Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the recombinant expression of chlamydia major outer membrane protein (MOMP) comprising transforming a population of E. coli host cells with an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule that encodes chlamydia MOMP and encodes a leader sequence for targeting the MOMP to the outer membrane of the cell, wherein the nucleic acid molecule is operatively linked to a promoter. The method of the invention allows expression of MOMP in the outer membrane of the cell, which leads to protein folding that is more like native MOMP relative to a MOMP protein that is expressed intracellularly. Also provided by the invention are uses of the recombinant MOMP in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of chlamydia infection and/or the effects thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides delivery constructs comprising a carrier coupled to a heterologous payload, wherein coupling of the carrier to the payload can result in transportation of the payload (e.g., a therapeutic payload) into and/or across intact polarized epithelial cells (e.g., epithelial cells of the gut of a mammal). The delivery construct can be part of a pharmaceutical composition that can be orally administered to a subject to provide for improved, effective therapies for treatment of, e.g., inflammatory diseases or autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions of vault complexes containing recombinant membrane lytic proteins, such as an adenovirus protein VI lytic domain, and methods of using the vault complexes to facilitate delivery and entry of a biomolecule into a cell or subject.

Abstract: Disclosed are isolated Chlamydia trachomatis proteins, methods of fusion protein and associated antibody production, and methods of using isolated proteins and antibodies in diagnosis and detection. Also disclosed are compositions comprising isolated proteins, wherein the compositions can further comprising pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, an adjuvant and/or an immunostimulant, and methods using the pharmaceutical compositions for treating or preventing an infection by Chlamydia in a subject. The compositions may also comprise a protein or immunogenic fragment of a pathogenic organism other than Chlamydia trachomatis.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided herein for immunizing a subject by administering to the subject an effective amount of an immunogenic peptide or an immunogenic fragment or variant thereof incorporated within a vault-like particle carrier. The methods and compositions advantageously exhibit enhanced ability to induce cell-mediated immunity and/or antibody-based immunity.

Abstract: The present invention is related to antigen from Chlamydia trachomatis which are recognized by specific antibodies from individuals infected with Chlamydia or which can induce T cells from the same individuals to secrete gamma-interferon. The T cell reactive antigens are present in a whole-cell lysate and have apparent molecular weights of 5-12, 16-20, 25-35 and 58-74 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE. The antigens of the invention are believed to be useful in vaccines but also as diagnostic compositions.

Abstract: Described herein are microorganisms that are modified so that they have an increased ability to be recognized by the innate immune system of a eukaryote, relative to an unmodified microorganism. A microorganism may be a gram-negative bacterium that has been modified to produce high potency lipopolysaccharide, e.g., Yersinia pestis expressing LpxL. Such modified microorganisms may be used as vaccines for protection against an infection by the unmodified microorganism. They may also be used as delivery vehicles of one or more heterologous antigens, e.g., antigens from pathogens or those associated with a hyperproliferative eukaryotic cell.

Abstract: The present invention regards polypeptides capable of eliciting an immunological response that is protective against Chlamydia trachomatis. The polypeptide comprises a first amino acid sequence which has at least 90% homology with the amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 1 and a second amino acid sequence which has at least 90% homology with the amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2. Furthermore, production of these polypeptides and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention features peptides of a PorB polypeptide, which PorB peptides are useful in production of antibodies that bind the full-length PorB polypeptide and as a therapeutic agent. In specific embodiments the invention features a composition comprising one or more PorB peptides (other than a full-length PorB polypeptide), which peptides contain at least one epitope that can elicit Chlamydia-neutralizing antibodies. The invention also features methods for induction of a protective immune response against infection by Chlamydia and Chlamydiophila.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions useful in the treatment or prevention of Chlamydia infections. The methods and compositions inhibit the entry of Chlamydia into a host cell expressing EMP2 by interfering with the interaction between the Chlamydia and EMP2. The compositions include EMP2 nucleic acids and polypeptides as well as anti-EMP2 antibodies.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, kits, and methods for inducing an immune response against disease. The dosage of antigen contained or utilized in the presently disclosed compositions, kits, and methods is substantially lower than dosages conventionally used in the field. The compositions, kits, and methods may be utilized to induce a cell-mediated response, such as a T-helper cell response, and/or a humoral response against a pathogen or a disease. In some embodiments, the compositions, kits, and methods may be utilized to induce preferentially a Th1 response versus other types of immune responses such as a Th2 response.

