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: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

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 invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

Abstract: Group A streptococcal (GAS) antigens useful for providing immunity against pyogenes infection.

Abstract: The present composition combines an RNAIII-inhibiting peptide (RIP) with an antimicrobial peptide, such as a cathelicidin, that is capable of binding and neutralizing lipidic and polyanionic components of bacterial cell envelope. In another embodiment, the RIP is combined with an antibiotic, with or without an antimicrobial peptide. The present composition is advantageously used in a method of treatment of bacterial sepsis.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of treating and vaccinating against an antigen-expressing tumor and inducing an immune response against a sub-dominant epitope of antigen, comprising a fusion of an LLO fragment to the antigen or a recombinant Listeria strain expressing the antigen. The present invention also provides recombinant peptides comprising a listeriolysin (LLO) protein fragment fused to a Her-2 protein or fragment thereof, recombinant Listeria strains expressing a Her-2 protein, vaccines and immunogenic compositions comprising same, and methods of inducing an anti-Her-2 immune response and treating and vaccinating against a Her-2-expressing tumor, comprising same.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions, methods and kits for inducing an immune response to a tumor and for treating cancer with a Listeria vaccine strain expressing an antigen fused to a truncated LLO protein.

Abstract: The presence of tumor nodules in organs often results in serious clinical manifestations and the permeation by cancer cells of sheaths surrounding organs often produces clinical manifestations of pleural effusion, ascites or cerebral edema. The present invention addresses this problem by providing a method for treating minors comprising (a) intratumoral administration of a superantigen and/or (b) intrathecal or intracavitary administration of a superantigen directly into the sheath. Intratumoral superantigen results in significant and sustained reduction of the tumor size. Intrathecal administration produces significant sustained reduction of the fluid accumulation associated with clinical improvement and prolonged survival. Useful superantigen compositions for intrathecal and intratumoral injection include tumoricidally effective homologues, fragments and fusion proteins of native superantigens.

Abstract: The present invention comprises compositions and methods for delivery systems of agents, including therapeutic compounds, pharmaceutical agents, drugs, detection agents, nucleic acid sequences and biological factors. In general, these vector compositions comprise a colloidal metal, derivatized PEG (polyethylene glycol) and an agent. The invention also comprises methods and compositions for making such colloidal metal compositions and for treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vaccines that are made in transgenic soybeans for use in humans, animals of agricultural importance, pets, and wildlife. These vaccines are used as vaccines against viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic or prion related diseases, cancer antigens, toxins, and autologous or self proteins. The transgenic soybeans of the instant invention also can be used for inducing tolerance to allergens or tolerance to autoimmune antigens, wherein an individual shows hypersensitivity to said allergen or has developed autoimmunity to autologous or self proteins, respectively. The invention also relates to prophylatically treating individuals and/or populations prior to showing hypersensitivity to allergens. Other aspects of the invention include using the transgenic soybeans as an oral contraceptive, and the expression of protein adjuvants in transgenic soybeans.

Abstract: The CAMP factor gene of Streptococcus uberis (S. uberis) is described, as well as the recombinant production of CAMP factor therefrom. Also disclosed are chimeric CAMP factor constructs, including CAMP factor epitopes from more than one bacterial species. The CAMP factors and chimeras including the same can be used in immunogenic compositions for the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections.

Abstract: Polypeptides are provided, which are useful to produce specific monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies that serve as detection means in order to characterize any staphylococcal strain carrying genes encoding resistance to streptogramin A or to streptogramin B.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the presence of a target bacteria based on its resistance to a cell lysing antibiotic. Said antibiotic is used to lyse cells of non-target bacteria in a sample and hence facilitate isolation of the target prior to detection by known means.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a use of bacterial superantigens in the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition for mucous membrane administration for the prevention of inflammatory disorders in newborn infants, such pharmaceutical compositions, as well as method for prevention of inflammatory disorders.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

