Abstract: A method for stimulating the immune response to a vaccine applied to a mammalian subject includes the step of administering to the subject an effective amount of EtxB or a molecule having substantially equivalent activity, free from whole toxin and not linked to an antigen.

Abstract: This invention relates to the stabilization of a bacterial ADP-ribosylating exotoxin class protein (bARE), a method for analysing a bARE class protein, a method for the stabilization of the bARE class bacterial protein, compositions comprising a stabilized bARE protein, compositions comprising a substantially integral bARE class protein and immunogenic composition formulations incorporating same.

Abstract: The invention provides humanized antibodies that specifically bind to, and preferably, neutralize, verotoxin II (VT2). The antibodies are useful for treating patients suffering from, or at risk of suffering, toxic effects of verotoxin.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for immediately immunizing an individual against any molecule or compound are provided. The present invention is directed to an immunity linker with at least two sites; (1) at least one first binding site that binds to an immune response component in an individual, and (2) at least one second binding site that binds specifically to a desired compound or molecule, the target. The second binding sites are preferably thiolated aptamers that have the benefit of increased stability, resistance to degradation and longer circulating half life. Methods of making and using pharmaceutical compositions including immunity linker molecules having a thiolated aptamer are also provided.

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: Methods for detecting a microorganism or cell in a subject and methods for detecting, imaging or diagnosing a site, disease, disorder or condition in a subject using microorganisms or cells and methods that microorganisms or cells for treating a disease, disorder or condition are provided. Sites, diseases and disorders include sites of cell proliferation, proliferative conditions, neoplasms, tumors, neoplastic disease, wounds and inflammation. Also provided are microorganisms and cells for use in the methods and compositions, combinations and kits, including diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions, containing a microorganism or cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hybrid bacterial toxin subunit, to a hybrid bipartite bacterial toxin and to nucleic acid molecules comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding such bacterial toxins. Furthermore, the invention relates to vaccines comprising bacterial toxins and to their use in vaccines. Finally, the invention relates to methods for the preparation of such vaccines and to the use of such bacterial toxins for the manufacture of such vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated canine animal plasma, a method for isolating canine animal plasma, plasma obtained form an immunised or hyperimmunised canine animal and treating a canine animal with the isolated canine animal plasma. The method includes the step of selecting a canine animal having a blood group compatible with a recipient canine animal having an unmatched blood group, namely, selecting a canine animal for a blood group that does not cause plasma transfusion reaction and/or haemolysis. In one form, the method includes the step of immunising or hyperimmunising a canine animal plasma donor with one or more antigens of a canine animal pathogen. The pathogen is preferably a bacteria or virus.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for coating a medical device comprising the steps of applying to at least a portion of the surface of said medical device, an antimicrobial coating layer and a non-pathogenic bacterial coating layer, wherein the antimicrobial and non-pathogenic bacterial coating layers inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacterial and fungal organisms. The non-pathogenic bacterium used in the bacterial coating layer is resistant to the antimicrobial agent. Furthermore, the non-pathogenic bacterium layer includes at least one of the following: viable whole cells, non-viable whole cells, or cellular structures or extracts. The antimicrobial agent and non-pathogenic bacterium are used to develop a kit comprising these compositions in one container or in separate containers. The kit is used to coat a catheter prior to implantation in a mammal.

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: Described herein are methods for detecting a microorganism or cell in a subject and methods for detecting, imaging or diagnosing a site, disease, disorder or condition in a subject using microorganisms or cells. Also described are methods which use microorganisms or cells for treating a disease, disorder or condition. Such sites, diseases and disorders include sites of cell proliferation, proliferative conditions, neoplasms, tumors, neoplastic disease, wounds and inflammation. Further described are microorganisms and cells for use in the methods and compositions, combinations and kits, including diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions, containing a microorganism or cell. Microorganisms and cells described herein include those that bind, sequester or accumulate metal, such as those that provide for metal acquisition, transport, storage and/or metabolism. Additional imaging and therapy agents are also described.

