Abstract: The present invention discloses novel proteins, e.g., antigens, from Piscirickettsia salmonis. The present invention further discloses nucleic acids that encode these proteins. The present invention also discloses the use of the proteins, e.g., antigens, and nucleic acids to prepare vaccines against salmonid rickettsial septicemia (SRS). The present invention also discloses vaccines that can be used to protect fish from Piscirickettsia salmonis, as well as other pathogens. In addition, the present invention discloses methods of using the vaccines of the present invention to protect fish from SRS as well as from other pathogenic diseases.

Abstract: A composition is provided comprising N. meningitidis outer membrane vesicles, wherein said outer membrane vesicles are enriched with at least one antigenic component. The composition is suitable for use in vaccines and for treatment of infection, particularly meningococcal infection, demonstrating a broad spectrum of protection. A number of preferred antigenic components are described and include antigenic proteins and proteoglycans derived from N. meningitidis.

Abstract: A heteropentamer composed of a fusion monomer (32) comprising a fusion protein of an antigenic amino acid sequence and an amino acid sequence of a monomer of a mucous membrane-binding protein and a nonfusion monomer (20) of an amino acid sequence of a monomer of a mucous membrane-binding protein. A homopentamer composed of a fusion monomer including a fusion protein of an antigen derived from an envelope protein of Japanese encephalitis virus and an amino acid sequence of a monomer of a mucous membrane-binding protein. These heteropentamer and the homopentamer can be used as a vaccine.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to influenza vaccines and particularly avian influenza vaccines (AIV). The invention includes methods for preparing transgenic plant cells to express know HA1 polypeptides having specified homologies that are used to prepare vaccine compositions and methods for inducing protective immunity in an individual, animal, mammal or human.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyepitope carrier proteins that comprise at least five CD4+T cell epitopes, for conjugation to capsular polysaccharides. The carrier proteins are use useful as components of vaccines that can elicit a T-cell dependent immune response. These vaccines are particularly useful to confer protection against infection from encapsulated bacteria in infants between the ages of 3 months and about 2 years.

Abstract: Group A streptococcal (GAS) antigens useful for providing immunity against pyogenes infection.

Abstract: Tumor antigen inducing and/or activating HLA-A2-restricted tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes that is activated by recognizing HLA-A2 and a tumor antigen peptide, and a peptide or polypeptide derived from the tumor antigen, a polynucleotide encoding the peptide or a complementary strand polynucleotide thereof, a transformant comprising a recombinant vector which comprises the polynucleotide are provided.

Abstract: A method of enhancing expression of a desired protein at mucosal effector sites, the method including placing the protein to be expressed under the control of a promoter having SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4, or a fragment or variant of any of these that has promoter activity, and causing expression in mucosal cells. Constructs used in the methods, as well as suitable recombinant gut-colonising microorganisms such as a Salmonella spp., are also described. Such organisms are useful in the preparation of vaccines.

Abstract: The invention provides BASB041, 43, 44 and 48 polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding BASB041, 43, 44 and 48 polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic uses.

Abstract: Disclosed are alphavirus-based expression vectors expressing env, gag, pro, and/or pol genes of HIV-1, their transcripts, and transformed host cells. The present invention describes the expression of the Gag, Env, Pol, and/or Pro Proteins using the above expression vectors, and HIV-like particles (HIVLPs) composed of the above recombinant proteins. The virus-like particles (VLPs) of the present invention, as the mature and infective particles, are very useful as an antigen for a diagnostic kit for HIV infection as well as for a vaccine composition for prevention of HIV infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a purified preparation containing a polynucleic acid encoding at least one polypeptide selected from the group consisting of proteins encoded by one or more open reading frames (ORF's) of an Iowa strain of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), proteins at least 80% but less than 100% homologous with those encoded by one or more of ORF 2, ORF 3, ORF 4 and ORF 5 of an Iowa strain of PRRSV, proteins at least 97% but less than 100% homologous with proteins encoded by one or both of ORF 6 and ORF 7 of an Iowa strain of PRRSV, antigenic regions of such proteins which are at least 5 amino acids in length and which effectively stimulate immunological protection in a porcine host against a subsequent challenge with a PRRSV isolate, and combinations thereof, in which amino acids non-essential for antigenicity may be conservatively substituted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel expression vector which comprises a gene of interest, a nuclear anchoring element, and at least one inverted repeat element, preferably two inverted repeat elements. The expression vector is an episomal vector capable of transfecting a mammalian cell. The present invention further provides a method for enhancing gene expression by transfecting the expression vector to a mammalian cell, preferably a human cell.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of immunology and provides immunoprotective compositions and methods for preparing such compositions from transgenic plant cells. The present invention also relates to the field of protein production (e.g., the recombinant production of enzymes, toxins, cell receptors, ligands, signal transducing agents, cytokines, or other proteins expressed in transgenic plant cell culture) and provides compositions comprising these proteins.

