Abstract: Glycoconjugates, therapeutic compositions containing the glycoconjugates and therapeutic methods of using the glycoconjugates are disclosed. In particular, peptide constituents of aglyco 10B, which are immunogenic epitopes responsible for recognition of antigens by the immune system are provided. These glycoconjugates are useful in prevention of influenza virus binding to cells, treatment of schizophrenia and diagnosing chronic viral disease associated with development of cancer.

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: 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: 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: 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 relates to virus-like particles derived from West Nile Virus and to methods for generating the same. These particles are useful in diagnostic applications, and as components of vaccines directed at preventing the incidence of disease.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter relates to a recombinant 110 kDa protein from O. tsutsugamuchi, Karp, Kato and Gilliam strains and for a DNA expression system containing DNA encoding the 110 kDa protein of O. tsutsugamuchi. The invention also relates to the use of these recombinant contructs in a formulation for the induction of a protective immune response against O. tsutsugamuchi invection using. The inventive subject matter also relates to a recombinant 110 kDa O. tsutsugamuchi protein or 110 kDa fragments for the production of antigen for use in immunodiagnosistic asssays for scrub typhus.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a novel hepatitis B surface antigen mutant and methods of detecting this mutant, and/or antibodies thereto, in patient samples. In particular, the mutant contains a substitution of amino acid threonine for the amino acid alanine at position 123 in the amino acid sequence of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) protein.

Abstract: An active, or passive vaccine utilizing purified non-toxic mutant TcdB toxins from Clostridium difficile for humans and animals against infections caused by C. difficile and/or C. sordellii. Persons most potentially affected by C. difficile infections include hospitalized patients, infants, and elderly persons. The TcdB toxin mutant of the vaccine preferably lacks the toxicity of a native C. difficile TcdB toxin. A serum comprising antibodies raised to the TcdB toxin mutant is also available for treating humans or animals against C. difficile infections. The serum may be used in a method for conferring passive immunity against C. difficile. Antibodies to the TcdB toxin mutant may be used in diagnostic tests or in treatments to clear TcdB toxin from bodily fluids. The mutant TcdB toxin may be produced by recombinant methods using cDNA encoding the toxin, the cDNA contained for example in a plasmid or host cell.

Abstract: The DNA of the invention are characterised in that they concern the whole or part of genes, with their reading frame, to be found in Neisseria meningitidis, but not in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, or in Neisseria lactamica except the genes involved in the biosynthesis of the polysaccharide capsule, frp A, frp C, opc, por A, rotamase the sequence IC1106, IgA protease, pilline, pilC, transferrin binding proteins and opacity proteins. The invention also concerns the polypeptides corresponding to these DNA and the antibodies directed against these polypeptides. It is applicable in the prevention and the detection of meningococcus induced infections and meningitis.

Abstract: To ensure maximum cross-strain recognition and reactivity, regions of proteins that are conserved between different Neisserial species, serogroups and strains can be used. The invention provides proteins which comprise stretches of amino acid sequence that are shared across the majority of Neisseria, particularly N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant and/or isolated infectious laryngotracheitis virus glycoproteins, including gD, gI, gG and gE.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the discovery that B. anthracis possesses a luxS gene that encodes a functional LuxS polypeptide, and that B. anthracis synthesizes a functional AI-2 quorum-sensing molecule. The invention provides mutant B. anthracis bacteria lacking the function of the luxS gene, which do not produce a functional AI-2 molecule and have growth defects compared to wild-type B. anthracis. The invention also concerns methods for inhibiting the growth of B. anthracis, or for preventing or treating B. anthracis infection, by inhibiting the activity of the B. anthracis LuxS polypeptide, or by exposure of the B. anthracis to furanone. In particular, the invention concerns the use of furanone, a compound that inhibits AI-2-mediated quorum-sensing, to inhibit the growth of B. anthracis, to inhibit B. anthracis toxin production, particularly that of protective antigen, and to prevent or treat B. anthracis infection. The invention also provides methods to prevent B.

Abstract: A protein toxin named Aeromonas salmonicida exoenzyme T (AcxT), which belongs to the family of ADP-ribosylating toxins, is disclosed as is a 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: Disclosed are methods for treating cancers, particularly tumorigenic types. Cancer cells are modified to express highly immunogenic antigens so that the cells will generate a defensive response in a mammal that exhibits the cancer or is predisposed to cancer and prevent or ameliorate proliferation of cancer cells. The novel cancer cell vaccines are expected to be effective against a wide range of tumors and leukemias.

