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: 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 Chlamydophila.

Abstract: The invention involves the discovery that Chlamydia sp. strains can be cured of their plasmids by treatment with novobiocin, and that plasmid-deficient strains are defective in infecting cells under standard conditions, but can infect cells if centrifuged onto the host cells. But it is found that plasmid-deficient strains with wild-type infection efficiency under standard conditions can be isolated as mutants from parent plasmid-deficient strains with low infectivity by selecting for infection under standard conditions. Both the less infective and the highly infective plasmid-deficient strains were able to infect mice with little or no pathological symptoms, and both reduced the pathology in mice later challenged with the parental wild-type disease-causing Chlamydia strain. Thus, plasmid-deficient Chlamydia are effective vaccine strains. The invention provides a process for isolating a plasmid-deficient strain of Chlamydia sp., a process for developing a plasmid-deficient strain of Chlamydia sp.

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 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 immunogen comprising a receptor binding domain, a translocation domain, and a Chlamydia trachomatis antigen. Polynucleotides encoding the chimeric immunogens, expression vectors comprising the polynucleotides, and kits comprising the compositions are also provided.

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 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 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: This invention relates to assays for Chlamydia which include the step of inactivating lipid oxidation activity in a biological sample, such as a blood or serum sample. This inactivation improves the detection of Chlamydia antigens or anti-Chlamydia antibodies. Methods and materials for the detection of Chlamydia and Chlamydial infection are provided.

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: The invention relates to immunogenic compositions comprising combinations of Chlamydia trachomatis antigens and their use in vaccines. The composition may comprise at least two components, one component of which comprises Chlamydia trachomatis antigens for eliciting a Chlamydia trachomatis specific TH1 immune response and another component of which comprises antigens for eliciting a Chlamydia trachomatis specific TH2 immune response. The invention further relates to an immunogenic composition comprising a Chlamydia trachomatis Type III secretion system (TTSS) regulatory protein and a Chlamydia trachomatis Type III secretion system (TTSS) secreted protein or a fragment thereof. The invention further relates to the use of combinations of adjuvants for use with antigens associated with a sexually transmissible disease, such as Chlamydia trachomatis antigens. Preferred adjuvant combinations include mineral salts, such as aluminium salts and oligonucleotides comprising a CpG motif.

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 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 vaccine compositions useful in prevention and treatment of Chlamydia sp. (e.g., C. trachomatis or C. pneumoniae) infection. Provided are polypeptide vaccine antigens comprising Chlamydia HtrA-derived sequences, including epitopic fragments, analogs, derivatives, and variants. Also provided are a method for inducing an immune response to a subject against Chlamydia infection, a method for preventing Chlamydia infection, or a method for treating a disease or symptom caused by or resulting from infection with Chlamydia, for instance, C. trachomatis or C. pneumoniae. In one embodiment, the present invention is drawn to C. trachomatis HtrA, which induces a cellular immune response and imparts partial protective immunity in vivo.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment of Chlamydial infection are disclosed. The compositions provided include polypeptides that contain at least one antigenic portion of a Chlamydia antigen and DNA sequences encoding such polypeptides. Pharmaceutical compositions, vaccines and diagnostic kits are also disclosed.

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 discloses the Chlamydia PMPE and PMPI polypeptide, polypeptides derived therefrp, (PMP-derived polypeptides), nucleotide sequences encoding said polypeptides, antibodies that specifically bind the PMP polypeptides and PMP-derived polypeptides and T-cells specific for PMP polypeptides and PMP-derived polypeptides. Also disclosed are prophylactic and therapeutic compositions, including immunogenic compositions, e.g., vaccines, comprising PMP polypeptides or PMP-derived polypeptides or antibodies thereto. The invention additionally discloses methods of inducing in animals an immune response to Chlamydia cells, Chlamydia elementary bodies, and/or cells expressing Chlamydial proteins, e.g., cell infected with Chlamydia.

