Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, immunogenic compositions that comprise (a) a first antigen, (b) at least first and second adjuvants, wherein the first adjuvant comprises microparticles and wherein the second adjuvant comprises an imidazoquinoline compound, and (c) a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, which compositions elicits an immune response when administered to a vertebrate subject. The invention also provides methods of producing immunogenic compositions and methods for using immunogenic compositions (e.g., for treatment), among other benefits.

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: 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. Methods for making an immunogenic conjugate comprising Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 19A polysaccharide are also provided in which the serotype 19A polysaccharide is co-lyophilized with a carrier protein and conjugation is carried out in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) via a reductive amination mechanism.

Abstract: A method for immunizing a human or animal against pneumococcal infections, comprising by administering a vaccine comprising a purified recombinant caseinolytic protease P (ClpP) protein of S. pneumoniae in an immunologically effective amount to the human or animal.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions featuring cationic liposome nucleic acid molecules complexed with pathogen derived antigen and methods of using such compositions for the treatment or prevention of an infectious disease. Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description, and from the claims.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of a new adhesin islands within the genomes of several Group A and Group B Streptococcus serotypes and isolates. The adhesin islands are thought to encode surface proteins which are important in the bacteria's virulence. Thus, the adhesin island proteins of the invention may be used in immunogenic compositions for prophylactic or therapeutic immunization against GAS or GBS infection. For example, the invention may include an immunogenic composition comprising one or more of the discovered adhesin island proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating an infection or disease or lesion, in particular an HPV infection. Furthermore, it relates to a vaccine for treating a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection or an associated disease or lesion in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of bacteria of the species Streptococcus phocae for the manufacture of a vaccine, to methods for the production of such vaccines, to bacteria of the species Streptococcus phocae for use in a vaccine and to methods for the combating of Streptococcus phocae infection in fish.

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 compounds which inhibit bacterial gyrase and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds. These compounds, and compositions thereof, are useful in treating bacterial infection. Accordingly, the present invention also relates to methods for treating bacterial infections in mammals. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing these compounds.

Abstract: Polypeptides from Streptococcus pneumoniae are described. In some aspects the polypeptides include pili polypeptides from a second pili island (pilus II island (INV1 04B)) identified in Streptococcus pneumoniae isolate INV1 04. In other aspects the polypeptides include pili polypeptides and non-pilus polypeptides from Streptococcus pneumoniae strains 23F, INV200, and OXC141 that are absent from Streptococcus pneumoniae isolate INV104. The polypeptides, including fragments and variants thereof, may be used in immunogenic compositions for prophylactic or therapeutic immunization against Streptococcus pneumoniae. The polypeptides are also disclosed to be used in compositions useful for the production of antibodies and immunostimulants. Also presented are methods of inhibiting Streptococcus pneumoniae, methods of treating Streptococcus pneumoniae infection, methods of identifying inhibitors of Streptococcus pneumoniae and methods for diagnosing/detecting Streptococcus pneumoniae infection.

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: 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of the 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 comprising modifying a genomic fragment of the 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.

Abstract: Provided is a P4 peptide, which contains functional epitopes of the PsaA protein of Streptococcus pneumoniae, and related methods and compositions. P4 peptide mimetics having a conformational structure identical or similar to the conformation of P4 (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO:2) are provided. An antibody that specifically binds to the epitope defined by the disclosed peptides is provided. A P4-specific antibody is PsaA-specific since P4 defines an epitope specific for PsaA. Immunogenic compositions comprising the peptide of SEQ ID NO: 1 and a pharmaceutical carrier or the peptide of SEQ ID NO:2 and a pharmaceutical carrier are also provided. Methods of using the peptides and antibodies of the invention are provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a composition containing Arabinogalactan for enhancing the adaptive immune response in subjects to foreign antigen(s) by administering said composition prior, during and after the phase of exposure to said foreign antigen(s). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vaccination kit comprising a composition comprising Arabinogalactan and a vaccine.

