Abstract: A typhoid vaccine using heat shock protein (Hsp) of Salmonella typhi and a method for the manufacture thereof. A method of administering a composition comprising an effective amount of a complex consisting of a Hsp, in part or whole, either alone or covalently or non-covalently bound to an antigenic molecule, which when administered elicits specific immunological responses in the host is also describe. The Antigenic molecule refers to the exogenous antigens/immunogens viz LPS, peptide, nucleic acid or polysaccharide or antigenic/immunogenic fragments and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an universal polypeptidic carrier for targeting directly or indirectly a molecule to Gb3 receptor expressing cells and having the following formula STxB-Z(n)-Cys, wherein: —STxB is the Shiga Toxin B subunit or a functional equivalent thereof, Z is an amino-acid devoided of sulfydryl group, n being 0, 1 or a polypeptide, Cys is the amino-acid Cysteine, and the use thereof for MHC class I and MHC class II presentation of antigens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of manufacture of immunogenic glycoconjugates, in particular for use in pharmaceutical compositions for inducing a therapeutic immune response in a subject. The immunogenic glycoconjugates of the invention comprise one or more oligosaccharides or polysaccharides that are conjugated to one or more carrier proteins via an active aldehyde group. Accordingly, the invention provides methods of making (i) unsaturated microbial N-acyl derivative oligosaccharides or polysaccharides; (ii) novel conjugates of unsaturated N-acyl derivatives; and (iii) glycoconjugate compositions comprising conjugate molecules of fragments of microbial unsaturated N-acyl derivatives that serve as a covalent linker to one or more proteins. The invention further encompasses the use of the immunogenic glycoconjugates pharmaceutical compositions for the prevention or treatment of an infectious disease.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of pneumococcal capsular saccharide conjugate vaccines. Specifically, an immunogenic composition is provided comprising a multivalent Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccine comprising 13 Streptococcus pneumoniae capsular saccharide conjugates. Methods of making and uses thereof are also described.

Abstract: A method of preventing or treating staphylococcal bacterial infection in an individual is disclosed. A vaccine based on a conjugate of PS1 polysaccharide antigen can be used for active protection in individuals who are to be subjected to conditions that place them at immediate risk of developing a bacterial infection, as would be case in the context of a catheterization or a surgical procedure. Alternatively, antibodies raised in response to the antigen can be used to treat or to provide passive protection to individuals. The method can be used in a population of patients at risk for infection by various species of Staphylococcus or various types of Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Abstract: The present invention is related to field of medicine, particularly to the development of pharmaceutical composition containing the NMB1796 protein. The composition described in this invention are able to confer protection against different diseases caused or not by pathogenic agents. The NMB1796 protein was identified as a Neisseria meningitidis outer membrane vesicle (OMV) component, and it was obtained through recombinant DNA technology being its immunogenicity and protective activity evaluated in animal models. Due to the high level of conservation that the NMB1796 coding gene has shown, pharmaceutical compositions containing this protein have a high value as inducers of a cross-reactive immune response. The composition presented in this invention is applicable to the field of human medicine.

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: The present invention generally relates to a new approach for the therapy of allergic responses, based on targeted elimination of cells expressing the Fc?RI receptor by a chimeric cytotoxin Fc2?-3-PE40. A sequence encoding amino acids 301-437 of the Fc region of the mouse IgE molecule was genetically fused to PE40?—a truncated form of PE lacking the cell binding domain. The chimeric protein, produced in E. coli, specifically and efficiently kills mouse mast cell lines expressing the Fc?RI receptor, as well as primary mast cells derived from bone marrow. The present invention provides a chimeric protein for targeted elimination of Fc?RI expressing cells especially useful for the therapy of allergic responses. The said chimeric protein is comprised of a cell targeting moiety for Fc?RI expressing cells and a cell killing moiety. The preferred killing moiety is the bacterial toxin Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE). This Pseudomonas exotoxin is a product of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Abstract: Multicomponent vaccines are provided which aid in the prevention and treatment of staphylococcal infections and which include certain selected combinations of bacterial binding proteins or fragments thereof, or antibodies to those proteins or fragments. By careful selection of the proteins, fragments, or antibodies, a vaccine is provided that imparts protection against a broad spectrum of Staphylococcus and other bacterial strains and against proteins that are expressed at different stages of the logarithmic growth curve. In one embodiment of the invention, a composition is provided that includes a fibrinogen binding domain of a fibrinogen binding protein and a bacterial component such as a capsular polysaccharide, and both active and passive vaccines based on these components are also provided, along with methods of treating infection using these compositions and vaccines.

