Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and compositions for the treatment and prevention of microbial infections and for the enhancement of resistance to infection. The disclosure includes administration of an effective amount of an E. coli LpfA antigen to enhance the immune system to prevent infections that cause, e.g., inflammatory bowel diseases, bovine mastitis and metritis. The disclosure also includes methods for diagnosing microbial infection and conditions associated with microbial infection by detecting an E. coli LpfA polypeptide or nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides live, attenuated Mycoplasma gallisepticum bacteria that exhibit reduced expression of a protein identified as MGA_0621. In certain embodiments, the attenuated bacteria may additionally exhibit reduced expression of one or more proteins selected from the group consisting of pyruvate dehydrogenase, phosphopyruvate hydratase, 2-deoxyribose-5-phosphate aldolase, and ribosomal protein L35, relative to a wild-type M. gallisepticum bacterium. Also provided are vaccines and vaccination methods involving the use of the live, attenuated M. gallisepticum bacteria, and methods for making live attenuated M. gallisepticum bacteria. An exemplary live, attenuated strain of M. gallisepticum is provided, designated MGx+47, which was shown by proteomics analysis to exhibit significantly reduced expression of MGA_0621, and was shown to be safe and effective when administered as a vaccine against M. gallisepticum infection in chickens.

Abstract: The factor H binding activity of meningococcal fHBP can be uncoupled from its bactericidal sensitivity. NMR studies have identified various amino acid residues involved in the fHBP/fH interaction and one or more of these residues is modified in a fHBP to reduce or eliminate its ability to bind to fH.

Abstract: The invention relates to the polynucleotide sequence of a nontypeable stain of Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) and polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides and uses thereof. The invention also relates to NTHi genes which are upregulated during or in response to NTHi infection of the middle ear and/or the nasopharynx.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immunogenic composition composed of secreted polypeptides derived from Campylobacter jejuni non-flagellar proteins that are coordinately expressed with the flagellar regulon. The invention also relates to a method of inducing an immune response to the non-flagellar protein polypeptides.

Abstract: The BAA antigen of Staphylococcus aureus was identified in a highly bacteremic MRSA strain that has enhanced in vitro binding to fibronectin and other extracellular matrix proteins compared with other endemic and related strains. BAA is a phage-encoded surface-expressed adhesin which binds fibronectin in vitro. It may be responsible for the enhanced catheter-related bacteremic phenotype of MRSA strains and is thus useful as a vaccine target to prevent MRSA bacteremia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for preventing and treating Staphylococcus aureus in a subject. Therapeutic compositions of the present invention comprise leukocidin E and/or D proteins or polypeptides and anti-leukocidin E and/or D antibodies. The invention further relates to methods of identifying inhibitors of LukE/D cytotoxicity and inhibitors of LukE/D-leukocyte binding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to DNA sequences encoding Vmp-like polypeptides of pathogenic Borreliae, the use of the DNA sequences in recombinant vectors to express polypeptides, the encoded amino acid sequences, application of the DNA and amino acid sequences to the production of polypeptides as antigens for immunoprophylaxis, immunotherapy, and immunodiagnosis. Also disclosed are the use of the nucleic acid sequences as probes or primers for the detection of organisms causing Lyme disease, relapsing fever, or related disorders, and kits designed to facilitate methods of using the described polypeptides, DNA segments and antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to newly identified open reading frames comprised within the genomic nucleotide sequence of Streptococcus pneumoniae, wherein the open reading frames encode polypeptides that are surface localized on Streptococcus pneumoniae. Thus, the invention relates to Streptococcus pneumoniae open reading frames that encode polypeptides encoded by the Streptococcus pneumoniae open reading frames, vectors comprising open reading frame sequences and cells or animals transformed with these vectors. The invention relates also to methods of detecting these nucleic acids or polypeptides and kits for diagnosing Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. The invention finally relates to pharmaceutical compositions, in particular immunogenic compositions, for the prevention and/or treatment of bacterial infection, in particular infections with Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding an antigen, a vector comprising such nucleic acid molecule and a host cell comprising such vector. Furthermore, the invention provides antigens from Klebsiella species, fragments and variants thereof, a process for producing such antigens, and a process for producing cells expressing such antigens. Moreover, the present invention provides antibodies binding to such antigen, hybridoma cells producing such antibodies, methods for producing such antibodies, a pharmaceutical composition comprising such nucleic acid molecule, antigen, vector or antibody, the use of such nucleic acid molecule, antigen, vector or antibody for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition, methods for identifying an antagonist capable of binding such antigen or of inhibiting the interaction activity of such antigen, methods for diagnosis or for treatment or prevention of an infection.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment or prevention of Gram-negative bacterial strain infection are provided herein. Methods for the manufacture of said compositions are also provided herein.

