Abstract: The present invention provides eluent for ion-exchange chromatography, wherein the eluent allows separation and detection of a target nucleic acid such as a PCR-amplified product, a restriction enzyme fragment of the PCR-amplified product, or a restriction enzyme fragment of a nucleic acid in a short time with high separation performance. The present invention also provides a method of analyzing nucleic acid chains by ion-exchange chromatography using the eluent.

Abstract: A process for fermenting Bordetella species comprising incubating a sample of bacteria of a Bordetella species in a first environment under at least one bvg (Bordetella virulence genes) modulating condition, for at least 5 generations, to produce a mature culture, and then incubating the mature culture in a second environment in the absence of the at least one bvg modulating condition.

Abstract: A polypeptide comprises a mutated Bordetella pertussis CyaA (SEQ ID NO:1), Bordetella parapertussis CyaA (SEQ ID NO:7), Bordetella hinzii CyaA (SEQ ID NO:8), or Bordetella bronchiseptica CyaA (SEQ ID NO:9), or a fragment thereof lacking all or part of the N-terminal catalytic domain of the CyaA, or a polypeptide having at least 95% sequence identity with SEQ ID NOS: 1, 7, 8, or 9. The glutamic acid residue at position 570 of SEQ ID NO: 1, 7, 8 or at position 569 of SEQ ID NO:9 has been substituted by a conservative amino acid residue. The lysine residue at position 860 of SEQ ID NO: 1, 7, 8 or at position 859 of SEQ ID NO:9 has been substituted by a conservative amino acid residue. The polypeptide retains the binding activity of native CyaA to CD11b expressing cell, and has a pore-forming activity which is reduced or suppressed as compared to that of the native CyaA toxin.

Abstract: A process for detecting Bordetella spp. nucleic acid in a biological sample includes producing an amplification product(s) by amplifying one or more Bordetella spp. in a multiplex single chamber PCR assay, and measuring the amplification product(s) to detect or distinguish Bordetella spp. in the biological sample. Also provided are reagents and methods for detecting and distinguishing Bordetella spp. from each other and other bacteria or viruses. A kit is provided for detecting and quantifying one or more Bordetella spp. in a biological sample.

Abstract: Described are acellular pertussis (aP) vaccine compositions comprising Bordetella pertussis antigens pertussis toxoid (PT), filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), and fimbriae types 2 and 3 (FIM), and optionally pertactin (PRN), wherein FIM is present in an amount of 12-100 ?g per human dose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a life attenuated Bordetella pertussis vaccine which is deficient for tracheal cytotoxin (TCT), pertussis toxin (PTX), and dermonecrotic toxin (DNT) for prophylaxis or treatment of an allergen-driven airway pathology.

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. Specifically, vaccines comprising reduced dose inactivated poliovirus are provided.

Abstract: Described are acellular pertussis (aP) vaccine compositions comprising Bordetella pertussis antigens pertussis toxoid (PT), filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), and fimbriae types 2 and 3 (FIM), and optionally pertactin (PRN), wherein FIM is present in an amount of 12-100 ?g per human dose.

Abstract: Described are acellular pertussis (aP) vaccine compositions comprising Bordetella pertussis antigens pertussis toxoid (PT), filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), and fimbriae types 2 and 3 (FIM), and optionally pertactin (PRN), wherein FIM is present in an amount of 12-100 ?g per human dose.

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

Abstract: 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 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 invention provides a new means of restoring the immune system in aging and immunocompromised individuals using an antioxidant nutraceutical. The nutraceutical stimulates the aging immune system through the Nrf2 master gene regulatory pathway. The invention is based in part on the discovery that the Nrf2 has antioxidant and immune restorative activity. The nutraceutical improves function of both the innate and adaptive immune systems.

Abstract: The invention provides BASB232 polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding BASB232 polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic uses. The invention further provides immunogenic compositions comprising a plurality of antigens selected from at least two different categories of antigen, having different functions within Bordetella. Examples of such categories of antigen are autotransporter proteins, iron acquisition proteins, lipoproteins, adhesins and toxins/invasins.

