Abstract: The present invention relates to the general field of recombinant protein expression, purification of recombinant proteins, diagnosis of HCV infection, prophylactic treatment against HCV infection and to the prognosing/monitoring of the clinical efficiency of treatment of an individual with chronic hepatitis, or the prognosing/monitoring of the natural disease. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of yeast, i.e. Hansenula or Saccharomyces glycosylation minus strains, for the efficient expression of HCV envelope proteins that are core-glycosylated, purification methods for these proteins, and the use in various applications, such as the use in diagnosis, prophylaxis or therapy of HCV envelope proteins purified according to the present invention.

Abstract: Recombinant Human Mannan-Binding Proteins (rhMBP) having physiological activities which are substantially identical to those offered by Human Mannan-Binding Proteins (hMBP), as well as, in particular, a production system for homogenously producing rhMBP having the specific peaks at the molecular weight of 1,000˜1,300 kDa determined by absorbance (280 nm) in Gel-Filtration Chromatography are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are: epitopic regions of Pneumococcal Surface Protein C or “PspC”, different clades of PspC, isolated and/or purified nucleic acid molecules such as DNA encoding a fragment or portion of PspC such as an epitopic region of PspC or at least one epitope of PspC, uses for such nucleic acid molecules, e.g., to detect the presence of PspC or of S. pneumoniae by detecting a nucleic acid molecule therefor in a sample such as by amplification and/or a polymerase chain reaction, vectors or plasmids which contain and/or express such nucleic acid molecles, e.g.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the use of vaccinia virus or other poxviruses as vectors for expression of foreign genes. Expression of foreign genes is obtained by combining vaccinia virus transcriptional regulatory sequence with uninterrupted foreign protein coding sequences in vitro to form a chimeric gene. The chimeric gene is flanked by DNA from a non-essential region of the vaccinia virus genome to provide sites for in vivo homologous recombination. These steps are facilitated by the construction of plasmids that contain multiple restriction endonuclease sites, next to the vaccinia transcriptional regulatory sequences, for insertion of any foreign protein coding sequence. Transfection procedures are used to introduce the DNA into cells where homologous recombination results in the insertion of the chimeric gene into a non-essential region of the vaccinia virus genome.

Abstract: A nucleic acid-bound polypeptide produced by binding a nucleic acid to a polypeptide, a method of producing the nucleic acid-bound polypeptide, and applications of the nucleic acid-bound polypeptide, including immunoassays for an antigen or antibody, such as an agglutination immunoassay are provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes novel recombinant canine herpes virus (CHV) and novel recombinant CHV genomes, and particularly to those CHV and CHV genomes that contain heterologous nucleic acid molecules. The present invention also relates to the use of such genomes and viruses in a variety of applications, including as therapeutic compositions to protect animals from disease. The present invention also relates to novel isolated CHV nucleic acid molecules, to CHV proteins encoded by such nucleic acid molecules, and to antibodies raised against such CHV proteins as well as to the use of such CHV nucleic acid molecules, proteins and antibodies as therapeutic compositions to protect an animal from CHV. The present invention also includes constructs comprising CHV nucleic acid molecules that include heterologous nucleic acid molecules, to recombinant vectors including such constructs, and to the use of such constructs and vectors in the production of recombinant CHV and recombinant CHV genomes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses fusion proteins of the immunodominant antigens ESAT-6 and Ag85B from Mycobacterium tuberculosis or homologues thereof, and a tuberculosis vaccine based on the fusion proteins, which vaccine induces efficient immunological memory.

