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: 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: Uses of the plasmid-encoded protein pgp3 from C. trachomatis, serotype D, purified by ion exchange column chromatography and shown to be suitable for quantitative immunoassay on clinical samples in an ELISA format, in methods of eliciting and diagnosing an immune response are described.

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: 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 invention relates to the identification of members of a gene family from the human respiratory pathogen Chlamydia pneumoniae, encoding surface exposed membrane proteins of a size of approximately 89-101 kDa, preferably about 89.6-100.3 kDa and about 56.1 kDa. The invention relates to the novel DNA sequences, the deduced amino acid sequences of the corresponding proteins and the use of the DNA sequences and the proteins in diagnosis of infections caused by C. pneumoniae, in pathology, in epidemiology, and as vaccine components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to secreted Chlamydia polypeptides, which may be expressed by a Gram-negative bacterial strain and secreted by the type III secretion pathway of said bacterial strain. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides coding for these polypeptides, as well as to the therapeutic and vaccination uses of these secreted Chlamydia polypeptides.

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: 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 nucleic acids, proteins and vectors for 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. trachomatis. The method employs a vector containing a nucleotide sequence encoding a Mgp002 polypeptide of a strain of Chlamydia operably linked to a promoter to effect expression of the gene product in the host. Truncated forms of the full-length Mgp002 gene are useful immunogens for protecting against disease caused by infection with Chlamydia. The invention further provides recombinant Mgp002 protein useful for protecting against disease caused by infection with Chlamydia.

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: 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: 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 antigenic proteins of Chlamydia trachomatis. The proteins of the present invention are useful for eliciting an immune response to Chlamydia in a patient. For example, an effective amount of protein of the present invention or fraction thereof may be administered to a patient for eliciting a Chlamydia specific immune response. In another example, a method of raising an antibody specific for Chlamydia trchomatis elementary bodies (EB) is provided in which a protein of the present invention is administered to a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of immunizing a host against disease caused by infection by a strain of Chlamydia, specifically C. pneumoniae. The method involves nucleic acid immunization, including DNA immunization, and employs a vector containing a nucleotide sequence which encodes an ATP/ADP translocase of a strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae. The nucleotide sequence is operably linked to a promoter to effect expression of the ATP/ADP translocase in the host. The host may be a human host. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.

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 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 are selected from DNA that encode polypeptides CPN100686 RY 54 (SEQ ID Nos: 1 and 14), CPN100696 RY-55 (SEQ ID Nos: 2 and 15), CPN100709 RY-57 (SEQ ID Nos: 3 and 16), CPN100710 RY-58 (SEQ ID Nos: 4 and 17), CPN100711 RY-59 (SEQ ID Nos: 5 and 18), CPN100877 RY-61 (SEQ ID Nos: 6 and 19), CPN100325 RY-62 (SEQ ID Nos: 7 and 20), CPN100368 RY-63 (SEQ ID Nos: 8 and 21), CPN100624 RY-64 (SEQ ID Nos:9 and 22), CPN100633 RY-65 (SEQ ID Nos:10 and 23), CPN100985 RY-66 (SEQ ID Nos:11 and 24), CPN100987 RY-67 (SEQ ID Nos:12 and 25) and CPN100988 RY-68 (SEQ ID Nos:13 and 26).

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 60 kDa cysteine-rich membrane protein of a strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.

Abstract: Vaccine compositions protective against Chlamydia psittaci infections in animals, including but not limited to humans and avian species, comprising an immunogenic amount of a C. psittaci major outer membrane protein (MOMP) polypeptide lacking regions VD1 and VD2 are provided. Nucleic acid vectors for the expression of MOMP polypeptides and MOMP polypeptide fusion proteins are disclosed. Nucleic acid vectors encoding a C. psittaci major outer membrane protein (MOMP) polypeptide lacking regions VD1 and VD2 useful for genetic, or “naked nucleic acid” vaccination are disclosed. Methods for preventing a Chlamydia psittaci infection in a subject using MOMP polypeptides, MOMP polypeptide-fusion proteins, or nucleic acid expression vectors are also provided.