Abstract: Prion protein binding materials and methods for using the binding materials to detect or remove a prion protein from a sample, such as a biological fluid or an environmental sample. The binding materials are capable of binding to one or more forms of prion protein including cellular prion protein (PrPc), infectious prion protein (PrPsc), recombinant prion protein (PrPr), and proteinase resistant prion protein (PrPres). Prions from various species, including humans and hamsters, are bound by the binding materials.

Abstract: A novel gene (designated 84P2A9) and its encoded protein is described. While 84P2A9 exhibits prostate and testis specific expression in normal adult tissue, it is aberrantly expressed multiple cancers including prostate, testis, kidney, brain, bone, skin, ovarian, breast, pancreas, colon, lymphocytic and lung cancers. Consequently, 84P2A9 provides a diagnostic and/or therapeutic target for cancers, and the 84P2A9 gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein or a fragment thereof used to elicit an immune response.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Aspergillus fumigatus 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 fungal infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically attenuated superantigen toxin vaccines altered such that superantigen attributes are absent, however the superantigen is effectively recognized and an appropriate immune response is produced. The attenuated superantigen toxins are shown to protect animals against challenge with wild type toxin. Methods of producing and using the altered superantigen toxins are described.

Abstract: An improved system for large scale production of polypeptides in cell culture is provided. In accordance with the present invention, cells expressing a polypeptide of interest are grown in media that contain copper, glutamate or both. The use of such a system allows production of polypeptides in which misfolding and/or aggregation are reduced, and in which total glycosylation is increased. Polypeptides expressed in accordance with the present invention may be advantageously used in the preparation of pharmaceutical, agricultural or other commercial compositions.

Abstract: Novel proteins that constitute modified forms of a Neisseria meningitidis surface antigen and encoding nucleic acids are provided. The modified surface proteins are characterized by having deletions of non-conserved amino acids, and thereby being capable of eliciting cross-protective immune responses against Neisseria meningitidis. The invention extends to the use of the modified surface antigens in diagnostics, in therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines and in the design and/or screening of medicaments. The modified surface antigens are particularly useful in vaccines which effectively immunize against a broader spectrum of N. meningitidis strains than would be expected from a corresponding wild-type surface antigen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant, attenuated infectious laryngotracheitis virus comprising the infectious laryngotracheitis viral genome which contains a deletion in the glycoprotein gG gene. This attenuated virus is useful as a vaccine against infectious laryngotracheitis virus. The present invention also provides a recombinant, attenuated infectious laryngotracheitis virus comprising the infectious laryngotracheitis viral genome which contains a deletion in the US2 gene, UL47-like gene, ORF4 gene or glycoprotein g60 gene. The present invention also provides a method for distinguishing chickens or other poultry vaccinated with a recombinant infectious laryngotracheitis virus which produces no glycoprotein gG from those infected with a naturally-occurring infectious laryngotracheitis virus.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding mammalian, e.g., primate, receptors, purified receptor proteins and fragments thereof. Antibodies, both polyclonal and monoclonal, are also provided. Methods of using the compositions for both diagnostic and therapeutic utilities are described.

Abstract: An isolated protein fragment containing an epitope which is specific for E. histolytica and is commonly shared by all polymorphic strains of E. histolytica is provided, and which exhibits immunogenicity in the host, and comprises an amino acid sequence containing amino acid sequence 603-1088 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and in particular, consists of the amino acid sequence 603-1088. An isolated DNA coding for such fragment, a vector containing such DNA, a host cell, a vaccine for amebiasis containing such fragment having a low molecular weight which can be stably produced in the host cell or E. coli in a large amount and at a high production efficiency, a method for producing such vaccine, an antibody against such fragment, and a method for preventing or treating amebiasis by administering such fragment are also provided.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed, inter alia, to polynucleotides, polypeptides, vectors, cells and compositions comprising the same, and their use in affecting viral pathogenesis, in particular for influenza viral infection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an immunizing composition containing an antigenic product such as a multiple antigen peptide system (MAPS) or a filamentous bacteriophage displaying an A?PP epitope spanning the ?-secretase cleavage site of A?PP and a method for inducing an immune response against the ?-secretase cleavage site of A?PP using this immunizing composition. The present invention is also directed to antibodies against the ?-secretase cleavage site of A?PP and their use in a method for inhibiting the formation of amyloid ?.