Abstract: Neisserial immunogenic compositions and vaccines, their manufacture and methods for the use of such compositions in medicine are provided herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various polypeptides that can be included in immunogenic compositions specific for pathogenic E. coli strains. The polypeptides have cellular locations which render them accessible to the immune system. The genes encoding the polypeptides were initially identified as being present in uropathogenic strain 536 but absent from non-pathogenic strains.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising at least two protective proteins against Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) or functionally active variant thereof; a protective peptide against S. agalactiae; one or more nucleic acid(s) encoding the at least two proteins and/or the protective peptide; a method of producing the composition; a pharmaceutical composition, especially a vaccine, comprising the composition and/or at least one protective peptide; methods for producing antibodies; a mixture of antibodies against the at least two proteins of the composition; the use of the composition and/or at least one protective peptide and/or one or more nucleic acid(s) for the manufacture of a medicament for the immunization or treatment of a subject; methods of diagnosing a S.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, kits, and methods for inducing an immune response against disease. The dosage of antigen contained or utilized in the presently disclosed compositions, kits, and methods is substantially lower than dosages conventionally used in the field. The compositions, kits, and methods may be utilized to induce a cell-mediated response, such as a T-helper cell response, and/or a humoral response against a pathogen or a disease. In some embodiments, the compositions, kits, and methods may be utilized to induce preferentially a Th1 response versus other types of immune responses such as a Th2 response.

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: A composition comprising (a) Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), and (b) an immunogenic component selected from other Neisseria proteins, or immunogenic fragments thereof. Component (b) preferably includes a protein from a different NmB strain from that from which the OMV of component (a) is derived. The OMVs are preferably obtained by deoxycholate extraction. Optionally, the composition may also comprise a protective antigen against other pathogens.

Abstract: The invention provides BASB082, BASB083, BASB091, BASB092 and BASB101 polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding BASB082, BASB083, BASB091, BASB092 and BASB101 polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic uses.

Abstract: The present invention features peptides of a PorB polypeptide, which PorB peptides are useful in production of antibodies that bind the full-length PorB polypeptide and as a therapeutic agent. In specific embodiments the invention features a composition comprising one or more PorB peptides (other than a full-length PorB polypeptide), which peptides contain at least one epitope that can elicit Chlamydia-neutralizing antibodies. The invention also features methods for induction of a protective immune response against infection by Chlamydia and Chlamydiophila.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions are provided herein that are useful for inducing an immune response specific against group A streptococcus (GAS). Immunogenic compositions provided herein are multivalent and comprise a plurality of immunogenic peptides or fusion polypeptides comprising the immunogenic peptides that induce an immune response against GAS. The immunogenic compositions provided herein induce an immune response against the GAS serotypes represented by an immunogenic peptide (derived from an M protein or Spa protein) comprised within the immunogenic composition and also induce an immune response against serotypes that are unrepresented by any immunogenic peptide included in the immunogenic composition. Methods for using the compositions for inducing an immune response against GAS and for treating or reducing the likelihood of occurrence of a GAS infection are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides proteins with antimicrobial activity, and methods for treating subjects by administering the proteins. In particular, the invention provides methods for treating and/or preventing microbial diseases and infections. The present invention further provides the target for these antimicrobial agents, as well as assays for identifying regulators of the target.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chimeric polypeptide comprising a plurality of polypeptide domains that are capable of being secreted in combination with membrane vesicles and in particular exosomes. The invention also concerns the use of polypeptides of the invention and polynucleotides coding for these polypeptides, for the production of immunogenic compositions based on exosomes or DNA, to screen protein interactions. The present invention also concerns exploiting the properties of exosomes comprising a polypeptide of the invention and immunogenic compositions of the invention in immunology. The present invention concerns the use of exosomes comprising a polypeptide of the invention as a diagnostic tool.

