Abstract: Variants of the pathogenic E. coli ‘AcfD precursor’ have been identified with increased solubility as compared to the native AcfD protein that raise a substantially similar immune response in a subject as the native AcfD protein.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating and/or preventing a variety of diseases and conditions that are amenable to immunotherapy and, in one particular embodiment, compositions and methods for treating and/or preventing cancer in an animal are described. Specifically improvements related to the use of a yeast-based vaccine comprising a yeast vehicle and an antigen that is selected to elicit an antigen-specific cellular and humoral immune response in an animal, for use in prophylactic and/or therapeutic vaccination and the prevention and/or treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vaccine composition against Streptococcus pyogenes infection comprising an amino acid sequence having C-terminal fragment of streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B, and a pharmaceutical acceptable adjuvant.

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: The present invention relates to antigens, more particularly protein antigens of enterococcal pathogens which are useful as vaccine components for therapy and/or prophylaxis.

Abstract: Disclosed are the cloning and expression of a novel antigen of Bartonella henselae. The recombinant polypeptide is found to be highly immunogenic and is useful as a diagnostic test antigen. The polypeptide of the present invention provides the basis of a diagnostic assay that is sensitive, rapid and accurate diagnosis of infection with Bartonella henselae using patient's sera. Disclosed also are the ELISA for both IgG and IgM and allows diagnosis of early and late infection.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the detection and treatment of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma platys infection.

Abstract: There is provided a vaccine for controlling Clostridium perfringens in animals, and particularly necrotic enteritis in poultry. The vaccine may comprise a C. perfringens antigenic polypeptide or variant thereof, a nucleic acid encoding the C. perfringens antigenic polypeptide or variant thereof, or a recombinant cell producing the C. perfringens antigenic polypeptide or variant thereof.

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: Immunogenic compositions comprising an Rv1196 related antigen, wherein the conductivity of the composition is 13 mS/cm or lower, or the concentration of salts of the composition is 130 mM or lower, and their use in medicine, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention stems from the finding that the interaction between the ?2 adrenoceptor (?2AP) and type IV pilus-associated proteins initiates a process leading to the opening of the blood-brain barrier. The invention therefore pertains to a vaccine for preventing the spreading of meningococci into the meningeal space, wherein said vaccine allows the production of antibodies inhibiting the interaction between the type IV pilus-associated proteins and the ?2AP.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions (e.g., peptide compositions) useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Borrelia antigens. The peptide compositions comprise polypeptide sequences comprising variants in the IR6 domain of the Borrelia VlsE protein. The invention also provides devices, methods, and kits comprising such peptide compositions and useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Borrelia antigens and the diagnosis of Lyme disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the identification of antigenic polypeptides expressed by pathogenic microbes; vaccines comprising the polypeptides; recombinant methods to manufacture the polypeptides; and therapeutic antibodies directed to the polypeptides.

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, CT153, 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: The invention relates to a recombinant vaccine providing protective immunity especially against tuberculosis in human subjects.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions comprising an M72 related antigen, wherein the conductivity of the composition is 13 mS/cm or lower, or the concentration of salts of the composition is 130 mM or lower, and their use in medicine, are provided.

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: The medicament for the prevention or the relief of poisoning by large clostridial cytotoxins (LCTs), in particular Clostridium difficile toxins A and B (TcdA and TcdB), is characterized by containing as active ingredient at least one effector, namely an inhibitor or activator of the autocatalytic protease activity of LCTs (large clostridial cytotoxins).

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.

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 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 invention relates to a method for immunising a subject against Mycobacterium tuberculosis ox Mycobacterium bovis. The method comprises parenterally administering to the subject an immunologically effective amount of a first antigen from the Mycobacterium or a first polynucleotide encoding the first antigen and administering to the lung of the subject an immunologically effective amount of a second antigen from the Mycobacterium or a second polynucleotide encoding the second antigen. The two administration steps are carried out less than four weeks apart. The invention also relates to a kit for carrying out the method of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides an immunogenic composition comprising: a) a conjugate that is a capsular saccharide from GBS serotype 1a conjugated to a carrier protein; b) a conjugate that is a capsular saccharide from GBS serotype 1b conjugated to a carrier protein; and c) a conjugate that is a capsular saccharide from GBS serotype III conjugated to a carrier protein. The invention also provides a method for immunising a patient against infection by GBS comprising the step of administering to the patient a conjugate that is a capsular saccharide from GBS conjugated to a diphtheria toxoid or derivative thereof, wherein the patient has been pre-immunised with a diphtheria toxoid or derivative thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to vaccine formulations comprising the Yersinia pestis YopE peptide antigen or subparts thereof. The invention also relates to methods of vaccinating subjects at risk of Yersinia pestis infection as well as assays for measuring immune response to plague vaccines.

