Abstract: The present invention provides methods for making polysaccharide-protein conjugates in which polysaccharides, typically from bacteria, are conjugated to a carrier protein by reductive amination under conditions which improve conjugation reaction consistency, increase consumption of protein during conjugation reaction, generate conjugates of higher molecular weight, and/or reduce the levels of free cyanide in the conjugate reaction product. The polysaccharide-protein conjugates obtained using these methods are useful for inclusion in multivalent vaccines.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for the production of TDP-deoxysugars.

Abstract: A novel consortium used as potent vaccine for treating of enteric fever, comprised of isolated Outer Membrane Vesicles (OMVs) taken from two different strains of typhoidal Salmonella species.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to multivalent pneumococcal vaccine compositions comprising capsular pneumococcal polysaccharide serotypes each individually conjugated to carrier proteins. When conjugated, the combination of the capsular pneumococcal polysaccharide serotype and the carrier protein is referred to herein as a polysaccharide-protein conjugate. The pneumococcal vaccine compositions may further comprise one or more of the following; a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, a buffer, a preservative, a stabilizer, an adjuvant, and/or a lyophilization excipient. Methods of making and administering the pneumococcal vaccine compositions described herein are also provided.

Abstract: In some aspects, provided herein are methods and compositions for treating or preventing adverse cardiac events in a patient who has suffered an invasive pneumococcal infection or is at risk of such an infection. The compositions include fusion proteins comprising a CbpA polypeptide or active fragment or variant thereof and optionally a T cell epitope (TCE) and a third immunogenic polypeptide from a bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunogenic compositions comprising a conjugate of a saccharide from Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 8 and a carrier protein, and a mixture consisting of capsular polysaccharides from Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F and 23F individually conjugated to CRM197 carrier protein, or a mixture consisting of capsular polysaccharides from Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 1, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F and 23F individually conjugated to a carrier protein, wherein the capsular polysaccharides from Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 1, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, and 23F are individually conjugated to protein D, the capsular polysaccharide from Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 18C is conjugated to tetanus toxoid and the capsular polysaccharide from Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 19F is conjugated to diphtheria toxoid. Said compositions are useful for the prevention and/or treatment of diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to nanoparticle compositions for use as vaccines against Salmonella.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new immunogenic compositions comprising conjugated Streptococcus pneumoniae capsular saccharide antigens (glycoconjugates), kits comprising said immunogenic compositions and uses thereof. Immunogenic compositions of the present invention will typically comprise at least one glycoconjugate from a S. pneumoniae serotype not found in PREVNAR®, SYNFLORIX® and/or PREVNAR 13®. The invention also relates to vaccination of human subjects, in particular infants and elderly, against pneumoccocal infections using said novel immunogenic compositions.

Abstract: The majority of the mortality observed in young pigs occurs between three and five weeks post-weaning for S. suis infections and between four and six weeks post-weaning for H. parasuis and Actinobacillus suis infections. Clinical disease control associated with S. suis, A. suis and H. parasuis has been attempted using antibiotic treatment, by controlled exposure with live organisms, and by vaccination, using either inactivated commercial or autogenous bacterins administered parenterally. A similar lack of protection in very young pigs is observed with various viruses including swine influenza virus, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus and rotavirus. Disclosed herein is an immunogenic composition comprising inactivated antigens and a mucosal adjuvant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to media and fermentation methods for producing polysaccharides in bacterial cell culture. In one aspect, the invention relates to a complex culture medium comprising a vegetable hydrolysate, a yeast extract, and a carbon source. In another aspect, the invention relates to a defined media having a total amino acid concentration greater than about 50 mM. A further aspect of the invention relates to the use of fed batch and perfusion fermentation methods for cultivating polysaccharide-producing bacteria.

Abstract: The majority of the mortality observed in young pigs occurs between three and five weeks post-weaning for S. suis infections and between four and six weeks post-weaning for H. parasuis and Actinobacillus suis infections. Clinical disease control associated with S. suis, A. suis and H. parasuis has been attempted using antibiotic treatment, by controlled exposure with live organisms, and by vaccination, using either inactivated commercial or autogenous bacterins administered parenterally. A similar lack of protection in very young pigs is observed with various viruses including swine influenza virus, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus and rotavirus. Disclosed herein is an immunogenic composition comprising inactivated antigens and a mucosal adjuvant.