Abstract: Chlamydia antigens (e.g., polypeptides, polypeptide fragments, and fusion proteins) are provided. Also provided are vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions for treating or preventing a bacterial infection, such as Chlamydia, in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising a Chlamydial major outer membrane protein (referenced herein as “MOMP”), from at least one Chlamydial serovar and an adjuvant, characterized in that the adjuvant comprises the product E6020 having CAS Number 287180-63-6. The composition may further comprise at least one carrier system (e.g., emulsion, mineral particle). The MOMP protein may be derived from any species of Chlamydia (e.g., C. trachomatis, C. pneumoniae, C. psittaci, or C. trachomatis MoPn). In preferred embodiments, the composition comprises one or more major outer membrane proteins each derived from different serovars of C. trachomatis. The invention also provides methods of inducing an immune response to a Chlamydia species (e.g., C. trachomatis) in a subject, by administering to the subject a composition of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides Chlamydia antigens for use in the treatment, prevention and/or diagnosis of Chlamydia infection. In particular, the invention provides antigens CT733, CT153, CT601, CT279, CT443, CT372, CT456, CT381, CT255, CT341, CT716, CT745, CT387, CT812, CT869, CT166, CT175, CT163, CT214, CT721, CT127, CT043, CT823 and/or CT600 from C. trachomatis for the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of Chlamydia infection.

Abstract: A method for treating conditions related to lack of blood supply with a lipid based resuscitation fluid is disclosed. The resuscitation fluid contains a lipid component and an aqueous carrier. The lipid component forms an emulsion with the aqueous carrier. The resuscitation fluid can be used to increase the blood pressure and to carry oxygen to tissues. The resuscitation fluid can also be used for preserving the biological integrity of donor organs for transplantation.

Abstract: The present invention provides Chlamydia proteins and methods of use in diagnostic and detection assays as well as in treatment and immunization protocols.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising proteins or polynucleotides of Chlamydia sp., in particular combinations of proteins or polynucleotides encoding them, and methods for the use of the proteins or polynucleotides in the treatment, prevention and diagnosis of Chlamydia infection.

Abstract: Described is an immunostimulatory oligodeoxynucleic acid molecule (ODN) having the structure according to formula (I), wherein any NMP is a 2? deoxynucleoside monophosphate or monothiophosphate, selected from the group consisting of deoxyadenosine-, deoxyguanosine-, deoxyinosine-, deoxycytosine-, deoxyuridine-, deoxythymidine-, 2-methyl-deoxyinosine-, 5-methyl-deoxycytosine-, deoxypseudouridine-, deoxyribosepurine-, 2-amino-deoxyribosepurine-, -6-S-deoxyguanine-, 2-dimethyl-deoxyguanosine- or N-isopentenyl-deoxyadenosine-monophosphate or -monothiophosphate, NUC is a 2? deoxynucleoside, selected from the group consisting of deoxyadenosine-, deoxyguanosine-, deoxyinosine-, deoxycytosine-, deoxyuridine-, deoxythymidine-, 2-methyl-deoxyinosine-, 5-methyl-deoxycytosine-, deoxypseudouridine-, deoxyribosepurine-, 2-amino-deoxyribosepurine-, 6-S-deoxyguanine-, 2-dimethyl-deoxyguanosine- or N-isopentenyl-deoxyadenosine, any X is O or S, a and b are integers from 0 to 100 with the proviso that a+b is between 4 and 150,

Abstract: The invention is in the field of immunology and vaccinology. In particular, it relates to antigens derived from Chlamydia trachomatis that are expressed on the cell surface and so are ideal for use in immunization as well as combinations of these antigens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the selective identification of Chlamydia trachomatis infections wherein the antigens CT017, CT098, CT318-L1 P, CT431-TARP, CT603-TSAP, and CT664 are used for the specific identification of Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies in samples from mammals. The method according to the invention facilitates the selective identification method of identification of Chlamydia trachomatis infections, in which no false positive results are generated by other Chlamydia species such as, for example, Chlamydia pneumoniae. The invention further relates to a biochip which has the aforementioned Chlamydia trachomatis-specific antigens for the identification of antibodies. The biochip with antigens according to the invention is suitable for multiparameter identification methods in particular.

