Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the treatment or prevention of allergic airways diseases, the suppression of allergic immune responses, and the induction protective immunity against allergic airways diseases wherein the methods comprise administering to subjects in need thereof an effective amount of a Streptococcus pneumoniae capsular polysaccharide and a Streptococcus pneumoniae exotoxin or exotoxoid, optionally together with one or more additional antigenic or immunomodulatory constituents, components or fractions of Streptococcus pneumoniae and/or immunopotentiators. Administration of individual components is also contemplated. Also provided are vaccine compositions suitable for use in accordance with methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: This invention, in one aspect, relates to synthetic immunoreactive peptides. These peptides are approximately 20-25 amino acids in length which are portions of the N termini of the M proteins of the most prevalent United States (U.S.) Group A Streptococcus (GAS) serotypes. At least some of the synthetic peptides can be recognized by M type-specific antibodies and are capable of eliciting functional opsonic antibodies and/or anti-attachment antibodies without eliciting tissue cross-reactive antibodies. In another aspect, it relates to compositions or vaccines comprising these synthetic serotype-specific peptides, including polypeptides and proteins. The invention may also be isolated antibodies which are raised in response to the peptides, compositions or vaccines. The invention further relates to kits for using the peptides, compositions, or antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for characterization of bacterial skin microbiota to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive measures for alleviating skin conditions. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to characterization of bacterial skin microbiota associated with psoriasis and related diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive measures for alleviating psoriasis. These methods will be useful for detecting, diagnosing, and monitoring individuals who have or are at risk of certain skin conditions.

Abstract: Mucosal immunization using one or more antigens following parenteral administration of the same or different antigens is described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immunogenic composition comprising a Streptococcus pneumoniae antigen and an adjuvant composition comprising an oil in water emulsion, wherein said oil in water emulsion comprises 0.5-10 mg metabolisable oil, 0.5-11 mg tocol and 0.1-4 mg emulsifying agent, per human dose.

Abstract: Certain zwitterionic polysaccharides, including those naturally expressed by commensal B. fragilis in the gut, interact with cells of the immune system and affect the TH1/TH2 balance so as to promote health. Nutritional formulas and nutritional supplements containing isolated preparations of such zwitterionic polysaccharides, and methods for preparing the nutritional formulas and supplements, are provided. Also provided is a method of promoting immune system maturation in an infant involving enteral administration of a nutritional formula or nutritional supplement of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vaccine which has a high therapeutic effect on mycoplasma infection and is highly safe. For the purpose of developing effective therapeutic methods for mycoplasma infection, mycoplasma-mimic particles which are effective as a vaccine for mycoplasma infection are provided, and also provided are bacterium-mimic particles including common bacteria. Bacterium-mimic particles such as mycoplasma-mimic particles can be provided by producing liposome particles in which a lipid antigen specific to a pathogenic bacterium such as mycoplasma is contained as a liposome-constituting lipid component. The administration of the mycoplasma-mimic particles enables the induction of a potent immunological activity in living bodies. The mycoplasma-mimic particles can be used as an excellent vaccine for the prevention or treatment of mycoplasma infection.

Abstract: The present invention is based, in part, on flagellin adjuvant used to enhance immune responses directed against Streptococcus pneumoniae, in particular, to enhance immune responses to polypeptide antigens (e.g., PspA) and capsular polysaccharide from S. pneumoniae. In representative embodiments, the invention provides a fusion protein comprising a flagellin adjuvant and one more polypeptide antigens from S. pneumoniae. In other embodiments, the invention provides a conjugate comprising a flagellin adjuvant covalently linked to a capsular polysaccharide from one or more serotypes of S. pneumoniae. Also provided are compositions comprising the fusion proteins and/or conjugates of the invention as well as immunogenic formulations comprising the inventive fusion proteins, conjugates and/or compositions. The invention also provides methods of producing an immune response against S. pneumoniae and methods of protecting a subject from S.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one fibronectin binding protein, and/or at least one a truncated fibronectin binding protein and/or at least one fibronectin binding peptide, all comprising at least one fibronectin binding domain; and at least one iscom matrix complex and/or liposome and/or at least one lipid and at least one saponin, whereby the at least one lipid and the at least one saponin may be in complex, solution or suspension. Further, it regards use thereof for the preparation of a vaccine against a micro organism that comprises at least one fibronectin binding domain. It also relates to a kit of parts comprising at least two compartments, wherein one compartment comprises at least one truncated fibronectin binding protein and/or a fibronectin binding peptide, that comprises at least one fibronectin binding domain, and another compartment comprises an instruction for use and/or an iscom matrix complex and/or an iscom complex and or a liposome.

