Abstract: High loading of lipophilic pharmacological agents (in particular, lipophilic immunopotentiators) in oil-in-water emulsions can result in crystallisation of the lipophilic agent. To overcome this problem the invention uses an oil-in-water emulsion in combination with a crystallisation inhibitor, and this combination provides emulsions which can be loaded with high levels of lipophilic pharmacological agents.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions for delivering one or more active ingredients, and more particularly to compositions, e.g. beads, comprising a matrix material which matrix material comprises a microorganism. In particular, the invention relates to compositions comprising a microorganism selected from live, killed, attenuated and inactivated microorganisms. The matrix material may also comprise a surfactant and may further comprise an adjuvant. The invention further relates to the manufacture and use of such compositions, and to other subject matter.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel isolates of Neorickettsia risticii, compositions comprising such isolates, vaccines and methods for using such vaccines against Potomac Horse Fever.

Abstract: Glycopeptide antibiotics, such as oritavancin, demonstrate significant activity against both a vegetative form of C. difficile and C. difficile spores. Methods for the treatment, prophylaxis and prevention of C. difficile infection and disease in animals, including humans, are described.

Abstract: A method for inducing mucosal immune responses in a subject in need thereof to an antigen includes administering to the subject a vaccine composition including the antigen and a Dioscorea polysaccharides as an adjuvant. Because of the immuomodulatory effect of the Dioscorea polysaccharides, the vaccine composition is further capable of breaking immunological tolerance in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the use of Streptococcus suis antigens corresponding to Streptococcus suis bacteria of a predetermined serotype in the manufacture of a vaccine for administration to a sow or gilt, to protect a piglet through the intake of colostrum of the said sow or gilt, against a disorder arising from Streptococcus suis bacteria of a serotype other than the predetermined one. The invention also pertains to Streptococcus suis antigens for use in the manufacture of such a vaccine.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein pertains to the modulation of a bacterial invasion switch and the subsequent use of the bacterium to vaccinate an organism. In one embodiment, the bacterial invasion switch is modulated by changing the proteolysis of ExoR protein. In another embodiment, a mutated bacterium produces a mutant ExoR protein that resists proteolysis.

Abstract: We disclose antigenic polypeptides that induce the production of opsonins, in particular opsonic antibodies, and the use of said antigenic polypeptides in vaccines that are protective against bacterial animal pathogens in particular bacterial pathogens of agriculturally important animal species and companion animals and including zoonotic Gram negative bacterial species.

Abstract: The invention provides a diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine comprising a low dose of each of diphtheria toxoid (D), tetanus toxoid (T), pertussis toxin (PT), filamentous haemagglutinin (FHA) and pertactin (69K). The vaccine maintains an ability to prevent pertussis while showing exceptionally low reactogenicity. Combination vaccines comprising additional antigens are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the development of chimeric OspA molecules for use in a new Lyme vaccine. More specifically, the chimeric OspA molecules comprise the proximal portion from one OspA serotype, together with the distal portion from another OspA serotype, while retaining antigenic properties of both of the parent polypeptides. The chimeric OspA molecules are delivered alone or in combination to provide protection against a variety of Borrelia genospecies. The invention also provides methods for administering the chimeric OspA molecules to a subject in the prevention and treatment of Lyme disease or borreliosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to the development of chimeric OpsA molecules for use in a new Lyme vaccine. More specifically, the chimeric OspA molecules comprise the proximal portion from one OspA serotype, together with distal portion from another OspA serotype, while retaining antigenic properties of both of the parent polypeptides. The chimeric OspA molecules are delivered alone or in combination to provide protection against a variety of Borrelia genospecies. The invention also provides methods for administering the chimeric OspA molecules to a subject in the prevention and treatment of Lyme disease or borreliosis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to proteins expressed by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and not by BCG and their use as diagnostic reagents.

Abstract: The invention relates to the construction of recombinant, immunodominant polypeptides against spotted fever group Rickettsia. The invention also relates to a method for the use of the recombinant proteins, either singly or in combination, in detection and diagnostic assays of spotted fever. The proteins can also be used to induce immune response against spotted fever group Rickettsia.

Abstract: The invention provides a vaccine injection, which includes a vaccine and a Traditional Chinese medicinal adjuvant in a mass ratio of 1:0.5-1:10, or a vaccine, a Traditional Chinese medicinal adjuvant and an aluminum adjuvant in a mass ratio of 1:0.5:2.5-1:10:20. The vaccine injection is in the form of powders, and the size of the powders is between 10 and 120 micrometers. The vaccine injection of the present invention is particularly suitable for the needle free injection technology. The invention also provides a preparation method for the vaccine injection.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to vaccine compositions and methods of using the vaccine compositions to provide protection against various Gram-negative bacterial infections, including Burkholderia infections.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes patient-specific landmarks in order to treat headache pain. In one aspect, the present invention relates to the administration of Clostridial toxins, such as a botulinum neurotoxin, to a patient suffering from a headache pain, where the location of administration of the botulinum toxin is based upon at least one suture line of the patient's skull.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to Prevotella histicola preparations. For example, Prevotella histicola preparations in the form of an oral medicament or dietary supplement (e.g., a pill, tablet, capsule) are provided. In addition, methods and materials for using a Prevotella histicola preparation provided herein as an anti-inflammatory agent are provided.