Abstract: A method for treating an rheumatoid arthritis in a mammalian subject in need of same wherein the method comprises: administering to the mammalian subject an agent capable of modulating a ganglioside GM-1 associated activity in an amount effective to treat the disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to detoxified and immunologically active proteins (“mutant LTs”) having mutated amino acid sequences of heat-labile enterotoxin of E. coli, DNA sequences encoding the mutant LTs, recombinant expression vectors comprising the DNAs, recombinant microorganisms transformed with the recombinant expression vectors, process for preparing the mutant LTs and pharmaceutical application of the said protein as immunogenic antigens for vaccination and as adjuvants for anti-body production. In contrast to wild-type LT, the mutant LTs did not induce any toxic activities. The mutant LTs elicited high and comparable levels of anti-LT antibodies when delivered either intragastrically or intranasally, inducing systemic and local responses in serum and fecal extracts. Thus, they might be useful for the development of a novel diarrheal vaccine in humans and animals.

Abstract: The invention features methods for increasing or maintaining the number of functional cells of a predetermined type in a mammal (e.g., a human patient), for example, the insulin producing cells of the pancreas, liver cells, spleen cells, or bone cells, that has injured or damaged cells of the predetermined type or is deficient in cells of the predetermined type.

Abstract: An attenuated verotoxin comprising a verotoxin A subunit amino acid sequence in which at least one of the amino acids at positions 167 to 172 and positions 202 to 207 from the N terminus is mutated; an attenuated verotoxin A subunit thereof; a complex of the A subunit with a ligand; an anticancer agent using the verotoxin, A subunit or ligand; a method for treating cancer; a gene that encodes the attenuated verotoxin or its A subunit; a gene therapy agent using the gene; and a gene therapy method.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an intranasal peptide vaccine for use against infection caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), containing a common linear protein epitope known as CLE which is recognized by sera of patients infected with the bacteria and which is associated with a mucosal adjuvant comprising cholera toxin subunit B, known as CTB. The disclosure relates to a peptide containing twenty amino acids, which is located in the linear sequence of the CFA/I fimbria of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of streptokinase using a genetically engineered strain of Escherichia coli which overproduces streptokinase intracellularly and more particularly, the overall process disclosed herein, concerns with an improvement in the fermentative production of streptokinase using an optimized growth medium mainly comprised of simple salts and trace-elements; thus, in principal, the present process constitutes an improved and more economical means for the production of streptokinase which may be useful in thrombolytic therapy.

Abstract: An immunogenic detoxified protein comprising the amino acid sequence of subunit A of a cholera toxin (CT-A) or a fragment thereof or the amino acid sequence of subunit A of an Escherichia coli heat labile toxin (LT-A) or a fragment thereof wherein the amino acids at, or in positions corresponding to Ser-63 and Arg-192 are replaced with another amino acid. The immunogenic detoxified protein is useful as vaccine for Vibrio cholerae or an enterotoxigenic strain of Escherichia coli and is produced by recombinant DNA means by site-directed mutagenesis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant toxin or the subunit B thereof selected from the group consisting of E. coli heat-labile enterotoxin (LT), its subunit B (LTB), cholera toxin (CT) and its subunit B (CTB), in immunogenic form, expressed in eukaryotic cells, a vaccine comprising said toxin or subunit B thereof, and use of said recombinant toxin or subunit B thereof in human or veterinary vaccines.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are antigens that stimulate protective antibodies against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. Also disclosed herein are proteins encoded by cssA and cssB genes as well as constructs containing the genes and methods of using thereof.

Abstract: The application relates, in part, to a therapeutic composition comprising a pharmaceutically active agent and a diarrheagenic agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to immunotoxins and their use. Specifically, the invention relates to compositions comprising Cdt toxins or their inhibitors and their use in methods for treating infectious and proliferative diseases.