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: This invention provides methods and compositions for stabilizing proteins and vaccines in dried formulations. In particular, a cavitation method and compositions of preparing a dried vaccine are provided that stabilize the viability of live bacteria and live virus vaccines at room temperature.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding polypeptides comprising amino acid sequences of streptococcal matrix adhesion (Ema) polypeptides. The invention provides nucleic acids encoding Group B streptococcal Ema polypeptides EmaA, EmaB, EmaC, EmaD and EmaE. The present invention provides isolated polypeptides comprising amino acid sequences of Group B streptococcal polypeptides EmaA, EmaB, EmaC, EmaD and EmaE, including analogs, variants, mutants, derivatives and fragments thereof. Ema homologous polypeptides from additional bacterial species, including S. pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, E. faecalis and C. diptheriae are also provided. Antibodies to the Ema polypeptides and immunogenic fragments thereof are also provided. The present invention relates to the identification and prevention of infections by virulent forms of streptococci.

Abstract: Compositions for preventing and/or treating S. pyogenes infection which comprise one or more active agents. The active agents are SLO antigens, nucleic acid molecules encoding the SLO antigens, and/or antibodies which selectively bind to the SLO antigens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to autoantigens selected from Ezrin, Serpin B5, Peroxiredoxin-2, heat shock protein ?1, and/or peptides comprising at least 5 consecutive amino acid residues of one of these autoantigenic proteins having immunological activity, or fragments, variants, or epitopes thereof and/or mixtures of at least two of the proteins and/or peptides as diagnostic tool for the detection of streptococcal driven conditions or as therapeutical agent for the treatment of streptococcal driven conditions.

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 the use of probiotic on expecting female mammals to boost the immune status of off-spring. The use can induce an enhanced response of the offspring after birth to an infectious antigenic exposure. Ultimately the use of probiotic in expecting females can induce a better protection of offspring against infectious diseases.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an antigenic composition comprising at least one antigen that comprises at least one antigenic epitope or antigenic determinant derived from a protein present in one or both of S. equi subsp. equi and subsp. zooepidemicus and use thereof for immunization of non-human mammals against S. equi subsp. equi and/or subsp. zooepidemicus. The present invention also discloses a vaccine composition comprising the aforesaid antigenic composition as immunizing component.

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

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

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of bacterial polysaccharide antigen vaccines.

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

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for eliciting an immune response against Streptococcus pneumoniae. More particularly, the compositions and methods relate to immunogenic polypeptides, including fragments of PcpA and variants thereof, and nucleic acids, vectors and transfected cells that encode or express the polypeptides. Methods of making and using the immunogenic polypeptides are also described.

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: Modified streptococcal polysaccharides and methods of using the modified polysaccharides are provided herein.

Abstract: There is described a method for selecting microbial isolates for use in oral killed vaccines against abnormal microbial colonization of mucosal surfaces by the microbes. The method comprises evaluating capacity of a plurality of different isolates of a microbe to activate antigen responsive cells to provide activation data for each microbial isolate, and the effectiveness of the isolates in reducing infection of a mucosal surface by the microbe to provide clearance data for each microbial isolate. An isolate, the activation data and clearance data for which correlate and is optimal for generating mucosal immunity against the microbe compared to the, or each, other of the isolates, or an isolate the activation data for which is optimal and a further isolate the clearance data for which is optimal, compared to the, or each, other of the isolates, respectively, is then selected for use in the vaccine.

Abstract: The invention relates to polynucleotides which are conserved or specific to one or more species of Streptococcus, Streptococcus species serotypes, and/or serotype isolates. In particular, the invention relates to polynucleotides from Streptococcus which are conserved or specific to one or more of the species of S. pneumoniae (“pneumococcus” or “S. pn.”), S. pyogenes (“group A streptococcus” or “GAS”), and S. agalactiae (“group B streptococcus” or “GBS”). The invention further relates to polynucleotides which are conserved or specific to one or more Streptococcal species serotypes, such as GBS serotypes Ia, Ib, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, and VIII. The invention still further relates to polynucleotides which are conserved or specific to one or more clinical isolates of a Streptococcus species.