Abstract: Botulinum neurotoxins, the most potent of all toxins, induce lethal neuromuscular paralysis by inhibiting exocytosis at the neuromuscular junction. The light chains (LC) of these dichain neurotoxins are a new class of zinc-endopeptidases that specifically cleave the synaptosomal proteins, SNAP-25, VAMP, or syntaxin at discrete sites. The present invention relates to the construction, expression, purification, and use of synthetic or recombinant botulinum neutoroxin genes. For example, a synthetic gene for the LC of the botulinum neurotoxin serotype A (BoNT/A) was constructed and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The gene product was purified from inclusion bodies. The methods of the invention can provide 1.1 g of the LC per liter of culture. The LC product was stable in solution at 4° C. for at least 6 months. This rBoNT/A LC was proteolytically active, specifically cleaving the Glu-Arg bond in a 17-residue synthetic peptide of SNAP-25, the reported cleavage site of BoNT/A.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated strain of Hepatitis B virus designated Human Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen-'?-145 Singapore Strain (Glycine to Arginine) which constituent viral genome is deposited under Accession Nos. P97121504, P97121505 and P97121506 with the European Collection of Cell Culture on 15th Dec. 1997. This invention also provides an isolated nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide which is a mutant major surface antigen of a strain of hepatitis B virus, such polypeptide having an amino acid sequence which differs from the amino acid sequence of a major surface antigen of a wild type hepatitis B virus in that the amino acid at position number 145 of such polypeptide is an arginine rather than a glycine, and the purified peptide. This invention further provides an isolated nucleic acid which encodes a peptide, wherein the peptide is encoded by a nucleic acid molecule comprising nucleotides 527 through 595 of SEQ. ID. No. 1, and the purified peptide.

Abstract: Haemophilus adhesion and penetration proteins, nucleic acids, vaccines and monoclonal antibodies are provided.

Abstract: Antigenic fragments of human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV), their fusion proteins with glutathione S-tranferase (GST) or thioredoxin (Thio), and a process for producing the fusion proteins thereof. The antigenic fragment of HTLV comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID Nos: 3 or 4.

Abstract: In this application is described the expression and purification of a recombinant Plasmodium falciparum (3D7) AMA-1 ectodomain. The method of the present invention produces a highly purified protein which retains folding and disulfide bridging of the native molecule. The recombinant AMA-1 is useful as a diagnostic reagent, for use in antibody production, and as a protein for use alone, or as part of, a vaccine to prevent malaria.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to therapeutic compositions for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of intestinal disease conditions in animals and birds caused or exacerbated by Lawsonia intracellularis or similar or otherwise related microorganism. In particular, the present invention provides a novel gene derived from Lawsonia intracellularis which encodes an immunogenic hemolysin peptide, polypeptide or protein that is particularly useful as an antigen in vaccine preparation for conferring humoral immunity against Lawsonia intracellularis and related pathogens in animal hosts. The present invention is also directed to methods for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of such intestinal disease conditions and to diagnostic agents and procedures for detecting Lawsonia intracellularis or similar or otherwise related microorganisms.

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: The present invention provides a method of nucleic acid, including DNA, immunization of a host, including humans, against disease caused by infection by a strain of Chlamydia, specifically C. pneumoniae, employing a vector containing a nucleotide sequence encoding an omp P6 precursor of a strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae and a promoter to effect expression of the omp P6 precursor in the host. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.

Abstract: Expression vectors are described which permit the recombinant expression of proteins which essentially contain, in addition to nucleic acid encoding the recombinant protein, nucleic acid encoding a non-proteolytic analog of Haemophilus Hin47 protein, with or without leader sequence, or nucleic acid encoding high molecular weight proteins of non-typeable Haemophilus, which are hmwB, hmwC or hmwBC.

Abstract: The gene for Streptococcus pyogenes DNase B has been cloned and vectors incorporating the cloned DNA have been used to transform Escherichia coli, allowing efficient and rapid production of the DNase in E. coli without the necessity of growing large quantities of S. pyogenes. The enzyme can be produced with a leader peptide at its amino-terminus. An improved method for the purification of naturally occurring S. pyogenes DNase B enzyme is also provided. The DNase B enzyme produced, either by purification of naturally occurring enzyme or by recombinant DNA techniques, can be used to generate antibodies and can also be used in immunochemical assays to detect the presence of anti-DNase B antibodies in serum as a marker of infection by S. pyogenes.