Abstract: The invention provides Streptococcus vaccine strains (e.g. S. equi which is causative of ‘strangles’) comprising the following modifications in their genomes: (i) attenuation of one or more essential biosynthetic genes, (ii) attenuation of one or more genes which encode a haemolytic toxin, or protein involved in the production thereof, plus preferably any one, two, or most preferably three of the following modifications: (iii) attenuation of one or more genes which encode a protein responsible for immune evasion (iv) modification of one or more genes such as to permit serological discrimination of the vaccine strain based on analysis of a protein encoded by said genes, and (v) attenuation of one or more genes which encode an enzyme responsible for recombination repair of the genome. The invention provides inter alia live attenuated vaccine strains which generate an immune response to multiple protective epitopes presented in a context resembling the live pathogen.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the stimulation of immune responses. In particular, the present invention provides immunogenic nanoemulsion compositions and methods of using the same for the induction of immune responses (e.g., innate and/or adaptive immune responses (e.g., for generation of host immunity against a bacterial species of the genus Streptococcus (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae))). Compositions and methods of the present invention find use in, among other things, clinical (e.g. therapeutic and preventative medicine (e.g., vaccination)) and research applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotide sequences of the genome of Streptococcus pneumoniae, polypeptide sequences encoded by the polynucleotide sequences, corresponding polynucleotides and polypeptides, vectors and hosts comprising the polynucleotides, and assays and other uses thereof. The present invention further provides polynucleotide and polypeptide sequence information stored on computer readable media, and computer-based systems and methods which facilitate its use.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immunogenic composition comprising one or more Streptococcus uberis sortase-anchored surface proteins, or an immunogenic part thereof, wherein the composition is capable of eliciting an immune response, when administered to a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acids, vectors and polypeptides that are suitable markers for detecting Streptococcus strains of the anginosus group, preferably for detecting Streptococcus anginosus and/or Streptococcus constellatus as well as for discriminating Streptococcus anginosus and/or Streptococcus constellatus from other streptococci. The present invention furthermore relates to these nucleic acids and polypeptides for use in the diagnosis and/or prognosis of infections with Streptococcus strains of the anginosus group. The present invention furthermore relates to methods utilizing these nucleic acids and polypeptides as well as to arrays and antibodies.

Abstract: The invention provides protective antigens for Group B streptococcus hypervirulent strains. The fragments are useful in vaccine compositions to induce protection against S. agalactiae, particularly against hypervirulent strains.

Abstract: The invention provides a biosensor comprising a microbe-binding aptamer(s) in the substrate recognition element. It is possible to obtain a stabilized biosensor wherein the detection sensitivity for target microbe (target bacterium) is not impaired depending on the storage condition or measuring sample, and target bacterium in a body fluid can be directly measured by insertion of the substrate recognition element of the biosensor.

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: The present invention relates to new pneumococcal vaccines. The invention also relates to vaccination of subjects, in particular immunocompromised subjects, against pneumococcal infections using said novel pneumococcal vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention discloses amino acid sequences and nucleic acid sequences relating to a Streptococcus pneumoniae surface associated Pneumo Protective Protein (PPP) having a molecular weight of about 20 kilo Daltons (kDa). The PPP exhibits the ability to reduce colonization of pneumococcal bacteria. Thus the present invention also pertains to compositions for the treatment and prophylaxis of infection or inflammation associated with bacterial infection.

Abstract: The present invention discloses amino acid sequences and nucleic acid sequences relating to a Streptococcus pneumoniae surface associated Pneumo Protective Protein (PPP) having a molecular weight of about 20 kilo Daltons (kDa). The PPP exhibits the ability to reduce colonization of pneumococcal bacteria. Thus the present invention also pertains to compositions for the treatment and prophylaxis of infection or inflammation associated with bacterial infection.