Abstract: The present application discloses an immunogenic composition comprising a Hib saccharide conjugate, at least one additional bacterial, for example N. meningitidis, saccharide conjugate(s), and a further antigen selected from the group consisting of whole cell pertussis and hepatitis B surface antigen, wherein the saccharide dose of the Hib saccharide conjugate is less than 5 ug.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel method for extracting endotoxins from bacteria, and the use of said method for preparing compositions comprising endotoxins or derivatives thereof designed for human or animal use (scientific, medical usage).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a life attenuated Bordetella pertussis vaccine which is deficient for tracheal cytotoxin (TCT), pertussis toxin (PTX), and dermonecrotic toxin (DNT) for prophylaxis or treatment of an allergen-driven airway pathology.

Abstract: Disclosed are dosage forms and related methods, that include a first population of synthetic nanocarriers that have one or more first antigens coupled to them, one or more second antigens that are not coupled to the synthetic nanocarriers, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising modified bacterial toxins and methods for using the modified bacterial toxins for targeting particular cell populations and for treating diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to mutant CyaA/E570Q+K860 polypeptides suitable for use as proteinaceous vectors for delivering one or more molecules of interest into a cell, in particular into a cell expressing the CD11b receptor. The invention further relates to polypeptide derivatives suitable for eliciting an immune response in a host. The invention is more particularly directed to polypeptides derived from an adenylate cyclase protein (CyaA) either under the form of a toxin or of a toxoid, which are mutant polypeptides. Said mutant polypeptides are capable of retaining the binding activity of native CyaA to a target cell and preferably of also retaining the translocating activity of native CyaA through its N-terminal domain into target cells and furthermore have a pore-forming activity which is reduced or suppressed as compared to that of the native CyaA toxin.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptide carrier proteins that comprise at least five CD4+ T cell epitopes, for conjugation to capsular polysaccharides. The carrier proteins are useful as components of vaccines that can elicit a T-cell dependent immune response. These vaccines are particularly useful to confer protection against infection from encapsulated bacteria in infants between the ages of 3 months and about 2 years.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ligand to regulate immune response, i.e., PACAP27 which is one of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptides and Serum amyloid A (SAA), and their novel use in treating or preventing diseases associated with immune response. More specifically, the present invention relates to a complex of PACAP27-FPRL1 having a regulatory effect on immune response, and a use thereof in regulating immune response. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a complex of SAA and FPRL1, and a use thereof in inhibiting synoviocyte hyperplasia and angiogenesis and treating or preventing inflammatory diseases including Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the enhanced production of bacterial toxins in large-scale cultures. Specifically, methods and compositions for reducing bacterial toxin expression inhibitors are providing including, but not limited to, addition of toxin expression inhibitor binding compounds, culture media having reduced concentrations of toxin inhibitor metabolic precursors and genetically modified toxogenic bacteria lacking enzymes required to metabolize the toxin inhibitor metabolic precursors.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an antigen which is a non-toxic double mutant form of pertussis toxin for the manufacture of a vaccine composition for intranasal administration to induce an immune response against B. pertussis infection. The invention also relates to the use of a non-toxic double mutant form of pertussis toxin for the manufacture of an adjuvant composition for stimulating or enhancing a protective immune response of an antigen co-administered therewith. The non-toxic double mutant is preferably one in which the glutamic acid 129 amino acid in the S1 sub-unit has been substituted by glycine and the arginine 9 amino acid has been substituted by lysine.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for enhancing an immune response to a selected antigen are described. The methods are useful for the treatment and prevention of microbial infections, such as infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. The methods and compositions include host defense peptides, polyphosphazenes and immunostimulatory sequences to enhance the immune response to a coadministered antigen.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the enhanced production of bacterial toxins in large-scale cultures. Specifically, methods and compositions for reducing bacterial toxin expression inhibitors are providing including, but not limited to, addition of toxin expression inhibitor binding compounds, culture media having reduced concentrations of toxin inhibitor metabolic precursors and genetically modified toxogenic bacteria lacking enzymes required to metabolize the toxin inhibitor metabolic precursors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vaccine composition comprising a non-live vector which targets the MHC class I pathway derived from a bacterial toxin or an immunologically functional derivative thereof but excluding those which bind the Gb3 receptor complexed with at least one first antigen and further comprising at least one second antigen (which may be the same or different as the first antigen) and an adjuvant.