Abstract: A vaccine delivered by transcutaneous immunization provides an effective treatment against infections by pathogens such as, for example, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) and/or for symptoms of diarrheal disease caused thereby. For example, one, two, three, four, five or more antigens derived from ETEC and capable of inducing an antigen-specific immune response (e.g., toxins, colonization or virulence factors) and one or more optional adjuvant (e.g., whole bacterial ADP-ribosylating exotoxins, B subunits or toxoids thereof, detoxified mutants and derivatives thereof) are used to manufacture vaccines or to induce systemic and/or mucosal immunity.

Abstract: Improved, low cost vaccines for administration to living subjects such as mammals and birds are provided, which include killed recombinantly modified microorganisms (whole cell recombinant bacterin vaccine), the latter including recombinant DNA encoding at least one protective protein (e.g., an antigenic protein) which has been expressed by the microorganisms prior to killing thereof. The protective protein(s) are operable to prevent or reduce the severity of a disease of the subject. The vaccine preparations of the invention do not require separation of the protective protein(s) from the host recombinant microorganism(s), thereby materially decreasing the complexity and cost of the vaccine formulations. A preferred vaccine against kennel cough includes recombinantly modified microorganisms which express protective antigens containing pertactin and filamentous hemagglutinin protein products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vaccine composition comprising the B-subunit of E. coli heat labile toxin or a derivative thereof with equal or greater than 90% homology complexed with an antigen and an adjuvant.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an intranasal peptide vaccine for use against infection caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), containing a common linear protein epitope known as CLE which is recognized by sera of patients infected with the bacteria and which is associated with a mucosal adjuvant comprising cholera toxin subunit B, known as CTB. The disclosure relates to a peptide containing twenty amino acids, which is located in the linear sequence of the CFA/I fimbria of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions and kits, as well as methods of stimulating immune responses and methods of immunization using the same. The compositions and kits comprise: (a) an antigen derived from Bacillus anthracis; (b) polymer microparticles comprising a biodegradable polymer; and (c) a polynucleotide-containing immunological adjuvant.

Abstract: A transcutaneous immunization system where the topical application of an adjuvant and an antigen or nucleic acid encoding for an antigen, to intact skin induces a systemic or mucosol antibody response. The immune response so elicited can be enhanced by physical or chemical skin penetration enhancement.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of a mutant form of EtxB or CtxB to deliver an agent to a target cell wherein the mutant has GM-1 binding activity; but wherein the mutant has a reduced immunogenic and immunomodulatory activity relative to the wild type form of EtxB or CtxB.

Abstract: The use of an agent in the manufacture of a medicament to affect an allergic condition and/or a hypersensitivity condition is described. The agent is capable of modulating a ganglioside associated activity. The agent is not coupled to an antigen. The modulation of the ganglioside activity affects an allergic condition and/or a hypersensitivity condition.

Abstract: This invention relates to amino acid sequences from within a consensus peptide of the formula: VEKNITVTASVDPTIDLLQADGSALPSAVALTYSPA (SEQ ID. NO: 1) Eight mer peptides from within the consensus peptide were tested against an antibody raised to the consensus peptide. Studies relating to antibody raised to denatured proteins from the natural organisms producing the family of proteins were also useful and showed particular value of some sequences. A sequence of the formula ASVDPTIDLLQA (SEQ ID NO: 2) was identified thereby. An enlarge sequence of the formula TVTASVDPTIDLLQAD (SEQ ID NO: 3) is also especially interesting as are intermediate sequences such as sequences VTASVDPTIDLLQAD (SEQ ID NO: 4), TASVDPTIDLLQAD (SEQ ID NO: 5), and TASVDPTIDLLQA (SEQ ID NO: 6) as being binding sites for antibodies raised to the denatured proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for reducing shedding in an animal. Generally, the method includes administcriirn to an animal a composition 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hybrid bacterial toxin subunit, to a hybrid bipartite bacterial toxin and to nucleic acid molecules comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding such bacterial toxins. Furthermore, the invention relates to vaccines comprising said bacterial toxins and to their use in vaccines. Finally, the invention relates to methods for the preparation of such vaccines and to the use of such bacterial toxins for the manufacture of such vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating mastitis in a milk producing animal. The methods include administering 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.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are antigens that stimulate protective antibodies against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. Also disclosed herein are proteins encoded by cssA and cssB genes as well as constructs containing the genes and methods of using thereof.