Abstract: The use of classical superantigens for treatment of cancer has resulted in a low response rates and serious toxicity in humans which is attributable, in part, to the presence of preformed superantigen specific antibodies in the plasma of treated patients. The present invention addresses this problem by providing a method for treating tumors comprising the administration of one or a plurality of egc (enterotoxin gene cluster) staphylococcal enterotoxins comprising staphylococcal enterotoxins G, I, M, N, O. These superantigens in native unmodified form can be administered intrathecally, intratumorally, intravenously to humans with advanced lung cancer while resolving pleural effusions and prolonging survival to 300% above control patients treated with talc pleurodesis. Intratumoral egc superantigens induces a significant and sustained reduction of the tumor size.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with a vaccine against dental caries obtained from the supernatant over cultures of the cariogenic bacteria Streptococcus sobrinus and S. mutans that consists of extracellular proteins. These proteins provide the suppression of the immune response in the host through the early production of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine and are, for that reason, virulent factors to the microorganism enhancing bacterial load in the host. These proteins were designated as virulence-associated immunomodulatory extracellular proteins (VIP). Vaccination through the host immunization with active VIP in a submitogenis dose, inactivated VIP or enolase in a dose unable to induce immunosuppression, induces the immunoneutralization of the VIP immunobiological effects. Vaccination can be used both as a preventive or therapeutic measure of dental caries as long as it is administered (intranasally, orally or subcutaneously) into mammals before or after bacterial infection, respectively.

Abstract: A biologically pure RNAIII inhibiting peptide (RIP), that includes five contiguous amino acids of the sequence YX2PX1TNF, where X1 is C, W, I or a modified amino acid, and X2 is K or S is provided. The RIP further includes amino acids having a sequence that differs from the sequence YX2PX1TNF by two substitutions or deletions, where X1 is C, W, I or a modified amino acid, and X2 is K or S. This agent offers improved protection against and treatment of staphylococcal infections, and related bacteria infections, in mammals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically attenuated superantigen toxin vaccines altered such that superantigen attributes are absent, however the superantigen is effectively recognized and an appropriate immune response is produced. The attenuated superantigen toxins are shown to protect animals against challenge with wild type toxin. Methods of producing and using the altered superantigen toxins are described.

Abstract: Vaccines comprising an S. aureus alpha-toxin antigen and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are provided, and are useful for treating and preventing infections. The S. aureus alpha-toxin antigen may contain at least two alterations that reduce its toxicity and/or may be conjugated to or co-administered with another bacterial antigen. The vaccines may comprise one or more other bacterial antigens. Antibody compositions comprising antibodies to alpha-toxin and optionally one or more other bacterial antigens also are provided, and are useful for treating and preventing infections.

Abstract: The invention provides superantigens SMEZ-2, SPE-G, SPE-H and SPE-J, as well as polynucleotides which encode them. Such superantigens have, inter alia, diagnostic and therapeutic application.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of a N-terminal choline binding protein A truncate in which the amino acid sequence is set forth in any of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3-7, or 9-11, including fragments, mutants, variants, analogs, or derivatives, thereof. Also, this invention provides a isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of a N-terminal choline binding protein A truncate, wherein the amino acid is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 24, wherein the polypeptide retains its native tertiary structure and methods of preparation. This invention provides an isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of a N-terminal choline binding protein A truncate, wherein the polypeptide has lectin activity and does not bind to choline. This invention provides an isolated immunogenic polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of a N-terminal choline binding protein A truncate.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the fields of immunology and molecular biology, and particularly to a method for treating hematopoietic disorders. The invention provides a method to treat a deficiency of one or more types of blood cells in a mammal, which includes administering an effective amount of TISF or of a compound that stimulates CD4+ cells like TISF does. In one embodiment, TISF that originates from a mammalian species is administered to a mammalian subject diagnosed as having a deficiency in one or more types of blood cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides bacterial immunogenic agents for administration to humans and non-human animals to stimulate an immune response. It particularly relates to the vaccination of mammalian species with pneumococcal derived polypeptides that include an alpha helix but exclude a choline binding region as a mechanism for stimulating production of antibodies that protect the vaccine recipient against infection by pathogenic bacterial species. In another aspect the invention provides antibodies against such proteins and protein complexes that may be used as diagnostics and/or as protective/treatment agents for pathogenic bacterial species.

Abstract: A novel sarR gene and sarR gene product which down regulates the expression of sarA and the resulting virulence determinants in Staphylococcus aureus is provided. Methods for modulating the expression of sarA and virulence determinants are also provided. A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides structural information relating to the gene product and enables the identification and formulation of lead compounds and reducements for treating and preventing infections by S. aureus and related bacteria.

Abstract: The invention features methods and compositions for treatment or prevention of infection by, or disease caused by infection with, certain species of bacteria, including in particular bacteria in which a RAP-type and/or TRAP-type molecule plays a role in pathogenesis. This includes Staphylococcus species.

Abstract: A reagent for the detection of an extracellular enzymatically active protein produced by a beta-hemolytic streptococcus bacteria found in a host biological fluid includes a proteinaceous substrate or a cholesterol-containing membrane substrate for the extracellular protein. The substrate is nonspecific within the groups of beta-hemolytic streptococcus bacterium and is in contact with an inert solid matrix. Upon reaction between the streptococcus enzymatically activate protein and the substrate, a color change discernable by an unaided human eye results. Extracellular streptococcus protein found in saliva represents a less invasive source of biological fluid for the determination as to whether a host suffers acute pharyngitis.

