Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions, and kits for inducing polyclonal antibodies against one or more pathogens that include Streptococcus suis. The methods may include administering to an animal a composition that includes an isolated 38 kDa polypeptide of Streptococcus suis and a suitable excipient. The methods, compositions, and kits may be used to immunize an animal against infection by Streptococcus suis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating a range of cancers, for example MAGE positive cancers, including, but not limited to melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The present invention relates to methods for treating cancer in the adjuvant (eg. post-operative) setting and the active disease setting.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the identification of virulence factors from Streptococcus iniae. Specifically, the present invention relates to the identification, characterization and sequencing of a gene for phosphoglucomutase gene, and to a live attenuated strain of S. iniae deficient in phosphoglucomutase useful as a vaccine in aquatic species, such as fish.

Abstract: A microprojection array is provided, comprising an approximately planar base and a plurality of microprojections, wherein the array comprises a vaccine and a polymeric material. The array may have multiple layers. The vaccine may be placed in only one layer. In another embodiment of the invention, a method of preventing a disease is provided, comprising insertion into the skin of a patient an array of microprojections comprising a layer which comprises a vaccine for that disease and a polymer.

Abstract: The present invention is primarily directed to a method for preventing infection of a mammalian subject with S. pneumoniae, wherein said method comprises administering to said subject an effective amount of one or more S. pneumoniae cell wall and/or cell membrane proteins and/or immunogenically-active fragments, derivatives or modifications thereof, wherein said proteins are selected from a defined group of immunogenic proteins. The present invention further provides vaccine compositions containing said cell wall and/or cell membrane proteins.

Abstract: Methods for improving binding of a proteinaceous substance to cell-wall material of a Gram-positive bacterium are disclosed. The proteinaceous substance includes an AcmA cell-wall binding domain, homolog or functional derivative thereof. The method includes treating the cell-wall material with a solution capable of removing a cell-wall component such as a protein, lipoteichoic acid or carbohydrate from the cell-wall material and contacting the proteinaceous substance with the cell-wall material.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with a vaccine against dental caries obtained from the supernatant over cultures of the cariogenic bacteria Streptococcus sobrinus and S. mutans that consists of extracellular proteins. These proteins provide the suppression of the immune response in the host through the early production of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine and are, for that reason, virulent factors to the microorganism enhancing bacterial load in the host. These proteins were designated as virulence-associated immunomodulatory extracellular proteins (VIP). Vaccination through the host immunization with active VIP in a submitogenis dose, inactivated VIP or enolase in a dose unable to induce immunosuppression, induces the immunoneutralization of the VIP immunobiological effects. Vaccination can be used both as a preventive or therapeutic measure of dental caries as long as it is administered (intranasally, orally or subcutaneously) into mammals before or after bacterial infection, respectively.

Abstract: Capsular saccharides are typically anionic. In the invention, however, cationic groups are introduced, such that the modified saccharide has a repeating unit which includes both cationic and anionic groups. These cationic and anionic groups can be balanced to give a zwitterionic repeating unit. These modifications can convert a saccharide that is normally a T-independent antigen into one that can activate T cells without requiring conjugation to a carrier. Typically, the invention modifies an anionic bacterial capsular saccharide antigen by converting a neutral group in the saccharide into a cationic group e.g. to change —NHAc to —NH3+.

Abstract: The invention provides a nucleic acid encoding the 37-kDa pneumococcal surface adhesion A protein (PsaA) from Streptococcus pneumoniae. The invention also provides purified polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid encoding the 37-kDa protein from and the nucleic acids comprising unique fragment of at least 10 nucleotides of the 37-kDa protein. Additionally, multiple antigenic peptides that provide protection against S. pneumoniae challenge are provided. These multiple antigen peptides comprise the peptides that immunospecifically bind to the monoclonal antibodies. Also provided are vaccines comprising such immunogenic peptides, and methods of conferring protective immunity against Streptococcus pneumoniae infection by administering therapeutic composition comprising the immunogenic peptides of the invention.