Abstract: Provided are nanoparticles and methods of using and making thereof. The inventive nanoparticle comprises a) an inner core comprising a non-cellular material; and b) an outer surface comprising a cellular membrane derived from a cell or a membrane derived from a virus. Medicament delivery systems or pharmaceutical compositions comprising the inventive nanoparticles are also provided. Further provided are immunogenic compositions comprising the inventive nanoparticles, and methods of using the inventive immunogenic compositions for eliciting an immune response, and for treating or preventing diseases or condition, such as neoplasm or cancer, or disease or conditions associated with cell membrane inserting toxin. Vaccines comprising the immunogenic composition comprising the nanoparticles are also provided.

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

Abstract: Antibodies that specifically bind to toxins of C. difficile, antigen binding portions thereof, and methods of making and using the antibodies and antigen binding portions thereof are provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mutated Francisella bacterium, wherein the ggt gene is silenced or deleted; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, in particular, vaccine compositions, and use of the bacterium and compositions for treatment and/or prophylaxis, and in particular, the treatment or prophylaxis of tularemia.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for treating planktonic bacteria or a biofilm. The methods include contacting the planktonic bacteria or biofilm with an effective amount of an isolated Citrobacter freundii colicin A polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide has an antibacterial activity against the planktonic bacteria or the biofilm. Methods are also provided herein for treating a subject that has a bacterial infection, for example caused by a biofilm. The methods can be used to treat a biofilm on a living or non-living surface. Also provided herein are Citrobacter freundii colicin A polypeptides that have an antibacterial activity against planktonic bacteria or surface attached bacteria, and nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptides. Medical devices comprising a surface having an antimicrobial effective amount of a Citrobacter freundii colicin A polypeptide, or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of autoimmune and allergic diseases by mucosal delivery by micro-organism, in particular Lactococcus lactis, of secreted immunodominant antigens.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to antigenic polypeptides that induce the production of opsonins, in particular opsonic antibodies, and the use of said antigenic polypeptides in vaccines that are protective against human bacterial pathogens.

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: Provided herein are Salmonella enteritidis 13A strains and compositions comprising these strains. Also provided are methods of enhancing an immune response against Influenza A and methods of reducing morbidity associated with an Influenza A infection. Methods of enhancing an immune response to a vaccine vector by expressing a polypeptide of CD 154 capable of binding CD40 are also disclosed. Methods of developing a bacterial vaccine vector are disclosed. Methods of generating scarless site-specific mutations in a bacterium are also disclosed.

Abstract: Bacterial flagellin protein is modified to improve adjuvant activity.

Abstract: The application relates to Clostridium difficile cell surface polysaccharides, compositions comprising Clostridium difficile cell surface polysaccharides, and includes kits, methods and uses thereof.

Abstract: Methods of modulating the immune response using pharmaceutical compositions containing crystalline adjuvants are described. In various embodiments the crystalline adjuvants are selected from the group consisting of monosodium urate (MSU), xanthine, basic calcium phosphate (BCP), calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD), hydroxyapatite, calcium oxalate, cholesterol, lipid liquid, other crystalline lipids, lithium heparin, talc, and starch.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the use of a non-live carbohydrate containing composition, the carbohydrate being also found in live Lawsonia intracellularis cells in association with the outer cell membrane of these cells, for the manufacture of a vaccine for protection against an infection with Lawsonia intracellularis, the vaccine being in a form suitable for systemic administration.

Abstract: The invention encompasses phage ?mru including phage induction, phage particles, and the phage genome. Also encompassed are phage polypeptides, as well as polynucleotides which encode these polypeptides, expression vectors comprising these polynucleotides, and host cells comprising these vectors. The invention further encompasses compositions and methods for detecting, targeting, permeabilising, and inhibiting microbial cells, especially methanogen cells, using the disclosed phage, polypeptides, polynucleotides, expression vectors, or host cells.

Abstract: The present invention concerns gp36 immunoreactive compositions for E. canis and gp 47 immunoreactive compositions for E. chaffeensis. In particular, epitopes for E. canis gp36 and E. chaffeensis gp 47 are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the immunoreactive compositions comprise tandem repeats having carbohydrate moieties.

Abstract: Vaccine compositions in which gangliosides and the OMP of N. meningitidis were combined to form very small size proteoliposomes (VSSP) to be administered subcutaneously are described, these compositions do not require the use of any additional adjuvant. The described compositions allow the immunological treatments with gangliosides, particularly N-AcGM3/VSSP and N-GcGM3/VSSP, showing advantages due to the less aggressive reaction in the site of injection and can be used in a simpler way and better for the patients.