Abstract: The invention relates to immunostimulatory oligonucleotides and methods of using immunostimulatory oligonucleotides to induce an antigen-specific immune response. The invention further relates to a vaccine that comprises an immunostimulatory oligonucleotide and an antigen, and comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The immunostimulatory oligonucleotides of the invention, in some embodiments, include one or more modified linkage(s).

Abstract: The present application discloses a method for making an immunogenic composition comprising an improved way of conducting saccharide-protein conjugation reactions using carbodiimide condensation chemistry. Depending on the nature of the saccharide or protein carrier involved, the quality of the conjugate may be improved by adding one of the reaction components slowly to the reaction mixture. In addition, the conjugate is mixed with a staphylococcal antigen. Immunogenic compositions are further provided comprising the saccharide-protein conjugates made by the methods disclosed.

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 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 the field of bacterial polysaccharide antigen vaccines. In particular, the present invention relates to bacterial polysaccharides conjugated to protein D from H. influenzae.

Abstract: The in vivo and in vitro use of Invaplex to transport materials, including functional proteins and biologically active nucleic acids, across eukaryotic cell membranes. The eukaryotic cells include a variety of cell types, e.g. insect, reptile, fish, mammal and tumor cells. The suitable materials for transport include biochemicals such as reporter molecules, antibiotics, biopharmaceuticals and carbohydrates including polysaccharides, lipopolysaccharides, polynucleotides, such as DNA and RNA, and glycoproteins and proteins including antigens, enzymes, antibodies, receptors and hormones. In addition, Invaplex enhances the immune response to DNA vaccines and also can function by itself as a vaccine against shigellosis.

Abstract: Mutant ras oncogene peptides may induce specific anti-ras cellular immune responses in vaccinated patients. Moreover, a human CD8+ CTL epitope(s) reflecting a specific point mutation in the K-ras oncogene at codon 12 was identified. The mutant ras peptide has implications for both active and passive immunotherapies in selected carcinoma patients. A nested 10-mer peptide was identified [i.e., ras5-14(Asp12)], which was shown to bind to HLA-A2 and display specific functional capacity for expansion of the in-vivo-primed CD8+ CTL precursors.

Abstract: Conjugated meningococcal capsular saccharides will be introduced into immunisation schedules in the near future, but the phenomenon of “carrier suppression” must first be addressed, particularly where multiple conjugates are to be used. In the invention, tetanus toxoid is used as the carrier protein, even where multiple meningococcal conjugates are administered at the same time and where a patient has previously been exposed to the carrier protein, either in the form of a previous immunogen (e.g. in a DTP vaccine) or as a previous carrier protein (e.g. in a Hib or pneumococcal conjugate vaccine). The invention provides a method for immunising a patient, comprising administering multiple conjugates of meningococcal capsular saccharides, wherein each conjugate comprises a tetanus toxoid carrier protein, and the capsular saccharide, and wherein the patient has been pre-immunised with a tetanus toxoid.

Abstract: Capsular saccharides derived from serogroups W135 and Y of Neisseria meningitidis have altered levels of O-acetylation at the 7 and 9 positions of their sialic acid residues, and can be used to make immunogenic compositions. Relative to unmodifed native saccharides, derivatives of the invention are preferentially selected during conjugation to carrier proteins, and conjugates of the derivatives show improved immunogenicity compared to native polysaccharides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of vaccines and in particular to combination vaccines and co-administration schedules. The present inventor discloses that overuse of CRM in paediatric vaccines can result in bystander immune interference to certain antigens and provide solutions to this problem.