Abstract: The present invention provides Chlamydia proteins and methods of use in diagnostic and detection assays as well as in treatment and immunization protocols.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to antigens and nucleic acids encoding such antigens obtainable by screening a Chlamydia genome. In more specific aspects, the invention relates to methods of isolating such antigens and nucleic acids and to methods of using such isolated antigens for producing immune responses. The ability of an antigen to produce an immune response may be employed in vaccination or antibody preparation techniques.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided herein for immunizing a subject by administering to the subject an effective amount of an immunogenic peptide or an immunogenic fragment or variant thereof incorporated within a vault-like particle carrier. The methods and compositions advantageously exhibit enhanced ability to induce cell-mediated immunity and/or antibody-based immunity.

Abstract: The present invention provides Chlamydia proteins and methods of use in treatment and immunization protocols as well as in diagnostic and detection assays.

Abstract: Infection by Chlamydia pneumoniae has been identified as a risk factor associated with the pathogenesis of certain chronic intraocular disorders, for example, age-related macular degeneration. The invention provides methods of identifying individuals at risk of developing chronic intraocular disorders, and methods of delaying and/or preventing the onset of such chronic intraocular disorders.

Abstract: The present invention features peptides of a PorB polypeptide, which PorB peptides are useful in production of antibodies that bind the full-length PorB polypeptide and as a therapeutic agent. In specific embodiments the invention features a composition comprising one or more PorB peptides (other than a full-length PorB polypeptide), which peptides contain at least one epitope that can elicit Chlamydia-neutralizing antibodies. The invention also features methods for induction of a protective immune response against infection by Chlamydia and Chlamydiophila.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to methods and compositions for immunizing against infection by Chlamydia trachomatis. The methods and compositions rely, in part, on administering an immunogenic composition comprising one or more peptides derived from C. trachomatis major outer membrane protein (MOMP) to a subject to be immunized. In some embodiments, the compositions comprise a chimeric immunogens, expression vectors comprising the polynucleotides, and kits comprising the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for making and using therapeutic formulations of Proteosome-based immunoactive compositions are provided. The immunogenic compositions, which include Proteosomes and liposaccharides, may be used to elicit or enhance a nonspecific innate immune response to, for example, treat or prevent infectious disease. In addition, after activating the innate immune system, immunogenic compositions further containing an antigen may be used to elicit a specific adaptive immune response. Furthermore, provided are compositions capable of altering hyperreactive responses or inflammatory immune responses, such as allergic reactions. Such compositions may be used as a prophylactic, or in various clinical settings to treat or prevent infectious disease (such as parasite, fungal, bacterial or viral infections), or to alter inappropriate inflammatory immune responses (such as allergic reactions or asthma).

Abstract: The instant invention relates to antigens and nucleic acids encoding such antigens obtainable by screening a Chlamydia genome. In more specific aspects, the invention relates to methods of isolating such antigens and nucleic acids and to methods of using such isolated antigens for producing immune responses. The ability of an antigen to produce an immune response may be employed in vaccination or antibody preparation techniques.