Abstract: Effective stimulation of immune responses is achieved through the use of a group A streptococcal antigen combined with proteosome adjuvant. The compositions are provided in particular for intranasal administration. The vaccine compositions are provided for use in inducing an immune response in an individual for the treatment or prophylaxis of group A streptococcal infection in an individual, preferably via prevention or reduction of colonisation of the throat following intranasal administration.

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 invention relates to compositions of the capsular polysaccharide/adhesin (PS/A) of staphylococci. The PS/A may be isolated or synthesized and includes various modifications to the structure of native PS/A based on the chemical characterization of PS/A. The invention also relates to the use of the PS/A as a vaccine for inducing active immunity to infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, other related coagulase-negative staphylococci and organisms carrying the ica (intracellular adhesin) locus, and to the use of antibodies directed to PS/A for inducing passive immunity to the same class of infections.

Abstract: Antibodies to the CNA protein and to other regions from the collagen binding domain, including domain CNA19, are provided, and antibodies produced in this manner have been shown to be cross reactive to both Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria and which can thus be used in the prevention and treatment of infections caused by both of these types of bacteria. In addition, medical instruments can be treated using the antibodies of the invention in order to reduce or eliminate the possibility of their becoming infected or further spreading the infection. In particular, the proteins are advantageous because they are cross-reactive and may thus be administered to patients so as to reduce or prevent severe infection by staphylococcal bacteria of more than one species.

Abstract: Immununological compositions and methods for making and using them. The compositions contain at least one antigen and at least one lipoprotein and optionally an adjuvant. The lipoprotein can itself be antigenic or immunogenic. The antigen can be influenza HA and the lipoprotein a recombinantly expressed product having an OspA leader for lipidation and PspA for the protein portion. The antigen can be OspC and the lipoprotein OspA. The components of the composition are co-administered. A potentiated immunological response is obtained by the compositions and methods.

Abstract: A polypeptide is described herein which comprises (a) the sequence of SEQ ID No. 2, (b) a variant of (a) which is capable of generating a protective immune response to S. pyogenes, or (c) a fragment of (a) or (b) of at least 6 amino acids in length which is capable of generating a protective immune response to S. pyogenes, in the manufacture of medicament for use as a vaccine against S. pyogenes. A pharmaceutical composition for use in vaccinating against S. pyogenes or Group B streptococcus comprises a polypeptide which comprises: (A) the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No. 2, (B) a variant of (A) which is capable of conferring protective immunity to S. pyogenes or Group B streptococcus, or (C) a fragment of (A) or (B) of at least 6 amino acids in length which is capable of conferring protective immunity to S. pyogenes or Group B streptococcus.

Abstract: A composition prepared from intact killed cells of isolated ?-hemolytic Streptococcus agalactiae and a concentrated extract of a culture of ?-hemolytic Streptococcus agalactiae, is effective for the protection of fish against infection by the same and other virulent strains Streptococcus agalactiae.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptides having an amino acid sequence substantially homologous to an amino sequence of a domain of a pyrogenic exotoxin, which domain forms a central turn in the exotoxin starting within ?-strand 7 and connecting the ?-strand 7, via short ?-strand 8, to ?-helix 4, and ending within ?-helix 4, based on the domain numbering of Staphylococus aureus enterotoxin B. The peptides of the invention are capable of antagonizing toxin-mediated activation of T-lymphocytes, do not have agonist activity, and are capable of eliciting protective immunity against toxic shock induced by a pyrogenic exotoxin or by a mixture of pyrogenic exotoxins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vaccine composition(s) comprising at least two PspAs from strains selected from at least one family, the family being defined by PspAs from strains belonging to the family having greater than or equal to 50% homology in aligned sequences of a C-terminal region of an alpha helical region of PspA. Additionally, the families are further comprised of clades, wherein PspAs from strains which belong to a clade exhibit greater than 75% sequence homology in aligned sequences of the C-terminal region of the alpha helix of PspA. Vaccine compositions of the present invention preferably comprise a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 6 strains representing a single clade each, and the at least two PspAs are optionally serologically or broadly cross-reactive.