Abstract: The invention provides protective antigens which are useful in vaccine compositions to induce protection against gram positive bacteria, particularly against S. agalactiae, S. pyogenes, S. pneumoniae, S. aureus, S. suis, and S. equi.

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: Protein antigens from Streptococcus pneumoniae are disclosed, together with nucleic acid sequences encoding them. Their use in vaccines and in screening methods is also described.

Abstract: A newly identified serum resistance factor of gram positive bacteria can be used to treat or prevent bacterial infection.

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

Abstract: Novel proteins from Streptococcus pneumoniae are described, together with nucleic acid sequences encoding them. Their use in vaccines and in screening methods is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the stimulation of immune responses. Specifically, the present invention provides nanoemulsion compositions harboring one or more immunogens within the oil phase of the nanoemulsion and methods of using the same for the induction of immune responses (e.g., innate and/or adaptive immune responses (e.g., for generation of host immunity against an environmental pathogen)). Compositions and methods of the invention find use in, among other things, clinical (e.g., therapeutic and preventative medicine (e.g., vaccination)) and research applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of live attenuated bacteria for the manufacture of a vaccine for submucosal administration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purifying bacterial cytolysins such as pneumococcal pneumolysin. A single chromatography step produces excellent purification of the cytolysin by binding soluble aggregated cytolysin to a hydrophobic interaction chromatography material in the presence of detergent and high salt.

Abstract: The present invention provides proteins/genes, which are essential for survival, and consequently, for virulence of Streptococcus pneumoniae in vivo, and thus are ideal vaccine candidates for a vaccine preparation against pneumococcal infection. Further, also antibodies against said protein(s) are included in the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotides encoding Streptococcus group C and G polypeptides and their use in immunogenic compositions. The invention also relates to immunogenic compositions comprising polypeptides encoded by those polynucleotides. In addition, the invention relates to methods of inducing an immune response in mammals against beta hemolytic Streptococcus or beta hemolytic Streptococcus infection using immunogenic compositions of the Streptococcus group C and G polypeptides and polynucleotides.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of diagnosis of and vaccination against Streptococcal infections and to the detection of virulence markers of Streptococci. The invention discloses a method for modulating virulence of a Streptococcus, the method comprising modifying a genomic fragment of Streptococcus wherein the genomic fragment comprises at least a functional part of a fragment identifiable by hybridization in Streptococcus suis to a nucleic acid or fragment thereof as shown in FIG. 5.

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 polynucleotides of the present invention are complementary to the Initiation Sites of microbes. Invading organisms, sensing the pH and nutrient deprivation of a physiologic environment quickly release these nucleotides triggering rapid growth and mutation—attributes to successfully establishing a nidus of infection. They also stimulate neutrophil functions. Accordingly, the nucleotides, compositions and methods of the present invention may be used to enhance, restore or stimulate an immune response or system of an animal, e.g. to prevent an infection caused by a microorganism, ameliorate an infection caused by a microorganism, or kill an invading microorganism that causes infection or re-establish balance to an immune system. In particular, the polynucleotides, compositions and methods of the present invention may be used to treat or prevent bacterial infections and auto-immune diseases in a mammal in need thereof.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure Methods for synthesis and manufacture of polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines at high yield are provided. The methods involve reaction of a hydrazide group on one reactant with an aldehyde or cyanate ester group on the other reactant. The reaction proceeds rapidly with a high conjugation efficiency, such that a simplified purification process can be employed to separate the conjugate product from the unconjugated protein and polysaccharide and other small molecule by-products.

Abstract: Forms of GAS25 (streptolysin O) which are not toxic but which still maintain the ability to induce protection against S. pyogenes are useful in vaccine compositions to induce protection against S. pyogenes.