Abstract: The invention relates to activated Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 10A, 22F or 33F polysaccharides and processes for their preparation. The invention also relates to immunogenic conjugates comprising Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 10A, 22F or 33F polysaccharides covalently linked to a carrier protein, processes for their preparation and immunogenic compositions and vaccines comprising them.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant protein capable of binding to complement factor H (CFH), and thereby inducing increased binding of C3d and C3b by bound CFH compared to unbound CFH. Methods and medical devices for using utilising the same are also described.

Abstract: Described herein are FGF-23 epitope peptides, methods of producing antibodies in laying hens by injecting the peptides, and methods of improving resistance to eggshell breakage and/or increasing eggshell strength by administering an FGF-23 epitope peptide to a laying hen.

Abstract: Compositions comprising antigenic peptides, and their use in inducing an immunoprotective response in a subject against an infection with Streptococcus pneumonia, or for treating or preventing, i.e., reducing risk of, an infection of Streptococcus pneumonia.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to methods of preparing glycoconjugates containing a saccharide conjugated to a carrier protein by use of stable nitroxyl radical related agent/oxidant as an oxidizing agent, to immunogenic compositions comprising such glycoconjugates, and to methods for the use of such glycoconjugates and immunogenic compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides proteins from Staphylococcus aureus including amino acid sequences and the corresponding nucleotide sequences. The proteins are useful for vaccines, immunogenic compositions, diagnostics, enzymatic studies and also as targets for antibiotics.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant protein capable of binding to complement factor H (CFH), and thereby inducing increased binding of C3d and C3b by bound CFH compared to unbound CFH. Methods and medical devices for using utilizing the same are also described.

Abstract: Provided is an immunogenic composition comprising 13 different polysaccharide-protein conjugates. Each of the conjugates comprises a capsular polysaccharide prepared from a different serotype Streptococcus pneumoniae conjugated to a carrier protein, that is, 12 serotypes selected from the group consisting of 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F and 23F and serotype 2 or 9N. The immunogenic composition formulated into a vaccine comprising an aluminum-based adjuvant increases coverage with respect to pneumococcal diseases in infants and children.

Abstract: Immunogenic group A streptococcus M-related polypeptides and peptides and immunogenic compositions comprising these M-related polypeptides and peptides are provided herein that evoke cross-opsonic and cross-protective anti-GAS and anti-SDSE antibodies in animals. Also provided are preparations comprising immunogenic compositions that comprise M-related polypeptides, peptides, or fusion proteins and that further comprise at least one additional group A streptococcus immunogen, such as an M peptide or Spa peptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunogenic composition comprising S. pneumoniae capsular saccharide conjugates from serotypes 19A and 19F wherein 19A is conjugated to a first bacterial toxoid and 19F is conjugated to a second bacterial toxoid. Methods of making and uses thereof are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of pneumococcal capsular saccharide conjugate vaccines. Specifically, a multivalent Streptococcus pneumoniae immunogenic composition is provided with various conjugated capsular saccharides from different S. pneumoniae serotypes conjugated to 2 or more different carrier proteins, where the composition comprises serotype 19F capsular saccharide conjugated to diphtheria toxoid (DT) or CRM197, optionally wherein 19F is the only saccharide in the composition conjugated to diphtheria toxoid (DT) or CRM197.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for releasing capsular polysaccharide from S. aureus type 5 or type 8 cells, comprising the step of treating the cells with acid. The invention further provides a process for purifying capsular polysaccharide from S. aureus type 5 or type 8 cells comprising this method. Other processing steps may be included in the process, such as enzymatic treatment, e.g. to remove nucleic acid, protein and/or peptidoglycan contaminants; diafiltration, e.g. to remove low molecular weight contaminants; anion exchange chromatography, e.g. to remove residual protein; and concentration.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of bacterial cytolysin proteins, such as pneumolysin, as adjuvants for stimulating or enhancing immune responses against co-administered target antigens. Desirably, the target antigen is provided as a fusion protein with the cytolysin. The inventors have found that cytolysins may be particularly effective for stimulation of mucosal immune responses against the target antigen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antigens more particularly antigens of Streptococcus pyogenes (also called group A Streptococcus (GAS)) bacterial pathogen which are useful as vaccine component for therapy and/or prophylaxis.

Abstract: A method for treating rheumatic heart disease comprising administering an immunogenic composition against group A beta hemolytic streptococcus.

Abstract: A dashboard user interface method comprises displaying a navigable list of at least one target disease, displaying a navigable list of patient identifiers associated with a target disease selected in the target disease list, displaying historic and current data associated with a patient in the patient list identified as being associated with the selected target disease, including clinician notes at admission, receiving, storing, and displaying review's comments, and displaying automatically-generated intervention and treatment recommendations.

