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.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying, isolating, and producing htrB mutants of gram-negative bacterial pathogens. The method comprises mutating the htrB gene of a gram-negative bacterial pathogen so that there is a lack of a functional HtrB protein, resulting in a mutant that lacks one or more secondary acyl chains and displays substantially reduced toxicity as compared to the wild type strain. Also, the present invention provides methods for using a vaccine formulation containing the htrB mutant, or the endotoxin isolated therefrom, to immunize an individual against infections caused by gram-negative bacterial pathogens by administering a prophylactically effective amount of the vaccine formulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the engineering of recombinant influenza viruses that express tumor-associated antigens. Expression of tumor-associated antigens by these viruses can be achieved by engineering specific epitopes into influenza virus proteins, or by engineering viral genes that encode a viral protein and the specific antigen as independent polypeptides. Tumor-bearing patients can be immunized with the recombinant influenza viruses alone, or in combination with another treatment, to induce an immune response that leads to tumor reduction. The recombinant viruses can also be used to vaccinate high risk tumor-free patients to prevent tumor formation in vivo.

Abstract: This invention satisfies needs in the art by providing intimin, the Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) adherence protein, alone or as a fusion protein with one or more other antigens, expressed by transgenic plants and the use of those plants as vehicles for stimulating a protective immune response against EHEC and the one or more other antigens. Various plant species are transformed to protect various animal species and also humans against EHEC, against pathogens expressing intimin-like proteins, and against pathogens expressing any of the one or more other antigens to which intimin may be fused. The eae gene encoding intimin, a functional portion thereof, or a recombination that encodes a fusion protein is put under the control of a constitutive plant promoter in a plasmid and the plasmid is introduced into plants by the type of transformation appropriate for the particular plant species.

Abstract: The invention concerns compounds of the general formula (I) in which the residues R1 to R7 have the meanings given in the application as well as methods for their preparation.

Abstract: Polypeptide and polynucleotide vaccines effective to treat or prevent infection of a mammal, such as a dog, a cat, or a human, by a protozoan. Methods of treatment and prevention are also provided, including therapeutic administration of the vaccine to an infected mammal to prevent progression of infection to a chronic debilitating disease state. Preferred embodiments of the polynucleotide vaccine contain nucleotide coding regions that encode polypeptides that are surface-associated or secreted by T. cruzi. Optionally the efficacy of the polynucleotide vaccine is increased by inclusion of a nucleotide coding region encoding a cytokine. Preferred embodiments of the polypeptide vaccine include immunogenic peptides that contain membrane transducing sequences that allow the polypeptides to translocate across a mammalian cell membrane.

Abstract: The inventive vector specifically directs entry into a cell of monocytic origin. The vector is composed of a nucleic acid component, a lysosome evading component and a particle that can be phagocytized. The vector itself, or cells pretreated with the vector, are useful in all gene medicine applications. Because it is specific for monocytic cells, the inventive vector is particularly suited to vaccine applications. Due to the ability of monocytic cells to target tumors, the inventive vector also is suitable for use in anti-tumor applications, including conventional gene therapy.

Abstract: The recombinant production of Gap4, a chimeric GapC plasmin binding protein comprising the entire amino acid sequence of the Streptococcus dysgalactiae GapC protein in addition to unique amino acid sequences from the Streptococcus parauberis and Streptococcus agalactiae GapC proteins, is described. Also described is the use of Gap4 chimeric GapC protein in vaccine compositions to prevent or treat streptococcal infections in general and mastitis in particular.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a broadly reactive vaccine against Gram-negative bacteria which is composed of a biological glycan-pilus conjugate. The conjugate core is a common pilus type to which is attached the glycan of choice in vivo. Pooling of these bioconjugates produces a multivalent vaccine. These pili give high bronchial titers when delivered by the intranasal route. Mice vaccinated with pure glycosylated P. aeruginosa strain 1244 pili in this manner are protected against respiratory challenge with P. aeruginosa strain 1244. The present invention further relates to a DNA and amino acid sequence of a new gene, pilO, which is capable of glycosylating pilin of Gram-negative bacteria and uses thereof.

Abstract: A novel approach to Borrelia vaccine formulation taking into account serological, genotypic and epidemiological information by which OspC proteins from different strains of B. burgdorferi are grouped together. OspC antigens are chosen in order to constitute a representative sample of such groupings, so that the resulting vaccine provides the greatest cross-protectivity with the fewest number of antigens.