Abstract: The invention provides immunostimulatory compositions and methods of administration thereof. Also provided are methods of administering a tryptanthrin compound in an effective amount to enhance the immune response of a subject to an antigen. Also provided are methods of administering an effective amount of a tryptanthrin to stimulate the immune response in a subject for the treatment of cancer. Further provided are methods of administering a tryptanthrin compounds as an immunotherapeutic in the treatment of infectious diseases.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of Chlamydial infection are disclosed. The compounds provided include polypeptides that contain at least one antigenic portion of a Chlamydia antigen and DNA sequences encoding such polypeptides. Pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines comprising such polypeptides or DNA sequences are also provided, together with antibodies directed against such polypeptides. Diagnostic kits containing such polypeptides or DNA sequences and a suitable detection reagent may be used for the detection of Chlamydial infection in patients and in biological samples.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to antigens and nucleic acids encoding such antigens obtainable by screening a Chlamydia genome. In more specific aspects, the invention relates to methods of isolating such antigens and nucleic acids and to methods of using such isolated antigens for producing immune responses. The ability of an antigen to produce an immune response may be employed in vaccination or antibody preparation techniques.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided herein for immunizing a subject against Chlamydial genital infection by administering to the subject an effective amount of a Chlamydial immunogenic peptide or an immunogenic fragment or variant thereof incorporated within a vault-like particle carrier. In some aspects, the vault-like-particles are administered to the nasal mucosa. The methods and compositions advantageously exhibit enhanced ability to induce cell-mediated immunity and/or antibody-based immunity at mucosal surfaces while reducing inflammation associated with Chlamydia infection.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention include lipid-based immunogenic compositions (adjuvants or carriers) useful for oral or gastrointestinal administration for improving mucosal immune responses in animals vaccinated for a variety of bacterial infections. In certain embodiments, lipid compositions of this invention include a mixture of fatty acids having different chain lengths, thereby providing desired physico-chemical properties. When a bacterial antigen is mixed with a lipid-based adjuvant or carrier, the resulting composition elicits improved mucosal immune responses and thereby decreases infections and sequellae of disease caused by Chlamydia or Helicobacter.

Abstract: The present invention features peptides of a PorB polypeptide, which PorB peptides are useful in production of antibodies that bind the full-length PorB polypeptide and as a therapeutic agent. In specific embodiments the invention features a composition comprising one or more PorB peptides (other than a full-length PorB polypeptide), which peptides contain at least one epitope that can elicit Chlamydia-neutralizing antibodies. The invention also features methods for induction of a protective immune response against infection by Chlamydia and Chlamydiophila.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is the genomic sequence and the nucleotide sequences encoding polypeptides of Chlamydia trachomatis, such as cellular envelope polypeptides, which are secreted or specific, or which are involved in metabolism, in the replication process or in virulence, polypeptides encoded by such sequences, as well as vectors including the said sequences and cells or animals transformed with these vectors. The invention also relates to transcriptional gene products of the Chlamydia trachomatis genome, such as, for example, antisense and ribozyme molecules, which can be used to control growth of the microorganism. The invention also relates to methods of detecting these nucleic acids or polypeptides and kits for diagnosing Chlamydia trachomatis infection. The invention also relates to a method of selecting compounds capable of modulating bacterial infection and a method for the biosynthesis or biodegradation of molecules of interest using the said nucleotide sequences or the said polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides variant LcrE sequences and/or combinations of variant LcrE sequences across the Chlamydia trachomatis serovars. Such changes in LcrE genotypes across the Chlamydia trachomatis serovars are likely to correspond with changes in LcrE phenotypes, in particular, with changes in immunogenicity. The present invention also provides peptides surrounding or associated with the amino acid substitutions, in particular, peptides surrounding or associated with high frequency mutated amino acid positions or hypervariable regions, which are likely to be B and/or T cell epitopic regions capable of eliciting Chlamydia specific cell mediated immune responses. The variant LcrE sequences and/or combinations of the variant LcrE sequences and/or epitope regions associated with the variant LcrE sequences are useful as immunogens and/or in the preparation of immunogenic compositions for preventing and/or treating and/or, diagnosing Chlamydia infections.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided herein for immunizing a subject against Chlamydial genital infection by administering to the subject an effective amount of a Chlamydial immunogenic peptide or an immunogenic fragment or variant thereof incorporated within a vault-like particle carrier. In some aspects, the vault-like-particles are administered to the nasal mucosa. The methods and compositions advantageously exhibit enhanced ability to induce cell-mediated immunity and/or antibody-based immunity at mucosal surfaces while reducing inflammation associated with Chlamydia infection.