Abstract: An immunogenic composition comprising a fusion protein-polysaccharide conjugate consisting of a polysaccharide (PS) or pneumococcal bacterial cell wall polysaccharide (CWPS) conjugated to X:PdT where PdT represents the nonhemolytic variant of pneumolysin and X represents an antigenic peptide or protein of interest is provided. The immunity to X is synergistically enhanced by the fusion conjugate. Methods of protecting a subject from pneumococcal colonization or disease by administering an immunogenic composition including a fusion protein (PsaA:PdT) containing truncated PsaA and the nonhemolytic variant of pneumolysin (PdT) conjugated with CWPS (PsaA:PdT-CWPS) is also provided.

Abstract: Helicobacter pylori, one of the most common human pathogens, is associated with the development of human chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. The invention relates to a ?1,6-glucan-containing Helicobacter pylori compound comprising the structure of Formula (I): wherein R is a ?-DDHep-3-?-L-Fuc-3-?-GlcNAc trisaccharide substituted with an ?1,6-glucan linked to an ?1,3-DD-heptan, and wherein the last DD-Hep residue of ?1,3-DD-heptan is capped with ?-GlcNAc residue. Compositions comprising the compound, uses of the compound, and antibodies raised against the compound are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a peptide of P0 ribosomal protein in the manufacture of a vaccine composition to control of ectoparasite infestations and therefore the transmission of their associated pathogens. This peptide is located between 267 and 301 amino acids of the P0 protein, and can be obtained by recombinant means or by chemical synthesis. This peptide can be fused to a carrier protein or peptide, or an immuno-carrier and be included in an oily formulation. The formulations comprising the peptide vaccine confer protection against ticks and ectoparasites known as “sea lice” without generating autoimmunity in the host organism. Among these ticks may be mentioned species as Rhipicephalus microplus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ixodes scapularis, and between sea lice are those of the Caligus and Lepeophtheirus genera.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of altering metabolism of phosphate in a livestock via an antibody. The methods involve the development of an antibody against FGF-23 for the purpose of reducing phosphate excretion by an animal.

Abstract: The invention includes a GAS antigen, GAS 40, which is particularly suitable for use either alone or in combinations with additional GAS antigens, such as GAS 117, GAS 130, GAS 277, GAS 236, GAS 40, GAS 389, GAS 504, GAS 509, GAS 366, GAS 159, GAS 217, GAS 309, GAS 372, GAS 039, GAS 042, GAS 058, GAS 290, GAS 511, GAS 533, GAS 527, GAS 294, GAS 253, GAS 529, GAS 045, GAS 095, GAS 193, GAS 137, GAS 084, GAS 384, GAS 202, and GAS 057.

Abstract: A method of providing protection against pneumococcal infection in a subject is disclosed. The method includes steps of administering to the subject a composition that includes combination of three recombinant pneumococcal neuraminidases: NanA, NanB, and NanC of S. pneumoniae strains CGSP14, wherein administration of the recombinant pneumococcal neuraminidases elicits an immune response to S. pneumoniae, and treats the subject. In one embodiment, the method further includes a step of adding adjuvants to enhance the immune response. The method also includes a step of using passive antibodies, wherein said passive antibodies are anti-neuraminidase antibodies generated from neuraminidases-immunized humanized animals: NanA, NanB, and NanC. Meanwhile, this invention also provides a method for the molecular diagnosis of pneumococcal infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to compositions and methods for enhancement of an immune response by partial mTOR inhibition, e.g., with low, immune enhancing, doses of an mTOR inhibitor, such as RAD001.

Abstract: The efficacy of S. pneumoniae vaccines can be enhanced by adjuvanting S. pneumoniae saccharide and/or protein antigens with a mixture of a TLR agonist (preferably a TLR7 agonist) and an insoluble metal salt (preferably an aluminium salt). The TLR agonist is typically adsorbed to the metal salt. The S. pneumoniae antigen can also be adsorbed to the metal salt.