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 present invention is directed to immunogenic conjugates comprised of a polymer, preferably a polysaccharide, with a covalently attached antigen and an agent for boosting a patient's immune response. The conjugates may be used in vaccines for a wide range of diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to the discovery of novel soluble neutral active Hyaluronidase Glycoproteins (sHASEGPs), methods of manufacture, and their use to facilitate administration of other molecules or to alleviate glycosaminoglycan associated pathologies. Minimally active polypeptide domains of the soluble, neutral active sHASEGP domains are described that include asparagine-linked sugar moieties required for a functional neutral active hyaluronidase domain. Included are modified amino-terminal leader peptides that enhance secretion of sHASEGP. The invention further comprises sialated and pegylated forms of a recombinant sHASEGP to enhance stability and serum pharmacokinetics over naturally occurring slaughterhouse enzymes. Further described are suitable formulations of a substantially purified recombinant sHASEGP glycoprotein derived from a eukaryotic cell that generate the proper glycosylation required for its optimal activity.

Abstract: Vitreous compositions of an antigen and adjuvant, and methods for making the compositions are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutically acceptable formulations of the vitreous compositions, reconstituted liquid formulations of the vitreous compositions, vaccine compositions, and kits containing the vitreous compositions. Also disclosed are devices for administering the vitreous compositions to mammals and methods for eliciting an immune response in mammals by administering the compositions.

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 invention provides in part methods of treating cancers of a specific organ or tissue by administering a composition that is antigenically specific for one or more microbes that are pathogenic in the specific organ or tissue in which the cancer is situated. The formulations of the invention thereby facilitate activation of a treatment response to a cancer in a particular tissue or organ. The compositions may for example include killed or attenuated microbial pathogens, and may be administered at sites distant from the cancer, for example the skin. In some embodiments, microbial species of endogenous flora that are known to cause infection in the relevant organ or tissue may be used in the formulation of the antigenic compositions. In alternative embodiments, exogenous microbial pathogens that are known to cause infection in the relevant organ or tissue may be used in the formulation of the antigenic compositions.

Abstract: The present invention is primarily directed to a method for preventing infection of a mammalian subject with S. pneumoniae, wherein said method comprises administering to said subject an effective amount of one or more S. pneumoniae cell wall and/or cell membrane proteins and/or immunogenically-active fragments, derivatives or modifications thereof, wherein said proteins are selected from a defined group of immunogenic proteins. The present invention further provides vaccine compositions containing said cell wall and/or cell membrane proteins.

Abstract: The invention provides a nucleic acid encoding the 37-kDa pneumococcal surface adhesion A protein (PsaA) from Streptococcus pneumoniae. Also provided are isolated nucleic acids comprising a unique fragment of at least 10 nucleotides of the 37-kDa protein. The invention also provides purified polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid encoding the 37-kDa protein from and the nucleic acids comprising unique fragment of at least 10 nucleotides of the 37-kDa protein. The invention further provides monoclonal antibodies which selectively bind PsaA. In addition, peptides are provided that immunospecifically bind to the monoclonal antibodies of the invention, and that are immunogenic against Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. Additionally, multiple antigenic peptides that provide protection against S. pneumoniae challenge are provided. These multiple antigen peptides comprise the peptides that immunospecifically bind to the monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods of vaccination and vaccine delivery.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of a N-terminal choline binding protein A truncate in which the amino acid sequence is set forth in any of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3-7, or 9-11, including fragments, mutants, variants, analogs, or derivatives, thereof. Also, this invention provides a isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of a N-terminal choline binding protein A truncate, wherein the amino acid is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 24, wherein the polypeptide retains its native tertiary structure and methods of preparation. This invention provides an isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of a N-terminal choline binding protein A truncate, wherein the polypeptide has lectin activity and does not bind to choline. This invention provides an isolated immunogenic polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of a N-terminal choline binding protein A truncate.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of pneumococcal capsular saccharide conjugate vaccines. Specifically, an immunogenic composition for infants is provided comprising a multivalent Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccine comprising 2 or more capsular saccharide conjugates from different serotypes, wherein the composition comprises a serotype 22F saccharide conjugate. Such a vaccine may be used in infant populations to reduce the incidence of elderly pneumococcal disease such as exacerbations of COPD and/or IPD.