Abstract: A group of new synthetic antimicrobial peptides are disclosed, which demonstrate stronger bactericidal activity than native antimicrobial peptides. The present synthetic antimicrobial peptides can be produced by solid-phase chemical synthesis or gene expression and be used to prepare the medicines for treating the diseases induced by bacteria, viruses and fungi, as well as the anticancer drugs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the cloning, sequencing and expression of homologous immunoreactive 28-kDa protein genes, p28-1, -2, -3, -5, -6, -7, -9, from a polymorphic multiple gene family of Ehrlichia canis. Further disclosed is a multigene locus encoding all nine homologous 28-kDa protein genes of Ehrlichia canis. Recombinant Ehrlichia canis 28-kDa proteins react with convalescent phase antiserum from an E. canis-infected dog, and may be useful in the development of vaccines and serodiagnostics that are particularly effective for disease prevention and serodiagnosis.

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: The present invention relates to fusion proteins containing at least two Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens. In particular, it relates to bi-fusion proteins which contain two individual M. tuberculosis antigens, tri-fusion proteins which contain three M. tuberculosis antigens, tetra-fusion proteins which contain four M. tuberculosis antigens, and penta-fusion proteins which contain five M. tuberculosis antigens, and methods for their use in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of tuberculosis infection.

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: 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: The present invention provides for a polypeptide comprising a fragment of the West Nile Virus E protein, wherein the E protein fragment consists of residues 1-428. The invention also provides for polynucleotides encoding this protein and host cells transformed genetically to express this protein. More particularly, the invention provides for assays and diagnostic kits for the detection of West Nile Virus E protein antibody that circulates in the blood of patients thought to be afflicted with West Nile disease.

Abstract: Transposon linker insertion mutagenesis of a full-length infectious clone of the highly pathogenic classical swine fever virus (CSFV) isolate Brescia (pBIC) was used to identify genetic determinants of CSFV virulence and host range. A virus mutant, RB-C22 (RB-C22v), possessing a 19-residue tag insertion at the carboxyl end of E1 was constructed. RB-C22v and the parental virus pBIC (pBICv) exhibited similar growth characteristics on primary porcine macrophage cell cultures although RB-C22v produced significantly smaller plaques on SK6 cell cultures. In vivo, RB-C22v was markedly attenuated in swine. In contrast with pBIC infection, where mortality was 100%, all RB-C22v-infected pigs survived infection remaining clinically normal. Additionally, chimeras of the Brescia strain and the attenuated vaccine strain CS were constructed and evaluated for viral virulence in swine. Chimeras 138.8v and 337.14v, chimeras containing the E2 glycoprotein of CS and chimeric virus 319.

Abstract: The 28-kDa outer membrane proteins (P28) of Ehrlichia chaffeensis are encoded by a multigene family consisting of 21 members located in a 23-kb DNA fragment in the genome of E. chaffeensis. Fifteen of these proteins are claimed herein as novel sequences. The amino acid sequence identity of the various P28 proteins was 20-83%. Six of 10 tested p28 genes were actively transcribed in cell culture grown E. chaffeensis. RT-PCR also indicated that each of the p28 genes was monocistronic. These results suggest that the p28 genes are active genes and encode polymorphic forms of the P28 proteins. The P28s were also divergent among different isolates of E. chaffeensis. The large repertoire of the p28 genes in a single ehrlichial organism and antigenic diversity of the P28 among the isolates of E. chaffeensis suggest that the P28s may be involved in immune avoidance.

Abstract: The invention provides cDNA molecules comprising a part of the cDNA sequence of GAD65 which encode at least one epitope for autoantibodies to GAD65. The invention also provides cloning vehicles capable of replication and expression comprising cDNA molecules coding for GAD65. The invention further provides for hosts transformed with a vehicle having a cDNA molecule coding for GAD65. In another embodiment, the invention provides for the detection of autoantibodies to GAD65 using the GAD65 polypeptides coded for by the cDNA molecules of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protein found in natural rubber that can induce an allergic reaction in persons who have been sensitised to it. The invention provides for the process of isolating and purifying the protein and describes the characteristics of the protein, including its molecular weight, isoelectric point, amino acid sequence and allergenicity. The invention also describes the isolation and cloning a the DNA that encodes the protein. The production of the recombinant version of the protein using a protein expression vector is described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gene encoding a protein from merozoite of Babesia caballi, a recombinant protein of Babesia caballi, and an antibody capable specifically binding to a 48 kDa protein of rhoptry of Babesia caballi merozoite. In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to stably prepare the 48 kDa protein of rhoptry of Babesia caballi and the gene encoding said protein in a large amount with the recombinant DNA technique. The present invention also provides a method for diagnosing equine babesiasis which comprises either specifically detecting anti-Babesia caballi antibody present in equine blood by using the recombinant protein of present invention as an antigen or detecting the presence of Babesia caballi merozoite in equine blood by using the antibody of the present invention.

