Abstract: The present invention relates to protein antigens IcsP2 and SigA2 from Shigella that are common among numerous Shigella types and species and which can protect against shigellosis or other enteric infections when administered as vaccines. In addition, the present invention relates to antigens that are in common between Shigella species and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC). The invention also relates to the use of antibodies raised against these antigens and of DNA probes for use in the diagnosis of Shigella and EIEC infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antigenic polypeptides expressed by pathogenic microbes, including antigenic polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid sequence of FIG. 1, vaccines comprising the antigenic polypeptides and therapeutic antibodies directed to the antigenic polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunogenic peptides, including variants and analogs derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) proteins, to peptide-multimers, conjugates and fusion proteins that include such peptides, and to vaccines that include such immunogenic entities. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of such vaccines for eliciting protective immunity to S. pneumoniae.

Abstract: This invention relates to immunogenic compositions for inducing an immune response against an antigen of interest. In particular, the invention provides immunogenic compositions comprising an antigen-carrier conjugate, wherein the carrier is a bacterial toxin that contains a signal peptide. The invention also provides methods of generating immunogenic compositions with enhanced immunogenicity, comprising adding a signal peptide to the bacterial carrier in an antigen-carrier conjugate, such as a hapten-carrier conjugate. The invention also provides methods for inducing an immune response to a hapten in a subject using these immunogenic compositions.

Abstract: Leptospira outer membrane proteins (OMPs) LP1454, LP1118, LP1939, MCEII, CADF-like1, CADF-like2, CADF-like3, Lp0022, Lp1499, Lp4337, Lp328 or L21 are provided. The OMPS can be used as tools for developing effective vaccines or diagnostic methods for leptospirosis. Expression vectors for the OMP genes are further provided. The antigenic properties of the Leptospira OMPs can be used to create, manufacture or improve vaccines. Vaccines, including but not limited to DNA vaccines, recombinant vaccines, and T-cell epitope vaccines based on the foregoing OMPs are also provided. Methods for producing such vaccines are also provided. Also provided are methods for using Leptospira OMP genes, proteins and antibodies for therapeutic treatment and serological diagnosis techniques.

Abstract: The invention provides Chlamydia antigens for use in the treatment, prevention and/or diagnosis of Chlamydia infection. In particular, the invention provides antigens CT733, CT1 53, CT601, CT279, CT443, CT372, CT456, CT381, CT255, CT341, CT716, CT745, CT387, CT812, CT869, CT166, CT175, CT163, CT214, CT721, CT127, CT043, CT823 and/or CT600 from C. trachomatis for the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of Chlamydia infection.

Abstract: Staphylococcus aureus Hla polypeptides having various deletions, insertions, and/or mutations which are useful for immunisation are provided herein. Also provided herein are Hla heptamers which are non-haemolytic. Additionally, an effective Staphylococcus aureus vaccine may require several antigenic components, and so various combinations of S. aureus antigens, including Hla polypeptides having deletions, insertions, and/or mutations, are identified for use in immunisation. These polypeptides may optionally be used in combination with S. aureus saccharides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions including an isolated non-pyruvylated non-lipidated ORF2086 polypeptide, and methods thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the compositions described herein are immunogenic. The present invention further relates to compositions that elicit a bactericidal immune response in a mammal against an ORF2086 subfamily B polypeptide from serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis, and methods related thereto.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for stimulating an immune response against Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) antigens are disclosed. The compositions include a multiple epitope fusion protein comprising more than one epitope of an immunogenic STEC protein from more than one STEC serotype. Additional compositions include at least two purified STEC proteins, wherein the STEC proteins are selected from a full-length STEC protein, an immunogenic fragment or variant thereof, wherein at least one of the STEC proteins generates antibodies that react with STEC O157 and at least one other STEC serotype.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment and prevention of immune disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protein antigens IcsP2 and SigA2 from Shigella that are common among numerous Shigella types and species and which can protect against shigellosis or other enteric infections when administered as vaccines. In addition, the present invention relates to antigens that are in common between Shigella species and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC). The invention also relates to the use of antibodies raised against these antigens and of DNA probes for use in the diagnosis of Shigella and EIEC infections.

Abstract: The invention provides protective antigens for Group B streptococcus hypervirulent strains. The fragments are useful in vaccine compositions to induce protection against S. agalactiae, particularly against hypervirulent strains.