Abstract: Provided are Staphylococcal protein A (SpA) variants for binding immunoglobulin (Ig), comprising a polypeptide which varies by one or more amino acids from the amino acid sequence of a natural variable heavy chain III (“VH3”) Ig-Fab binding region (“binding region”) of SpA, wherein the polypeptide exhibits a different binding specificity for Ig-Fab than does SpA or exhibits a different binding specificity for a non-Ig target molecule than does SpA. Further provided are methods of making the variants and methods of using the variants for in purification of Ig as well as diagnostic and therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: A method of immunomodulating the T cell response in Staphylococcal bacteria is provided wherein an effective amount of the Map protein from Staphylococcus aureus is administered to a host to prevent or suppress the T cell response. The present method may be utilized with either the Map protein or an effective subdomain or fragment thereof such as the Map 10 or Map 19 protein. The present invention is advantageous in that suppression or prevention of the T cell response in a host can prevent or ameliorate a wide variety of the pathogenic conditions such as T cell lymphoproliferative disease and toxic shock syndrome wherein the overstimulation of T cells needs to be suppressed or modulated.

Abstract: Methods and vaccines for suppressing formation of or inhibiting growth of tumors in a host are provided, via administration of a vaccine containing either a fusion protein of the tumor associated antigen fused to a truncated form of listeriolysin or a recombinant form of Listeria monocytogenes which grows and spreads and is capable of expressing the tumor associated antigen alone or as a listeriolysin fusion protein.

Abstract: A vaccine composition is disclosed that comprises polypeptides and fragments of polypeptides containing histidine triad residues or coiled-coil regions, some of which polypeptides or fragments lie between 80 and 680 residues in length. Also disclosed are processes for preventing infection caused by S. pneumoniae comprising administering of vaccine compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods which provide protection against, or reduce the severity of toxic shock and septic shock from bacterial infections. More particularly it relates to peptides derived from homologous sequences of the family of staphylococcal and streptococcal toxins, which may be polymeric, and carrier-conjugates thereof. The invention also relates to serum antibodies induced by the peptides and carrier-conjugates and their use to prevent, treat, or protect against the toxic effects of most, if not all, of the staphylococcal and streptococcal toxins. The invention also relates to diagnostic assays and kits to detect the presence of staphylococcal and streptococcal toxins, or antibodies thereto. The invention also relates isolated and purified to nucleic acids encoding the peptides of the invention and transformed host cells containing those nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically attenuated superantigen toxin vaccines altered such that superantigen attributes are absent, however the superantigen is effectively recognized and an appropriate immune response is produced. The attenuated superantigen toxins are shown to protect animals against challenge with wild type toxin. Methods of producing and using the altered superantigen toxins are described.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are: epitopic regions of Pneumococcal Surface Protein C or “PspC”, different clades of PspC, isolated and/or purified nucleic acid molecules such as DNA encoding a fragment or portion of PspC such as an epitopic region of PspC or at least one epitope of PspC, uses for such nucleic acid molecules, e.g., to detect the presence of PspC or of S. pneumoniae by detecting a nucleic acid molecule therefor in a sample such as by amplification and/or a polymerase chain reaction, vectors or plasmids which contain and/or express such nucleic acid molecles, e.g.

Abstract: Recombinant hybrid streptococcal M protein antigens are provided which elicit protective antibodies against Group A streptococci and prevent rheumatic fever. Recombinant hybrid genes which encode the antigen are provided. Vaccine compositions and methods of administering the compositions are provided to elicit immunity against Group A streptococci.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptides comprising an amino acid sequence homologous to the amino sequence of a fragment of a pyrogenic exotoxin, and functional derivatives of said peptides, capable of eliciting protective immunity against toxic shock induced by a pyrogenic exotoxin or by a mixture of pyrogenic exotoxins. Preferred peptides comprise an amino acid sequence homologous to the amino sequence of a fragment of Staphylococcal aureus enterotoxin B (SEB). The invention also relates to broad spectrum pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment, protection against or short term prophylaxis of toxin-mediated activation of T cells, comprising as active ingredient at least one peptide according to the invention or derivative thereof, and to broad spectrum vaccines for conferring long term immunity against toxic shock induced by at least one pyrogenic exotoxin are provided. The vaccines comprising as active ingredient at least one peptide according to the invention, or derivative thereof.

Abstract: Immunological compositions and methods for making and using them. The compositions contain at least one antigen and at least one lipoprotein and optionally an adjuvant. The lipoprotein can itself be antigenic or immunogenic. The antigen can be influenza HA and the lipoprotein a recombinantly expressed product having an OspA leader for lipidation and PspA for the protein portion. The antigen can be OspC and the lipoprotein OspA. The components of the composition are co-administered. A potentiated immunological response is obtained by the compositions and methods.