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 invention provides novel Class I HLA-A2 and Class II HLA-DR4-restricted epitopes and methods for their use in detecting T-cells in peripheral blood specific for infection or latency of mycobacterial infection, including M. tuberculosis and M. leprae as others. For example, methods for diagnosing the presence of infection or exposure by M. tuberculosis utilize multimers of HLA monomers or modified monomers having a bound HLA-binding peptide to perform high throughput screening of patient PBLs. The methods can be used for monitoring the success of anti mycobacterial treatment in patients and to screen vaccines and drugs for effectiveness in treating or preventing exposure, infection and latency of mycobacteria in humans.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a vaccine and a method for using the vaccine to protect a feline from influenza virus infection. The vaccine comprises one or more antigens from one or more H3, N8, H7 or N7-type influenza viruses.

Abstract: Multicomponent vaccines are provided which aid in the prevention and treatment of staphylococcal infections and which include certain selected combinations of bacterial binding proteins or fragments thereof, or antibodies to those proteins or fragments. By careful selection of the proteins, fragments, or antibodies, a vaccine is provided that imparts protection against a broad spectrum of Staphylococcus and other bacterial strains and against proteins that are expressed at different stages of the logarithmic growth curve. In one embodiment of the invention, a composition is provided that includes a fibrinogen binding domain of a fibrinogen binding protein and a bacterial component such as ca capsular polysaccharide, and both active and passive vaccines based on these components are also provided, along with methods of treating infection using these compositions and vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of vaccines for protecting against polio, and in particular to combination vaccines for protecting against polio, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inducing a CD8+ CTL response to a molecule in an individual deficient in CD4+ T cells comprising administering to the individual art hsp or a portion of an ATP binding domain of an hsp joined to the molecule. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of treating HIV in an individual deficient in CD4+ T cells comprising administering to the individual an hsp or a portion of an ATP binding domain of an hsp joined to the molecule. Also encompassed by the present invention is a method of inducing a CD4+ independent CTL response in an individual comprising administering to the individual a portion of an ATP binding domain of an hsp joined to the molecule. The present invention also relates to a method of inducing a CD8+ CTL response in an individual comprising administering to the individual a portion of an ATP binding domain of an hsp joined to the molecule.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vaccine for the treatment of disease caused by Neisseria, the vaccine including one or more immunogenic components for Neisseria serogroups, as well as antibodies to the immunogenic components and methods of preventing and treating Neisseria infections. The immunogens are based on elements of the inner core lipopolysaccharide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treatment of microbial infections and for the enhancement of resistance to infection. The invention comprises administration of an effective amount of bacterial lysate compositions for the treatment of pathological conditions of microbial infections. The present invention can also be used to enhance the immune system to prevent infections by the administration of an effective amount of the compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of inhibiting lethal factor (LF) or for treating anthrax and other conditions related to anthrax infection comprising co-administration of an effective amount of an LF inhibitor and a vaccine to a patient in need of such treatment. Such co-administration unexpectedly provides an effective immune response.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel adjuvant for nucleic acid vaccines, and in particular the present invention provides nucleic acid vaccines that comprise, or are administered in association with PPD. The present invention also provides methods to improve the therapeutic efficacy of nucleic acid vaccines.

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: The present invention provides a compound chosen from: a peptide represented by the sequence SEQ ID No: 1 below: SEQ ID No: 1 Lys-Ala-Lys-Pro-Val-Gln-Lys-Leu-Asp-Asp-Asp-Asp-Asp-Gly-Asp-Asp-Thr-Tyr-Lys-Glu-Glu-Arg-His-Asn-Lys and homologs of this peptide exhibiting at least 80% similarity with the sequence SEQ ID No: 1 and comprising from 20 to 30 amino acids. These compounds are useful in preventing, diagnosing and treating animal and/or human leptospirosis.

Abstract: Novel vaccines for use against ?-hemolytic Streptococcus colonization or infection are disclosed. The vaccines contain an immunogenic amount of a variant of streptococcal C5a peptidase (SCP). Also disclosed is a method of protecting a susceptible mammal against ?-hemolytic Streptococcus colonization or infection by administering such a vaccine. Enzymatically inactive SCP, and polynucleotides encoding these SCP proteins are further disclosed.

