Abstract: Antibodies, polypeptides, and polynucleotides are provided for the detection, prevention, amelioration and treatment of diseases caused by Actinobacillus actinomycetecomitans.

Abstract: A protein toxin named Aeromonas salmonicida exoenzyme T (AexT), which belongs to the family of ADP-ribosylating toxins, is disclosed as is a novel Calcium (or other cation concentration) dependent promoter of A. salmonicida. Also disclosed are diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic techniques, including the preparation of bacterin vaccines based on AexT for inducing immunity against A. salmonicida infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide capable of binding to IgE from subjects allergic to venom of an insect from the order Hymenoptera having a homology of more than 70% to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, which is the honey bee allergen Api m3 (acid phosphatase). The invention further relates to expression vectors, host cells and polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid, as well as diagnostic and pharmaceutical uses thereof.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the sporulation, sterilization and storage of coccidial oocyst which are characterized by an absence of the highly toxic chemical potassium dichromate. Also provided are compositions containing sporulated oocysts which are free of potassium dichromate.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include nucleic acid sequences, which encode hepatitis C virus of strain HC-TN, genotype 1a, proteins and polypeptides and fragments thereof. Use of these compositions, and diagnostics for HCV and in the development of screening assays for the identification of antiviral agents for HCV are also contemplated.

Abstract: Novel genes encoding homologous immunoreactive thio-disulfide oxidoreductases, or disulfide bond formation (Dsb) proteins from Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia canis are disclosed. While the E. chaffeensis and E. canis Dsb proteins are at most only 31% or less homologous to other known Dsb proteins, the Ehrlichia Dsbs contain a cysteine active site, Cys-Gly-Tyr-Cys, similar to those in known Dsb proteins. As predicted by 15-amino acid identical N-terminal signal peptides, the proteins are primarily localized in the periplasm of E. chaffeensis and E. canis, possibly playing a role in antigenicity and pathogenesis. The present invention provides the nucleotide and amino acid sequences and expression vectors for the E. chaffeensis and E. canis dsb genes, antisera directed against the proteins, and kits to determine whether an individual or animal is infected with a given species of Ehrlichia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel lipoprotein particle, methods for preparing and purifying the same, its use in medicine, particularly in the prevention of malarial infections, compositions/vaccines containing the particle or antibodies against the protein particle such as monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies and use of the same, particularly in therapy. Furthermore, particles with the specific ratio can be prepared by employing yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Pichia pastoris. In particular it relates to an immunogenic protein particle comprising the following monomers: a. a fusion protein comprising sequences derived from a CS protein of P. vivax and the S antigen of Hepatitis B (CSV-S), and b. S antigen derived from Hepatitis B virus, and characterised in that the ratio of S to CSV-S is in the range 0.1 to 1. Suitably, the ratio of S to CSV-S is in the range 0.19 to 0.30 or 0.68 to 0.80.

Abstract: An immunogenic reagent which produces an immune response which is protective against Bacillus anthracis, said reagent comprising one or more polypeptides which together represent up to three domains of the full length Protective Antigen (PA) of B. anthracis or variants of these, and at least one of said domains comprises domain 1 or domain 4 of PA or a variant thereof. The polypeptides of the immunogenic reagent as well as full length PA are produced by expression from E. coli. High yields of polypeptide are obtained using this method. Cells, vectors and nucleic acids used in the method are also described and claimed.

Abstract: The determination of the nucleotide sequence of HTLV-III DNA; identification, isolation and expression of HTLV-III sequences which encode immunoreactive polypeptides by recombinant DNA methods and production of viral RNA are disclosed. Such polypeptides can be employed in immunoassays to detect HTLV-III.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods of identifying, modifying and producing modified target molecules, including therapeutic molecules by modification with non-natural amino acids. Certain aspects of the invention include methods of adding a chemical moiety to a target molecule, and the compositions resulting therefrom. Certain aspects of the invention also relate to kits for identifying, modifying and producing modified target molecules described herein.

