Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition, device and method for preventing or inhibiting biofilm formation on biotic or abiotic surfaces. The composition comprises a peptide based on the C-terminal receptor binding domain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa type IV pilin, which binds to an abiotic surface (e.g., steel, plastic) with high affinity and prevents binding of a variety of P. aeruginosa strains to the surface. The inventive composition represents a non-toxic inhibitor for biofilm formation, particularly on an abiotic surface, which is responsible for a large number of problematic diseases and massive economic losses. The inventive method is useful as a safe and environmentally friendly means of modifying a surface of a variety of biomedical, nanotechnological, and biotechnological devices or articles.

Abstract: A method for treating skin by administration of a neurotoxin such as a botulinum toxin by means of a dry needle. The method can be used to accomplish what has generally been described as skin rejuvenation and also to treat skin disorders such as skin lines, crepiness, excess skin, wrinkles, platysmal bands, uneven skin tone and color, and hyperhidrosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optimized recombinant flagellin protein and preparation and use thereof. The protein is with a deletion in the hypervariable region, said hypervariable region is the region from 180 to 400 amino acid of the flagellin protein, and the proteins include FliC?190-278, FliC?220-320 or FliC?180-400. The method of preparing said protein, comprising introducing a deletion into the hypervariable region of the flagellin protein. First constructed the flagellin protein recombinant plasmid, and then used it as template to construct the flagellin deletion cloning, and expressed and purified. The present invention also provides the use of the recombinant flagellin protein as adjuvant. The recombinant flagellin protein in present invention decreases the potential risks it may have, and decreases its antigenicity and immunogenicity and the inflammatory response induced by it, through deleting its main areas of immunogenicity and antigen activity.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for generating dry vaccine powder formulations. Dry vaccine powder formulations can be used for intranasal delivery. Also provided are methods for stimulating local mucosal and systemic immunity by intranasal vaccine delivery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of reducing the incidence or severity of a disease or condition in a subject, said disease or condition being one associated with the presence of a microbial pathogen in an oral tissue of a subject, and including the use of a composition forming an anti-microbial and an immunogen against a microbial pathogen.

Abstract: Various improvements to vaccines that include a serogroup C meningococcal conjugate antigen, including: (a) co-administration with acellular B. pertussis antigen; (b) co-administration with an inactivated poliovirus antigen; (c) supply in a kit together with a separate pneumococcal conjugate component, which may be in a liquid form; and (d) use in combination with a pneumococcal conjugate antigen but without an aluminium phosphate adjuvant. A kit may have: (a) a first immunogenic component that comprises an aqueous formulation of a conjugated capsular saccharide from Streptococcus pneumoniae; and (b) a second immunogenic component that comprises a conjugated capsular saccharide from Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an attenuated Salmonella typhi having mutation in chromosomal gene loci, its use as a potent vaccine candidate to combat the Salmonella infection.

Abstract: A strain of Enterococcus mundtii has probiotic qualities. The strain of E. mundtii (ST4SA) produces an antimicrobial peptide which exhibits antimicrobial activity against a broad range of bacteria. An isolated nucleotide sequence codes for the antimicrobial peptide (peptide ST4SA). A process is also provided for the production of a peptide which comprises cultivating Enterococcus mundtii strain ST4SA in a nutrient medium under micro-aerophilic conditions at a temperature of between 10° C. and 45° C., until a recoverable quantity of the peptide is produced, and recovering the peptide. The isolated peptide may be used as an antimicrobial agent in a liquid formulation or a gel formulation as a topical treatment and may also be used as an antimicrobial agent following encapsulation in a polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunogenic compositions, comprising polypeptides isolated from Staphylococcus epidermidis. The invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding Staphylococcus epidermidis polypeptides and their use in immunogenic compostions. In addition, the invention relates to methods of inducing an immune response in mammals against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus using immunogenic compostions of the Staphylococcus epidermidis polypeptides and polynucleotides. The invention also relates to methods for detecting Staphylococcus epidermidis in a biological sample.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method of preparing an immunologically-active adjuvant-bound freeze dried vaccine composition. A specific embodiment provides a stable vaccine composition comprising an aluminum-salt adjuvant, a recombinant Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin protein and a glass-forming agent. These vaccine compositions are useful in the treatment of humans and other animals at risk of infection from Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin.