Abstract: This invention pertains to Lawsonia intracellularis bacterium of a serotype which is reactive with monoclonal antibody INT-LIC-02-02 as produced by hybridoma INT-LIC-02-02 deposited with the Collection Nationale de Cultures de Micro-organismes of the Institut Pasteur at Paris France under nr. CNCM I-4049 but which is not reactive with antibody INT-LIC-01-28 as produced by hybridoma INT-LIC-01-28 deposited with the Collection Nationale de Cultures de Micro-organismes of the Institut Pasteur at Paris France under nr. CNCM I-4048. The invention also pertains to vaccines for protection against an infection with Lawsonia intracellularis based on those novel bacteria, antibodies suitable for diagnosing the novel Lawsonia intracellularis serotype and hybridomas for producing the said antibodies.

Abstract: Vaccination with the combination of Ag85B-TB10.4 and IC31® adjuvant generated a high amount of polyfunctional CD4+T cells expressing high levels of IFN-?, TNF-?, and IL-2. This in turn led to significant protection against infection with M. tuberculosis in the mouse aerosol challenge model of tuberculosis. Both the immunogenicity of the vaccine and its ability to protect against TB infection was highly dependent on the antigen dose. Thus, whereas the standard antigen dose of 5 ?g, as well as 15 ?g, did not induce significant protection against M. tuberculosis, reducing the dose to 0.5 ?g increased both the immunogenicity of the vaccine as well as its protective efficacy to a level comparable to that observed in BCG vaccinated mice. Thus, the IC31® adjuvant, with the specified antigen dose, can induce a strong protective Th1 response against M. tuberculosis.

Abstract: This invention provides an immunogenic composition including a soluble portion of a Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M.hyo) whole cell preparation, wherein the soluble portion of the M.hyo preparation is substantially free of both (i) IgG and (ii) immunocomplexes comprised of antigen bound to immunoglobulin.

Abstract: A chimeric polyvalent recombinant protein for use as a vaccine and diagnostic for Lyme disease is provided. The chimeric protein comprises epitopes of the loop 5 region and/or the alpha helix 5 region of outer surface protein C (OspC) types. The OspC types may be associated with mammalian Borrelia infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chimeric protein vaccines and methods of use thereof in the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of generating an immune response in a mammal, that includes administering to the mammal, a composition having a chimeric protein having at least one of: a portion of a cholera toxin, a portion of a heat-labile toxin, and a portion of a shiga toxin; and an antigen having at least one of: an antigenic material from S. aureus and an antigenic material from a S. aureus-specific polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising peptidyl inhibitors of CD40L-dependent signaling that are not derived from a natural binding partner of CD40L such as CD40, or from a native CD40-CD40L interface. More particularly, the peptidyl inhibitors of the present invention are derived from natural sources that do not express CD40-Cd40L costimulatory pathways. The invention also provides synthetic derivatives and analogs of the peptidyl inhibitors having enhanced binding affinity for CD40L or enhanced inhibitory activity relative to their parent molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new use of a vaccine comprising a fusion protein that comprises the Pseudomonas aeruginosa outer membrane protein I (OprI or OMPI) which is fused with its amino terminal end to the carboxy-terminal end of a carboxy-terminal portion of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa outer membrane protein F (OprF or OMPF), as well as to a new use of a monoclonal or polyclonal antibody against this fusion protein or a pharmaceutical composition thereof.

Abstract: Described herein is a peptide, referred to as a GlycoTag peptide, that includes repeats of an N-linked glycosylation sequon that is naturally present in C. jejuni. The GlycoTag peptide can be in a purified and isolated form following expression of a construct encoding the GlycoTag peptide or it is, in whole or in part, a synthetic peptide. The GlycoTag peptide is typically used with glycans attached thereto. The GlycoTag peptide can be used alone or in combination with different proteins or peptides and can be incorporated into a chimeric protein or peptide for use in the development of antigen/antibody delivery systems, the preparation of vaccines, pharmaceuticals and diagnostic tests, and research into therapies for countering Campylobacter and other 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: The present invention relates to a means of controlling infection persistence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). In particular, the present invention relates to an isolated, genetically modified Helicobacter pylori comprising a functional urease, wherein the contiguous amino acid sequence between amino acid 529 and amino acid 555 of SEQ ID NO:1 is altered to produce said modified Helicobacter pylori which is unable to establish or maintain a persistent 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: It refers to a recombinant alpha-hemolysin polypeptide of Staphylococcus aureus, comprising a deletion in the stem domain, wherein at least one heterologous sequence is inserted in a region selected from the group consisting of regions defined by amino acid position of 108 to 151, 1 to 5, 288 to 293, 43 to 48, 235 to 240, 92 to 97, 31 to 36,or 156 to 161 of SEQ ID NO: 1, with the proviso that, if the heterologous sequence contains five or more consecutive histidines the moiety of the heterologous sequence other than the moiety of five or more consecutive histidines has a minimum length of 11 amino acids; or a variant thereof comprising 1-50 amino acids added, substituted or deleted in SEQ ID NO. 1 and the activity to form oligomers and to bind to lipidic bilayers. It also provides a medicament and vaccine comprising said recombinant polypeptide.