Abstract: The invention discloses identification, method of making and therapeutic use of synthetic oligopeptides for the treatment of infectious diseases, in particular tuberculosis. The oligopeptides are designed using virulence mediating protein for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis bacteria. The antibodies may be used for diagnostic and treatment purposes of infectious diseases. In particular, the sequences with SEQ ID 1 to 11 may be used to produce such oligopeptides synthetically. Suppression of activity of mycobacterium tuberculosis may be achieved with oligopeptides analogous to SEQ ID 1 to 11 as a therapeutic drug and/or as a vaccine in a mammal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for delivering exogenous proteins to the cytosol, by binding a target antigen (such as a protein) to a transport factor that contains a fragment of a bipartite protein exotoxin, but not the corresponding protective antigen. Preferably, the target antigen is fused to the transport factor. Preferred transport factors include the protective antigen binding domain of lethal factor (LFn) from B. anthracis, consisting of amino acids 1-255, preferably a fragment of at least 80 amino acids that shows at least 80% homology to LFn, and a fragment of about 105 amino acids from the carboxy portion that does not bind PA. The target antigen can include any molecule for which it would be desirable to elicit a CMI response, including viral antigens and tumor antigens.

Abstract: The invention includes a GAS antigen, GAS 40, which is particularly suitable for use either alone or in combinations with additional GAS antigens, such as GAS 117, GAS 130, GAS 277, GAS 236, GAS 40, GAS 389, GAS 504, GAS 509, GAS 366, GAS 159, GAS 217, GAS 309, GAS 372, GAS 039, GAS 042, GAS 058, GAS 290, GAS 511, GAS 533, GAS 527, GAS 294, GAS 253, GAS 529, GAS 045, GAS 095, GAS 193, GAS 137, GAS 084, GAS 384, GAS 202, and GAS 057.

Abstract: Provided herein are immunoreactive peptides which can selectively bind Ehrlichia-specific anti-p120 or anti-p140 antibodies. Methods and kits utilizing the immunoreactive peptides are also provided. The immunoreactive peptides may be utilized, e.g., for determining whether or not a subject is infected with Ehrlichia chaffeensis or Ehrlichia canis. In certain embodiments, the immunoreactive peptides may be utilized in an ELISA or lateral flow assay.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions designed to reduce or prevent pneuomococcal infections, nasal carriage, nasal colonization, and central nervous system invasion. Provided herein is a composition comprising a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19 or a variant thereof that can elicit an anti-neuraminidase immune response. Further provided are methods of making and using the compositions disclosed herein. Specifically provided are methods of generating antibodies in a subject comprising administering to the subject an agent or composition taught herein. Also provided are methods of reducing or preventing nasal carriage or pneumococcal infection in a subject comprising administering to the subject a composition taught herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Neisseria ORF2086 proteins, crossreactive immunogenic proteins which can be isolated from nesserial strains or prepared recombinantly, including immunogenic portions thereof, biological equivalents thereof, antibodies that immunospecifically bind to the foregoing and nucleic acid sequences encoding each of the foregoing, as well as the use of same in immunogenic compositions that are effective against infection by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B.

Abstract: Streptococcus proteins and polynucleotides encoding them are disclosed. Said proteins are antigenic and therefore useful vaccine components for the prophylaxis or therapy of streptococcus infection in animals. Also disclosed are recombinant methods of producing the protein antigens as well as diagnostic assays for detecting streptococcus bacterial infection.