Abstract: The invention provides means and methods for identifying a Streptococcus protein which is capable of eliciting an immune response against at least two Streptococcus strains and/or serotypes. The invention further discloses immunogenic compositions capable of eliciting an immune response against Streptococcus uberis comprising at least two recombinant and/or isolated proteins derived from Streptococcus uberis, and/or an immunogenic part or analogue or derivative of either or both proteins. The invention further discloses nucleic acid molecules encoding the proteins or immunogenic parts thereof, host cells and recombinant carriers comprising such nucleic acid molecule, and vaccines and diagnostic tests based on the proteins and nucleic acids.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of vaccination as well as pharmaceutical combinations and kits for enhancing vaccine effectiveness, including for immunodeficient or immunecompromised patients, including non-responders and low-responders to vaccination. As disclosed herein, the invention relates to administering a vaccine and a regimen of thymosin alpha peptide so as to provide higher antibody titers, speed the development of such antibody titers, and/or to provide for a longer duration of such antibody titers, thereby providing a greater protective effect. In another aspect, the invention allows for reducing a vaccine dose, such as an influenza vaccine dose, by administration of a thymosin peptide regimen.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are sterile-filtered lyophilized nanoparticle compositions which contain at least one biodegradable polymer, at least one surfactant, at least one cryoprotective agent and at least one antigen. Also disclosed are methods of making and using such compositions and kits supplying such compositions.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions and vaccines are described comprising GAS Markers. Methods for detecting GAS diseases in a subject are also described comprising measuring GAS markers in a sample from the subject. The invention further provides kits for carrying out the methods of the invention and therapeutic applications for GAS diseases employing GAS markers, polynucleotides encoding the markers, and/or binding agents for the markers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Withania somnifera fraction rich in withanolides and a vaccine comprising a “Withania somnifera fraction” as an adjuvant.

Abstract: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of pneumoniae, meningitis, and major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world by bacterial otitis media, pneumoniae, meningitis, and bacteraemia. It is an important agent of disease in man especially among infants, the elderly and immunocompromised persons. The present invention provides a solution to this problem by providing a substantially pure or isolated disease related antigen selected from the group consisting of the isolated, recombinant or synthetic S. pneumoniae human immunogenic antigens of SP_0562, SP_0965, SP_0082 (in particular the fragments SP4 and SP 17 of said SP_0082), and a Periplasmic Binding Protein (PBP) (in particular SP_1683 or SP_1386), or a fragments thereof or substantially identical antigen for use in a treatment to induce a immunological memory in a human against S. pneumoniae cells for use in a vaccination treatment of S. pneumoniae disorder in human or against S. pneumoniae in a human.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of bacterial cultures and specifically relates to the optimization of culture conditions to improve the production of bacterial capsular polysaccharides from Streptococcus strains in fed batch culture and to novel purification methods suitable for production scale purification of bacterial capsular polysaccharides from Streptococcus strains resulting in higher levels of purity than previously obtained for production scale.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant lipidated PsaA proteins and recombinant constructs from which such lipidated PsaA proteins may be expressed. The invention relates further to lipidated PsaA proteins in which lipidation is effected by the use of a heterologous leader sequence derived from the ospA gene of Borrelia burgdorferi, which leader sequence is joined in translational reading frame with the psaA structural gene. The invention also provides methods of preparation of lipidated PsaA proteins and use of such proteins in immunological compositions. Also provided are vaccines comprising immunogenic lipidated PsaA proteins and methods of use of such vaccines in the prevention and treatment of S. pneumoniae infection.

Abstract: A polypeptide, designated as “Streptococcus uberis Adhesion Molecule” (SUAM), and fragments of SUAM, prevent internalization and adherence of Streptococcus uberis and other streptococcal pathogens to cells. The SUAM polypeptide and fragments may be used diagnostically and therapeutically. Nucleic acid sequences encoding the SUAM polypeptide and fragments are included in the invention.

Abstract: The present invention discloses isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a hyperimmune serum reactive antigen or a fragment thereof as well as hyperimmune serum reactive antigens or fragments thereof from S. pyogenes, methods for isolating such antigens and specific uses therefor.

Abstract: Adjuvant combinations comprising at least one NKT activator, such as alpha-galactosylceramide (?-Gal-Cer) or iGb3, a CD40 agonist and optionally an antigen are disclosed. The use of these immune adjuvants for treatment of various chronic diseases such as cancers is also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an antigenic composition useful for immunization against tularemia. The disclosure provides a method for producing a vaccine for preventing tularemia in humans and animals, a new vaccine against tularemia in humans and animals, and a new approach to producing vaccines against tularemia.

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: The invention relates to Streptococcus suis infection in pigs, vaccines directed against those infections and tests for diagnosing Streptococcus suis infections. The invention provides an isolated or recombinant nucleic acid encoding a capsular gene cluster of Streptococcus suis or a gene or gene fragment derived thereof. The invention further provides a nucleic acid probe or primer allowing species or serotype-specific detection of Streptococcus suis. The invention also provides a Streptococcus suis antigen and vaccine derived thereof.