Abstract: Novel proteins and their corresponding nucleotide sequences in enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) are provided. In particular, Aap and the five gene cluster (aat) of the AA probe region of the pAA plasmid of EAEC 042 have been identified, sequenced, and further characterized. The use of these novel proteins and their corresponding nucleotide sequences for diagnosis, therapy, and prevention of EAEC infections is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising an AP205 virus like particle (VLP) and an antigen. The invention also provides a process for producing an antigen or antigenic determinant bound to AP205 VLP. AP205 VLP bound to an antigen is useful in the production of compositions for inducing immune responses that are useful for the prevention or treatment of diseases, disorders or conditions including infectious diseases, allergies, cancer, drug addiction, poisoning and to efficiently induce self-specific immune responses, in particular antibody responses.

Abstract: A method for producing a chimaeric human papillomavirus (HPV) L1 polypeptide containing a heterologous peptide, and in particular, a HPV L2 peptide comprising the steps of introducing a DNA sequence coding for the heterologous peptide into a DNA sequence coding for the L1 polypeptide; introducing the DNA sequence including the sequences for the L1 polypeptide and heterologous peptide into a host cell in which the DNA sequence can be expressed; causing expression of the DNA sequence; and recovering the resulting chimaeric L1 polypeptide which includes the heterologous peptide. The invention also describes a vector for use in the method, a host cell containing the vector, and a vaccine including the chimaeric HPV L1 polypeptide produced according to the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fusion proteins: suitable as test antigens in the detection of infections with pathogens, particularly of primary infections with pathogens. Further, the invention relates to methods for detecting and differentially determining antibodies, particularly IgM antibodies resulting from an infection with a pathogenic organism. Furthermore, test reagents for carrying out these methods are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antigens, more particularly antigens of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) (S. agalactiae) which may be useful to prevent, diagnose and/or treat streptococcal infections.

Abstract: Novel proteins and their corresponding nucleotide sequences in enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) are provided. In particular, Aap and the five gene cluster (aat) of the AA probe region of the pAA plasmid of EAEC 042 have been identified, sequenced, and further characterized. The use of these novel proteins and their corresponding nucleotide sequences for diagnosis, therapy, and prevention of EAEC infections is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and compositions for eliciting an immune response against Neisseria spp. bacteria in a subject, using vesicle vaccines made from Neisseria strains have decreased or no detectable expression of a product of LpxL1 gene, and which optionally overexpress fHbp.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising a gene segment from a rhesus rotavirus (RRV) or from one of three rhesus: human reassortant viruses are disclosed, including isolated nucleic acid molecules having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO: 1-14, inclusive, and isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a protein having a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 15-28, inclusive, as well as variants of the isolated nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the cloning and expression of foreign protein or polypeptides in bacteria, such as Escherichia coli. In particular, this invention relates to expression tools comprising a FKBP-type peptidyl prolyl isomerase selected from the group consisting of FkpA, SlyD, and trigger factor; methods of recombinant protein expression, the recombinant polypeptides thus obtained, as well as to the use of such polypeptides.

Abstract: A substantially pure, covalently linked human T cell reactive feline protein (TRFP) has been isolated from vacuum bag extract obtained by affinity purification of house dust collected from several homes with cats; DNA encoding all or a portion of the TRFP or peptide; compositions containing such a protein or peptide or portions thereof; and antibodies reactive with the TRFP or peptide are disclosed. Also disclosed are recombinant TRFP or peptide; modified or mutated TRFP peptides; their use for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: ?-hemolytic streptococci polynucleotides, polypeptides, particularly Streptococcus pyogenes polypeptides and polynucleotides, and antibodies of these polypeptides are described. The polynucleotides, polypeptides, and antibodies of the invention can be formulated for use as immunogenic compositions. Also disclosed are methods for immunizing against and reducing ?-hemolytic streptococcal infection, and for detecting ?-hemolytic streptococci in a biological sample.

Abstract: Polyvalent influenza virus-like particles (VLPs) comprising influenza antigenic polypeptides are described. Also described are compositions comprising these polyvalent VLPs as well as methods of making and using these VLPs.

Abstract: The invention provides novel B7-H3 and B7-H4 polypeptides useful for co-stimulating T cells, isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding them, vectors containing the nucleic acid molecules, and cells containing the vectors. Also included are methods of making and using these co-stimulatory polypeptides.

