Abstract: This invention relates to a vaccine and a method for immune activation which is effective for eliciting both a systemic, non-antigen specific immune response and a strong antigen-specific immune response in a mammal. The method is particularly effective for protecting a mammal from a disease including cancer, a disease associated with allergic inflammation, an infectious disease, or a condition associated with a deleterious activity of a self-antigen. Also disclosed are therapeutic compositions useful in such a method.

Abstract: A method of improving immune-function in mammals using selected 3-HPA producing lactic acid bacteria with a medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil.

Abstract: Embodiments exploit the ability of the organism Bacillus thuringiensis to produce regularly shaped micrometer-sized crystals of Cry insect protoxins. In various embodiments, these crystals are used as a platform to generate various compositions that are useful for numerous applications.

Abstract: Immuno-adjuvant photodynamic therapy to treat and prevent metastatic cancer is effected using photosensitizers in combination with immuno-adjuvants to destroy metastatic tumor cells.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment of diseases associated with amyloid deposits of A? in the brain of a patient, such as Alzheimer's disease. Such methods entail administering an immunogenic fragment of A?, lacking a T-cell epitope, capable of inducing a beneficial immune response in the form of antibodies to A?. In another aspect, the immunogenic fragment of A? is capable of elevating plasma A? levels. The immunogenic fragments comprise linear or multivalent peptides of A?. Pharmaceutical compositions comprise the immunogenic fragment chemically linked to a carrier molecule which may be administered with an adjuvant.

Abstract: Methods for analyzing one or more elements, markers, ligands or other characteristics of the immune system of a body (e.g., of a human or other animal), and based on the analysis, determine a location of disease, identify immune system failure, and/or determine treatments based on disease location or immune system failure. All or a part of the immune system process may be analyzed to identify specific features of the immune system, e.g., which may indicate that the disease will evade the immune system and produce a negative outcome. Therapy may be employed to correct immune system failure rather than addressing the disease directly.

Abstract: Methods of modulating the immune response using pharmaceutical compositions containing crystalline adjuvants are described. In various embodiments the crystalline adjuvants are selected from the group consisting of monosodium urate (MSU), xanthine, basic calcium phosphate (BCP), calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD), hydroxyapatite, calcium oxalate, cholesterol, lipid liquid, other crystalline lipids, lithium heparin, talc, and starch.

Abstract: The invention provides a fusion protein comprising a flagellin adjuvant and a Yersinia pestis antigen. Also provided are compositions comprising a flagellin adjuvant and a Yersinia pestis antigen. The invention also discloses methods of making a fusion protein comprising a flagellin adjuvant and a Yersinia pestis antigen. The invention further provides pharmaceutical formulations and methods for inducing an immune response against Yersinia pestis.

Abstract: The invention relates to the immunization of pigs against Candidatus Helicobacter suis using antigens of species related to Candidatus Helicobacter suis.

Abstract: The invention relates to the immunization of pigs against Candidatus Helicobacter suis using antigens of species related to Candidatus Helicobacter suis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and a method of preparing or treating food products so as to improve their aroma, flavor, mildness, sweetness, consistency, texture, body, mouth feel, firmness, viscosity, gel fracture, wheying off, structure and/or organoleptic properties, nutrition and/or health benefits. In particular, the present invention provides a composition comprising a live micro-organism, an enzyme produced by said micro-organism and an exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by the activity of said enzyme.

Abstract: Novel bacteriocins and/or the novel lactic acid-producing strains are used for at least reducing the levels of colonization by at least one target bacteria in animals, especially poultry.

Abstract: The present invention describes the adjuvant activity of mutants of LT-IIa and LT-IIb enterotoxin which lack ganglioside binding activity. The adjuvant activity of the LT-IIb(T13I) mutant is comparable to that of the wild type LT-IIb. The adjuvant activity of LT-IIa(T34I) mutant is also described which exhibits a late onset adjuvant activity. These mutants are useful for enhancing immune response to antigens.

Abstract: Sequences encoding two immunoreactive glycoproteins were cloned from Ehrlichia canis (p153 gene) and Ehrlichia chaffeensis (p156 gene). These two glycoproteins are species-specific immunoreactive orthologs that are useful as subunit vaccines and for serologic and molecular diagnostics for E. canis and E. chaffeensis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunogenic polypeptide isolated from Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis and variants of the polypeptide. The polypeptide and variants may be used in vaccines against Johne's disease and in methods for detection of the disease. Antibodies against the polypeptide or variants may be used in diagnostic tests for Johne's disease. Also included are polynucleotides encoding the polypeptide and variants, and methods for preparing these.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adjuvant composition of the present invention including the oligodeoxynucleotides and the LPS-derived non-toxic polysaccharides as the major components.