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: The invention relates to a fusion DNA construct comprising a KEX2 region comprising a KEX2 site and a KEX2 site pre-sequence immediately 5? to the KEX2 site, a fusion polypeptide, vectors and cells comprising the fusion DNA construct, methods for producing desired proteins from filamentous fungal cells and methods for enhancing the secretion and/or cleavage of a desired protein from a cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting HCV infection in a biological sample, the method comprising providing an immunoassay solid support, comprising an HCV anti-core antibody, an antigen comprising an HCV NS3/4a epitope, and an HCV multiple epitope fusion antigen, that can detect both HCV antigens and antibodies present in a sample. The invention also includes polynucleotides encoding multiple epitope fusion antigens for use in the assay, recombinant vectors and host cells comprising such polynucleotides, and methods of producing the multiple epitope fusion antigens.

Abstract: The current invention relates to vectors and methods for efficient expression of HCV envelope proteins in eukaryotic cells. More particularly said vectors comprise the coding sequence for an avian lysozyme signal peptide or a functional equivalent thereof joined to a HCV envelope protein or a part thereof. Said avian lysozyme signal peptide is efficiently removed when the protein comprising said avian lysozyme signal peptide joined to a HCV envelope protein or a part thereof is expressed in a eukaryotic cell. Suitable eukaryotic cells include yeast cells such as Saccharomyces or Hansenula cells.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of cells capable of carrying out a process of prenylation of proteins coded by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome, such as prenylation of the NS5A protein, for replicating and, if required, the production of HCV or derivative viable mutants, in a suitable culture medium.

Abstract: The invention provides chimeric proteins comprising a non-toxic Pseudomonas exotoxin A sequence and a Type IV pilin loop sequence, wherein the Type IV loop sequence is inserted within the non-toxic Pseudomonas exotoxin A. The invention also provides polynucleotides encoding the chimeric proteins, and compositions comprising the polynucleotides or the chimeric proteins. The invention also provides methods for using the chimeric proteins, polynucleotides and compositions of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fusion proteins containing at least two Mycobacterium species antigens. In particular, it relates to nucleic acids encoding fusion proteins that include two or more individual M. tuberculosis antigens, which increase serological sensitivity of sera from individuals infected with tuberculosis, and methods for their use in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tuberculosis infection.

Abstract: In this application is the expression and purification of a recombinant Plasmodium falciparum (3D7) MSP-142. The method of the present invention produces a highly purified protein which retains folding and disulfide bridging of the native molecule. The recombinant MSP-142 is useful as a diagnostic reagent, for use in antibody production, and as a vaccine.

Abstract: EphA2 T-cell epitope are provided herein. The epitopes include peptides corresponding to specific fragments of human EphA2 protein containing one or more T-cell epitopes, and conservative derivatives thereof. The EphA2 T-cell epitopes are useful in an assay, such as an ELISPOT assay, that may be used to determine and/or quantify a patient's immune responsiveness to EphA2. The epitopes also are useful in methods of modulating a patient's immune reactivity to EphA2, which has substantial utility as a treatment for cancers that overexpress EphA2, such as renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The EphA2 epitopes also can be used to vaccinate a patient against EphA2, by in vivo or ex vivo methods.