Abstract: Isolated polypeptides containing fragments of SARS CoV S protein and functional equivalents thereof. Also disclosed are isolated nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides, related expression vectors, related host cells, related antibodies, and related compositions. Methods of producing the polypeptide, diagnosing infection with a coronavirus, and identifying a test compound for treating infection with a coronavirus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Isolated HXHV virus having the following characteristics: (i) a DNA genome which is at least partially single-stranded, (ii) the said genome comprises one reading frame (ORF) encoding one protein or one polyprotein (iii) the said genome comprises a nucleotide sequence which exhibits, for any segment of at least 40 nucleotides belonging to the said sequence, at least 90% homology with SEQ ID NO: 1 or with its complementary sequence, nucleic material and peptide material and uses.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for inducing protective immunity against tuberculosis are disclosed. The compounds provided include polypeptides that contain at least one immunogenic portion of one or more M. tuberculosis proteins and DNA molecules encoding such polypeptides. Such compounds may be formulated into vaccines and/or pharmaceutical compositions for immunization against M. tuberculosis infection, or may be used for the diagnosis of tuberculosis.

Abstract: A method of producing botulinum toxin C-terminal receptor binding domain (HCR) is disclosed. The one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of (a) preparing E. coli transformed with an expression vector comprising DNA encoding HCR protein, (b) inducing expression of the HCR protein at a reduced temperature in a culture media, and (c) purifying the HCR protein via extraction, wherein the extraction comprises a clarification by centrifugation and a filtration, wherein the purified HCR protein is at least 10 mg/L of culture medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of producing a heterologous biological substance, comprising: (a) cultivating a mutant of a parent Bacillus cell under conditions conducive for the production of the heterologous biological substance, wherein (i) the mutant cell comprises a first nucleic acid sequence directing synthesis of the heterologous biological substance and a second nucleic acid sequence comprising a modification of at least one of the genes cypX and yvmC, which are involved in the production of a red pigment, and (ii) the mutant cell is deficient in the production of the red pigment compared to the parent Bacillus cell when cultivated under the same conditions; and (b) recovering the heterologous biological substance from the cultivation medium. The present invention also relates to mutants of Bacillus cells and methods for producing the mutants.

Abstract: Gram negative bacterial virulence genes are identified, thereby allowing the identification of novel anti-bacterial agents that target these virulence genes and their products, and the provision of novel gram negative bacterial mutants useful in vaccines.

Abstract: A method of providing papilloma virus like particles which may be used for diagnostic purposes or for incorporation in a vaccine for use in related to infections caused by papilloma virus. The method includes an initial step of constructing one or more recombinant DNA molecules which each encode papilloma virus L1 protein or a combination of papilloma virus L1 protein and papilloma virus L2 protein followed by a further step of transfecting a suitable host cell with one or more of the recombinant DNA molecules so that virus like particles (VLPs) are produced within the cell after expression of the L1 or the combination of L1 and L2 proteins. The VLPs are also claimed per se as well as vaccines incorporating the VLPs.

Abstract: A peptide consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1; a peptide consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:2; or a mutant peptide consisting essentially of an amino acid sequence derived from the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1 or 2 by addition, deletion or substitution of one or more amino acids, the peptide being capable of forming a complex with an HLA-A2402 molecule to be recognized by HLA-A2402-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes or induce such lymphocytes. Such a peptide is useful as a cancer vaccine for epithelial cancer patients having HLA-A2402.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for rapidly producing multivalent recombinant vaccines using filamentous fungal heterokaryons. The present invention relies on the use of filamentous fungal heterokaryons that are generated from combinations of two or more parent strains into which recombinant DNA molecules encoding variants of antigens derived from pathogenic organisms have been introduced. The resulting vaccines are multivalent.

Abstract: Hybrid molecules comprising CD4 minimal modules or mimetics that bind to HIV Env polypeptides in combination with one or more HIV Tat polypeptides are described. Also described are complexes of these hybrid molecules with Env as well as methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention using the polynucleotides and polypeptides.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing recombinant neuraminidase by culturing in a suitable culture medium host cells which are transformed with a neuraminidase expression vector or infected with a virus which is transformed with a neuraminidase expression vector, wherein the expression vector comprises at least a part of the coding region of a neuraminidase gene of an influenza virus minus the region which codes for the membrane anchor, or a modified version thereof, preceded in phase by a signal sequence; and isolating the expression product neuraminidase from the culture medium. The invention further relates to vectors expressing the neuraminidase.

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 is based on the development of a dual promoter system (preferably a RNA pol I-pol II system) for the efficient intracellular synthesis of viral RNA. The resultant minimal plasmid-based system may be used to synthesize any RNA virus, preferably viruses with a negative single stranded RNA genome. The viral product of the system is produced when the plasmids of the system are introduced into a suitable host cell. One application of the system is production of attenuated, reassortant influenza viruses for use as antigens in vaccines. The reassortant viruses generated by cotransfection of plasmids may comprise genes encoding the surface glycoproteins hemagglutinin and neuraminidase from an influenza virus currently infecting the population and the internal genes from an attenuated influenza virus. An advantageous property of the present invention is its versatility; the system may be quickly and easily adapted to synthesize an attenuated version of any RNA virus.