of TB in a subject. Preferred immunoassays detect the antibodies in the subject's urine. Also provided are antigenic compositions, kits and methods to useful for detecting an early Mtb antibodies. The antigenic proteins and peptides are also used in vaccine compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of mycobacterial infection.

Abstract: The disclosed technology provides an enriched antibody population, highly specific for an antigen of a surface polysaccharide, from a mycobacterium. In a related embodiment, the antibody is enriched by having been raised in an environment that maintains antigenically active antigen. These antibodies may be used in an immunoreactive environment for detecting the presence of a mycobacterial infection in a sample from a subject.

Abstract: Purified antibodies that bind to M. tuberculosis ERP protein are disclosed. In one embodiment, a purified antibody, which binds specifically with a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO: 39 or SEQ ID NO: 41 is provided. In some embodiments the polypeptide has a theoretical molecular weight of about 28 kDa. In other embodiments the polypeptide has an observed molecular weight of about 36 kDa, as determined by denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The purified antibody may be a monoclonal or a polyclonal antibody. Further embodiments provide antibodies that does not bind specifically with M. leprae P28 protein. The antibodies of the invention have many uses including the identification of M. tuberculosis.

Abstract: Antibodies that bind to the M. tuberculosis Des protein are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates i.a. to vaccines for combating Mycoplasma infection, to mycoplasmal L-?-glycerophosphate oxidase for use in such vaccines, to the use of mycoplasmal L-?-glycerophosphate oxidase for the manufacturing of such vaccines, to methods for the preparation of such vaccines and to diagnostic tests for the discrimination of animals vaccinated with said vaccines and animals vaccinated with whole cell vaccines or animals suffering from field infection.

Abstract: Novel mycobacterial sulfation pathway proteins and polypeptides related thereto, as well as nucleic acid compositions encoding the same, are provided. The subject polypeptide and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of applications, including research, diagnostic, and therapeutic agent screening applications. Also provided are methods of inhibiting growth and/or virulence of a pathogenic mycobacterium, and methods of treating disease conditions associated with a pathogenic mycobacterium, particularly by administering an inhibitor of a mycobacterial sulfation pathway protein. The present invention further provides genetically modified mycobacteria having a defect in a sulfation pathway enzyme gene; and immunogenic compositions that include such genetically modified mycobacteria.

Abstract: The disclosed technology provides an enriched antibody population, highly specific for an antigen of a surface polysaccharide, from a mycobacterium. In a related embodiment, the antibody is enriched by having been raised in an environment that maintains antigenically active antigen. These antibodies may be used in an immunoreactive environment for detecting the presence of a mycobacterial infection in a sample from a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fusion proteins containing at least two Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens. In particular, it relates to bi-fusion proteins which contain two individual M. tuberculosis antigens, tri-fusion proteins which contain three M. tuberculosis antigens, tetra-fusion proteins which contain four M. tuberculosis antigens, and penta-fusion proteins which contain five M. tuberculosis antigens, and methods for their use in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of tuberculosis infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fusion proteins containing at least two Mycobacterium species antigens. In particular, it relates to nucleic acids encoding fusion proteins that include two or more individual M. tuberculosis antigens, which increase serological sensitivity of sera from individuals infected with tuberculosis, and methods for their use in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tuberculosis infection.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel mycobacterial protein named DES, which appears to share significant amino acid sequence homology with soluble stearoyl-ACP desaturases. The results of allelic exchange experiments, indicate that the des gene may be essential to the survival of mycobacteria. These results coupled with the surface localization, the unique structure of DES, and the fact this antigen is expressed in vivo, and DES protein induces a humoral response in human patients, indicate that the DES protein provides a new target for the design of anti-mycobacterial drugs. This invention provides methods of screening molecules that can inhibit the DES enzyme activity of purified DES protein, in order to identify antibiotic molecules that are capable of inhibiting the growth or survival of mycobacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and fusion proteins containing at least two Mycobacterium sp. antigens, and nucleic acids encoding such compositions and fusion proteins. The compositions of the invention increase serological sensitivity of sera from individuals infected with tuberculosis, and methods for their use in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tuberculosis infection.