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: Inactivated scours vaccines for immunization and protection of bovine animals from disease caused by infection with bovine rotavirus and bovine coronavirus, which comprise and effective amount of at least one inactivated viral strain are described. Polyvalent inactivated vaccines further comprising an effective amount of an antigenic component which is protective against one or more additional pathogenic organisms or viruses are also disclosed. Said vaccines are prepared from one or more strains of rota- and coronavirus, C. perfringens Type C bacteria and E. coli bacteria, and combinations thereof. Preferably, a polyvalent inactivated vaccine is provided for parenteral administration. Passive immunity is achieved in neonatal calves via immunization of pregnant cows prior to birth.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a polypeptide, called EspA, which is secreted by pathogenic E. coli, such as the enteropathogenic (SPEC) and enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) E. coli. The invention also provides isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding EspA polypeptide, EspA peptides, a recombinant method for producing recombinant EspA, antibodies which bind to EspA, and a kit for the detection of EspA-producing E. coli.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of streptokinase using a genetically engineered strain of Escherichia coli which overproduces streptokinase intracellularly and more particularly, the overall process disclosed herein, concerns with an improvement in the fermentative production of streptokinase using an optimized growth medium mainly comprised of simple salts and trace-elements; thus, in principal, the present process constitutes an improved and more economical means for the production of streptokinase which may be useful in thrombolytic therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for making compositions including siderophore receptor polypeptides and porins from gram negative microbes. The methods include providing a gram negative microbe, disrupting the microbe, solubilizing the disrupted microbe, and isolating the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating an animal having a high somatic cell count. The methods include administering 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.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating an animal for low milk production. The methods include administering 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.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are antigens that stimulate protective antibodies against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. Also disclosed herein are proteins encoded by cssA and cssB genes as well as constructs containing the genes and methods of using thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides combinations of a tolerance-inducing antigen such as insulin and a mucosal binding component that preferably binds ganglioside GM1. The components are present in a non-covalent arrangement. When administered to a mucosal surface, the combinations are effective in inducing specific immunological tolerance at a 10-fold lower dose than antigen alone. Tolerance is sustained for a number of weeks without the necessity of booster administrations. The compositions and procedures of this invention are of benefit for the prevention or amelioration of conditions attributable to an unwanted immunological response.

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: A transcutaneous immunization system delivers antigen to immune cells without perforation of the skin, and induces an immune response in an animal or human. The system uses an adjuvant, preferably an ADP-ribosylating exotoxin, to induce an antigen-specific immune response (e.g., humoral and/or cellular effectors) after transcutaneous application of a formulation containing antigen and adjuvant to intact skin of the animal or human. The efficiency of immunization may be enhanced by adding hydrating agents (e.g., liposomes), penetration enhancers, or occlusive dressings to the transcutaneous delivery system. This system may allow activation of Langerhans cells in the skin, migration of the Langerhans cells to lymph nodes, and antigen presentation.

Abstract: Novel methods for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases caused by tissue-adhering bacteria are disclosed. By interacting with periplasmic molecular chaperones it is achieved that the assembly of pili is prevented or inhibited and thereby the infectivity of the bacteria is diminished. Also disclosed are methods for screening for drugs as well as methods for the de novo design of such drugs, methods which rely on novel computer drug modelling methods involving an approximative calculation of binding free energy between macromolecules. Finally, novel pyranosides which are believed to be capable of interacting with periplasmic molecular chaperones are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vaccine, effective in inducing the production of antibodies with which to immunize a second subject passively against infection by Gram-negative bacteria and LPS-mediated pathology, comprises a non-covalent polyvalent complex formed between purified, detoxified LPS derived from E. coli and purified outer membrane protein derived from N. meningitidis. The same vaccine will also actively immunize a host subject against Gram-negative bacterial infections and LPS-mediated pathology. Meningococcal infections are included among those Gram-negative bacterial infections protected against by the vaccine.