Abstract: The present invention provides a purified multimeric complex from P. gingivalis. The complex comprises at least one domain from each of RgpA, Kgp and HagA, and has a molecular weight greater than about 300 kDa.

Abstract: A method for stimulating the immune response to a vaccine applied to a mammalian subject includes the step of administering to the subject an effective amount of EtxB or a molecule having substantially equivalent activity, free from whole toxin and not linked to an antigen.

Abstract: The present invention describes derivatized polysaccharide-protein conjugates, a composition comprising one or more of such derivatized polysaccharide-protein conjugates and methods of immunizing human patients with the same. The derivatized polysaccharide-protein conjugates are purified capsular polysaccharides from Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, W-135, and Y, derivatized chemically activated and selectively attached to a carrier protein by means of a covalent chemical bond, forming polysaccharide-protein conjugates capable of eliciting long-lasting immunity to a variety of N. meningitidis strains.

Abstract: Methods and products for treating and protecting against asthma and allergic conditions are provided. The methods and products are related to certain naturally occurring and synthetic zwitterionic polymers which are found to induce certain T regulatory (Treg) cells and to exert immunosuppressive effects in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: An immunological adjuvant comprises an aluminium salt, an immunostimulatory oligonucleotide and a polycationic polymer, wherein the oligonucleotide and the polymer ideally associate with each other to form a complex. The adjuvant can be included in a composition with an immunogen e.g. to elicit an immune response that protects against a bacterial disease or a fungal disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to the type 5 and type 8 capsular polysaccharides produced by overproducing S. aureus strains, and also to the immunogenic compositions and the vaccines comprising said capsular polysaccharides.

Abstract: Glucans having exclusively or mainly ?-1,3 linkages are used as immunogens. These comprise ?-1,3-linked glucose residues. Optionally, they may include ?-1,6-linked glucose residues, provided that the ratio of ?-1,3-linked residues to ?-1,6-linked residues is at least 8:1 and/or there are one or more sequences of at least five adjacent non-terminal residues linked to other residues only by ?-1,3 linkages. The glucans will usually be used in conjugated form. A preferred glucan source is curdlan, which may be hydrolysed to a suitable form prior to conjugation.

Abstract: The present invention provides Chlamydia proteins and compositions and methods of use in the treatment/prevention of chlamydial infection in a subject, for eliciting an immune response in a subject and for reducing the likelihood of infertility and reducing the incidence and/or degree of hydrosalpinx due to Chlamydia infection in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with novel immunostimulant microparticle compositions and their use as anti-infective agents in the treatment of bacterial and viral infections.

Abstract: This invention relates to the stabilization of a bacterial ADP-ribosylating exotoxin class protein (bARE), a method for analysing a bARE class protein, a method for the stabilization of the bARE class bacterial protein, compositions comprising a stabilized bARE protein, compositions comprising a substantially integral bARE class protein and immunogenic composition formulations incorporating same.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immunogenic conjugate comprising biologically deacylated gram-negative bacterial moieties linked to D. discoideum proteinase 1, as well as novel subunits thereof, and methods of making and using the conjugates in vaccines to treat sepsis and other infectious complications.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and compositions useful in a vaccination strategy capable of neutralizing HIa to provide immunoprotection against S. aureus pneumonia. In certain aspects the invention includes a HIa with reduced toxicity, represented by a recombinant mutant form of HIa (HlaH35L) in which histidine 35 is converted to leucine, which can be used to abrogate the productive assembly of the toxin and protect a subject from staphylococcal pneumonia.

Abstract: fHBP is a protein in Neisseria meningitidis. Three families of fHBP are known. To increase the ability of a fHBP protein to elicit antibodies that are cross-reactive between the families, fHBP is selected or engineered to have a sequence which can elicit broad-spectrum bactericidal anti-meningococcal antibodies after administration to a host animal.

Abstract: A method to identify small molecules useful as therapeutics and/or vaccines to prevent, alleviate or ameliorate a pathogenic infection or an autoimmune disorder. The method can be used to screen small molecule test compounds for the ability to disrupt particular antigen-antibody interactions of interest. In one embodiment, the antigen is a pathogen-derived antigen and the antibody decreases or inhibits virulence of the pathogen when bound to the antigen (e.g., a neutralizing antibody, antibody with serum bactericidal activity, etc.). In another embodiment, the antigen is a self-antigen (autoantigen) and the antibody is an autoantibody that is known to be associated with a pathological condition (e.g., autoimmune disorder). Compounds that bind to the antigen or antibody disrupt binding can be used as therapeutics to decrease or inhibit the autoimmune disorder.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a method for adjuvanting LPS of a Gram-negative bacterium, according to which LPS or LPS liposomes (LPS formulated in liposomes) is (are) mixed with the lipidated human-transferrin receptor subunit B (TbpB protein) of Neisseria meningitidis or a lipidated fragment thereof; or (ii) LPS and the lipidated TbpB of N. meningitidis or a lipidated fragment thereof are formulated together in liposomes; or (iii) LPS is conjugated with the lipidated TbpB of N. meningitidis or a lipidated fragment thereof; in order to obtain a preparation which does not contain OMVs and which is capable of inducing, after administration to a mammal, an anti-LPS immune response which is improved by comparison with the anti-LPS immune response observed after administration of the corresponding preparation in which the lipidated TbpB of N. meningitidis or a lipidated fragment thereof is omitted; as well as vaccine compositions thereof.