Abstract: The present invention relates to molecules, which can be used to induce a therapeutic or prophylactic immune response against MAP.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of bacterial toxic proteins, in particular toxins from Clostridium or other pathogenic organisms using, for example, promoter nucleic acids to control expression of polypeptides such as bacterial toxins.

Abstract: Pneumococcal pilus subunit RrgB has at least three clades. Serum raised against a given clade is active against pneumococci which express that RrgB clade, but is not active against strains which express one of the other two clades i.e. there is intra-clade cross-protection, but not inter-clade cross-protection. Thus an immunogenic composition can include at least two different clades of RrgB to improve strain coverage against pilus-containing pneumococci. These multiple clades may be present in the immunogenic composition as separate polypeptides or may be fused as a single polypeptide chain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptide fragments, including variants and analogs, of Streptococcus pneumonia (S. pneumoniae) glutamyl tRNA synthetase (GtS) protein and compositions comprising the same for use in preventing adhesion of S. pneumoniae to respiratory tract cells, cell-to-cell spread and bacteremia. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of such polypeptides for treating S. pneumoniae infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of biology, more specifically to the field of immunology and microbiology. The invention further relates to the field of vaccines against microbial infections and especially bacterial vaccines, in particular to pneumococcal vaccines. More in particular, the invention relates to means and methods to identify, select and isolate a vaccine component for passive and/or active immunisation against a microorganism that can be killed by opsonophagocytic cells. The invention relates to a method to identify an opsonophagocytosis inducing antigen as a vaccine component for immunisation against a microorganism. The invention describes three pneumococcal proteins SlrA, IgAl proteinase, and PsaA, and their use as a vaccine component with or without PpmA. The invention also discloses the use of antibodies against said proteins for passive immunization and diagnosis.

Abstract: Therapeutic vaccines comprising polypeptides expressed during the latent stage of mycobacteria infection are provided, as are multiphase vaccines, and methods for treating and preventing tuberculosis.

Abstract: Polypeptides comprising Neisseria meningitidis amino acid sequences. Over 36000 meningococcal polypeptide sequences are disclosed. The invention also provides related polypeptides, nucleic acids, antibodies and methods. These can all be usedin medicine for treating or preventing disease and/or infection caused by N. meningitidis, such as meningococcal meningitis.

Abstract: Factor H binding protein (fHBP) has been proposed for use in immunising against serogroup B meningococcus (‘MenB’). This antigen can be efficiently adsorbed to an aluminium hydroxyphosphate adjuvant by (i) ensuring that adsorption takes place at a pH which is equal to or below the adjuvant's point of zero charge (PZC), and/or (ii) selecting a fHBP and adjuvant with an isoelectric point/PZC within the range of 5.0 to 7, and/or (iii) selecting a fHBP with an isoelectric point above the adjuvant's PZC and using a buffer to bring the pH to within 1.2 pH units of the PZC. The adsorption is particularly useful for compositions which include multiple fHBP variants, and also in situations where an aluminium hydroxide adjuvant should be avoided. Buffered pharmaceutical compositions can include at least two different meningococcal fHBP antigens, both of which are at least 85% adsorbed to aluminium hydroxyphosphate adjuvant.

Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptide carrier proteins that comprise at least five CD4+ T cell epitopes, for conjugation to capsular polysaccharides. The carrier proteins are useful as components of vaccines that can elicit a T-cell dependent immune response. These vaccines are particularly useful to confer protection against infection from encapsulated bacteria in infants between the ages of 3 months and about 2 years.

Abstract: The invention provides proteins from group B streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) and group A streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes), including amino acid sequences and the corresponding nucleotide sequences. Data are given to show that the proteins are useful antigens for vaccines, immunogenic compositions, and/or diagnostics. The proteins are also targets for antibiotics.

Abstract: Meningococcal lipooligosaccharide and pneumococcal serotype 14 capsular saccharide share an antigen that can cross-react with human tissue. The invention provides various ways of minimising the production of autoreactive antibodies when these two antigens are co-administered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to engineered Clostridium difficile type IV pilin (tfp) genes, type IV pilin proteins which can serve as a diagnostic marker for identification of patients infected with C. difficile, and vaccines comprising type IV pilin proteins, antigenic fragments and variants thereof for therapeutic interventions.

Abstract: An immunogenic composition comprising: (i) a conjugated pneumococcal capsular saccharide; and (ii) a meningococcal factor H binding protein (fHBP) antigen, and not including meningococcal outer membrane vesicles, is useful for immunising a subject against bacterial meningitis.