Abstract: Proteins encoded by Chlamydia trachomatis which are immunogenic in humans as a consequence of infection have been identified using Western blots of two-dimensional electrophoretic maps. Several known immunogens were identified, as were proteins not previously known to be immunogens, and proteins not previously reported as expressed gene products.

Abstract: There is provided a composition for inducing an immune response to a Chlamydia species in a subject, the composition comprising one or more than one polypeptides selected from the group consisting of ribosomal peptide L/RplF, ribosomal protein L6 (RplF), PmpG protein, PmpG-1 peptide, PmpF protein, PmpE/F-2 family F2, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase and major outer membrane protein (MOMP), and the use of said composition to treat Chlamydia infections.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, kits, and methods for inducing an immune response against disease. The dosage of antigen contained or utilized in the presently disclosed compositions, kits, and methods is substantially lower than dosages conventionally used in the field. The compositions, kits, and methods may be utilized to induce a cell-mediated response, such as a T-helper cell response, and/or a humoral response against a pathogen or a disease. In some embodiments, the compositions, kits, and methods may be utilized to induce preferentially a Th1 response versus other types of immune responses such as a Th2 response.

Abstract: The present invention provides Chlamydia proteins and compositions and methods of use in the treatment/prevention of chlamydial infection in a subject, for eliciting an immune response in a subject and for reducing the likelihood of infertility and reducing the incidence and/or degree of hydrosalpinx due to Chlamydia infection in a subject.

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 provides a cellular vaccine for therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of a pathological condition, the vaccine comprising or consisting of a population of CD 4+ T cells modified such that they contain an antigenic component, and/or a nucleic acid molecule encoding an antigenic component thereof, wherein the T cells are (a) activated, or capable of being activated, and (b) apoptotic, or capable or being made apoptotic. The invention further provides an adjuvant composition for use in a method of vaccination, the composition comprising or consisting of a population of T cells, wherein the T cells are (a) activated, or capable of being activated, and (b) apoptotic, or capable or being made apoptotic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising proteins or polynucleotides of Chlamydia sp., in particular combinations of proteins or polynucleotides encoding them, and methods for the use of the proteins or polynucleotides in the treatment, prevention and diagnosis of Chlamydia infection.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel chlamydia antigens, nucleic acids encoding the antigens, and immunogenic compositions including the antigens. Methods of using the antigens to elicit immune responses (e.g., T cell-mediated and/or B cell-mediated immune responses) comprising administering an immunogenic composition including one or more of the novel antigens may be used for prophylaxis and/or treatment of chlamydia-mediated diseases.

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 present invention relates to the use of vaccines with adjuvants comprising cationic liposomes where neutral lipids has been incorporated into the liposomes to change the gel-liquid phase transition and thereby modifying the IgG sub-type response and enhancing the CD8 response of the liposomal adjuvant. This technology can be used to increase the production of IgG2 antibodies. This sub-type of anti-bodies (IgG2 in mice corresponding to IgG3 in humans) have been shown to selectively engage Fc activatory receptors on the surface of innate immune cells leading to enhanced proinflammatory responses and thereby a more efficient immune response with higher levels of protection in animal models of e.g. malaria and Chlamydia. The use of adjuvants which selectively give rise to higher levels of IgG2 antibodies will improve the effect of vaccines e.g. against intracellular infections. Furthermore the technology can be used to induce a CD8 response which has been reported to improve the effect of vaccines against e.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of Chlamydial infection are disclosed. The compounds provided include polypeptides that contain at least one antigenic portion of a Chlamydia antigen and DNA sequences encoding such polypeptides. Pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines comprising such polypeptides or DNA sequences are also provided, together with antibodies directed against such polypeptides. Diagnostic kits containing such polypeptides or DNA sequences and a suitable detection reagent may be used for the detection of Chlamydial infection in patients and in biological samples.

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.