Abstract: An oligosaccharide useful for a Meningitidis A vaccine contains a first mannose unit having a spacer in the alpha configuration at C-1, which spacer is capable of conjugating to a protein, and which is connected to a second mannose unit through a 1,6-linkage which connects C-6 of the first unit to C-1 of the second unit, wherein the 1,6-linkage comprises a phosphonate. Related methods of making such compounds, analogous compounds, or intermediates thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: A chemical conjugate for treating a nerve cell related disorder is provided. This conjugate includes an active or inactive Clostridial toxin having specificity for a target nerve cell. The toxin is conjugated to a drug or other bioactive molecule without affecting the toxin's ability to enter the target nerve cell.

Abstract: Multivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccines are administered according to a schedule in which a first dose is administered to a patient aged between 0 and 12 months, and a second dose is administered to the patient aged between 12 and 24 months.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved vaccine compositions having enhanced immunogenicity and methods of using same. The compositions and methods include immunogenic conjugates containing peptide carriers derived from heat shock protein 60 (HSP60). The known synthetic peptide carrier, p458, provides significantly improved immunogenicity when provided as a multimeric conjugate comprising a plurality of peptide carrier units conjugated to each antigen. Cell vaccine compositions comprising antigen presenting cells loaded with multimeric p458 conjugates are also provided.

Abstract: The present application relates to an immunogenic composition comprising at least 2 conjugates of N. meningitidis capsular saccharide and protein carrier, wherein said conjugates comprise at least 2 different N. meningitidis capsular saccharides selected from the group consisting of MenA, MenC, MenY and MenW, wherein at least one capsular saccharide is conjugated to a protein carrier with a saccharide:protein ratio (w/w) between 1:2-1:5, and wherein at least one different capsular saccharide is conjugated to a protein carrier with a saccharide:protein ratio (w/w) between 5:1-1:1.99.

Abstract: Multiple strains and species of Campylobacter share a common glycan moiety which is present in a plurality of surface-exposed glycoproteins. This glycan has the formula: GalNAc-a1, 4-GalNAc-a1,4-[Glc-?1,3]GalNAc-a1,4-GalNAc-a1,4-GalNAc-a1,3-Bac, wherein Bac is 2, 4-diacetamido-2,4,6-trideoxy-D-glucopyranose. This glycan and immunologically active fragments of it have use as vaccines against campylobacter infection in humans and animals. As well, antibodies which specifically bind these compounds may be provided. Such antibodies and vaccines may be used to prevent or neutralize campylobacter infections in livestock thereby preventing this pathogen from entering the human food chain. The glycan may be linked to one or more amino acids to form a glycopeptide. As well, a method for determining the glycan structure of an intact glycoprotein consists of subjecting a sample to high resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (HR-MAS-NMR) spectroscopy.

Abstract: This invention relates to conjugates of the O-specific polysaccharide of E. coli O157 with a carrier, and compositions thereof, and to methods of using of using of these conjugates and/or compositions thereof for eliciting an immunogenic response in mammals, including responses which provide protection against, or reduce the severity of, bacterial infections. More particularly it relates to the use of polysaccharides containing the tetrasaccharide repeat unit: (?3)-?-DGalpNAc-(1?2)-?-D-PerpNAc-(1?3)-?-L-Fucp-(1?4)-?-D-Glcp-(1?), and conjugates thereof, to induce serum antibodies having bactericidal (killing) activity against hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) causing E. coli, in particular E. coli O157. The conjugates, and compositions thereof, are useful as vaccines to induce serum antibodies which have bactericidal or bacteriostatic activity against E. coli, in particular E. coli O157, and are useful to prevent and/or treat illnesses caused by E. coli O157.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an immunogenic LHRH composition and more particularly to an immunogenic LHRH composition comprising a LHRH C-terminal fragment of at least five amino acids. The present invention is useful, inter alia, as a prophylactic and/or therapeutic agent for the modification of fertility and behaviour patterns of animals, the achievement of livestock production gains such as increasing growth, decreasing feed conversion ratios or the control of unwanted organoleptic characteristics or the treatment of disorders of the reproductive organs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vaccine for the treatment of disease caused by Neisseria, the vaccine including one or more immunogenic components for Neisseria serogroups, as well as antibodies to the immunogenic components and methods of preventing and treating Neisseria infections. The immunogens are based on elements of the inner core lipopolysaccharide.