Abstract: The CAMP factor gene of Streptococcus uberis (S. uberis) is described, as well as the recombinant production of CAMP factor therefrom. Also disclosed are chimeric CAMP factor constructs, including CAMP factor epitopes from more than one bacterial species. The CAMP factors and chimeras including the same can be used in immunogenic compositions for the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the cosmetic or pharmaceutical use of an extract of a nonfruiting nonphotosynthetic filamentous bacterium in a composition containing a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable medium, as an agent increasing the endogenous synthesis of superoxide dismutase, in particular for preventing and/or limiting the formation of free radicals and/or removing the free radicals present in cells; in addition, the invention relates to a composition comprising at least one extract of Vitreoscilla filiformis and lycopene.

Abstract: The invention concerns immunogenic glycopeptides derived from pathogenic microorganisms, useful for vaccination and diagnosis of infections caused by said pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria or fungi), and methods for selecting them and preparing them.

Abstract: Mutant cholera holotoxins having single or double amino acid substitutions or insertions have reduced toxicity compared to the wild-type cholera holotoxin. The mutant cholera holotoxins are useful as adjuvants in antigenic compositions to enhance the immune response in a vertebrate host to a selected antigen from a pathogenic bacterium, virus, fungus, or parasite, a cancer cell, a tumor cell, an allergen, or a self-molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of Immunology, specifically with the branch of Immuno-Allergy and in particular with the use of adjuvant or carrier compounds, capable of modulating the immune response to allergens. The technical objective that is pursued is to obtain a pharmaceutical preparation of therapeutic or prophylactic use using bacterial proteoliposomes, which transform the allergic response Th2 and IgE when being applied in allergic individuals, toward a protector response Th1; as well as it is able to prevent the appearance and the development of allergies in individuals non-allergic yet. The vaccine composition consists of proteoliposomes derived from Gram-negative bacteria coupled to allergens and optionally contains other adjuvants or antigens. The method for its preparation and an immunization scheme of two doses are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of lactic bacteria of the species Lactobacillus farciminis for the treatment or prevention of a pathology of the digestive tube, especially an acute or chronic inflammatory pathology of the intestine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to heat shock proteins from Mycobacterium leprae as well as their encoding polynucleotides and vectors and host cells containing these polynucleotides. These heat shock proteins and their encoding polynucleotides are useful in detection of Mycobacterium leprae. In addition, the heat shock protein can be used as an adjuvant in a pharmaceutical composition containing an antigen to induce or enhance the immune response against the antigen. Further, the heat shock protein may be used to treat atopic conditions or as a vaccine against Mycobacterium leprae. Alternatively, the heat shock protein can be used to form a fusion protein with an antigen to induce or enhance the immune response against the antigen.

Abstract: A preparation containing lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Porphyromonas gingivalis having a molecular negative mass ion of 1435 or 1449 is used as an immune system modulator to redirect a host's immune system against an antigen of interest. The 1435/1449 LPS preparation can be isolated from P. gingivalis or prepared as a derivative or mimetic thereof. The immunomodulating preparations of P. gingivalis 1435/1449 can be used as a vaccine adjuvant, and can be used to stimulate an immune response against a selected antigen associated with a disease of interest, such an antigen associated with a tumor, infectious disease, autoimmune disease, MHC antigen, or to modulate asthma or other inflammatory conditions.

Abstract: A P4 variant protein that has reduced enzymatic activity and that induces antibody to wild-type P4 protein and/or has good bactericidal activity against non-typable H. influenzae (NTHi) is useful as an active component in an immunogenic composition for humans. Methods of using these proteins, and compositions containing them in combination with additional antigens, are also provided.