Abstract: Glycoproteins containing high mannose oligosaccharides are obtained and used to generate antibody to the mannose portion of the molecule. Such antibodies can be used in a diagnostic assay. The glycoproteins can be used to generate neutralizing antibody.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing mature recombinant Mite Group I allergen comprising the steps of a) providing an allergen expression system in the form of a host cell selected from the group of yeasts containing a vector comprising cDNA encoding pro-allergen, b) cultivating the allergen expression system at a cultivation pH of between 5.5 and 7.5 for a cultivation period to express pro-allergen to obtain a cultivation mixture containing pro-allergen, c) adjusting the pH of the cultivation mixture to a maturation pH of between 3.5 and 5.0, d) maintaining the cultivation mixture at the maturation pH for a maturation period to convert the pro-allergen into mature allergen to obtain a product mixture, and e) subjecting the product mixture to a purification method to isolate mature allergen from the product mixture.

Abstract: Improved, low cost vaccines for administration to living subjects such as mammals and birds are provided, which include killed recombinantly modified microorganisms (whole cell recombinant bacterin vaccine), the latter including recombinant DNA encoding at least one protective protein (e.g., an antigenic protein) which has been expressed by the microorganisms prior to killing thereof. The protective protein(s) are operable to prevent or reduce the severity of a disease of the subject. The vaccine preparations of the invention do not require separation of the protective protein(s) from the host recombinant microorganism(s), thereby materially decreasing the complexity and cost of the vaccine formulations. A preferred vaccine against kennel cough includes recombinantly modified microorganisms which express protective antigens containing pertactin and filamentous hemagglutinin protein products.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotide sequences of the genome of Streptococcus pneumoniae, polypeptide sequences encoded by the polynucleotide sequences, corresponding polynucleotides and polypeptides, vectors and hosts comprising the polynucleotides, and assays and other uses thereof. The present invention further provides polynucleotide and polypeptide sequence information stored on computer readable media, and computer-based systems and methods which facilitate its use.

Abstract: This invention is directed to preparation and expression of synthetic genes encoding polypeptides containing protective epitopes of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT). The invention is also directed to production of immunogenic peptides encoded by the synthetic genes, as well as recovery and purification of the immunogenic peptides from recombinant organisms. The invention is also directed to methods of vaccination against botulism using the expressed peptides.

Abstract: The invention provides (a) an HIV Tat protein or derivative thereof linked to either (i) a fusion partner or (ii) an HIV Nef protein or derivative thereof; or (b) an HIV Nef protein or derivative thereof linked to either (i) a fusion partner or (ii) an HIV Tat protein or derivative thereof; or (c) an HIV Nef protein or derivative thereof linked to an HIV Tat protein or derivative thereof and a fusion partner. The invention further provides for a nucleic acid encoding such a protein and a host cell, such as Pichia Pastoris, transformed with the aforementioned nucleic acid.

Abstract: The invention provides protective antigens for Group B streptococcus hypervirulent strains. The fragments are useful in vaccine compositions to induce protection against S. agalactiae, particularly against hypervirulent strains.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a preparation method using a fusion expression partner. The method includes preparing a polynucleotide encoding a fusion expression partner selected from the group consisting of SlyD (FKBR type peptidyl prolyl cis-trans isomerase). Crr (glucose-specific phosphotransferase (PTS) enzyme IIA component). RpoS (RNA polymerase sigma factor) PotD (Spermidine/putrescine-binding periplasmic protein), and RpoA (RNA polymerase alpha subunit), and an expression vector linking a polyDNA fragment of a heterologous protein, preparing a transformant by introducing the expression vector into a host cell, inducing the expression of a recombinant protein by culturing a transformant, and obtaining the expression.