Abstract: The present application relates to immunogenic compositions comprising staphylococcal PNAG and Type 5 and/or 8 capular polysaccharide or oligosaccharide from S. aureus. Vaccines, methods of treatment using and processes to make an immunogenic composition comprising PNAG and Type 5 and/or 8 capsular polysaccharides are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of bacterial polysaccharide antigen vaccines.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing a certain number of infections caused by pathogenic agents such as bacteria, comprising as immunogen, one or several polyosides derived from one or several pathogenic agents. The polyosides are in the form of conjugates, coupled with a carrier protein. The composition contains at least two types of conjugates, each being at least characterised by a different protein carrier.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for designing, making and using modular recombinant antibodies or fragments thereof with one half of a cohesin-dockerin pair that permits the rapid assembly of multivariant antigen conjugates.

Abstract: Orally active vitamin B12-tetanus toxoid (TT) conjugates are described. Attachment of TT to vitamin B12 provides for uptake of the conjugate from the digestive tract, and allows for delivery of the immunologically active TT to the blood. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of disease prevention employing the orally active Vitamin B12-TT conjugate of the invention are also described.

Abstract: Modified streptococcal polysaccharides and methods of using the modified polysaccharides are provided herein.

Abstract: An immunogenic composition having 13 distinct polysaccharide-protein conjugates and optionally, an aluminum-based adjuvant, is described. Each conjugate contains a capsular polysaccharide prepared from a different serotype of Streptococcus pneumoniae (1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F and 23F) conjugated to a carrier protein. The immunogenic composition, formulated as a vaccine, increases coverage against pneumococcal disease in infants and young children globally, and provides coverage for serotypes 6A and 19A that is not dependent on the limitations of serogroup cross-protection. Also described is a method for making an immunogenic conjugate comprising Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 3 polysaccharide covalently linked to a carrier protein, the method including periodic acid oxidation of the polysaccharide in the presence of bivalent cations.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment of diseases associated with amyloid deposits of A? in the brain of a patient, such as Alzheimer's disease. Such methods entail administering an immunogenic fragment of A?, lacking a T-cell epitope, capable of inducing a beneficial immune response in the form of antibodies to A?. In another aspect, the immunogenic fragment of A? is capable of elevating plasma A? levels. The immunogenic fragments comprise linear or multivalent peptides of A?. Pharmaceutical compositions comprise the immunogenic fragment chemically linked to a carrier molecule which may be administered with an adjuvant.

Abstract: An immunogenic composition comprising a recombinant protein comprising a Bordetella CyaA, or a fragment thereof, and a peptide that corresponds to a tumor antigen is provided as a cancer treatment. Methods of treatment with this immunogenic composition are also provided. In an embodiment, the therapeutic composition is a treatment for melanoma, and comprises epitopes from the HLA*0201 epitope. These epitopes include Tyr or GnT-V, and are present in the recombinant proteins CyaA-E5-Tyr and CyaA-E5-GnT-V.

Abstract: Methods for producing an immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) are disclosed herein. In several examples, the immune response is a protective immune response. In additional embodiments, methods are disclosed for preventing an infection with Mtb, or treating an infection with Mtb. Pharmaceutical compositions for the prevention and/or treatment of tuberculosis are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for producing quadrivalent meningococcal meningitis polysaccharide and conjugate vaccines for serotypes A, C, Y and W-135 disclosed. Neisseria meningitidis fastidious medium was designed to maximize the yield of capsular polysaccharides and generate minimal cellular biomass and endotoxin in a short duration of fermentation. The crude polysaccharides are isolated, purified, and mechanically depolymerized by sonication. These purified polysaccharides were found in human clinical trials to be safe and immunogenic against meningococcal disease caused by N. meningitidis A, C, Y and W-135 serogroups in sub-Saharan Africa. In the preferred embodiment, the polysaccharides are conjugated to carrier proteins of diphtheria or tetanus toxoid to an average molecular size of 5100 to 9900 Daltons and provide broad spectrum protection to humans of all ages. Accelerated polysaccharide production and the efficacy of the resulting vaccine are demonstrated.