Abstract: Stable genetically engineered bacterial strains that overproduce coronatine are provided. The stable strains can be successfully cultivated to overproduce coronatine at temperatures that are suitable for large scale, commercial preparations of coronatine. The overproducing strains are also non-pathogenic. An exemplary strain is Pseudomonas syringae APV1, which successfully overproduces coronatine at 26° C. Methods of optimizing culture conditions for coronatine production from the novel stable overproducing strains are provided, as are methods for using the overproducing strains to induce abscission and increase taxane production.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated peptides of the major protein allergens of the genus Dermatophagoides. Peptides within the scope of the invention comprises at least one T cell epitope, or preferably at least two T cell epitopes of a protein allergen selected from the allergens Der p I, Der p II, Der f I, or Der f II. The invention also pertains to modified peptides having similar or enhanced therapeutic properties as the corresponding, naturally-occurring allergen or portion thereof, but having reduced side effects. The invention further provides nucleic acid sequences coding for peptides of the invention. Methods of treatment or of diagnosis of sensitivity to house dust mites in an individual and therapeutic compositions comprising one or more peptides of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant insect poison allergens and to a specific method for producing them. Said allergens can be varied according to whether they are produced using folds (conformations) that are identical or different to those that occur naturally. The proteins with folds that do not occur naturally have a reduced IgE reactivity or allergenity and can therefore be used as therapeutic agents in the immunotherapy of allergies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel molecule useful for anthrax toxin inhibition in vivo and also provides a method for in vivo inhibition of anthrax toxin action using the new molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel allergen from timothy grass (Phleum pretense) pollen, Phl p11 as disclosed in SEQ ID NO:2, and use thereof as a reagent and in a diagnositic kit as well as for immunotherapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to infectious DNA clones, infectious chimeric DNA clones of porcine circovirus (PCV), vaccines and means of protecting pigs against viral infection or postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) caused by PCV2. The new chimeric infectious DNA clone and its derived, avirulent chimeric virus are constructed from the nonpathogenic PCV1 in which the immunogenic ORF gene of the pathogenic PCV2 replaces a gene of the nonpathogenic PCV1, preferably in the same position. The chimeric virus advantageously retains the nonpathogenic phenotype of PCV1 but elicits specific immune responses against the pathogenic PCV2. The invention further embraces the immunogenic polypeptide expression products.

Abstract: Polynucleotide sequences are provided for the diagnosis of the presence of retroviral infection in a human host associated with lymphadenopathy syndrome and/or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, for expression of polypeptides and use of the polypeptides to prepare antibodies, where both the polypeptides and antibodies may be employed as diagnostic reagents or in therapy, e.g., vaccines and passive immunization. The sequences provide detection of the viral infectious agents associated with the indicated syndromes and can be used for expression of antigenic polypeptides.

Abstract: The GapC plasmin binding protein genes of Streptococcus dysgalactiae (S. dysgalactiae), Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae), Streptococcus uberis (S. uberis), Streptococcus parauberis (S. parauberis), and Streptococcus iniae (S. iniae) are described, as well as the recombinant production of the GapC proteins therefrom. Also described is the use of the GapC proteins from those species in vaccine compositions to prevent or treat bacterial infections in general, and mastitis in particular.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fowlpox virus genome which has modifications in one or more wild-type FPV genes. The present invention also relates to a viral particle comprising such a genome and its use to deliver a nucleotide of interest (NOI) to a target cell. The present invention also relates to vaccination methods, particularly a method which comprises administering a priming composition (which comprises a first non-replicating viral vector) and a boosting composition (which comprises a second non-replicating viral vector) to a subject to treat and/or prevent a disease.

Abstract: Disclosed is an invention related to the preparation and use of vaccines against pathogenic organisms, such as herpes virus. The vaccines hereof are based upon the use of truncated, membrane-free derivatives of a membrane-bound polypeptide from the pathogen. These polypeptides when incorporated into a vaccine composition afford protection against pathogenic challenge after administration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides of Streptococcus pneumoniae which may be used for prophylaxis, diagnostic and/or therapy purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and fusion proteins containing at least two Mycobacterium sp. antigens, and nucleic acids encoding such compositions and fusion proteins. The compositions of the invention increase serological sensitivity of sera from individuals infected with tuberculosis, and methods for their use in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tuberculosis infection.

Abstract: A method of producing a thy A?strain of vibrio cholerae comprising the step of site-directed mutagenesis in the V. cholerae chromosome at the locus of the thy A gene SEQ ID NO: 1 of FIG. 1, is described. Particularly, a ? thy A strain of Vibrio cholerae lacking the functionality of the thy A is disclosed. This strain may comprise one or several episomal autonomously replicating DNA elements, such as plasmids, having an optionally foreign, e.g. E. coli, functional thy A gene that enables the strain to grow in the absence of thymine in the growth medium, and optionally having a structural gene encoding a homologous or heterologous protein. Further, proteins encoded by a structural thy A gene and the 5?-flanking region are described as SEQ ID NO: 4 of FIG. 4 and SEQ ID NO: 5 of FIG. 5, respectively. Additionally, a vaccine comprising a Vibrio cholerae ? thy A strain of the invention or a thy A?strain of Vibrio cholerae produced by the method of the invention is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for determining the ion channel activity of a substance comprises the steps of (i) expressing the substance as a heterologous protein in a host cell, and (ii) determining changes in permeability of the plasma membrane of the host cell induced by expression of the heterologous protein. A screening method for determining ion channel modulating activity of a test substance is also disclosed.