Abstract: Regions of Bacillus anthracis protective antigen are provided representing epitopes recognized by antibodies in subjects that have acquired immunity to Bacillus anthracis infection. The recognition of these epitopes correlates with autoimmunity in a subject. Also provided are vaccines that include at least one of these epitopes that when administered to a subject provide improved acquired immunity.

Abstract: Described is a method for identification, isolation and production of hyperimmune serum-reactive antigens from a specific pathogen, a tumor, an allergen or a tissue or host prone to autoimmunity, said antigens being suited for use in a vaccine for a given type of animal or for humans, which is characterized by the following steps:—providing an antibody preparation from a plasma pool of said given type of animal or from a human plasma pool or individual sera with antibodies against said specific pathogen, tumor, allergen or tissue or host prone to auto-immunity,—providing at least one expression library of said specific pathogen, tumor, allergen or tissue or host prone to auto-immunity,—screening said at least one expression library with said antibody preparation,—identifying antigens which bind in said screening to antibodies in said antibody preparation,—screening the identified antigens with individual antibody preparations from individual sera from individuals with antibodies against said specific pathogen

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to surface proteins of Moraxella catarrhalis and their ability to interact with epithelial cells via cell-associated fibronectin and laminin, and also to their ability to inhibit the complement system. These surface proteins are useful in the preparation of vaccines. The present disclosure also provides peptides interacting with fibronectin, laminin and the complement system.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the identification of an essential Clostridium difficile gene that encodes a polypeptide with protease activity and its use in the identification of anti-microbial agents and as antigen in subunit vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention provides vaccine compositions comprising OmpA, or antigenic fragments thereof, and related methods of active immunization against A. baumannii infection. The invention also provides antibodies and antigen-binding parts thereof that specifically bind to OmpA, and related methods of passive immunization against A. baumannii infection. The compositions and methods of the invention are useful for preventing or treating A. baumannii infections, including those caused by strains resistant to carbapenems and all other antibiotics except colistin or tigecycline, also referred to as extreme drug resistant (XDR) A. baumannii infections, and those resistant to every FDA approved antibiotic, also referred to as pan-drug resistant (PDR) A. baumannii infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Neisseria ORF2086 proteins, crossreactive immunogenic proteins which can be isolated from nesserial strains or prepared recombinantly, including immunogenic portions thereof, biological equivalents thereof, antibodies that immunospecifically bind to the foregoing and nucleic acid sequences encoding each of the foregoing, as well as the use of same in immunogenic compositions that are effective against infection by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B.

Abstract: In order to provide an effective vaccine against infection with Propionibacterium acnes, the present invention provides a peptide which is a peptide consisting of a specific amino acid sequence or a peptide consisting of an amino acid sequence derived from the specific amino acid sequence by deletion, substitution, insertion, or addition of one or more amino acids, the peptide suppressing, by immune response, inflammation caused by infection with Propionibacterium acnes.

Abstract: We describe examples using aptamers for capturing and reporting the presence of a target, such as a pathogen. Examples described here include a set of aptamers that are specific to F. tularensisis. Other examples described here include an Aptamer-Linked Immobilized Sorbent Assay (ALISA) and dot blot assay. An example of a method provided here comprises: providing a set of DNA sequences that exhibit high binding affinity to target antigen, placing the DNA sequences in a sandwich aptamer-linked immobilized sorbent assay (ALISA), contacting the DNA sequences with a sample, and detecting whether the target is present in the sample. Some alternative implementations may include dot blots and different reporters. Quantum dot sandwich assays and quantum dot de-quenching reporters can be used.

Abstract: Vaccine formulations effective against Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are disclosed, as well as methods of using the vaccine formulations in the treatment, prevention and prophylaxis of Staphylococcus aureus infections in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with the development of a vaccine against Aeromonas hydrophila for use especially in fish. The invention provides an immunogenic S-layer protein of approximately 50 kDa of A. hydrophila for use in the development of a vaccine, as well as the nucleic acid encoding said protein and vaccines comprising said protein or nucleic acid encoding said protein.