Abstract: This 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: Disclosed herein are methods of modulation of the viability of a cell. Further disclosed herein are methods of modulating an immune response. Further disclosed herein are methods of identifying agents capable of modulation of the viability of a cell or an immune response. Further disclosed herein are agents and compositions capable of modulation of the viability of a cell or an immune response.

Abstract: New pertussis toxin (PT) mutants are described being immunologically active and having reduced or no toxicity, characterized in that at least one of the amino acid residues Glu129, Asp11, Trp26, Arg9, Phe50, Asp1, Arg13, Tyr130, Gly86, Ile88, Tyr89, Tyr8, Gly44, Thr53 and Gly80 of subunit S1 amino acid sequence is deleted and substituted by a different amino acid residue selected in the group of natural amino acids; Bordetella strains capable of providing and secreting said PT mutants and means and methods for obtaining them are also described. The Bordetella strains and the PT mutants produced by them are particularly suitable for the preparation of effective cellular and acellular antipertussis vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immuno-therapeutic and prophylactic vaccine comprising monocytes or immature myeloid cells (IMCs) loaded with the ligand of natural killer T cell and an antigen for the prevention and treatment of infectious disease or cancer, more precisely, an immuno-therapeutic and prophylactic vaccine comprising monocytes or IMCs loaded with ?-galactosylceramide (?GalCer), a kind of glycolipid and a natural killer T cell ligand, and antigen. Monocytes or immature myeloid cells (IMCs) therein, which are easily obtainable, unlike dendritic cells, not only induce a significant level of cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses but also have a prophylactic and therapeutic effect on malignant tumor. Therefore, the immuno-therapeutic and prophylactic vaccine of the present invention can be effectively used as an immunotherapeutic agent.

Abstract: To provide a method of efficiently separate protective components of Bordetella pertussis. On the basis of differences in adsorbability to calcium phosphate gel formed by adding calcium ions to a Bordetella pertussis culture in the presence of excess phosphate ions, protective components of Bordetella pertussis are separated from the Bordetella pertussis culture. Traditionally, protective components of Bordetella pertussis have been separated using different purification methods for the respective components. According to the present invention, the use of the same means of purification for all subject components makes it possible to purify each component with high efficiency and high recovery rate, an aspect very advantageous for industrial production. It is also possible to efficiently produce an improved purified pertussis component vaccine comprising an effective combination of pertussis filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), pertactin (PRN, 69K-OMP), pertussis fimbriae (FIM) and pertussis toxin (PT).

Abstract: A non-toxic mucosal adjuvant is provided which may be admixed with further antigens to provide a vaccine administrable to mucosal surfaces in organisms including man. Preferably, the non-toxic mucosal adjuvant is a detoxified mutant of a bacterial ADP-ribosylating toxin, optionally comprising one or more amino acid additions, deletions or substitutions.

Abstract: An acellular vaccine is provided which in use provides protection against Bordetella pertussis infections. The vaccine is based on the synergistic combination of two antigenes from B. pertussis, the 69 kDa, and the filamentous haemagglutinin antigens.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of modulating hyperglycaemia-induced endothelial cell functioning and agents useful for same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of modulating hyperglycaemia-induced vascular endothelial cell functioning by modulating intracellular sphingosine kinase-mediated signalling. The method of the present invention is useful, inter alia, in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of the adverse vascular endothelial cell functioning associated with conditions characterised by hyperglycaemia, and/or diabetes mellitus, per se.

Abstract: New pertussis toxin (PT) mutants are described being immunologically active and having reduced or no toxicity, characterized in that at least one of the aminoacid residues Glu129, Asp11, Trp26, Arg9, Phe50, Asp1, Arg13, Tyr130, Gly86, Ile88, Tyr89, Tyr8, Gly 44, Thr53 and Gly80 or subunit's 1 aminoacid sequence is deleted and substituted by a different aminoacid residue selected in the group of natural aminoacids; Bordetella strains capable of providing and secreting said PT mutants and means and methods for obtaining them are also described. The Bordetella strains and the PT mutants produced by them are particularly suitable for the preparation of effective cellular and acellular antipertussis vaccines. (FIG.