Abstract: Compounds represented by the following general formula (I), pharmacologically acceptable salts thereof or hydrates of the same: (I) wherein W represents and R3, R7, R16, R17, R20, R21 and R21? are the same or different and each represents hydrogen, etc. Because of inhibiting angiogenesis and inhibiting the production of VEGF particularly in hypoxia, the compounds (I) are useful as remedies for solid cancer.

Abstract: A universal test apparatus for detecting tuberculosis (TB) in any of many different species of non-primate mammals is provided. The universal test apparatus includes a test site having a mycobacterial antigen cocktail comprising ESAT-6/CFP10 and 16 kDa/MPB83 polyfusion antigens, and a tracer having the ESAT-6/CFP10 polyfusion antigen and MPB83 antigen conjugated to latex or colloidal gold. The universal test apparatus is effective across genuses, families and orders of non-primate mammals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and fusion proteins containing at least two Mycobacterium sp. antigens, and nucleic acids encoding such compositions and fusion proteins. The compositions of the invention increase serological sensitivity of sera from individuals infected with tuberculosis, and methods for their use in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tuberculosis infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to Mycobacterium tuberculosis superoxide dismutase antibodies, methods of using them for detection of M. tuberculosis, methods of testing for an inhibitor of an M. tuberculosis superoxide dismutase, and methods of detecting tuberculosis infection.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for diagnosing tuberculosis or for inducing protective immunity against tuberculosis are disclosed. The compounds provided include polypeptides that contain at least one immunogenic portion of one or more Mycobacterium proteins and DNA molecules encoding such polypeptides. Diagnostic kits containing such polypeptides or DNA sequences and a suitable detection reagent may be used for the detection of Mycobacterium infection in patients and biological samples. Antibodies directed against such polypeptides are also provided. In addition, such compounds may be formulated into vaccines and/or pharmaceutical compositions for immunization against Mycobacterium infection.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel mycobacterial protein named DES, which appears to share significant amino acid sequence homology with soluble stearoyl-ACP desaturases. The results of allelic exchange experiments, indicate that the des gene may be essential to the survival of mycobacteria. These results coupled with the surface localization, the unique structure of DES, and the fact this antigen is expressed in vivo, and DES protein induces a humoral response in human patients, indicate that the DES protein provides a new target for the design of anti-mycobacterial drugs. This invention provides methods of screening molecules that can inhibit the DES enzyme activity of purified DES protein, in order to identify antibiotic molecules that are capable of inhibiting the growth or survival of mycobacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fusion proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens. In particular, it relates to two fusion proteins, each of which contains three individual M. tuberculosis antigens, and a fusion protein of two M. tuberculosis antigens, their coding sequences, and methods for their use in the treatment and prevention of tuberculosis.

Abstract: The methods of the invention can be used to treat mycobacterial infections, or any disease or disorder that is caused by (or aggravated by) an intracellular pathogen. Accordingly, the invention features methods for treating a subject who has a disorder that is associated with an intracellular pathogen by administering, to a subject, a molecular conjugate that includes a photosensitizer (a term used herein to refer to a light activatable compound) and a targeting moiety, the targeting moiety being capable of targeting the conjugate to the intracellular pathogen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fusion proteins containing at least two Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens. In particular, it relates to bi-fusion proteins which contain two individual M. tuberculosis antigens, tri-fusion proteins which contain three M. tuberculosis antigens, tetra-fusion proteins which contain four M. tuberculosis antigens, and penta-fusion proteins which contain five M. tuberculosis antigens, and methods for their use in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of tuberculosis infection.

Abstract: Novel mycobacterial sulfation pathway proteins and polypeptides related thereto, as well as nucleic acid compositions encoding the same, are provided. The subject polypeptide and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of applications, including research, diagnostic, and therapeutic agent screening applications. Also provided are methods of inhibiting growth and/or virulence of a pathogenic mycobacterium, and methods of treating disease conditions associated with a pathogenic mycobacterium, particularly by administering an inhibitor of a mycobacterial sulfation pathway protein. The present invention further provides genetically modified mycobacteria having a defect in a sulfation pathway enzyme gene; and immunogenic compositions that include such genetically modified mycobacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptide sequences enabling mycobacteria to adhere to host cells (e.g., epithelial cells). More particularly, the invention relates to a mycobacterial heparin-binding haemagglutinin type antigen from M. bovis ECG or M. tuberculosis. The invention also relates to a recombinant peptide sequence enabling mycobacteria to adhere to host cells. The polypeptides can be used to prepare vaccines against mycobacterial infections and for serological diagnosis of mycobacterial infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to molecules derived from a Mycobacterium species and recombinant, synthetic, derivative, homologue and analogue forms of said molecules. The molecules of the present invention are useful in diagnostic assays for Mycobacterium in biological and environmental samples. The present invention is particularly directed to molecules derived from Mycobacterium tuberculosis and related organisms and even more particularly to recombinant forms of these molecules or synthetic, derivative, homologue or analogue forms thereof and their use in diagnostic and therapeutic protocols for tuberculosis or other disease conditions associated with M. tuberculosis or related organisms.