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: Peptides are disclosed that include SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, and SEQ ID NO:6, or a conservative variant or mimic thereof, wherein the conservative variant or mimic specifically binds an antibody that specifically binds SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID or NO:6. These peptides are of use in generating an immune response against C. pneumoniae, or in preventing infection with against C. pneumoniae.

Abstract: Nucleic acid, including DNA, for immunization to generate a protective immune response in a host, including humans, to a major outer membrane protein of a strain of Chlamydia, preferably contains a nucleotide sequence encoding a MOMP or a MOMP fragment that generates antibodies that specifically react with MOMP and a promoter sequence operatively coupled to the first nucleotide sequence for expression of the MOMP in the host. The non-replicating vector may be formulated with a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier for in vivo administration to the host.

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 an inclusion membrane protein C of a strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae and a promoter to effect expression of the inclusion membrane protein C gene in the host.

Abstract: The present invention concerns treatment, prevention and diagnosis of infection due to Chlamydia pneumoniae and, in particular, to the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis, including coronary atherosclerosis, caused by same.

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: Mucosal administration of OspA and compositions therefor are disclosed and claimed. More particularly, oral administration of OspA and compositions therefor for eliciting an immunological response against Borrelia burgdorferi, such as a protective response preventive of Lyme disease are disclosed and claimed. Thus, oral Lyme disease vaccines or immunological compositions and methods of use are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acids, proteins and vectors for 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. The method employs a vector containing a nucleotide sequence encoding an ATP-binding cassette of a strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae and a promoter to effect expression of the ATP-binding cassette gene product in the host. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.

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 full-length, 5?-truncated or 3?-truncated 76 kDa protein of a strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae and a promoter to effect expression of the 76 kDa protein gene in the host. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.

Abstract: A new recombinant form of the plasmid-encoded protein pgp3 from C. trachomatis, serotype D, was purified by ion exchange column chromatography and shown to be suitable for quantitative immunoassy on clinical samples in an ELISA format.

Abstract: Nucleic acid, including DNA, for immunization to generate a protective immune response in a host, including humans, to a major outer membrane protein of a strain of Chlamydia, preferably contains a nucleotide sequence encoding a fragment that generates antibodies that specifically react with MOMP and a promoter sequence operatively coupled to the first nucleotide sequence for expression of the MOMP fragment in the host. The non-replicating vector may be formulated with a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier for in vivo administration to the host.

Abstract: The present invention provides vaccine compositions comprising an oil-in-water emulsion optionally with 3 De-O-acylated monophosphoryl lipid A and QS21. The vaccine compositions are potent induces of a range of immune responses.

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: In summary of this disclosure, 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 an 98 kDa putative outer membrane protein of a strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae and a promoter to effect expression of the 98 kDa putative outer membrane protein gene in the host. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to therapeutic compositions for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of intestinal disease conditions in animals and birds caused or exacerbated by Lawsonia intracellularis or similar or otherwise related microorganism. In particular, the present invention provides a novel gene derived from Lawsonia intracellularis, which encodes an immunogenic polypeptide that is particularly useful as an antigen in a vaccine preparation for conferring humoral immunity against Lawsonia intracellularis and related pathogens in animal hosts, wherein said polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of flhB, fliR, ntrC, glnH, motA, motB, tlyC, ytfM, and ytfN polypeptides, or a homologue, analogue or derivative of any one or more of said polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique approach for the diagnosis and management of infections by Chlamydia species, particularly C. pneumoniae. The invention is based, in part, upon the discovery that a combination of agents directed toward the various stages of the chlamydial life cycle is effective in substantially reducing infection. Products comprising combination of antichlamydial agents, novel compositions and pharmaceutical packs are also described.

Abstract: Nucleic acid, including DNA, for immunization to generate a protective immune response in a host, including humans, to a major outer membrane protein of a strain of Chlamydia, preferably contains a nucleotide sequence encoding a MOMP or a MOMP fragment that generates antibodies that specifically react with MOMP and a promoter sequence operatively coupled to the first nucleotide sequence for expression of the MOMP in the host. The non-replicating vector may be formulated with a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier for in vivo administration to the host.