Abstract: An adjuvant combination and a kit useful for immunization is provided. The kit contains an antigenic substance and an adjuvant combination of dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium bromide (DDA-Br or DDA-Cl) with a monophosphoryl lipid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of neisserial vaccine compositions, their manufacture, and the use of such compositions in medicine. More particularly it relates to processes of making novel engineered meningococcal strains which are more suitable for the production of neisserial, in particular meningococcal, outer-membrane vesicle (or bleb) vaccines. Advantageous processes and vaccine products are also described based on the use of novel LOS subunit or meningococcal outer-membrane vesicle (or bleb) vaccines which have been rendered safer and/or more effective for use in human subjects. In particular combinations of gene downregulations are described such as PorA and OpA, PorA and OpC, OpA and Opc, and PorA and OpA and OpC. Alternatively, or in addition, lgtB? is shown to be an optimal mutation for effectively and safely using L3 and/or L2 LOS in Neisseria vaccine compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides BASB205 polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding BASB205 polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of bacterial polysaccharide antigen vaccines. In particular, the present invention relates to vaccines comprising a pneumococcal polysaccharide antigen, typically a pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate antigen, formulated with a protein antigen form Streptococcus pneumoniae, and optionally a Th1-inducing adjuvant.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated refolded NspA protein, and a method of preparing it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detoxifying a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or a lipid A from a Gram-negative bacterium, which comprises mixing the LPS or the lipid A with a cationic lipid so as to form a complex in which the LPS or the lipid A is associated with the cationic lipid. According to the conventional preparation modes, the cationic lipid with the co-lipid, if this latter is present, get(s) structured into complexes i.a. liposomes. When preparing lipidic complexes, the addition of LPS or Lipid A leads to an association of this latter with the cationic lipid and as a result, the LPS or lipid A is substantially detoxified. The LPS or lipid A detoxified by the complexes, e.g. when incorporated into liposomes, can be used as vaccinal antigen or as adjuvant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a liquid pharmaceutical composition of botulinum toxin which is improved in stability. It comprises botulinum toxin, polysorbate 20, and methionine and optionally isoleucine. Employing, instead of the animal-derived protein albumin or gelatin, a combination of polysorbate 20 and methionine and optionally isoleucine as botulinum toxin stabilizers, the liquid pharmaceutical composition eliminates the risk of contaminating the body with serum-derived pathogens or microorganisms and can be administered safely to the body. Also, the composition is convenient for use as a direct injection for patients. Superior to conventional compositions employing either detergents or amino acids in terms of the storage stability of botulinum toxin at 25˜370 C as well as at refrigerated temperatures, the liquid pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is very useful for storing botulinum toxin under an emergency condition such as an environment without maintaining low temperature.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions containing ceramide or ceramide analogs for treating or reducing the risk of developing one or more symptoms of a disease or disorder associated with ceramide-induced cell death are provided. The immunogenic compositions contain immunogenic ceramide, and, optionally, pharmaceutically acceptable excipients and one or more additional adjuvants. Methods of using the disclosed immunogenic ceramide compositions for reducing ceramide-induced cell death are provided. Methods of using the disclosed immunogenic ceramide compositions therapeutically or prophylactically for treating or reducing the risk of developing one or more symptoms of a disease or disorder associated with ceramide-induced cell death are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for targeting dendritic cells of the immune system. In particular, the compositions comprise carbon nanoparticles, optionally magnetic carbon nanoparticles comprising iron, which are preferentially endocytosed by dendritic cells compared to macrophages when contacted with a biological sample. The nanoparticles of the present invention may be functionalized to enhance delivery of biomolecules to dendritic cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides BoNT/A peptides as well as methods of predicting or determining immunoresistance to botulinum toxin therapy in an individual using BoNT/A peptides.

Abstract: Anti-glucan antibodies have been found to be protective against systemic fungal infection with C. albicans, but the protective efficacy can be inhibited by blocking antibodies. The invention provides an immunogenic composition comprising a glucan and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, characterised in that, when administered to a mammalian recipient, the composition elicits protective anti-glucan antibodies but does not elicit antibodies which inhibit the protective efficacy of the anti-glucan antibodies. The glucan may be presented on the surface of a protease-treated microbial cell or may be presented as a protein-glucan conjugate. The glucan may be substituted by a glucan mimotope, a peptidomimetic of a glucan mimotope, or nucleic acid encoding a mimotope. Anti-glucan-antibodies show broad spectrum microbicidal activity. ?-glucans are preferred, particularly those containing one or more ?-1,6 linkages.