Abstract: In summary of this disclosure, 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 98 kDa putative outer membrane protein of a strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae and a promoter to effect expression of the 98 kDa putative outer membrane protein gene in the host. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.

Abstract: Recombinant MVA viruses containing and/or capable of expressing dengue virus antigens and the use of such recombinant MVA for vaccination.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated polynucleotides that encode the MurE protein of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Purified and isolated MurE recombinant proteins are also provided. Nucleic acid sequences which encode functionally active MurE proteins are described. Assays for the identification of modulators of the of expression of murE and inhibitors of the activity of MurE, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing recombinant rotavirus structural proteins by culturing a transformed plant cell, and to a vaccine composition comprising the same as an effective component. More specifically, the method comprises the steps of preparing the expression vector comprising cDNA fragments encoding rotavirus structural proteins; transforming a plant cell with the expression vector; and recovering the vaccine composition, including rotavirus antigens, from the cell culture. The method for producing the recombinant rotavirus structural proteins is advantageous in that higher yields of more than 0.3 mg/L are obtained, as well as a lower cost and a lower contamination hazard than those of eukaryotic expression systems such as baculovirus and animal cell. Furthermore, the method can be used to produce a edible vaccine. The invention also proves that the rotavirus structural protein can be produced with a high aspect rotary vessel reactor.

Abstract: Multimer peptides (e.g. 30- to 45-mer peptides) derived from hepatitis C virus envelope proteins reacting with the majority of anti-HCV antibodies present in patient sera are described. The usage of the latter peptides to diagnose, and to vaccinate against, an infection with hepatitis C virus is also disclosed.

Abstract: 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: 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 HSV antigens that are useful for the prevention and treatment of HSV infection. Disclosed herein are antigens and/or their constituent epitopes confirmed to be recognized by T-cells derived from herpetic lesions or from uterine cervix. 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 novel protein allergen Der p VII of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus is described. A cDNA clone encoding Der p VII was isolated from a ?gt11 library of D. pteronyssinus cDNA. The nucleic acid sequence of Der p VII encodes a 198 residue mature processed protein having a predicted molecular weight of 22,177 daltons. Der p VII protein may be used as the active ingredient in therapeutic composition for the treatment of sensitivity to house dust mites. The protein may also be used in methods of diagnosing such sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of use of recombinant vaccinia virus from which the region encoding the N-terminal 83 or 54 amino acids of the E3L gene product has been deleted, or amino acids at positions 44 and 66 have been mutated. Compositions comprising the recombinant vaccinia virus are also provided.

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 polypeptide that is particularly useful as an antigen in a vaccine preparation for conferring humoral immunity against Lawsonia intracellularis and related pathogens in animal hosts, wherein said polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of flhB, fliR, ntrC, glnH, motA, motB, tlyC, ytfM, and ytfN polypeptides, or a homologue, analogue or derivative of any one or more of said polypeptides.

Abstract: This invention relates to HDAg peptides, including mutants, derivatives fragments and fusion molecules, including fusion proteins, coiled-coil oligomers, nucleic acid molecules, vectors comprising HDAg nucleic acid molecules, cells comprising said molecules, methods of multivalent expression and association of binding moieties of HDAg fusion molecules, and methods of use involving the molecules. The molecules are particularly useful as a framework for multivalent display via formation of C-terminal and/or N-terminal fusion proteins or via chemical coupling to chemically reactive sidechains, e.g. cysteine residues.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of preventing and/or treating cancers (including tumors). In one preferred embodiment, the invention is practiced to induce regression of an existing cancer or tumor and/or to prevent metastasis and/or to prevent growth of metastatic nodules. In other preferred embodiments, the invention may be used as a prophylaxis to prevent the development of primary cancers through a childhood or adult vaccination program against specific tumor antigens for cancers with high incidences. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the present invention provides methods of establishing an immune response against a universal artificial tumor antigen through a childhood or adult vaccine program, thus providing a long-term immune response that can be utilized at any point to treat any cancer which develops later in life. The present invention also provides cancer and tumor cells stably expressing an artificial antigen, preferably an artificial cell-surface antigen.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated polynucleotides containing at least one of the polynucleotide sequences selected from the group a) polynucleotide which is at least 70% identical to a polynucleotide which codes for a polypeptide containing at least one amino acid sequence of SEQ ID no. 3 or 5, b) polynucleotide which codes for a polypeptide which contains an amino acid sequence which is at least 70% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID no. 3 or 5, c) polynucleotide which is complementary to the polynucleotides of a), b) or c), and d) polynucleotide containing at least 15 successive bases of the polynucleotide sequences of a), b) or c). wherein the polypeptides exhibit the biological activity of the enzymes for which the brnE or bernF (sic)gene codes and a process for the fermentative production of branched-chain L-amino acids with amplification of the stated genes.