Abstract: A novel dendritic cell type has been identified within bone marrow, termed myelos interferon dendritic cells (miDC). These novel cells possess the high IFN-alpha producing activity of pDC, but they also display a wide TLR responsiveness along with T-cell stimulation capacities that more closely resemble the conventional DC populations. Moreover, these cells appear less prone to apoptosis upon activation stimuli, including viruses. These cells constitute a novel bone marrow innate immune cell type, ideally geared to linking innate and adaptive immune responses via their potent IFN-alpha production and high cell stimulatory capacity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid of the general formula (I): GlXmGn, which may be modified by a lipid. The invention relates further to a pharmaceutical composition containing an immune-stimulating agent according to the invention in combination with a pharmaceutically active carrier/vehicle (and, optionally, further auxiliary substances, additives and/or further adjuvants). The present invention can relate to a vaccine, which corresponds to a pharmaceutical composition of the invention, wherein the pharmaceutically active component induces a specific immune response (e.g. an antigen). The present invention can relate to the use of a nucleic acid of the invention or a pharmaceutical composition according to the invention for the treatment of infectious diseases, autoimmune disease, allergies or cancer diseases.

Abstract: Use of an ubiquitination pathway-related factor, its agonist or antagonist in the preparation of a composition for regulating FOXP3, IL-2, and/or IFN-? activity, in which the ubiquitination pathway-related factor is selected from: Toll-like receptor, ubiquitin ligase, pro-inflammatory cytokine family receptor, and/or its coding sequence. The new type of regulatory factors can regulate regulatory T cells and immune system by regulating FOXP3, IL-2, and/or IFN-? activity. The regulatory factors and their derivatives can also be used as immunoadjuvant for treating or preventing major diseases (such as, infectious diseases and tumor, etc).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an attenuated strain of Ehrlichia canis and a vaccine comprising said attenuated strain for protection of mammals against ehrlichiosis. The invention further relates to methods of preventing ehrlichiosis and of attenuating the pathogenicity Ehrlichia canis.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention features a dosage form for administering antigen to cause an immune response in an animal or human subject in the nature of a vaccine. The dosage form comprises spheres having an effective amount of antigen to create an immune response and having an average diameter of 0.01 to 10.0 microns. The spheres comprise a polymer selected from the group consisting of poly(L-lactic acid), poly(D, L-lactic acid), poly(glycolic acid) and carboxylic acid and ester derivatives thereof, poly(fumaric anhydride) and poly(sebacic anhydride) and derivatives thereof. The spheres can be lyophilized and stored as a powder prior to use. The spheres can then be reconstituted and formulated in buffers with adjuvants.

Abstract: A live bacterium, having a DNA construct stabilized against transduction of other bacteria, having a promoter sequence and encoding a fusion peptide, comprising a bacterial secretion peptide portion and a non-bacterial immunogenic polypeptide portion, having a nucleotide sequence coding for the non-bacterial immunogenic polypeptide portion which has at least one codon optimized for bacterial expression. The bacterium has a secretion mechanism which interacts with at least the bacterial secretion peptide portion to cause a secretion of the fusion peptide from the bacterium, and a genetic virulence attenuating mutation. The bacterium is adapted to act as an animal vaccine, to transiently infect a tissue of the animal, and cause an immunity response to the non-bacterial immunogenic polypeptide portion in the animal to a non-bacterial organism associated with the non-bacterial immunogenic polypeptide portion.

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: Disclosed is a new and emerging serotype of Streptococcus pneumoniae designated serotype 6D, and assays and monoclonal antibodies useful in identifying same. Also disclosed is a novel pneumococcal polysaccharide with the repeating unit ?2) glucose 1 (1?3) glucose 2 (1?3) rhamnose (1?4) ribitol (5?phosphate. This new serotype may be included in pneumococcal vaccines.

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: The present application relates to microvesicles derived from a protoplast which is a bacterial, arhaea, fungal or plant cell or the like from which a cell wall is removed. The microvesicles derived from a protoplast enables free loading of a material necessary for diagnosis, treatment, vaccine, target induction, cell membrane fusion with a target cell, reduction of in vivo and in vitro side effects, stability improvement, and the like, and allows the therapeutic material, the diagnostic material and/or the vaccine material to be delivered specifically to a specific tissue or cell.

Abstract: New methods of in vitro or in vivo enhancing the T-cell stimulatory capacity of human dendritic cells (DCs) and the use thereof in cancer vaccination are provided. The method includes introduction of different molecular adjuvants to human DCs by contacting or modifying them with mRNA or DNA molecule(s) encoding CD40L, and CD70 or constitutively active TLR4 (caTLR4).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of inducing an immune response against Campylobacter in an avian species, especially a domesticated avian species such as chicken, turkey, duck, goose and quail, by administering, in ovo, live cells of Campylobacter.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions are described herein which comprise microparticles that further comprise a biodegradable polymer. The microparticle compositions also comprise a cationic polysaccharide and an immunological species selected from an antigen, an immunological adjuvant and a combination thereof. Also described are methods of making such compositions and methods of administering such compositions. Methods of modulating the release rate of immunological species from microparticles are also described. These methods comprise varying the ratio of the cationic polysaccharide relative to the biodegradable polymer within the microparticles.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a composition added to animal feed used in combination with a vaccine to enhance the effectiveness of the vaccine. Amongst other effects, the composition raises the titer of antibodies to the vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to homogeneous suspensions of small molecule immune potentiators (SMIPs) that are capable of stimulating or modulating an immune response in a subject in need thereof. The homogeneous suspensions may be used in combinations with various antigens or adjuvants for vaccine therapies.