Abstract: The invention provides HSV antigens and epitopes that are useful for the prevention and treatment of HSV infection. T-cells having specificity for antigens of the invention have demonstrated cytotoxic activity against cells loaded with virally-encoded peptide epitopes, and in many cases, against cells infected with HSV. The identification of immunogenic antigens responsible for T-cell specificity provides improved anti-viral therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. Compositions containing antigens or polynucleotides encoding antigens of the invention provide effectively targeted vaccines for prevention and treatment of HSV infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. The compositions are vaccines comprising IL-18 or fragments thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of producing a heterologous biological substance, comprising: (a) cultivating a mutant of a parent Aspergillus niger strain in a medium suitable for the production of the heterologous biological substance, wherein (i) the mutant strain comprises a first nucleotide sequence encoding the heterologous biological substance and one or more second nucleotide sequences comprising a modification of glaA and at least one of the genes selected from the group consisting of asa, amyA, amyB, prtT, and oah, and (ii) the mutant strain is deficient in the production of glucoamylase and at least one enzyme selected from the group consisting of acid stable alpha-amylase, neutral alpha-amylase A, and neutral alpha-amylase B, protease, and oxalic acid hydrolase compared to the parent Aspergillus niger strain when cultivated under identical conditions; and (b) recovering the heterologous biological substance from the cultivation medium.

Abstract: The invention provides a method to efficiently express high levels of a recombinant untagged NT-proBNP for use as a calibrator in NT-proBNP immunoassays.

Abstract: This invention provides novel carbonic anhydrase (CAIX) nucleic acid and peptide sequences, as well as related methods and compositions, including anti-cancer immunogenic agent(s) (e.g. vaccines and chimeric molecules) that elicit an immune response specifically directed against cancer cells expressing a CAIX antigenic marker. The novel CAIX variant and related compositions are useful in a wide variety of treatment modalities including, but not limited to protein vaccination, DNA vaccination, and adoptive immunotherapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of immunology and development of autologous vaccines. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with a method of treating autoimmune disease Multiple Sclerosis (MS) by means of immunizing patients with autologous CD8+ cells activated with fragments of Myelin Basic Protein (MBP). The present invention identifies four immunogenic MBP fragments with high binding affinity to HLA-A2 and HLA-A24 receptors and discloses how to use these fragments in preparing anti-MS vaccine.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for increasing bone density using antibodies directed to a novel class or family of TGF-? binding proteins are provided. The disclosed compositions are useful, for example, in the diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of diseases associated with a loss of bone density, for example osteoporosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions useful in preparing and/or serving as antitoxins against Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax. The present invention also provides polypeptides and polynucleotides relating to the capillary morphogenisis gene 2 (CMG-2), vectors containing the polynucleotides and polypeptides, and host cells containing related polynucleotide molecules, all used in association with the treatment of, or the research and development of treatments for anthrax. The present invention also relates to methods for identifying molecules that bind CMG-2 and molecules that reduce the toxicity of anthrax toxin. Finally, the present invention provides methods for treating human and non-human animals suffering from anthrax.

Abstract: This invention pertains in part to the development of a vaccine for poultry against necrotic enteritis (NE). The vaccine utilizes a protective antigen that is a mutated, full-length, non-toxic Clostridium perfringens (Cp) ?-toxin protein (Mcpa). Utility of this vaccine was demonstrated by reduction of lesion severity in NE challenge trails, for example. Also disclosed herein are novel approaches for producing this vaccine in significant quantities. One exemplified approach involves producing NE vaccine (mutated alpha toxin) in bacterial expression systems, preferably utilizing the Pseudomonas fluorescens system, for commercial use in controlling NE in the poultry industry. The subject vaccines can be administered preferably to chickens in several different ways. A novel, Type VI alpha toxin from chicken isolates of Cp is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of autoimmunity. More specifically, the present invention relates to the detection of autoantibodies to domain 4 of beta 2-glycoprotein I (?2-GPI) as an indicator for atherosclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention refers to Tat as the active principle for a prophylactic and/or therapeutic vaccine against HIV infection, the progression towards AIDS and the development of tumors and other syndromes and symptoms in subjects infected by HIV. Tat is in biologically active form either as recombinant protein or peptide or as DNA. More particularly, the invention refers to a vaccine based on HIV-1 Tat as immunogen, inoculated as DNA and/or recombinant protein or as peptides, alone or in combination with other genes or viral gene products (Nef, Rev, Gag) or parts thereof, or in combination with various immuno modulant cytokines (IL-12, IL-15) or with the gene coding for an immuno modulant cytokine or part thereof. Tat, Nef, Rev, Gag and the immuno modulant cytokines are administrated both as a mixture of recombinant proteins, peptides or fusion proteins (Tat/Nef, Tat/Rev, Tat/Gag, Tat/IL-12, Tat/IL-15) or as plasmid DNA.