Abstract: A method for obtaining an immune response to a non-enteric pathogen antigen (NEPA) such as hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) by feeding the antigen in a plant material to an animal that is immunoreceptive to the NEPA. It has now been discovered that the animal may be made immunoreceptive to the NEPA such as HBsAg by prior primary immunization. When the animal is made immunoreceptive by a prior, e.g. primary, immunization, an immune response to the NEPA may be boosted in the animal by feeding the animal the plant material containing the NEPA. For example, an animal, e.g. a human, that previously had a positive response to primary immunization against hepatitis B, can have a booster response to HBsAg by feeding the animal the antigen in a plant material. The plant material is a substance comprising a physiologically acceptable plant material, especially potatoes, containing the NEPA, e.g. hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The NEPA, e.g.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for regulation of airway hyperresponsiveness by modulating the action of ?? T cells in a patient. Also disclosed are methods for identifying compounds that regulate airway hyperresponsiveness by modulating ?? T cell action.

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: A process was developed for expressing antimicrobial peptides in a recombinant host cell that eliminates host cell toxicity and antimicrobial peptide degradation, as well as providing a process for rapid purification. Fusion proteins comprising a periplasmic targeting signal, cleavage site, and antimicrobial peptides provide the basis for this process which produces antimicrobial peptides that may be used in antimicrobial compositions and articles.

Abstract: An immune modulator composition and/or pharmaceutical composition comprising a whole cell of a bacterium from the genera Rhodococcus, Gordonia, Nocardia, Dietzia, Tsukamurella and Nocardioides, wherein said immune modulator composition in use modifies a cellular immune response.

Abstract: A method for obtaining an immune response to a non-enteric pathogen antigen (NEPA) such as hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) by feeding the antigen in a plant material to an animal that is immunoreceptive to the NEPA. It has now been discovered that the animal may be made immunoreceptive to the NEPA such as HBsAg by administering the plant material containing the NEPA in conjunction with a suitable adjuvant. The plant material is a substance comprising a physiologically acceptable plant material, especially potatoes, containing the NEPA, e.g. hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The NEPA, e.g. HBsAg in the plant results from expression by the plant of the NEPA due to genetic alteration.

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: Pharmaceutical application of a chemodenervating agent, particularly botulinum toxin, reduces inflammatory response and serves as an anti-inflammatory agent without systemic side effects and with long duration action, on the order of 12-24 weeks. In one embodiment, the effective dosage for allergy provoked inflammation reduction is an order of magnitude less than dosages associated with treatment of regional movement diseases, since the agent works to reduce inflammation by reducing histamine and other preformed mediator releases associated with mast cell degranulation.

Abstract: A method for obtaining an immune response to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) by feeding the antigen in a plant material to an animal that is immunoreceptive to the HBsAg. It has now been discovered that the animal may be made immunoreceptive to HBsAg either by administering the plant material containing HBsAg in conjunction with a suitable adjuvant or by prior primary immunization. When the animal is made immunoreceptive by a prior, e.g. primary, immunization, an immune response to HBsAg may be boosted in the animal by feeding the animal the plant material containing the HBsAg. For example, an animal, e.g. a human, that previously had a positive response to primary immunization against hepatitis B, can have a booster response to HBsAg by feeding the animal the antigen in a plant material. The plant material is a substance comprising a physiologically acceptable plant material, especially potatoes, containing hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg).

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequences containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides that modulate an immune response including stimulating a Th1 pattern of immune activation, cytokine production, NK lytic activity, and B cell proliferation are disclosed. The sequences are also useful a synthetic adjuvant.

Abstract: An adjuvant complex composed of bacterial outer membrane protein proteosomes complexed to bacterial liposaccharide is prepared to contain the component parts under a variety of conditions. The complex can be formulated with antigenic material to form immunogenic compositions, vaccines and immunotherapeutics. An induced immune response includes protective antibodies and/or type 1 cytokines is shown for a variety of protocols.

Abstract: Compositions including multiple oligodeoxynucleotides with a CpG motif are disclosed herein. The compositions can include either D or K type oligodeoxynucleotides. These compositions are of use in inducing an immune response in a large percentage of the individuals in a population.

Abstract: Nucleic acids containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides and therapeutic utilities based on their ability to stimulate an immune response and to redirect a Th2 response to a Th1 response in a subject are disclosed. Methods for treating atopic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for stimulating an immune response or modulating cell signal transduction in a host by administering to said host a composition comprising at least three biomodulatory molecules connected by at least one cross-linking agent forming a chain or matrix wherein the chain or matrix functions as an immuno-stimulatory adjuvant to activate an immune accessory cell. The composition may comprise one or more types of biomodulatory molecules selected from the group consisting of cytokines, bacterial molecules, receptor ligands, antigen binding fragments of antibodies, heat shock proteins, and integrins. The composition may further comprise one or more disease-specific antigens to stimulate an immune response. The disease-specific antigens may be selected from the group consisting of tumor-associated antigens, infectious disease-associated antigens, autoimmune-associated antigens, parasitic antigens, bacterial antigens, and viral antigens.