Abstract: Novel mycobacterial sulfation pathway proteins and polypeptides related thereto, as well as nucleic acid compositions encoding the same, are provided. The subject polypeptide and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of applications, including research, diagnostic, and therapeutic agent screening applications. Also provided are methods of inhibiting growth and/or virulence of a pathogenic mycobacterium, and methods of treating disease conditions associated with a pathogenic mycobacterium, particularly by administering an inhibitor of a mycobacterial sulfation pathway protein. The present invention further provides genetically modified mycobacteria having a defect in a sulfation pathway enzyme gene; and immunogenic compositions that include such genetically modified mycobacteria.

Abstract: Novel mycobacterial sulfation pathway enzymes and polypeptides related thereto, as well as nucleic acid compositions encoding the same, are provided. The subject polypeptide and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of applications, including research, diagnostic, and therapeutic agent screening applications. Also provided are methods of inhibiting growth and/or virulence of a pathogenic mycobacterium, and methods of treating disease conditions associated with a pathogenic mycobacterium, particularly by administering an inhibitor of a mycobacterial sulfation pathway enzyme.

Abstract: An assay method and kit is disclosed for detecting the presence of at least one predesignated, target antibody to a mycobacterium in a sample selected from one or more patient bodily fluids. The method comprises the following steps: (a) contacting the sample of one or more patient bodily fluids with at least one mycobacterium antigen on a lateral-flow assay membrane to bind to the target antibody in the sample; (b) previously, simultaneously or subsequently to step (a), binding the at least one mycobacterium antigen with a conjugated label producing a detectable signal; and (c) detecting the signal whereby the presence of the target antibody is determined in the sample by the intensity or presence of the signal. The method can further comprise the step of evaluating immunization status of the patient from whom the sample came by comparing the signal or lack thereof with immunizations previously received by the patient and in comparison to a known standard control.

Abstract: This invention relates to the identification, cloning, sequencing and characterization of the iniB, iniA and iniC genes of mycobacteria which are induced by a broad class of antibiotics that act by inhibiting cell wall biosynthesis, including the first line antituberculosis agents, isoniazid and ethambutol. The present invention provides purified and isolated iniB, iniA, iniC and iniB promoter nucleic acids which may comprise the iniBAC operon, as well as mutated forms of these nucleic acids. The present invention also provides one or more single-stranded nucleic acid probes which specifically hybridize to the iniB, iniA, iniC and iniB promoter nucleic acids, and mixtures thereof, which may be formulated in kits, and used in the diagnosis of drug-resistant mycobacterial strain. The present invention also provides methods for the screening and identification of drugs effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis using induction of the iniB promoter.

Abstract: A method of detecting a member of the taxa actinomycetos is provided. A method also is provided for detecting mycothiol or precursor thereof. An antibody is provided which binds to mycothiol or a mycothiol precursor. A method is further provided for diagnosis of a subject having or at risk of having an actinomycetes-associated disorder. A method is also provided for identifying a sample with altered production of mycothiol or a precursor thereof. A method is provided for detecting mycothiol or precursor thereof in a bacterial colony. Kits are also disclosed which arc useful for detecting the presence of mycothiol or precursor thereof in a sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for identifying a Mycobacterium species comprising the steps of: a) contacting at least one immuno-cross reactive antigen component of a mycobacterial species with a sample of a body fluid of a human or animal individual; b) contacting at least one antibody, which is capable of reacting with a mycobacterial antigen, with said body fluid sample; c) detecting the presence of antigen-antibody complexes, and identifying the Mycobacterium species present in said body fluid sample.