Abstract: A shortened process for producing a solution containing substantially purified capsular polysaccharides from a cellular Streptococcus pneumoniae lysate broth is described. Ultrafiltering and diafiltering a clarified S. pneumoniae lysate followed by pH adjustment to less than 4.5, preferably about 3.5, precipitated at least 98% of the protein in the solution without seriously affecting polysaccharide yield. Furthermore, following ultrafiltration and diafiltration and acidification to a pH of less than 4.5, filtration using activated carbon precipitated at least 90% of remaining protein without seriously affecting polysaccharide yield. Exemplary, non-limiting S. pneumoniae serotypes that can be purified using the shortened process of the invention are 1, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, and 23F.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a therapeutically effective amount of abscisic acid (ABA) or its analogs to treat or prevent inflammation induced by exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or respiratory inflammation. The invention also relates to methods and composition for enhancing vaccine efficacy using ABA.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to compositions that combine the polysaccharide-specific antibody protection afforded by the conventional vaccines through carrier effects provided by one or more pneumococcal common T-cell antigen(s) together with Streptococcus pneumoniae-specific Th-17 responses elicited by the pneumococcal carrier common T-cell antigen. The disclosed compositions are useful for pan-serotypic protection against NP carriage, and antibody responses against common pneumococcal virulence factors, potentially useful for pan-serotype protection against Streptococcus pneumoniae invasive diseases.

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

Abstract: This application relates to Group B Streptococcus (“GBS”) vaccines comprising combinations of GBS polypeptide antigens where the polypeptides contribute to the immunological response in a recipient. Preferably, the compositions of the invention comprise a combination of two or more GBS antigens, wherein said combination includes GBS 80 or a fragment thereof. In one embodiment, the combination may consist of two to thirteen GBS antigens selected from an antigen group consisting of GBS 80, GBS 91, GBS 104, GBS 184, GBS 276, GBS 305, GBS 322, GBS 330, GBS 338, GBS 361, GBS 404, GBS 690, and GBS 691.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method of preventing or treating a recurrence of acute otitis media in a subject at risk comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition, at least once to the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of bacterial polysaccharide antigen vaccines. In particular, the present invention relates to bacterial polysaccharides conjugated to protein D from H. influenzae.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of immunology. The present invention provides agonists and antagonists of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 13. In particular, the present invention provides TLR13 activating and inhibiting nucleic acids, and provides such nucleic acids for use as pharmaceutical agents. The present invention further provides in vitro methods using such nucleic acids.

Abstract: A shortened process for producing a solution containing substantially purified capsular polysaccharides from a cellular Streptococcus pneumoniae lysate broth is described. Ultrafiltering and diafiltering a clarified S. pneumoniae lysate followed by pH adjustment to less than 4.5, preferably about 3.5, precipitated at least 98% of the protein in the solution without seriously affecting polysaccharide yield. Furthermore, following ultrafiltration and diafiltration and acidification to a pH of less than 4.5, filtration using activated carbon precipitated at least 90% of remaining protein without seriously affecting polysaccharide yield. Exemplary, non-limiting S. pneumoniae serotypes that can be purified using the shortened process of the invention are 1, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, and 23F.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods, assays and kits for the detection of pathogenic bacteria in a patient and for the differential diagnosis of pulmonary diseases associated with pathogenic bacteria from pulmonary diseases not associated with pathogenic bacteria.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is an attenuated mutant strain of Streptococcus pneumonia that has a mutation in the FtsY gene. Vaccines, kits and methods for protecting a subject against Streptococcus pneumonia disease or colonization using the attenuated mutant strain are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides mutants of GAS57 (Spy0416) which are unable to cleave IL-8 and similar substrates but which still maintain the ability to induce protection against S. pyogenes. The invention also provides antibodies which specifically bind to GAS57 and which inhibit its ability to cleave IL-8 and similar substrates. The mutants are useful, inter alia, in vaccine compositions to induce protection against S. pyogenes. The antibodies are useful, e.g., as therapeutics for treating S. pyogenes infections.

Abstract: Precipitated bacterial capsular polysaccharides can be efficiently re-solubilized using alcohols as solvents. The invention provides a process for purifying a bacterial capsular polysaccharide, comprising the steps of (a) precipitation of said polysaccharide, followed by (b) solubilization of the precipitated polysaccharide using ethanol. CTAB can be used for step (a). The material obtained, preferably following hydrolysis and sizing, can be conjugated to a carrier protein and formulated as a vaccine. Also, in vaccines comprising saccharides from both serogroups A and C, the invention provides that the ratio (w/w) of MenA saccharide:MenC saccharide is >1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of Streptococcus. More specifically, the present invention relates to the identification of polypeptides and polynucleotide sequences encoding the same which are involved in the pathogenic mechanism of S. suis. The present invention also relates to the use of such polypeptides in compositions and methods for the prevention, the treatment and diagnosis of S. suis-associated diseases and infections caused by S. suis.