Abstract: Forms of GAS25 (streptolysin O) which are not toxic but which still maintain the ability to induce protection against S. pyogenes are useful in vaccine compositions to induce protection against S. pyogenes.

Abstract: The expression of the lipidated form of the peptidoglycan-associated protein (PAL) of gram-negative bacteria is achieved through the use of a plasmid containing a tightly regulated promoter. A bacterial host cell is transformed, transduced or transfected with such a plasmid. The host cell is then cultured under conditions such that the lipidated recombinant PAL is expressed. The lipidated recombinant PAL is included in an antigenic composition administered to a mammalian host to immunize against a gram-negative bacterium.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of a new adhesin islands within the genomes of several Gram positive Streptococcus serotypes and isolates. Adhesin island polypeptides of the invention may be used in immunogenic compositions for prophylactic or therapeutic immunization against GAS, GBS, and S. pneumococcal infections.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the induction of a protective immunize response in primates against a lethal challenge of Plasmodium.

Abstract: The present invention features polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence structurally related to SEQ ID NO: 1 and uses of such polypeptides. SEQ ID NO: 1 is a truncated derivative of a full-length S. epidermidis polypeptide. The full-length naturally occurring polypeptide is referred to herein as full-length ORF1319e. A His-tagged derivative of SEQ ID NO: 1 was found to produce a protective immune response against S. epidermidis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protein antigens IcsP2 and SigA2 from Shigella that are common among numerous Shigella types and species and which can protect against shigellosis or other enteric infections when administered as vaccines. In addition, the present invention relates to antigens that are in common between Shigella species and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC). The invention also relates to the use of antibodies raised against these antigens and of DNA probes for use in the diagnosis of Shigella and EIEC infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of prostate cancer. Methods and compositions comprising recombinant BCG are provided for eliciting potent immune responses against prostate specific antigens that are effective for treatment of prostate cancer and metastatic disease.

Abstract: A candidate subunit for a vaccine against malaria caused by P. vivax, known as Pv200L, which is based on N-terminal end portions of the P. vivax MSP-1 protein is disclosed. The subunit is designed for use alone or in formulations, combined with other subunits. The production of recombinant prototypes of the subunit and the design of a production process that can be scaled up for mass production thereof is also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions comprising osteogenic factors fused with membrane transduction domains of viral proteins are provided. Also provided are methods of expression and use of such compositions. Further, the methods of making such compositions are also provided. The methods involve transfecting the cells with an isolated nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a LIM mineralization protein operably linked to a promoter and optionally a membrane transduction domain of a viral protein. Transfection may be accomplished ex vivo or in vivo by direct injection of virus or naked DNA, or by a nonviral vector such as a plasmid. Methods for treating disc disease associated with trauma or disc degeneration are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the use of antigenic peptides derived from the Fc portion of the epsilon heavy chain of an IgE molecule as vaccines for the treatment and prevention of IgE-mediated allergic disorders. In particular, the invention provides compositions, methods for the treatment and prevention of IgE-mediated allergic disorders comprising an immunogenic amount of one or more antigenic peptides derived from the CH3 domain or junction of Ch-3/CH4 domain of an IgE molecule and methods for the evaluation of IgE mediated allergies in dogs.