Abstract: Antibodies to two new epitopes on the HCV envelope proteins were identified which allow routine detection of native HCV envelope antigens, in tissue or cells derived from the host. The new epitopes are: the E1 region aa 307-326 and the N-terminal hyper variable region of E2 aa 395-415. Surprisingly, we characterised an antibody that reacts with various sequences of the hypervariable domain of E2. Specific monoclonal antibodies directed against these epitopes and allowing routine detection of viral antigen are described.

Abstract: A recombinant DNA containing a sequence (1) coding for a polypeptide heterologous to a filamentous haemagglutinin of Bordetella (Fha) fused within the reading frame to a sequence (2) located upstream from the first sequence. Sequence (2) codes for at least part of the Fha precursor, which part comprises at least the N-terminal region of a truncated mature Fha protein, which contains the interaction site of Fha and heparin and the secretion domain. This Fha protein is under the control of a promoter recognized by the cell polymerases of B. pertussis and is inserted into a B. pertussis cell culture, is expressed in the culture and excreted into the cell culture medium. The invention uses both the abilities of Bordetella and particularly B.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the HIV protein vpr or nucleic acid molecule encoding vpr are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of treating patients suffering from diseases characterized by hyperproliferating undifferentiated cells such as cancer by administering such compositions. Methods of identifying compounds which have anti-HIV activity are disclosed, in particular, methods of identifying compounds which modulate the activity of vpr and of identifying compounds which inhibit vpr binding to the HIV protein gag.

Abstract: Novel proteins from Streptococcus pneumoniae are described, together with nucleic acid sequences encoding them. Their use in vaccines and in screening methods is also described.

Abstract: The invention provides BASB047, BASB054, BASB068 and BASB069 polypeptides, and polynucleotides encoding BASB047, BASB054, BASB068 and BASB069 polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic uses.

Abstract: The invention provides BASB027 polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding BASB027 polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic uses.

Abstract: The invention provides BASB109 polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding BASB109 polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic uses.

Abstract: The invention provides BASB040 polypeptides and polynucleotides from Neisseria meningitidis encoding BASB040 polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic uses.

Abstract: Diagnostic tools for for serodiagnosing ehrlichiosis in mammals, particularly in members of the Canidae family and in humans are provided. The diagnostic tools are a group of outer membrane proteins of E. chaffeensis and variants thereof, referred to hereinafter as the “OMP proteins”, a group of outer membrane proteins of E. canis and variants thereof referred to hereinafter as the “P30F proteins”, and antibodies to the OMP proteins and the P30F proteins. The OMP proteins of E. chaffeensis encompass OMP-1, OMP-1A, OMP-1B, OMP-1C, OMP1-D, OMP1-E, OMP1-F, OMP1-H, OMP-1R, OMP-1S, OMP-1T, OMP-1U, OMP-1V, OMP-1W, OMP-1X, OMP-1Y and OMP-1Z. The P30F proteins of E. canis encompass P30, P30a, P30-1, P30-2, P30-3, P30-4, P30-5, P30-6, P30-7, P30-8, P30-9, P30-10, P30-11, and P30-12. Isolated polynucleotides that encode the E. chaffeensis OMP proteins and isolated polynucleotides that encode the E. canis P30F protein are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides ribG polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding ribG polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing ribG polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: The invention provides BASB029 polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding BASB029 polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic uses.

Abstract: The fusion (F) protein, attachment (G) protein and matrix (M) protein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are isolated and purified from respiratory syncytial virus by mild detergent extraction of the proteins from concentrated virus, loading the protein onto a hydroxyapatite or other ion-exchange matrix column and eluting the protein using mild salt treatment. The F, G and M proteins, formulated as immunogenic compositions, are safe and highly immunogenic and protect relevant animal models against decreased caused by respiratory syncytial virus infection.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the recombinant production of S-layer proteins in gram-negative host cells. Furthermore the nucleotide sequence of a new S-layer gene and processes for the production of modified S-layer proteins are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns nucleic acids coding for polypeptides specific of the Neisseria genus pathogenic strains, the corresponding polypeptides, and their diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: This invention is directed to mutant SPE-C toxins or fragments thereof, vaccine and pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of using the vaccine and pharmaceutical compositions. The preferred SPE-C toxin has at least one amino acid change and is substantially non-lethal compared with the wild type SPE-C toxin. The mutant SPE-C toxins can form vaccine compositions useful to protect animals against the biological activities of wild type SPE-C toxin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to non-vaccinal and non-pharmacologic compositions and methods for controlling complex retroviral infections. In particular, the present invention provides transgenic animals expressing a transdominant negative Rex gene product that inhibits retroviral replication.