Abstract: The invention provides for a method of enhancing immunological responses to an antigen in a vaccine formulation, and for a vaccine formulation that provides for an enhanced immunological response to an antigen. In the method and formulation the antigen is administered with an adjuvant which adjuvant comprises a solution of nitrous oxide gas in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier solvent for the gas and which adjuvant includes at least one fatty acid or ester or other suitable derivative thereof selected from the group consisting of oleic acid, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid [C20: 5?3], decosahexaenoic acid [C22: 6?3], ricinoleic acid and derivatives thereof selected from the group consisting of the C1 to C6 alkyl esters thereof, the glycerol-polyethylene glycol esters thereof and the reaction product of hydrogenated natural oils composed largely of ricinoleic acid based oils, such as castor oil with ethylene oxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adjuvant compositions which are suitable to be used in vaccines. In particular, the adjuvant compositions of the present invention comprises a saponin and an immunostimulatory oligonucleotide, optionally with a carrier. Also provided by the present invention are vaccines comprising the adjuvants of the present invention and an antigen. Further provided are methods of manufacture of the adjuvants and vaccines of the present invention and their use as medicaments. Methods of treating an individual susceptible to or suffering from a disease by the administration of the vaccines of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: This invention is about vaccine comprising recombinant CLPP protein of Streptococcus pneumoniae. In this study, it was demonstrated that the CLPP was translocated into the cell wall after heat shock. And the immunization of mice with the pneumococcal CLPP prior to challenge with virulent D39 elicited protective immunity against systemic disease to a level comparable to that obtained with the well-characterized pneumococcal protein vaccine candidates, PSPA and Ply. Thus the pneumococcal CLPP can be used as an antigen for vaccine.

Abstract: The invention relates to subunit immunogenic or vaccine compositions which may comprise at least one polypeptide of Streptococcus equi and methods for preparing and/or formulating such compositions. The invention also relates to the use of such subunit compositions, such as a method for eliciting an immunogenic response or a protective immune response, which may comprise administering the composition to a mammal susceptible to streptococcal infection.

Abstract: An immunogenic composition in a dose volume suitable for human use comprising an antigen or antigenic preparation, in combination with an adjuvant which adjuvant comprises an immunologically active saponin fraction derived from the bark of Quillaja Saponaria Molina presented in the form of a liposome and a lipopolysaccharide wherein said saponin fraction and said lipopolysaccharide are both present in said human dose at a level of below 30 ?g.

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: 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: 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: The present invention provides bacterial immunogenic agents for administration to humans and non-human animals to stimulate an immune response. It particularly relates to the vaccination of mammalian species with pneumococcal derived polypeptides that include an alpha helix but exclude a choline binding region as a mechanism for stimulating production of antibodies that protect the vaccine recipient against infection by pathogenic bacterial species. In another aspect the invention provides antibodies against such proteins and protein complexes that may be used as diagnostics and/or as protective/treatment agents for pathogenic bacterial species.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cell wall C-polysaccharide antigen of Streptococcus pneumoniae which contains not more than 10% by weight of protein, and preferably less which has been purified with 0.1N NaOH prior to deproteinizing. Also disclosed are polyvalent antibodies raised against Streptococcus pneumoniae which have been affinity purified by passing them over a chromatographic affinity matrix to which is coupled the purified and at least partially deproteinized antigen to render them antigen-specific.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanoparticle vaccine adjuvants comprised of a carrier, particularly polymerized lipids, having multiple copies of an antigen or combinations of different antigens displayed on the carrier. Such antigen-displaying nanoparticles may also display a targeting molecule on its surface in order to direct it to a specific site or cell type to optimize a desired immune response. The present invention also relates to encapsulating an antigen or combinations of different antigens within such nanoparticles, with or without a targeting molecule displayed on its surface. The antigens used in this invention are effective to produce an immune response against a variety of pathological conditions.