Abstract: Modified Rv3616c proteins and their use as medicaments, particularly for the prevention of reactivation of tuberculosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Neisseria ORF2086 proteins, crossreactive immunogenic proteins which can be isolated from nesserial strains or prepared recombinantly, including immunogenic portions thereof, biological equivalents thereof, antibodies that immunospecifically bind to the foregoing and nucleic acid sequences encoding each of the foregoing, as well as the use of same in immunogenic compositions that are effective against infection by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective peptide of Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) or a functionally active variant thereof; a composition comprising at least two of such peptides or variants; one or more nucleic acid(s) encoding such peptide or variant; a pharmaceutical composition comprising such peptide or variant, composition, or nucleic acid(s); a method of producing an antibody using such peptide or variant or composition; the use of such peptide or variant and/or composition and/or nucleic acid(s) for the manufacture of a medicament; a method of diagnosing a S. pneumoniae infection using such peptide or variant, composition or a primer and/or probe specific for the nucleic acid(s); a method for identifying a ligand capable of binding to such peptide or variant; and the use of such peptide or variant for the isolation, purification and/or identification of an interaction partner of the peptide.

Abstract: A vaccine composition is provided which comprises a rag nucleic acid sequence for the prevention and/or treatment of infection by P. gingivalis. Uses of such nucleic acid sequences, proteins coded for by such sequences and antibodies raised against such proteins in medicine are also provided. Kits for the detection of P. gingivalis in a sample are also provided.

Abstract: Factor H binding proteins that can elicit antibodies that are bactericidal for at least one strain of N. meningitidis, and methods of use of such proteins, are provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns nucleic acids coding for polypeptides specific of the Neisseria genus pathogenic strains, the corresponding polypeptides, and their diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The disclosure provides specific and sensitive anti-toxin B antibodies and fragments thereof suitable for diagnosing Clostridium difficile infection. The antibodies and fragments recognize an epitope in the C-terminal 250-amino-acid region of toxin B of C. difficile, including epitopes defined by protein repeat sequences in this region of toxin B. This disclosure also provides the toxin B-specific epitope in the C-terminal 250-amino-acid region of toxin B of C. difficile for use in vaccine development as well as in the treatment of CDI disease and in treatment of the relapse of CDI disease. Also provided are toxin B polypeptides lacking the cytotoxic domain useful in treating or preventing CDI disease. PCR-based diagnostic assays targeting the 750-nucleotide region at the 3? end of tcdB are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel sequences encoding Staphylococcus pseudintermedius proteins/nucleic acids potentially useful in the treatment and/or prevention of canine disorders. In particular, the various protein and/or nucleic acid sequences described herein may find application as vaccines for use in treating and/or preventing a variety of canine diseases and/or conditions caused or contributed to by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius.

Abstract: There is provided a fusion protein or a polynucleotide sequence encoding said fusion protein that comprises first and second domains, wherein the first domain of the fusion protein comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, or a fragment thereof comprising at least 20 consecutive amino acids thereof; and wherein the second domain of the fusion protein comprises a mycobacterial antigen or an antigenic fragment thereof. Also provided are corresponding therapeutic uses thereof for the protection of primates against mycobacterial infections.

Abstract: Recombinant carrier molecules having amino acid sequences from thermostable enzymes and methods of use for expression, recovery and delivery of foreign sequences (peptides and polypeptides) produced in different systems (bacteria, yeast, DNA, cell cultures such as mammalian, plant, insect cell cultures, protoplast and whole plants in vitro or in vivo are provided. The recombinant carrier molecule using sequences from lichenase B (Lic B) were also made and used as part of carrier protein to express, recover and deliver a variety of target polypeptides of interest.

Abstract: This invention provides novel antimicrobial peptides and formulations thereof. The peptides and/or formulations are effective to kill or to inhibit the growth and/or proliferation of various bacteria, yeast, and fungi.