Abstract: The use of beta-glucans as antigens for immunising against fungi is known. According to the invention, the beta-glucans are administered together with an adjuvant. The adjuvant improves the immune response. The glucan will usually be conjugated to a carrier. Suitable glucans include laminarin and curdlan.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vaccine composition comprising the B subunit of Shiga toxin or an immunologically functional equivalent thereof which is able to bind the Gb3 receptor, complexed with at least one first antigen, and further comprising at least one second antigen (which may be the same or different as the first antigen) and an adjuvant.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to vaccine formulations comprising an immunogenic composition for inducing antibodies to both S. pneumoniae and N. meningitides in a subject. In a preferred aspect, the immunogenic composition comprises covalently conjugated recombinant PsaA (“rPsaA”) from S. pneumoniae and capsular polysaccharide from N. meningitidis serogroup C. This disclosure further relates to methods for producing the immunogenic composition as well as methods for their use.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a chimeric protein comprising the NTHi twitching pilus major subunit protein (PilA) presenting a portion of the NTHi OMP P5 protein. The invention provides for vaccine compositions comprising the recombinant chimeric protein and methods of eliciting an immune response using the recombinant chimeric proteins of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for preparing an anthrax spore glycoprotein complex vaccine. Also, disclosed compositions of an anthrax vaccine including a spore glycoprotein complex as the active agent.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions and methods for eliciting an immune response against B. anthracis and other bacilli are provided that include immunogenic conjugates of a poly-?-glutamic acid (?PGA) polypeptide of B. anthracis, or of another Bacillus that expresses a ?PGA polypeptide. The ?PGA conjugates elicit an effective immune response against B. anthracis, or against another Bacillus, in mammalian hosts to which the conjugates are administered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds derived from sugars which reproduce the epitopes of Shigella flexneri serotypes 3a and X and to the use thereof for the preparation of vaccine compositions. More specifically, the subject matter of the present invention relates to novel glycoconjugated compounds comprising oligosaccharides or polysaccharides described hereinafter, to the method for synthesizing these oligosaccharides or polysaccharides and glycoconjugates, to derivatives of these oligosaccharides or polysaccharides, to compositions containing same, and also to the use of the glycoconjugates for vaccination purposes. Finally, the present invention relates to methods for diagnosing a Shigella flexneri infection using one or more oligosaccharides or polysaccharides or conjugates thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunogenic composition comprising S. pneumoniae capsular saccharide conjugates from serotypes 19A and 19F wherein 19A is conjugated to a first bacterial toxoid and 19F is conjugated to a second bacterial toxoid. Methods of making and uses thereof are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of vaccines, and in particular vaccines comprising antigens of low isoelectric point at pH 7.0, in particular the capsular polysaccharide or oligosaccharide of H. influenzae B (PRP). Immunogenic compositions and methods of making such compositions are presented in which the PRP is surprisingly protected from immune interference by adding a polyanionic polymer (such as PLG—poly-L-glutamic acid) to the composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides synthetic chimeric fimbrin peptides which induce an immunogenic response in animals to non-typable Haemophilus influenzae and that do not require tedious purification techniques. The synthetic chimeric fimbrin peptides reduce the severity of otitis media caused by Haemophilus influenzae. The synthetic chimeric fimbrin peptides are synthesized using commercially available peptide synthesizers. The synthetic chimeric fimbrin peptides comprises three peptide units. The first peptide unit is a subunit of the fimbrin protein. Preferably, the fimbrin subunit is comprised of the amino acids of Sequence ID No. 1 or Sequence ID No. 2. The second peptide unit is a t cell epitope, and preferably has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 3. The third peptide unit is a linker peptide unit which joins the first and second peptide unit.

Abstract: Hapten-carrier conjugates capable of eliciting anti-hapten antibodies in vivo by administering, in a therapeutic composition, are disclosed. Methods of preparing said conjugates and therapeutic compositions are also disclosed. Where the hapten is a drug of abuse, a therapeutic composition containing the hapten-carrier conjugate is particularly useful in the treatment of drug addiction, more particularly, cocaine addiction. Passive immunization using antibodies raised against conjugates of the instant invention is also disclosed. The therapeutic composition is suitable for co-therapy with other conventional drugs.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of pneumococcal capsular saccharide conjugate vaccines. Specifically, a multivalent Streptococcus pneumoniae immunogenic composition is provided with various conjugated capsular saccharides from different S. pneumoniae serotypes conjugated to 2 or more different carrier proteins, where the composition comprises serotype 19F capsular saccharide conjugated to diphtheria toxoid. Methods of making and uses thereof are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a) a B subunit of Shiga toxin or a functional equivalent thereof which is able to bind the Gb3 receptor, complexed with an antigen and b) at least one ligand of CDI capable of stimulating NK T cells; and to a pharmaceutical composition and a medicament comprising said composition.