Abstract: The present invention provides Dynamic Action Reference Tools, or DARTs, and methods of making and using DARTS. DARTs can be used, for example, for the isolation and analysis of nucleic acids, polypeptides, and the like, for regulating biological activities and investigating inter-molecular interactions, and the like. A DART is a molecule that includes a Molecular Shaft covalently linked to a Linkage Polypeptide that is covalently linked to a Molecular Point. DARTs, and DART libraries, can be formed and manipulated in vivo or in vitro. DARTs can be purified, and portions of DARTs can be exchanged with portions of other DARTs.

Abstract: Live attenuated Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) vaccines that outperform the PE-6 vaccine in mice aerosol challenged with >1,000×LD50. Candidates include four furin-cleavage deletion mutants and one E3 deletion mutant. Each vaccine provided protection in birds against antigenically distinct North and South American strains of EEE. The PE-6 vaccine does not provide protection against South American EEEs. Animals inoculated with each of the vaccines of the invention developed neutralizing antibodies to EEE.

Abstract: The present invention features Ad6 vectors and a nucleic acid encoding a Met-NS3-NS4A-NS4B-NS5A-NS5B polypeptide containing an inactive NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase region. The nucleic acid is particularly useful as a component of an adenovector or DNA plasmid vaccine providing a broad range of antigens for generating an HCV specific cell mediated immune (CMI) response against HCV.

Abstract: The present invention mainly provides a fusion antigen specific for a target cell comprising a ligand moiety which is capable of reacting, recognizing or binding to the receptors on the target cell, a Pseudomonas exotoxin A translocation domain II, an antigenic moiety, and a carboxyl terminal moiety which permits combination of the fusion antigen to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane of the target cell. A method of immunizing an animal using the fusion antigen is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to at least one novel RSV proteins, antibodies, including isolated nucleic acids that encode at least one RSV protein or antibody, RSV vectors, host cells, transgenic animals or plants, and methods of making and using thereof, including therapeutic compositions, methods and devices.

Abstract: A new polypeptide is disclosed that is specifically detected in the cells of the prostate, termed Novel Gene Expressed in Prostate (NGEP). Polynucleotides encoding NGEP are also disclosed, as are vectors including these polynucleotides. Host cells transformed with these polynucleotides are also disclosed. Antibodies are disclosed that specifically bind NGEP. Methods are disclosed for using an NGEP polypeptide, an antibody that specifically binds NGEP, or a polynucleotide encoding NGEP. Assays are disclosed for the detection prostate cancer. Pharmaceutical compositions including an NGEP polypeptide, an antibody that specifically binds NGEP, or a polynucleotide encoding NGEP are also disclosed. These pharmaceutical compositions are of use in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides BASB230 polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding BASB230 polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic uses.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the obtaining of chimeric chains coding for proteins capable of inducing, in the recipient, a serotype-specific and protective humoral immune response against the infection by the Dengue virus, thus eliminating the effects of the serotype-nonespecific viral immunoenhancement that causes hemorrhagies and clinical complications described for this kind of pathology. These chimeric chains of nucleic acids are composed by the specific combination of fragments belonging to the gene of a mutated protein from Neisseria meningitidis with dehydrogenase activity and fragments that codify for a region of the envelope (E) protein from the Dengue virus which, when inserted to an expression vector, give rise to chimeric proteins with particular properties. The resultant chimeric molecules from this invention are applicable to the pharmaceutical industry for the obtaining of vaccine preparations and diagnostic means of high serotype-specificity to be used in humans.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for detecting the presence of or for measuring the levels of one or more carcinoma-related peptides in biological samples, especially human tissues. The invention further includes methods and kits for monitoring the levels of carcinoma-related peptides in an individual.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions containing a chimeric microplasmin polypeptide and methods for fibrinolytic therapy using the chimeric polypeptide.