Abstract: Immunologically active polypeptides with no or reduced toxicity useful for the preparation of an antipertussis vaccine. Method for the preparation of said polypeptides which comprises, cultivating a microorganism transformed with a hybrid plasmid including the gene/s which codes for at least one of said polypeptides in a suitable medium and recovering the desired polypeptide from the cells or from the culture medium.

Abstract: There is provided vaccine compositions for intranasal administration, which compositions comprise one or more antigens and an effective adjuvant amount of a chitosan.

Abstract: Mucosal DTPa vaccines, especially intranasal vaccines, comprising (a) a diphtheria antigen, a tetanus antigen and an acellular pertussis antigen, and (b) a detoxified mutant of cholera toxin (CT) or E. coli heat labile toxin (LT). Component (b) acts as a mucosal adjuvant. The acellular pertussis antigen preferably comprises pertussis holotoxin (PT) and filamentous haemagglutinin (FHA) and, optionally, pertactin. The mucosally-delivered combined DTPa formulation is capable of generating a level of protection against B. pertussis infection equivalent to that observed by alum-adjuvanted parenteral administration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of immunizing a mammal against infection by a first Bordetella species. The method comprises administering to the mammal a preparation comprising a portion of the amino acid sequence of mature adenylate cyclase of a second Bordetella species. The invention also relates to vaccine preparations comprising a portion of the amino acid sequence of mature adenylate cyclase from Bordetella species.

Abstract: The development of subunits and subunit analogs of the Bordetella exotoxin by recombinant DNA techniques provides vaccine products that retain their biological activity, are highly immunogenic, and can confer protection against disease challenge. Genetically-engineered modifications of the subunits can result in products that retain immunogenicity, yet are free of enzymatic activity associated with toxin of reactogenicity.

Abstract: A modulated immune response to an antigen is achieved by coadministering the antigen and a genetically-detoxified pertussis holotoxin, particularly one retaining its immunogenicity, to a host. The modulated immune response enables immunogenic compositions, including multivalent pediatric vaccines such as DTP, to be provided which produce a modulated immune response in the absence of extrinsic adjuvants such as alum. The adjuvanting effect achieved by the genetically-detoxified pertussis holotoxin enables at least the same level of adjuvanting effect to be achieved as previously attained by alum, without the undesirable side effects thereof.

Abstract: An adjuvant composition comprising noscapine and its derivatives, for use in the treatment of tumors, cancer, as an adjuvant for vaccines.

Abstract: A non-toxic mucosal adjuvant is provided which may be admixed with further antigens to provide a vaccine administrable to mucosal surfaces in organisms including man. Preferably, the non-toxic mucosal adjuvant is a detoxified mutant of a bacterial ADP-ribosylating toxin, optionally comprising one or more amino acid additions, deletions or substitutions.

Abstract: Pertactin (PRN) is an outer membrane protein expressed by Bordetella pertussis, Bordetella parapertussis, and Bordetella bronchiseptica, which induces protective immunity to Bordetella infections. The immunodominant and immunoprotective epitopes of pertactin include two repeated regions, I and II. Comparison of these two repeated regions showed the pertactin of B. parapertussis is invariant, whereas the pertactin of B. pertussis varies mostly in region I and B. bronchiseptica varies in both the repeated regions I and II. Compositions containing pertactins and pertactin fragments containing variant sequences in these regions are useful as immunogenic compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides parenteral adjuvants comprising detoxified mutants of bacterial ADP-ribosylating toxins, particularly those from pertussis (PT), cholera (CT), and heat-labile E. coli (LT).

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the enhanced production of bacterial toxins in large-scale cultures. Specifically, methods and compositions for reducing bacterial toxin expression inhibitors are providing including, but not limited to, addition of toxin expression inhibitor binding compounds, culture media having reduced concentrations of toxin inhibitor metabolic precursors and genetically modified toxogenic bacteria lacking enzymes required to metabolize the toxin inhibitor metabolic precursors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making an inactivated vaccine of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae by inactivating the bacteria with Thimerosal. The resulting bacterin is mixed with an adjuvant of aluminum hydroxide and DEAE dextran and injected into pigs. The resulting bacterin and adjuvant mixture can also be mixed with other bacteria such as Bordetella and Pasteurella, for further adjuvant effect. Protective immunity against mycoplasmal pneumonia is elicited in swine using these vaccines.