Abstract: Recombinant poxviruses, such as vaccinia, are provided that comprises a segment comprised of (A) a first DNA sequence encoding a polypeptide that is foreign to poxvirus and (B) a poxvirus transcriptional regulatory sequence, wherein (i) said transcriptional regulatory sequence is adjacent to and exerts transcriptional control over said first DNA sequence and (ii) said segment is positioned within a nonessential genomic region of said recombinant poxvirus. Vaccines, carriers, cells, and media comprising recombinant poxviruses, and methods of immunization with recombinant poxviruses also are provided.

Abstract: Polypeptides that are cleared from the kidney and do not contain in their original form a Fc region of an IgG are altered so as to comprise a salvage receptor binding epitope of an Fc region of an IgG and thereby have increased circulatory half-life.

Abstract: The invention provides Neisseria meningitidis BASB030 polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding BASB030 polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are antibodies, diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic uses thereof.

Abstract: Immunological compositions and methods for making and using them. The compositions contain at least one antigen and at least one lipoprotein and optionally an adjuvant. The lipoprotein can itself be antigenic or immunogenic. The antigen can be influenza HA and the lipoprotein a recombinantly expressed product having an OspA leader for lipidation and PspA for the protein portion. The antigen can be OspC and the lipoprotein OspA. The components of the composition are co-administered. A potentiated immunological response is obtained by the compositions and methods.

Abstract: Recombinant, attenuated infectious laryngotracheitis virus containing a deletion or deletion in a glycoprotein gene are provided. Also provided are glycoprotein genes, gD, gI, gG, and gE as well as other viral genes.

Abstract: Using the Ebola GP, NP, VP24, VP30, VP35 and VP40 virion proteins, a method and composition for use in inducing an immune response which is protective against infection with Ebola virus is described.

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: A multi-component immunogenic composition confers protection on an immunized host against infection caused by Haemophilus influenzae. Such composition comprises at least two different antigens of Haemophilus influenzae, one of which is an adhesin. High molecular weight (HMW) proteins of non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae enhance the immune response in a host to a non-proteolytic analog of Hin47 protein in such immunogenic compositions with one component not impairing the immunogenicity of the other. The Haemophilus vaccine may be combined with DTP component vaccines to provide a multi-valent component vaccine without impairment of the immunogenic properties of the other antigens.

Abstract: Described is a plasmid prepared by recombinant techniques which is used to prepare a vaccine against Y. pestis.

Abstract: The invention provides HSV antigens that are useful for the prevention and treatment of HSV infection. Disclosed herein are epitopes confirmed to be recognized by T-cells derived from herpetic lesions. 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: A mosaic protein comprising a variety of immunoreactive antigenic epitopes from several genotypes of hepatitis C virus. The mosaic protein provides a sensitive and specific immunological hepatitis detection assay. A restriction enzyme assisted ligation method of making an artificial gene permits controlled construction of mosaic proteins, and allows confirmatory expression of the intermediate gene products.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the therapy and diagnosis of cancer, particularly lung cancer, are disclosed. Illustrative compositions comprise one or more lung tumor polypeptides, immunogenic portions thereof, polynucleotides that encode such polypeptides, antigen presenting cell that expresses such polypeptides, and T cells that are specific for cells expressing such polypeptides. The disclosed compositions are useful, for example, in the diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of diseases, particularly lung cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recombinant protein fabricated in a baculovirus system, of which the essential constitutive polypeptide sequence is that of a C-terminal fragment of 19 kilodalton (p19) of the surface protein 1 (protein MSP-1) of the merozoite parasite of the Plasmodium type, particularly Plasmodium falciparum, which is infectious for humans, said C-terminal fragment remaining normally anchored at the surface of the parasite at the end of its penetration phase into human erythrocytes, in the occurrence of an infectious cycle. Said recombinant protein is applicable to the production of vaccines against malaria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for producing polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to an antigen in an avian species, preferably in a chicken, using polynucleotide vaccination. The present invention also relates to processes for determining the proteomics profile of a set of pre-selected DNA sequences isolated from a bio-sample, preferably the proteomics profile of a human cDNA library. The present invention additionally relates to processes for identifying physiologically distinguishable markers associated with a physiologically abnormal bio-sample. The present invention further relates to antibody arrays, integrated databases for identification of genes and proteins, multi-functional gene expression vectors, and methods of producing and using such antibody arrays, integrated databases and multi-functional gene expression vectors.