Abstract: The invention relates to adjuvants that contain a lecithin, an oil and an amphiphilic surfactant and that are capable of forming a stable oil-in-water emulsion vaccine so as to minimize local reactions to the vaccine in the injected animal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of immunizing a host against disease caused by infection by a strain of Chlamydia, specifically C. pneumoniae. The method involves nucleic acid immunization, including DNA immunization, and employs a vector containing a nucleotide sequence which encodes an ATP/ADP translocase of a strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae. The nucleotide sequence is operably linked to a promoter to effect expression of the ATP/ADP translocase in the host. The host may be a human host. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.

Abstract: Certain Chlamydia proteins have been found to be infection-specific and to be associated primarily with the vegetative Reticulate Body form of Chlamydia rather than with the refractile Elementary Body form of Chlamydia. The invention includes a vaccine directed against the Reticulate Body form of Chlamydia comprising one or more infection-specific proteins, or fraction thereof; a method of using such a vaccine; a method of production of such a vaccine; a method for detection of infection-specific antibodies in a biological specimen; a method for detection of infection-specific antigens in a biological specimen and a method of using therapeutic agents specifically directed against infection-specific peptides, or the genes that code for such peptides, to treat chlamydial infection. The invention also includes the IncB, and IncC proteins of C. psittaci, and nucleotides encoding these proteins, ant the TroA, TroB and p242 proteins of C. trachomatis, and the nucleotides that encode polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to adjuvants that contain a lecithin, an oil and an amphiphilic surfactant and that are capable of forming a stable oil-in-water emulsion vaccine so as to minimize local reactions to the vaccine in the injected animal.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptides or a mixture of peptides, or analogs thereof, derived from the variable domains of the Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) immunodominant major outer membrane protein (MOMP). The peptides or mixtures of peptides are characterized by having specificity only to C. trachomatis anti-MOMP antibodies and being non-cross reactive with anti-MOMP antibodies of other Chlamydia species Specific peptides are described (SEQ ID Nos. 1 to 8) as well as their analogs, which have essentially the same biological activity.

Abstract: Nucleic acid, including DNA, immunization to generate a protective immune response in a host, including humans, to a major outer membrane protein of a strain of Chlamydia, preferably contains a nucleotide sequence encoding a MOMP or a MOMP fragment that generates antibodies that specifically react with MOMP and a promoter sequence operatively coupled to the first nucleotide sequence for expression of the MOMP in the host. The non-replicating vector may be formulated with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for in vivo administration to the host.

Abstract: A host is immunized against infection by a strain of Chlamydia by initial administration of an attenuated bacteria harbouring a nucleic acid encoding a Chlamydia protein followed by administration of a Chlamydia protein in ISCOMs. This procedure enables a high level of protection to be achieved.

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 CPN100605 polypeptide of a strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae and a promoter to effect expression of the CPN100605 polypeptide in the host. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.

Abstract: A new recombinant form of the plasmid-encoded protein pgp3 from C. trachomatis, serotype D, to be used in immunogenic compositions and in the preparation of immunogenic compositions was purified by ion exchange column chromatography and shown to be suitable for quantitative immunoassy on clinical samples in an ELISA format.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of lipid oxidising abzymes as a key pathogenic factor in atherosclerotic disorders. Methods and means for the reduction of abzyme mediated lipid oxidation in the vascular system are provided as therapeutic approaches for the treatment of atherosclerotic disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides vaccine compositions comprising an oil-in-water emulsion optionally with 3 De-O-acylated monophosphoryl lipid A and QS21. The vaccine compositions are potent inducers of a range of immune responses.

Abstract: Identification of linear amino acid antigenic sequences for the production of both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to defined antigenic domains is described. Also described are antigenic peptides identified by the described methods and antibodies thereto.

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: In summary of this disclosure, 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 an POMP91B precursor protein of a strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae and a promoter to effect expression of the POMP91B precursor gene in the host. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.