Abstract: The invention provides novel compositions comprising imidazoquinoxaline compounds of formula (I) and analogs thereof. Also provided are methods of administering the compositions in an effective amount to enhance the immune response of a subject. Further provided are novel compositions and methods of administering the compositions in combination with (an) other agent(s).

Abstract: Metal-containing materials, as well as their preparation, formulations, and use are disclosed.

Abstract: An immunogenic agent which comprises a killed strain of Burkholderia pseudomallei, or a combination of components thereof which combination produces a protective immune response in an animal to whom it is administered, and which comprises at least two members selected from the group consisting of (i) a lipopolysaccharide of Burkholderia pseudomallei, (ii) a capsular polysaccharide of Burkholderia pseudomallei and (iii) a protein of Burkholderia pseudomallei or an immunogenic variant thereof or an immunogenic fragment of either of these, or a nucleic acid which expresses said protein, immunogenic variant or immunogenic fragment thereof in a host animal; for use in the prevention or treatment of infection by Burkholderia pseudomallei and/or Burkholderia mallei.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions including siderophore receptor polypeptides and porins from gram negative microbes, and preferably, lipopolysaccarhide at a concentration of no greater than about 10.0 endotoxin units per milliliter. The present invention also provides methods of making and methods of using such compositions.

Abstract: Vibrio vulnificus can cause infections in aquaculture-raised fish and is considered an opportunistic human pathogen. We isolated V. vulnificus from diseased hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus X O. aureus) cultured in a North American water reuse aquaculture facility. We have characterized the isolate using biochemical and molecular methods, developed a disease infection model, and determined that formalin-inactivated whole-cell vaccine provides protection against V. vulnificus. The V. vulnificus isolate was determined to be biotype 1, 16S rRNA type B, vcg type C, and vvhA type 2. Fish vaccinated with the formalin-inactivated whole-cell vaccine responded to vaccination as measured by agglutinating antibody titer. In two separate trials, vaccinated tilapia exhibited relative percent survival of 73 and 60% following challenge with the homologous isolate. In additional trials, vaccinated tilapia exhibited survival values of up to 87.5% following challenge with a heterologous isolate.

Abstract: This invention, in one aspect, relates to synthetic immunoreactive peptides. These peptides are approximately 20-25 amino acids in length which are portions of the N termini of the M proteins of the most prevalent United States (U.S.) Group A Streptococcus (GAS) serotypes. At least some of the synthetic peptides can be recognized by M type-specific antibodies and are capable of eliciting functional opsonic antibodies and/or anti-attachment antibodies without eliciting tissue cross-reactive antibodies. In another aspect, it relates to compositions or vaccines comprising these synthetic serotype-specific peptides, including polypeptides and proteins. The invention may also be isolated antibodies which are raised in response to the peptides, compositions or vaccines. The invention further relates to kits for using the peptides, compositions, or antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention presents the isolation, characterization and synthesis of oligosaccharides of Bacillus anthracis. Also presented are antibodies that bind to such saccharide moieties and various methods of use for such saccharide moieties and antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immunogenic composition comprising one or more antigens and a Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist in an orally (e.g. sublingually) administered composition.

Abstract: Bacterial delivery systems with improved transgene expression are provided. The recombinant bacterial delivery systems deliver transgenes of interest and suppressors of the eukaryotic Type I interferon response to eukaryotic cells. Suppression of the eukaryotic Type I interferon response allows improved expression of the encoded transgene.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for production of gram-negative bacterial mutants that are defective in intestinal colonization capacity and sensitive to infection by bacteriophage P1. Thus the present invention provides immunogenic compositions for the prevention or attenuation of food- and water-borne illnesses associated with ingestion of bacteria such as enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli.

Abstract: A bioengineering, in particular to develop novel probiotic preparations based on Bacillus-strain bacteria, which can be used for preventing and treating infectious diseases and disbiosis of a human being, farm animals and birds. The novel strains of B. subtilis 07 (VKPM No. B-8611) and B. licheniformis 09 (VKPM No. B-8610) exhibit a broad spectrum of antagonistic activity, high proteolytic and amylase activity and a distinct ability in terms of a lysozim production. Such strains do not compete with each other but enter into synergistic relations in the form of an increased antagonistic action of the biopreparation. The inventive biopreparation comprises the B. subtilis 07 VKPM No. B-8611 and B. licheniformis 09 VKPM No. B-8610 strains and a protective medium. Such biopreparation can also contain a solvent and/or filler and exhibits an increased antagonistic activity with respect to a wide range of pathogenic and opportunistic pathogenic microorganisms and a resistance to quite a number of antibiotics.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions comprising a bacterium of the genus Dietzia that is useful for treating paratuberculosis in ruminants and to a method for culturing the bacterium. The invention further relates to methods of treating Johne's disease by administering to a mammal a composition of the invention.