Abstract: There is provided a method of identifying a protective Leptospira vaccine composition, comprising determining that the composition contains a protective concentration of a Lipl32 epitope polypeptide, for example, of a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO:13 or an antigenic variant or portion thereof. There is also provided a vaccine composition comprising a protective concentration of at least one Lipl32 epitope polypeptide having up to 250 amino acids and comprising SEQ ID NO:13 or an antigenic variant or portion thereof. There is further provided a method of identifying an immunogenic element in a vaccine composition comprising submitting the composition to a two-dimensional liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (2D LC/MS) process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to reagents useful for generating immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and for diagnosing infection and disease in a subject that has been exposed to M. tuberculosis.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 71. In another aspect, the invention relates to an immunogenic composition including an isolated non-lipidated, non-pyruvylated ORF2086 polypeptide from Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B, and at least one conjugated capsular saccharide from a meningococcal serogroup.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, particularly human monoclonal antibodies, that bind specifically to poly-N-acetyl glucosamine (PNAG), such as Staphylococcal PNAG, in acetylated, partially acetylated and/or fully deacetylated form. The invention further provides methods for using these peptides in the diagnosis, prophylaxis and therapy of infections by bacteria that express PNAG such as but not limited to Staphylococci and E. coli. Some antibodies of the invention enhance opsonophagocytic killing and in vivo protection against bacteria that express PNAG such as but not limited to Staphylococci and E. coli. Compositions of these peptides, including pharmaceutical compositions, are also provided, as are functionally equivalent variants of such peptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective peptide of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) or a functional active variant thereof, optionally further consisting of additional amino acid residue(s); a nucleic acid coding for the same; a pharmaceutical composition comprising said peptide or said nucleic acid; an antibody or functional active fragment thereof specifically binding to the antigen; a hybridoma cell line which produces said antibody; a method for producing said antibody; a pharmaceutical composition comprising said antibody; the use of said peptide or said nucleic acid for the manufacture of a medicament for the immunization or treatment of a subject; the use of said antibody or functional fragment thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of an infection; a method of diagnosing an E. faecalis infection; and the use of said peptide for the isolation and/or purification and/or identification of an interaction partner of the peptide.

Abstract: A first aspect of the invention provides meningococcal outer membrane vesicles in which NHBA is over-expressed. A second aspect of the invention provides meningococcal outer membrane vesicles in which NadA is over-expressed. A third aspect of the invention provides a panel of bacterial strains, each member of which is isogenic except for a single gene which in each strain encodes a different variant of an antigen of interest.

Abstract: An antigenic composition comprises several antigenic components derived from antigens of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi or subsp. zooepidemicus, wherein at least one component is a fusion protein or polypeptide comprising two or more such antigens or fragments thereof. The antigenic composition may be used for immunization of mammals against S. equi subsp. equi and/or subsp. zooepidemicus. A vaccine composition comprising the antigenic composition as immunizing component is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to vaccine compositions and methods based on P. gingivalis proteins identified to be regulated by haem availability that can be used in the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease. In particular, two specific internalin-like P. gingivalis proteins, namely PG0350 and PG1374 involved in the internalization of P. gingivalis by host cells, the hypothetical protein, PG1019 purported to be a cell surface lipoprotein and the alkyl hydroperoxide reductase protein, PG0618 have been identified as useful targets for the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a peptide consisting of one antigen of Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) of any of the SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 7 or a functional active variant thereof, optionally further consisting of additional amino acid residue(s); a nucleic acid coding for the same; a pharmaceutical composition, especially a vaccine, comprising said peptide or said nucleic acid; an antibody or functional active fragment thereof specifically binding to the antigen; a hybridoma cell line which produces said antibody; a method for producing said antibody; a pharmaceutical composition comprising said antibody; the use of said peptide or said nucleic acid for the manufacture of a medicament for the immunization or treatment of a subject; the use of said antibody or functional fragment thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of an infection; a method of diagnosing a S.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide comprising amino acid sequences of a streptococcal matrix adhesion E (EmaE) polypeptide. Antibodies to the EmaE polypeptide and immunogenic fragments thereof are also provided. This invention provides pharmaceutical compositions, immunogenic compositions, vaccines, and diagnostic and therapeutic methods of use of the isolated polypeptide, antibodies thereto, and nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention discloses isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a hyperimmune serum reactive antigen or a fragment thereof as well as hyperimmune serum reactive antigens or fragments thereof from E. faecalis, methods for isolating such antigens and specific uses thereof.

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 discloses methods and materials for delivering a cargo compound into a cancer cell. Delivery of the cargo compound is accomplished by the use of protein transduction domains derived from cupredoxins. The invention further discloses methods for treating cancer and diagnosing cancer.

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.