Abstract: Methods for treating or preventing infections from coagulase-negative staphylococci using proteins and polypeptides from coagulase-negative staphylococcal bacteria such as S. epidermidis, including proteins designated SdrF, SdrG and SdrH, and their effective fragments such as their respective A domains, are provided. Methods are also provided wherein antibodies that recognize the SdrG protein or its ligand binding A region are used to treat or prevent staphylococcal infection, and these methods can also be utilized to prevent the formation of infections on indwelling medical devices.

Abstract: The present invention features polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence structurally related to SEQ ID NO: 1 and uses of such polypeptides. SEQ ID NO: 1 is a truncated derivative of a full-length S. epidermidis polypeptide. The full-length naturally occurring polypeptide is referred to herein as full-length ORF2695e. A His-tagged derivative of SEQ ID NO: 1 was found to produce a protective immune response against S. epidermidis.

Abstract: This invention provides polynucleotides encoding Helicobacter pylori cytotoxin associated immunodominant antigen. The polynucleotides can be used as probes to identify the presence of complementary target nucleotide sequences. The invention also provides kits and vectors containing the polynucleotides of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of combating leishmaniases. Said invention results from the isolation, from wild isolates of Leishmania major, of a protein-coding gene known as LmPDI which has two regions that are identical to the sequence (Cys-Gly-His-Cys) of the potential active site of the protein disulphide isomerases (PDI). The LmPDI protein is predominantly expressed in the most virulent isolates of the parasite. Said protein forms a novel therapeutic target for developing anti-leishmaniasis medicaments and a novel element that can be used in the composition of immunogenic, and possibly vaccinating, preparations which are intended to protect a human or animal host against Leishmania.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions, methods and kits for enhancing the immunogenicity of an antigen via fusion to a Listerial protein. The present invention further encompasses Listeria vaccine strains for enhancing the immunogenicity of an antigen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating symptoms of diabetes in a diabetic subject which comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an agent which inhibits binding of advanced glycation endproducts to any receptor for advanced glycation endproducts so as to treat chronic symptoms of diabetes in the subject.

Abstract: Streptococcus proteins and polynucleotides encoding them are disclosed. Said proteins are antigenic and therefore useful vaccine components for the prophylaxis or therapy of streptococcus infection in animals. Also disclosed are recombinant methods of producing the protein antigens as well as diagnostic assays for detecting streptococcus bacterial infection.

Abstract: The invention provides BASB119 polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding BASB119 polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic uses.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a method for identifying the antigenic regions of HCMV proteins involved in the human B-cell response to HCMV infection, for combining such antigenic regions in the form of chimeric fusion products, and their use as diagnostic and immunogenic agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated polynucleotide comprising or consisting of the nucleotide sequence encoding the G protein of human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), wherein the nucleotide sequence is codon optimised for expression in mammalian cells and wherein the polynucleotide provides increased expression of the G protein in mammalian cells relative to expression of the wildtype RSV-G gene. Preferably, the polynucleotide comprises or consists of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2. Further aspects of the invention provide pharmaceutical compositions, in particular vaccines, for use in methods of immunising a subject against RSV infection.

Abstract: A prophylactic or therapeutic vaccine for use in protecting mammals such as humans or animals against Venezelan Equine Encephalitis virus (VEE) is described. In particular, the vaccine comprises a recombinant virus such as a recombinant vaccinia virus which is able to express the structural genes of VEE in attenuated form, which has been modified to increase the protective effect of the vaccine. This is achieved by modifying the sequence of the attenuated VEE strain and/or putting this under the control of modified promoter which increases expression from the vector. Formulations of the vaccine as well as methods of treatment using the vaccine are also described.