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 invention provides a vaccine for canine Lyme disease and methods of making and using the vaccine alone, or in combinations with other protective agents.

Abstract: Described are vaccines having one or more antigens cholesterol and CpG. Aspects of the invention relate to the use of the vaccines of the invention for the treatment and/or prevention of human and animal disorders.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for protecting a susceptable host against an infection of Shigella sonnei are disclosed. Such compositions and methods are useful for protecting the host against bacillary dysentery and shigellosis.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying mycobacterial genes that are induced or up-regulated under continuous culture conditions defined by a dissolved oxygen tension of up to 10% air saturation measured at 37° C. when compared with a dissolved oxygen tension of at least 40% air saturation measured at 37° C. Said induced or up-regulated genes form the basis of nucleic acid vaccines, or provide targets to allow preparation of attenuated mycobacteria for vaccines against mycobacterial infections. Similarly, peptides encoded by said induced or up-regulated genes are employed in vaccines. In a further embodiment, the identified genes/peptides provide the means for identifying the presence of a mycobacterial infection in a clinical sample by nucleic acid probe or antibody detection.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a vaccinia virus that specifically proliferates in a cancer cell and destroys the cancer cell and to provide use of the virus in cancer treatment. The present invention provides a microRNA-controlled vaccinia virus, in which a target sequence of a microRNA less expressed in a cancer cell than in a normal cell is inserted in a 3? untranslated region of B5R gene associated with viral proliferation in a vaccinia virus, wherein the microRNA-controlled vaccinia virus specifically proliferates in the cancer cell and has an oncolytic property that destroys the cancer cell.

Abstract: Mutant Listeria bacteria that modulate interferon-B production are provided. The subject bacteria are characterized by having a mutation in a gene chosen from a TetR gene, a LadR gene, a VirR gene, a MarR gene a MdrL gene, a MdrT gene and a MdrM gene. The subject bacteria find use in a variety of applications, where representative applications of interest include, but are not limited to: (a) use of the subject bacteria as adjuvants; (b) use of the subject bacteria as delivery vectors for introducing macromolecules into a cell; (c) use of the subject bacteria as vaccines for eliciting or boosting a cellular immune response; etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preservation of an active agent, such as a polypeptide, by contacting the active agent with a preservation mixture including a sugar and polyethyleneimine.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated metal regulated polypeptides obtainable from a Campylobacter spp., and compositions including the polypeptides. The present invention also includes methods for using the compositions disclosed herein, including methods for treating in infection in a subject, for treating a condition caused by a Campylobacter spp., and for decreasing colonization of an animal.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved vaccination methods for increased protection against ileitis. The methods provide for the vaccination of young animals, preferably piglets, between 10 and 26 days of age, vaccination of pregnant sows during the second or third stages of gestation, and a combination of these methods. Vaccination of the pregnant sows can occur using repeated and/or high doses of Lawsonia antigen prior to farrowing.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) regulon encoding type IV pili. In particular, the invention relates to type pili from nontypeable H. influenzae (NTHi) and from H. influenzae strains a, b, c, e and f. The invention provides isolated H. influenzae pilus polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides as well as polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides involved in the assembly/disassembly of the structure. The invention also relates to uses of these polynucleotides and/or polypeptides including methods for eliciting an immune response to H. influenzae and methods of treating and preventing H. influenzae related pathological conditions.

Abstract: The present invention describes an immunogenic formulation to be used in mammals against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), consisting in the Calmette-Guérin bacillus (BCG) strain or other attenuated Mycobacterium strain that expresses heterologously at least one protein or immunogenic fragment of the RSV subtype A or RSV subtype B strains, originated from proteins NS1, NS2, N, P, M, SH, M2 (ORF1), M2 (ORF2), L, F or G. The genetic material that encodes for these proteins or immunogenic fragments is inserted into the BCG genome or extrachromosomally in one or several copies, which expression is regulated by endogenous or exogenous BCG promoters, either constitutive or inducible. The viral proteins or immunogenic fragments can be expressed by BCG as cytoplasmic-soluble, extracellularly-secreted or cell membrane-bound proteins. The preparation can further contain combinations of previously described formulations. The formulation can be stabilized by freeze-drying (conservation range from 4° C. and 25° C.

Abstract: A robust and industrial scale process to afford highly pure antigenic polysaccharides is claimed.