Abstract: Isolated proteins and immunogenic fragments thereof, for use in the treatment and prevention of a Group A Streptococcus infection are provided. In particular, the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods of prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of a Group A Streptococcus infection.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various combinations of pneumococcal polypeptides for use in immunisation. Also disclosed herein are pneumococcal polypeptides that may be useful as single antigens. These polypeptides may optionally be used in combination with pneumococcal saccharides. The antigens may be used in pneumococcal vaccines, but may also be used as components in vaccines for immunising against multiple pathogens.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing a certain number of infections caused by pathogenic agents such as bacteria, comprising as immunogen, one or several polyosides derived from one or several pathogenic agents. The polyosides are in the form of conjugates, coupled with a carrier protein. The composition contains at least two types of conjugates, each being at least characterised by a different protein carrier.

Abstract: The invention provides proteins from group B streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) and group A streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes), including amino acid sequences and the corresponding nucleotide sequences. Data are given to show that the proteins are useful antigens for vaccines, immunogenic compositions, and/or diagnostics. The proteins are also targets for antibiotics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of bacterial polysaccharide antigen vaccines. In particular, the present invention relates to vaccines comprising a pneumococcal polysaccharide antigen, typically a pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate antigen, formulated with a protein antigen form Streptococcus pneumoniae, and optionally a Th1-inducing adjuvant.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to vaccine formulations comprising an immunogenic composition for inducing antibodies to both S. pneumoniae and N. meningitides in a subject. In a preferred aspect, the immunogenic composition comprises covalently conjugated recombinant PsaA (“rPsaA”) from S. pneumoniae and capsular polysaccharide from N. meningitidis serogroup C. This disclosure further relates to methods for producing the immunogenic composition as well as methods for their use.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotides encoding Streptococcus group C and G polypeptides and their use in immunogenic compositions. The invention also relates to immunogenic compositions comprising polypeptides encoded by those polynucleotides. In addition, the invention relates to methods of inducing an immune response in mammals against beta hemolytic Streptococcus or beta hemolytic Streptococcus infection using immunogenic compositions of the Streptococcus group C and G polypeptides and polynucleotides.

Abstract: Disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions that include a PsrP polypeptide, a nucleic acid encoding a PsrP polypeptide, or an antibody or fragment thereof that binds to a PsrP polypeptide domain, and methods of inhibiting, modulating, treating, or preventing a bacterial infection, such as an infection due to Streptococcus pneumoniae, in a subject using these compositions.

Abstract: Described are Streptococcus suis infections in pigs, vaccines directed against those infections and tests for diagnosing S. suis infections. Provided is an isolated or recombinant nucleic acid encoding a capsular gene cluster of S. suis or a gene or gene fragment derived therefrom. Further provided is a nucleic acid probe or primer allowing species or serotype-specific detection of S. suis. Also provided is a Streptococcus suis antigen and vaccine derived therefrom.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides for methods for identifying novel immunogens that when administered as vaccines elicit a cellular or humoral immunogenic response. In a particular embodiment, a method identified pneumococcal T-cell immunogens that elicit systemic IL-17A responses, and reduce or protect against pneumococcal colonization.

Abstract: A composition for mucosal delivery, comprising two or more of the following: (a) an antigen which induces an immune response against Haemophilus influenzae; (b) an antigen which induces an immune response against Neisseria meningitidis; and (c) an antigen which induces an immune response against Streptococcus pneumoniae. The combination allows a single dose for immunising against three separate causes of a common disease, namely bacterial meningitis.

Abstract: Booster immunization can lead to rapid induction of protective immunity against pathogens (e.g. ?7 days after the booster dose). This rapid response means that booster immunization can be used at short notice prior to an event that might require an activated immune response. For instance, a subject can be primed at a young age against a pathogen that typically affects more elderly subjects under specific circumstances such that, when the subject is older, the immune response can be mobilized rapidly if those specific circumstances are expected. An example would be to prime a subject against infections that are typically acquired nosocomially and then, soon before a scheduled hospital appointment, to boost their immune response so that they enter hospital in an immune-alert state.

Abstract: Strains of bacteria characterized by exhibiting: (a) a 7?-dehydroxylase activity of less than 50%, and (b) a bile acid deconjugation activity of less than 50%, and descendants, mutants and derivatives thereof preserving activities (a) and (b); and a pharmaceutical composition using one or more of such strains and use of same for preventing and treating diseases associated with or caused by an altered metabolism of bile acids.