Abstract: The present invention provides variant LcrE sequences and/or combinations of variant LcrE sequences across the Chlamydia trachomatis serovars. Such changes in LcrE genotypes across the Chlamydia trachomatis serovars are likely to correspond with changes in LcrE phenotypes, in particular, with changes in immunogenicity. The present invention also provides peptides surrounding or associated with the amino acid substitutions, in particular, peptides surrounding or associated with high frequency mutated amino acid positions or hypervariable regions, which are likely to be B and/or T cell epitopic regions capable of eliciting Chlamydia specific cell mediated immune responses. The variant LcrE sequences and/or combinations of the variant LcrE sequences and/or epitope regions associated with the variant LcrE sequences are useful as immunogens and/or in the preparation of immunogenic compositions for preventing and/or treating and/or, diagnosing Chlamydia infections.

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: The present invention relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules which encode a protein, isolated nucleic acid molecules which encode a hyperimmune serum reactive antigen, a vector which comprises such nucleic acid molecule, a host cell comprising such vector, a hyperimmune reactive antigen from Borrelia species, proteins which are preferably hyperimmune serum reactive antigens, hyperimmune serum reactive antigens, antigens, a process for producing such proteins, hyperimmune serum reactive antigens or antigens, a process for producing a cell which expresses such protein, hyperimmune serum reactive antigen or antigen, an antibody binding to such protein, hyperimmune serum reactive antigen or antigen, a hybridoma cell producing such antibody, methods for producing such antibody, a pharmaceutical composition comprising such nucleic acid molecule, protein, hyperimmune serum reactive antigen, antigen or antibody, the use of such nucleic acid molecule, protein, hyperimmune serum reactive antigen, antigen or antibod

Abstract: The invention relates to mutant CyaA/E570Q+K860 polypeptides suitable for use as proteinaceous vectors for delivering one or more molecules of interest into a cell, in particular into a cell expressing the COM receptor. The invention further relates to polypeptide derivatives suitable for eliciting an immune response in a host. The invention is more particularly directed to polypeptides derived from an adenylate cyclase protein (CyaA) either under the form of a toxin or of a toxoid, which are mutant polypeptides. Said mutant polypeptides are capable of retaining the binding activity of native CyaA to a target cell and preferably of also retaining the translocating activity of native CyaA through its N-terminal domain into target cells and furthermore have a pore-forming activity which is reduced or suppressed as compared to that of the native CyaA toxin.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to an antigenic composition useful for immunization against tularemia. The disclosure is a method for producing a vaccine for preventing tularemia in humans and animals, a new vaccine against tularemia in humans and animals, and a new approach to producing vaccines against tularemia.

Abstract: The invention provides proteins from Staphylococcus aureus including amino acid sequences and the corresponding nucleotide sequences. The proteins are useful for vaccines, immunogenic compositions, diagnostics, enzymatic studies and also as targets for antibiotics.

Abstract: The present invention provides MSCRAMM® proteins from S. aureus which are putative highly-expressed antigens from methicillin-resistant S. aureus, including communit-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA), and these antigens can thus be utilized in methods of generating antibodies capable of binding these antigens which can be useful in methods of treating or preventing infection from MRSA. The present invention is directed to these proteins, antibodies capable of binding these proteins, methods of generating said antibodies, nucleic acids coding for said proteins, and pharmaceutical compositions or vaccines which include the proteins or antibodies of the present invention in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier or excipient.

Abstract: Polypeptides comprising non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) amino acid sequences. Over 2500 specific NTHi proteins are disclosed. The invention also provides related polypeptides, nucleic acids, antibodies and methods. These can all be used in medicine for treating or preventing disease and/or infection caused by H. influenzae, such as otitis media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising cupredoxins, and their use to inhibit angiogenesis in mammalian cells, tissues, and animals, and particularly the angiogenesis that accompanies tumor development and particularly in humans. Specifically, the present invention relates to compositions comprising the cupredoxin(s), and or peptides that are variants, derivatives or structural equivalents of cupredoxins, which retain the ability to inhibit angiogenesis in mammalian cells, tissues or animals. These compositions may be peptides or pharmaceutical compositions, among others. The compositions of the invention may be used to treat any pathological condition that has as a symptom or cause, inappropriate angiogenesis, and particularly inappropriate angiogenesis related to tumor development.