Abstract: A negatively-charged Staphylococcus antigen contains amino acids and a N-acetylated hexosamine as a major carbohydrate component. The antigen is common to many coagulase-negative strains of Staphylococcus, including S. epidermidis, S. haemolyticus, and S. hominis. Staphylococcus strains that carry the antigen include many clinically significant strains of Staphylococcus. The antigen and antibodies to the antigen are useful in kits and assays for diagnosing Staphylococcus infection. Vaccines of the antigen and of whole cells that carry the antigen also are disclosed.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sub-unit vaccines comprising structural polypeptides of Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus (IPNV) comprising structural proteins VP2 and VP3 folded as an empty IPNV viral capsid that approximates the size and structural conformation of native IPNV virus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing recombinants intended for use in the complete cell-surface protein gp190/MSP1 from plasmodium, especially plasmodium falciparum, as well as the complete DNA sequence of this protein and the appropriate host organisms suited for expressing said sequence, whereby the protein concerned can be entirely synthesized outside the parasite. Also, the inventive method enables sufficient production of above-mentioned protein and its supply as a vaccine. Finally disclosed is a process for stabilizing genes with high At concentration.

Abstract: A DNA vaccine effective for eliciting an immune response against cells that present a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) comprises a DNA operably encoding a CEA and a DNA operably encoding a CD40 ligand, SEQ ID NO:1 and SEQ ID NO: 2, respectively, or its homotrimer, CD40LT. The DNA vaccine can be incorporated in a delivery vector such as an attenuated live bacterium or virus, or a liposome carrier. In a method embodiment, the DNA vaccine is administered orally to a mammal, such as a human, to elicit an immune response against CEA presenting cells such as colon cancer cells. A preferred method embodiment includes the additional step of treating the mammal with recombinant antibody fusion protein huKS1/4-IL2 to enhance the immune response effectiveness of the vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention relates i.a. to nucleic acid sequences encoding novel Lawsonia intracellularis proteins. It furthermore relates to DNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules and live recombinant carriers comprising these sequences. Also it relates to host cells comprising such nucleic acid sequences, DNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules and live recombinant carriers. Moreover, the invention relates to proteins encoded by these nucleotide sequences. The invention also relates to vaccines for combating Lawsonia intracellularis infections and methods for the preparation thereof. Finally the invention relates to diagnostic tests for the detection of Lawsonia intracellularis DNA, the detection of Lawsonia intracellularis antigens and of antibodies against Lawsonia intracellularis.

Abstract: The invention relates to HBV antigen-containing compositions that are useful in treating or preventing HBV infection. The content of the compositions can vary, as described herein, but the compositions comprise a stress protein, or a portion (e.g., a fragment) or derivative thereof, and an HBV antigen.

Abstract: A method for judging an autoimmune disease by detecting the existence of an anti-Reg protein autoantibody in a specimen; and a method for judging insulin-dependent or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. A method for detecting an anti-Reg protein autoantibody by bringing into a specimen into contact with an antigen component and detecting the formation of an immune complex. A reagent for diagnosing autoimmune disease which contain an antigen component capable of binding specifically to the anti-Reg protein autoantibody; and a reagent for diagnosing insulin-dependent or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a parvovirus NS1 variant having a shifted equilibrium between the DNA replication and transcription activities (a) and the cytotoxicity activity (b). Furthermore, this invention relates to DNAs coding for these parvovirus NS1 variants and methods of producing them. Additionally, this invention concerns antibodies directed against the parvovirus NS1 variants as well as the use of the DNAs and the parvovirus NS1 variants.