Abstract: The present invention describes a detoxified Gram negative J5 core lipopolysaccharide/group B meningococcal outer membrane protein complex vaccine given in conjunction with CpG 7909 adjuvant. This vaccine composition can be used for either active or passive immunization of mammals for the prevention or treatment of sepsis and infection with Gram negative bacteria. The addition of CpG to the vaccine was shown to markedly increase the antibody response in mice. Furthermore, the ability of the endotoxin vaccine in protecting against Gram-negative bacteria such as Francisella tularensis in vivo is also demonstrated herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hapten in the form of a novel nicotine derivative that may suitably be conjugated with an appropriate carrier to yield an effective vaccine against nicotine addiction. More particularly, the invention relates to a nicotine derivative of the following formula (I): The present invention also relates to a hapten-carrier conjugate derived from the aforementioned nicotine derivative and a vaccine composition comprising said hapten-carrier conjugate.

Abstract: The present invention provides transferrin (Tf) conjugates of anti-cancer agents with increased cellular association and increased cellular internalization. The present invention also provides methods of treating cancer comprising administration of a Tf conjugate with increased cellular association to a subject with cancer. The present invention additionally provides methods of making, as well as screening for, Tf conjugates with increased cellular association or cellular internalization. The present invention also provides Tf conjugates with increased cellular association and internalization for delivering nucleic acids to cancer cells.

Abstract: Precipitated bacterial capsular polysaccharides can be efficiently re-solubilised using alcohols as solvents. The invention provides a process for purifying a bacterial capsular polysaccharide, comprising the steps of (a) precipitation of said polysaccharide, followed by (b) solubilisation of the precipitated polysaccharide using ethanol. CTAB can be used for step (a). The material obtained, preferably following hydrolysis and sizing, can be conjugated to a carrier protein and formulated as a vaccine. Also, in vaccines comprising saccharides from both serogroups A and C, the invention provides that the ratio (w/w) of MenA saccharide:MenC saccharide is >1.

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 (for instance 9 or more) conjugated capsular saccharides from different S. pneumoniae serotypes, wherein the composition comprises conjugated capsular saccharide 18C which is less than 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 15 or 10% O-Acetylated.

Abstract: A method is described for detecting, visualizing, or treating cells, particularly cancerous cells, that express a uPA/uPAR complex. The method employs a PAI-2 conjugate molecule that comprises PAI-2 or a functional derivative, homologue, analogue, chemical equivalent or mimetic thereof, which PAI-2 is bound, linked, or otherwise associated with a toxin or label.

Abstract: A heteropentamer composed of a fusion monomer (32) comprising a fusion protein of an antigenic amino acid sequence and an amino acid sequence of a monomer of a mucous membrane-binding protein and a nonfusion monomer (20) of an amino acid sequence of a monomer of a mucous membrane-binding protein. A homopentamer composed of a fusion monomer including a fusion protein of an antigen derived from an envelope protein of Japanese encephalitis virus and an amino acid sequence of a monomer of a mucous membrane-binding protein. These heteropentamer and the homopentamer can be used as a vaccine.

Abstract: The present application discloses an immunogenic composition comprising at least 2 different N. meningitidis capsular saccharides, wherein one or more is/are selected from a first group consisting of MenA, MenC, MenY and MenW which is/are conjugated to a protein carrier(s) wherein the saccharide:protein ratio (w/w) is between 1:2-1:5, and one or more different saccharides is/are selected from a second group consisting of MenA, MenC, MenY and MenW which is/are conjugated to a protein carrier(s) wherein the saccharide:protein ratio (w/w) is between 5:1-1:1.99.

Abstract: Precipitated bacterial capsular polysaccharides can be efficiently re-solubilised using alcohols as solvents. The invention provides a process for purifying a bacterial capsular polysaccharide, comprising the steps of (a) precipitation of said polysaccharide, followed by (b) solubilisation of the precipitated polysaccharide using ethanol. CTAB can be used for step (a). The material obtained, preferably following hydrolysis and sizing, can be conjugated to a carrier protein and formulated as a vaccine. Also, in vaccines comprising saccharides from both serogroups A and C, the invention provides that the ratio (w/w) of MenA saccharide:MenC saccharide is >1.