Abstract: The present invention provides purified and isolated polynucleotide molecules that encode Chlamydia polypeptides which can be used in methods to prevent, treat, and diagnose Chlamydia infection. In one form of the invention, the polypeptides relate to the 98 KDa OMP antigen designated CPN100686 RY 54 (SEQ ID No:14, encoded in one form by SEQ ID NO:1).

Abstract: Here we identify MMG and its alpha- and ketomycolic acid derivatives as highly bioactive lipids derived from M. bovis BCG (Copenhagen) capable of stimulating and activating human DC's at exceedingly low doses. In addition to their direct role as immunostimulators of human DC's we demonstrate their use in the development of a new generation of adjuvants suitable for human administration. We furthermore identify a number of highly active synthetic MMG analogues with great potential in cancer treatment, and for vaccine adjuvants against both infectious disease and disorders like Alzheimers disease.

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 immunisation as well as combinations of these antigens.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions comprising growth regulatable recombinant intracellular pathogens that have been transformed to express recombinant immunogenic antigens of the same or other intracellular pathogens are provided. Exemplary immunogenic compositions include, but are not limited to, growth regulatable and growth limited recombinant intracellular pathogen immunogenic compositions.

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: 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 non-toxic Gram-negative bacteria. In particular, the present invention provides viable Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., E. coli) substantially lacking lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin) within the outer membrane. The present invention further provides methods of generating viable non-toxic Gram-negative bacteria and uses thereof. The present invention also provides compositions and methods for inducing immune responses and for researching and developing therapeutic agents.

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 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 relates to compositions comprising combinations of Chlamydia trachomatis antigens and their use in vaccines. Specific combinations may be selected from a first antigen group of PepA, LcrE, ArtJ, DnaK, and CT398, and a second antigen group of PepA, LcrE, ArtJ, DnaK, CT398, OmpH-like, L7/L12, OmcA, AtoS, CT547, Eno, HtrA and MurG. The invention further relates to the use of combinations of adjuvants for use with antigens associated with a sexually transmissible disease, such as Chlamydia trachomatis antigens. Preferred adjuvant combinations include mineral salts, such as aluminium salts and oligonucleotides comprising a CpG motif.

Abstract: The invention discloses the Chlamydia PMPE and PMPI polypeptide, polypeptides derived therefrom, (PMP-derived polypeptides), nucleotide sequences encoding said polypeptides, antibodies that specifically bind the PMP polypeptides and PMP-derived polypeptides and T-cells specific for PMP polypeptides and PMP-derived polypeptides. Also disclosed are prophylactic and therapeutic compositions, including immunogenic compositions, e.g., vaccines, comprising PMP polypeptides or PMP-derived polypeptides or antibodies thereto. The invention additionally discloses methods of inducing in animals an immune response to Chlamydia cells, Chlamydia elementary bodies, and/or cells expressing Chlamydial proteins, e.g., cell infected with Chlamydia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to liposome formulations that are physically stable. In particular the present invention relates to steric stabilization of cationic liposomes by incorporating glycolipids into the liposomes. The stabilized liposomes can be used either as an adjuvant for antigenic components or as a drug delivery system. In particular the invention relates to vaccines with adjuvants in aqueous media for immunization, where the final product is stable.

Abstract: Cytotoxic T-cell epitopes from C.pneumoniae proteins have been empirically determined. The epitopes from corresponding C.trachomatis proteins have also been identified, and some of these are identical to those from C.pneumoniae. The empirical method showed that algorithmic prediction was inadequate. The epitopes are useful for immunisation and/or diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of nucleic acid, including DNA, immunization of a host, including humans, against disease caused by infection by a strain of Chlamydia, specifically C. pneumoniae, employing a vector containing a nucleotide sequence encoding a 98 kDa outer membrane protein of a strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae and a promoter to effect expression of the 98 kDa outer membrane protein gene in the host. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.