Abstract: A method for identifying and isolating cells which produce secreted proteins. This method is based upon a specific characteristic or the expression level of the secreted protein by transiently capturing the secreted protein on the surface of an individual cell, allowing selection of rare cell clones from a heterogeneous population. Also provided is the use of this method to generate cells which produce a desired level of secreted protein or secreted protein of a particular characteristic(s), and organisms which possess such cells. In particular, the method allows rapid isolation of high expression recombinant antibody-producing cell lines, or may be applied directly to rapid isolation of specific hybridomas, or to the isolation of antibody-producing transgenic animals. This method is applicable for any cell which secretes protein.

Abstract: Antibodies directed against laminin B1k are provided.

Abstract: The CAMP factor gene of Streptococcus uberis (S. uberis) is described, as well as the recombinant production of CAMP factor therefrom. CAMP factors can be used in vaccine compositions for the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vaccine comprising a bacterium attenuated by a non-reverting mutation in a gene encoding a protein which promotes folding of extracytoplasmic proteins. Such mutations were initially identified as being useful in vaccines from a bank of randomly inserted, transposon mutants in which attenuation was determined as a reduction in virulence of the organism in the mouse model of infection. Site directed mutation of the gene results in a strain which shows at least 4 logs of attenuation when delivered both orally and intravenously. Animals vaccinated with such a strain are protected against subsequent challenge with the parent wild type strain. Finally, heterologous antigens such as the non-toxic and protective, binding domain from tetanus toxin, fragment C, can be delivered via the mucosal immune system using such strains of bacteria. This results in the induction of a fully protective immune response to subsequent challenge with native tetanus toxin.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acids encoding allergens of the species Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae, Der p VII and Der f VII, respectively, are disclosed. A cDNA encoding a peptide having a Der p VII activity and a predicted molecular weight of about 22, 177 daltons is described. A cDNA encoding a peptide having Der f VII activity is also described. The nucleic acid of the invention can be used as probes to detect the presence of Der p VII or Der f VII nucleotide acid in a sample or for the recombinant production of peptides having a Der p VII or Der f VII activity. Peptides having a Der p VII or Der f VII activity can be used in compositions suitable for pharmaceutical administration or methods of diagnosing sensitivity to house dust mite allergens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to linear expression elements (LEEs) and circular expression elements (CEEs), which are useful in a variety of molecular biology protocols. Specifically, the invention relates to the use of LEEs and CEEs to screen for gene function, biological effects of gene function, antigens, and promoter function. The invention also provides methods of producing proteins, antibodies, antigens, and vaccines. Also, the invention relates to methods of making LEEs and CEEs, and LEEs and CEEs produced by such methods.

Abstract: A protein from M. catarrhalis, designated the 74 kD protein, is isolated and purified. The 74 kD protein has an amino-terminal amino acid sequence which is conserved among various strains of M. catarrhalis. The protein has a molecular weight of approximately 74.9 kD as measured on a 10% SDS-PAGE gel, while its molecular weight as measured by mass spectrometry is approximately 74 kD. The 74 kD protein is used to prepare a vaccine composition which elicits a protective immune response in a mammalian host, to protect the host against disease caused by M. catarrhalis.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated polynucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence for a bovine fertility associated antigen (FAA), methods of producing recombinant bovine FAA protein; methods of increasing the stability of the plasma membrane, acrosome, and/or other portions of a sperm cell by mixing with FAA and/or recombinant FAA protein(s); and increasing fertility of bulls by mixing sperm cells with FAA and/or recombinant FAA protein(s).

Abstract: A protein from Group B Streptococcus is shown to be an outer surface protein and is a useful target for antimicrobial therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purifying recombinant HCV single or specific oligomeric envelope proteins selected from the group consisting of E1 and/or E1/E2, characterized in that upon lysing the transformed host cells to isolate the recombinantly expressed protein a disulphide bond cleavage or reduction step is carried out with a disulphide bond cleavage agent. The present invention also relates to a composition isolated by such a method. The present invention also relates to the diagnostic and therapeutic application of these compositions. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of HCV E1 protein and peptides for prognosing and monitoring the clinical effectiveness and/or clinical outcome of HCV treatment.