Abstract: A non-toxic mucosal adjuvant is provided which may be admixed with further antigens to provide a vaccine administrable to mucosal surfaces in organisms including man. Preferably, the non-toxic mucosal adjuvant is a detoxified mutant of a bacterial ADP-ribosylating toxin, optionally comprising one or more amino acid additions, deletions or substitutions.

Abstract: Mutant cholera holotoxins having single or double amino acid substitutions or insertions have reduced toxicity compared to the wild-type cholera holotoxin. The mutant cholera holotoxins are useful as adjuvants in antigenic compositions to enhance the immune response in a vertebrate host to a selected antigen from a pathogenic bacterium, virus, fungus, or parasite, a cancer cell, a tumor cell, an allergen, or a self-molecule.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immunogenic composition, characterized in that it comprises an adenyl cyclase-hemolysin (AC-Hly) protein, or an immunogenic portion of this AC-Hly, of a strain of Bordetella chosen from B. pertussis, B. parapertussis or B. bronchiseptica, and in that it comprises, in addition, a bacterial extract containing the expression products of the vrg genes of a strain of Bordetella chosen from B. pertussis, B. parapertussis or B. bronchiseptica, or a portion of these expression products which is sufficient to induce an immune response in a host to which the extract might be administered.

Abstract: The present invention describes the adjuvant activity of mutants of LT-IIa and LT-IIb enterotoxin which lack ganglioside binding activity. The adjuvant activity of the LT-IIb(T13I) mutant is comparable to that of the wild type LT-IIb. The adjuvant activity of LT-IIa(T34I) mutant is also described which exhibits a late onset adjuvant activity. These mutants are useful for enhancing immune response to antigens.

Abstract: Novel bacteriocins and/or the novel lactic acid-producing strains are used for at least reducing the levels of colonization by at least one target bacteria in animals, especially poultry.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immunogenic complex comprising at a least one glycoside and at least one lipid, integrated into an iscom complex or matrix, and at least one antigen which antigen is integrated into the iscom complex or coupled on to or mixed with the iscom complex or iscom matrix complex, characterised in that it also comprises at least one enzyme. It also relates to such a complex further comprising at least one peptide which specifically binds to a receptor expressed on a cell capable of antigen presentation, which cell expresses MHC Class I or Class II and to compositions comprising the complexes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to flagellin and its use as an adjuvant for vaccination. The invention can be used in vaccine formulations to improve immunity against any other antigen administered at the same localization. The antigen can be administered in the same construct as Flagellin or in any other formulation given at the same localization. As an alternative flagellin can be used to stimulate immunity against antigens expressed at a specific location. Flagellin can also be used to induce local inflammation with the purpose of creating a model for inflammation.

Abstract: The invention, in one aspect, generally relates to mithramycin derivatives from mutated Streptomyces argillaceus and their production. The invention also relates using the derivatives for the treatment of various diseases. Finally, the invention relates to a mutated Streptomyces argillaceus useful in the production of the mithramycin derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of controlling the direction and/or movement of migratory cells. Specifically, the invention is directed to the identification of novel chemorepellents and unimodal fugetaxins, their agonists and antagonists which alter or affect the movement of cells involved in immune, inflammatory or cancerous phenotypes.

Abstract: Use of an immune modulator composition and/or pharmaceutical composition comprising a whole cell of a bacterium from the genera Rhodococcus, Gordonia, Nocardia, Dietzia, Tsukamurella and Nocardioides, for use in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of an autoimmune disease or autoimmune disorder, including certain vascular disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjuvant product which is intended to improve the activity of a molecule when administered to a host, characterized in that it comprises at least one part of the P40 protein of Klebsiella pneumoniae or a protein having at least 80% homology with the P40 protein of Klebsiella pneumoniae. The invention also relates to nucleotide sequences which encode these peptides or proteins and to the use of these sequences as a medicament. More particularly, such DNA sequences can be used in compositions which are intended for immunization by the intramuscular or intradermal route.