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: A vaccine composition for vaccinating dogs comprising any one or more of (a) an agent capable of raising an immune response against Streptococcus equi sub species zooepidemicus in a dog, (b) an agent capable of raising an immune response against Mycoplasma cynos in a dog, and (c) an agent capable of raising an immune response against a Chlamydophila in a dog.

Abstract: The GapC plasmin binding protein genes of Streptococcus dysgalactiae (S. dysgalactiae), Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae), Streptococcus uberis (S. uberis), Streptococcus parauberis (S. parauberis), and Streptococcus iniae (S. iniae) are described, as well as the recombinant production of the GapC proteins therefrom. Also described is the use of the GapC proteins from those species in vaccine compositions to prevent or treat bacterial infections in general, and mastitis in particular.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a series of genes are identified in Group B Streptococcus, the products of which may be associated with the outer surface of the organism. The genes, or functional fragments thereof, may be useful in the preparation of therapeutics, e.g. vaccines to immunize a patient against microbial infection.

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: 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: Effective stimulation of immune responses is achieved through the use of a group A streptococcal antigen combined with proteosome adjuvant. The compositions are provided in particular for intranasal administration. The vaccine compositions are provided for use in inducing an immune response in an individual for the treatment or prophylaxis of group A streptococcal infection in an individual, preferably via prevention or reduction of colonisation of the throat following intranasal administration.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for eliciting an immune response against Group A streptococci, comprising use of recombinant fusion polypeptides, and compositions thereof, that include a multivalent immunogenic portion of at least two immunogenic polypeptides from Group A streptococci M proteins (which are capable of stimulating a protective immune response against Group A streptococci), and a reiterated polypeptide from the immunogenic portion carboxy-terminal to the immunogenic portion, wherein the carboxy-terminal polypeptide is not required to stimulate an immune response against Group A streptococci.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, uses and compositions for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The invention describes methods and uses for treating rheumatoid arthritis wherein a TNF? inhibitor, such as a human TNF? antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof. Also described are methods for determining the efficacy of a TNF? inhibitor for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in a subject.

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: To improve the stability of vaccines comprising aluminum salt(s), the invention uses the amino acid histidine. This can improve pH stability and adjuvant adsorption and can reduce antigen hydrolysis. Histidine is preferably present during adsorption to the aluminum salt(s). The antigen in the vaccine may be a protein or a saccharide and is preferably from N. meningitidis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antigens, more particularly antigens of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) (S. agalactiae) which may be useful to prevent, diagnose and/or treat streptococcal infections.

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: Described is a method for making a pharmaceutical preparation comprising the solubilisation of a peptide mixture, characterized in that the peptide mixture is solubilized by an aqueous solution containing at least one organic acid selected from the group consisting of formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and halogenated or hydroxylated forms thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to newly identified open reading frames comprised within the genomic nucleotide sequence of Streptococcus pneumoniae, wherein the open reading frames encode polypeptides that are surface localized on Streptococcus pneumoniae. Thus, the invention relates to Streptococcus pneumoniae open reading frames that encode polypeptide antigens, polypeptides, preferably antigenic polypeptides, encoded by the Streptococcus pneumoniae open reading frames, vectors comprising open reading frame sequences and cells or animals transformed with these vectors. The invention relates also to methods of detecting these nucleic acids or polypeptides and kits for diagnosing Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. The invention finally relates to pharmaceutical compositions, in particular immunogenic compositions, for the prevention and/or treatment of bacterial infection, in particular infections with Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating cancers, particularly tumorigenic types. Cancer cells are modified to express highly immunogenic antigens so that the cells will generate a defensive response in a mammal that exhibits the cancer or is predisposed to cancer and prevent or ameliorate proliferation of cancer cells. The novel cancer cell vaccines are expected to be effective against a wide range of tumors and leukemias.

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: Group B streptococcus polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding them are disclosed. Said polypeptides may be useful for the prophylaxis, diagnostic and/or therapy of streptococcal infection in mammals. Also disclosed are recombinant methods of producing the polypeptide antigens as well as diagnostic assays for detecting streptococcal infections, particularly GBS.

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.