Abstract: The present invention features polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence structurally related to SEQ ID NO: 1 and uses of such polypeptides. SEQ ID NO: 1 is a truncated derivative of a full-length S. epidermidis polypeptide. The full-length naturally occurring polypeptide is referred to herein as full-length ORF1319e. A His-tagged derivative of SEQ ID NO: 1 was found to produce a protective immune response against S. epidermidis.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions including polypeptides having the characteristics of polypeptides expressed by a reference microbe such E. coli or Salmonella. Examples of Salmonella strains that can be used include, for instance, S. enterica serovar Newport, S. enterica serovar Enteritidis, S. enterica serovar Typhimurium, and S. enterica serovar Dublin. Also provided are compositions including polypeptides having a particular molecular weight and a mass fingerprint that includes polypeptide fragments having a particular set of masses, or polypeptides having an amino acid sequence with at least about 95% identity with an amino acid sequence, wherein the polypeptide has seroreactive activity. The present invention also provides methods of making and methods of using such compositions.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the therapy and diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, are disclosed. Illustrative compositions comprise one or more bacterial polypeptides, immunogenic portions thereof, polynucleotides that encode such polypeptides, antigen presenting cell that expresses such polypeptides, and T cells that are specific for cells expressing such polypeptides. The disclosed compositions are useful, for example, in the diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of IBD.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vaccine or immunogenic composition that can be administered to latently infected individuals to prevent reactivation of latent tuberculosis infection caused by species of the tuberculosis complex microorganisms (Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. bovis, M. africanum). The invention is base on a number of M. tuberculosis derived proteins and protein fragments which are constitutively expressed in different stages of the infection. The invention is directed to the use of these polypeptides, immunologically active fragments thereof and the genes encoding them for immunological compositions such as vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention discloses amino acid sequences and nucleic acid sequences relating to a Streptococcus pneumoniae surface associated Pneumo Protective Protein (PPP) having a molecular weight of about 20 kilo Daltons (kDa). The PPP exhibits the ability to reduce colonization of pneumococcal bacteria. Thus the present invention also pertains to compositions for the treatment and prophylaxis of infection or inflammation associated with bacterial infection.

Abstract: A novel Edwardsiella ictaluri E-ict-VL33 strain, a vaccine derived from the novel Edwardsiella ictaluri E-ict-VL33 strain, especially in immersion form and oral form, and a method for protecting fishes from the infection of Edwardsiella ictaluri, especially catfish, the method including a primary immersion immunization using immersion vaccine, and after an appropriate period, boosting by oral vaccination, resulting in a strong and long-lasting immunity for fishes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a methylated immunogenic recombinant peptide sequence comprising mycobacterial heparin-binding hemagglutinin. The invention also concerns chemical and enzymatic methods for preparing such a sequence, the sequence being previously produced in a non-methylated recombinant form then methylated by post-translational modification. The invention further concerns recombinant tools, vectors and host cells for implementing post-translational enzymatic methylation of the recombinant HBHA. The invention finally concerns immunogenic compositions comprising methylated, native or recombinant HBHA, such compositions being useful for preparing vaccines against mycobacterial infections.

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: The invention provides protective antigens which are useful in vaccine compositions to induce protection against gram positive bacteria, particularly against S. agalactiae, S. pyogenes, S. pneumoniae, S. aureus, S. suis, and S. equi.

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: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Staphylococcus epidermidis that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

Abstract: Protein antigens from Streptococcus pneumoniae are disclosed, together with nucleic acid sequences encoding them. Their use in vaccines and in screening methods is also described.

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: There is provided a composition for inducing an immune response to a Chlamydia species in a subject, the composition comprising one or more than one polypeptides selected from the group consisting of ribosomal peptide L/RplF, ribosomal protein L6 (RplF), PmpG protein, PmpG-1 peptide, PmpF protein, PmpE/F-2 family F2, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase and major outer membrane protein (MOMP), and the use of said composition to treat Chlamydia infections.

Abstract: A newly identified serum resistance factor of gram positive bacteria can be used to treat or prevent bacterial infection.

Abstract: The present invention features the use of PorB polypeptide as a therapeutic agent. In specific embodiment the invention features a chlamydial vaccine based on a PorB polypeptide, as well as methods for induction of a protective immune response against infection by Chlamydia and Chlamydiophila. The invention further features methods for identifying agents that affect PorB function (such as in transport of ?-ketoglutarate and which are effective as anti-chlamydial chemotherapeutic agents.