Abstract: This document provides live non-pathogenic M. bovis bacteria and compositions containing live non-pathogenic M. bovis bacteria. This document also provides methods of using live non-pathogenic M. bovis bacteria to immunize cattle against infectious diseases (e.g., diseases caused by M. bovis bacteria). In addition, methods and materials that can be used to generate live non-pathogenic M. bovis bacteria are provided.

Abstract: Signal peptides and polypeptides from Methanobrevibacter ruminantium, a methanogenic archaea present in ruminants. Methods of using these peptides to permeabilise microbial cells, particularly M. ruminantium strain M1? (DSM 1093).

Abstract: Compositions and methods for stimulating an immune response against a secreted enterohemorragic Escherichia coli (EHEC) antigen are disclosed. The compositions comprise EHEC cell culture supernatants.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the use of a non-live carbohydrate containing composition, the carbohydrate being also found in live Lawsonia intracellularis cells in association with the outer cell membrane of these cells, for the manufacture of a vaccine for protection against an infection with Lawsonia intracellularis, the vaccine being in a form suitable for systemic administration.

Abstract: This invention relates to vaccines and in particular to the combination of non-integrating, replication-incompetent retroviral vectors (NIV) with virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines to induce an immune response in an animal host following administration to the host. This combination results in a novel vaccine strategy for delivering priming and boost doses, wherein an effective amount of an NIV is administered to the host, followed by an effective amount of a VLP. The concept can be broadly applied to infectious disease vaccines and also to cancer vaccines.

Abstract: Improved (safer and more effective) methods of therapy using TNF-R agonists, e.g., CD40 agonists are provided. These methods provide for the addition of an amount of a type 1 interferon and/or a TLR agonist that is effective to prevent or reduce the toxicity (liver toxicity) that may otherwise result in some patients of the TNF-R agonist is used as a monotherapy (without the type 1 interferon and/or TLR agonist).

Abstract: The present invention embraces nutraceutical compositions containing isolated Bacteroides fragilis capsular polysaccharide A for use in methods of preventing or treating multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: The invention provides BASB082, BASB083, BASB091, BASB092 and BASB101 polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding BASB082, BASB083, BASB091, BASB092 and BASB101 polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic uses.

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: A method for metabolomically evaluating a subject's response to an anti-mycobacterial agent. The method includes the steps of generating multiple small molecule profiles using samples collected from the subject at or immediately prior to the start of treatment and at a times subsequent to the start of treatment with the anti-mycobacterial agent, identifying predetermined biomarkers in the small molecule profiles of the subject and comparing to a known standard established for the agent as an indication of whether the human is benefiting from treatment with the agent. Also provided are methods of monitoring treatment compliance, methods for establishing biomarkers indicative of treatment efficacy and validated biomarkers shown to be effective in assessing efficacy of anti-tuberculosis drugs.

Abstract: The invention provides a bacterium containing a polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid encoding a heterologous antigen, as well as fusion protein partners. Also provided are vectors for mediating site-specific recombination and vectors comprising removable antibiotic resistance genes.

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

Abstract: An isolated or purified compound is provided, comprising A-GlcNAc[GlcNAc]-GalNAc-GalNAc-QuiNAc4NAc, wherein A is GlcNAc or Glc. There is further provided a vaccine based on such compound, having particular use to treat or prevent an infection caused by a Campylobacter organism. There is also provided an antibody or antisera against the compound, having particular use to diagnose the presence of an infection caused by a Campylobacter organism.

Abstract: Gas-filled microvesicles comprising an antigen bound thereto and to aqueous suspensions containing said microvesicles, for use in immunomodulating formulations, in particular as a vaccine. The antigen is covalently bound to a component of the microvesicles envelope. The microvesicles of the invention are particularly effective in the uptake by antigen-presenting cells, in particular dendritic cells.

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 provides compositions including antibodies that specifically bind at least one siderophore receptor polypeptide from a gram positive microbe. The present invention also provides methods of making and methods of using such compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel compositions of botulinum toxin that can be applied topically for various therapeutic, aesthetic and/or cosmetic purposes. The compositions may include botulinum toxin complexes, wherein the amounts of hemagglutinin, non-toxin non-hemagglutinin and/or exogenous albumin are selectively and independently reduced compared to conventional commercially available botulinum toxin. The compositions may further contain molecules that are not native to botulinum toxin and that bind non-covalently to the botulinum toxin complexes, thereby acting as skin-tropic “adhesion molecules” to improve the ability of the toxin complexes to adhere to and to penetrate the skin epithelium. The compositions have an improved safety profile compared to existing botulinum-containing compositions that are injected subcutaneously. Methods for the use of such compositions are also contemplated by this invention.