Abstract: The invention discloses the Chlamydia PMPE and PMPI polypeptide, polypeptides derived therefrp, (PMP-derived polypeptides), nucleotide sequences encoding said polypeptides, antibodies that specifically bind the PMP polypeptides and PMP-derived polypeptides and T-cells specific for PMP polypeptides and PMP-derived polypeptides. Also disclosed are prophylactic and therapeutic compositions, including immunogenic compositions, e.g., vaccines, comprising PMP polypeptides or PMP-derived polypeptides or antibodies thereto. The invention additionally discloses methods of inducing in animals an immune response to Chlamydia cells, Chlamydia elementary bodies, and/or cells expressing Chlamydial proteins, e.g., cell infected with Chlamydia.

Abstract: The invention provides an immunogenic composition comprising at least one antigen in association with micropar-tides, wherein the microparticles are in the same size range as viruses. In addition the invention also provides vaccine compositions and methods of eliciting immune responses in a subject.

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: 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: This invention is directed to a vaccine and a method for using the vaccine to protect a feline from influenza virus infection. The vaccine comprises one or more antigens from one or more H3, N8, H7 or N7-type influenza viruses.

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

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 vaccines for immunizing a host, including humans, against disease caused by infection by a strain of Chlamydia, specifically C. pneumoniae. The vaccine and method employ a full-length, 5?-truncated or 3?-truncated 76 kDa protein of a strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.

Abstract: A high molecular weight (“HMW”) protein of Chlamydia, the amino acid sequence thereof, and antibodies that specifically bind the HMW protein are disclosed as well as the nucleic acid sequence encoding the same. Also disclosed are prophylactic and therapeutic compositions, comprising the HMW protein, a fragment thereof, or an antibody that specifically binds the HMW protein or a portion thereof, or the nucleotide sequence encoding the HMW protein or a fragment thereof, including vaccines.

Abstract: A method for eliciting or inducing an immune response in a human or animal subject, comprises administering to said subject a composition comprising an antigen and an adjuvant, wherein the composition is administered to the subject by the intra-lung route.

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: 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: This invention relates to a novel adjuvant comprising a transfection reagent, and to uses of this adjuvant. In particular, the adjuvant may be used in compositions for eliciting an immune response and in vaccines.

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 invention relates to a recombinant Mycobacterium bovis which expresses at least one Chlamydophila pneumoniae antigen.

Abstract: The present invention provides vaccines and methods for immunizing a host, including humans, against disease caused by infection by a strain of Chlamydia, specifically C. pneumoniae. The vaccine and method employ a full-length, 5?-truncated or 3?-truncated 76kDa protein of a strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides purified and isolated polynucleotide molecules that encode Chlamydia polypeptides which can be used in methods to prevent, treat, and diagnose Chlamydia infection. In one form of the invention, the polynucleotide molecules encode polypeptides CPN100988 RY-68 (SEQ ID Nos:13 and 26).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of nucleic acid, including DNA, immunization of a host, including humans, against disease caused by infection by a strain of Chlamydia, specifically C. pneumoniae, employing a vector containing a nucleotide sequence encoding a 98 kDa outer membrane protein of a strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae and a promoter to effect expression of the 98 kDa outer membrane protein gene in the host. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.

Abstract: The invention discloses the Chlamydia PMPE and PMPI polypeptide, polypeptides derived thereof (PMP-derived polypeptides), nucleotide sequences encoding said polypeptides, antibodies that specifically bind the PMP polypeptides and PMP-derived polypeptides and T-cells specific for PMP polypeptides and PMP-derived polypeptides. Also disclosed are prophylactic and therapeutic compositions, including immunogenic compositions, e.g., vaccines, comprising PMP polypeptides or PMP-derived polypeptides or antibodies thereto. The invention additionally discloses methods of inducing in animals an immune response to Chlamydia cells, Chlamydia elementary bodies, and/or cells expressing Chlamydial proteins, e.g., cell infected with Chlamydia.