Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of Candida albicans cofilin, methods of screening for modulators of such protein, and kits therefore.

Abstract: Applicants have identified 5 mutants associated with hepatitis B virus resistance to adefovir, a nucleotide analogue antiviral drug widely employed in the therapy of hepatitis B. In accord with this invention, reverse transcriptase mutants rtN236T, rtA181V, rtA181T and their corresponding surface antigen mutants sL173F and sL172trunc are provided. The mutant proteins, antibodies thereto and nucleic acids encoding the mutants have diagnostic value in monitoring and adjusting patient therapy with adefovir and in the therapy of patients infected with the mutants.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of activating hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific T cells, including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. HCV-specific T cells are activated using fusion proteins comprising HCV NS3, NS4, NS5a, and NS5b polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding such fusion proteins, or polypeptide or polynucleotide compositions containing the individual components of these fusions. The method can be used in model systems to develop HCV-specific immunogenic compositions, as well as to immunize a mammal against HCV.

Abstract: Polyvalent, primary isolate nucleic acid compositions for inducing an immune response against HIV is disclosed. The compositions and methods described herein are for the use of a DNA composition that encodes one or more different HIV envelope glycoproteins. The DNA composition can encode an HIV Gag protein. The DNAs encoding one or more HIV proteins are a combination of different nucleic acids, such as DNA plasmids, generated from primary isolate DNA of different HIV major group genetic clades and/or different proteins. HIV protein compositions for inducing an immune response against HIV are disclosed. Methods for using the protein compositions as boosts following administration of the DNA compositions are provided.

Abstract: Recombinant nucleic acid molecules encoding a mutated Group C adenoviral E1A protein and an antigen are disclosed, as well as mutated E1A-antigen fusion proteins produced by such constructs, and compositions comprising such fusion proteins and individual proteins produced by the recombinant constructs. Also included are modified adenoviral vectors and therapeutic uses for the nucleic acids, proteins, compositions, and viral vectors of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides BASB053 polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding BASB053 polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic uses.

Abstract: The invention provides BASB047, BASB054, BASB068 and BASB069 polypeptides, and polynucleotides encoding BASBO47, BASB054, BASB068 and BASB069 polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic uses.

Abstract: Purified nucleic acid which can specifically hybridize with the sequence of swine retroviruses.

Abstract: A competitive assay to determine the presence and concentration of an intracellular analyte (e.g., cAMP) in a sample is provided. All of the steps of the assay can be performed on the same assay plate, thereby eliminating the need to transfer the cells from a tissue culture plate on which the cells are grown, induced and lysed to a separate assay plate. The assay procedure includes combining, in a reaction chamber provided with a capture antibody, an antibody for the analyte, the sample to be assayed, and a conjugate of the analyte and an enzyme such as alkaline phosphatase. The mixture is incubated and washed and an enzyme labile substrate (e.g., a chemiluminescent, fluorescent or calorimetric substrate) is added. The assay can also be performed with a tagged analyte (e.g., an analyte having a radioactive or fluorescent tag) instead of an enzyme conjugate.

Abstract: Synthetic DNA molecules encoding HIV gag and modifications of HIV gag are provided. The codons of the synthetic molecules are codons preferred by the projected host cell. The synthetic molecules may be used as a polynucleotide vaccine which provides effective immunoprophylaxis against HIV infection through stimulation of neutralizing antibody and cell-mediated immunity.

Abstract: A nucleic acid sequence, the rainbow trout interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF1A) promoter, is disclosed. This promoter is capable of expressing a nucleic acid sequence operably linked to it in fish cells. IRF1A can be operably linked to antigenic sequences for fish or shellfish pathogens, thus inducing an immune response in a fish transformed with such a nucleic acid. Some of the vectors described utilize a nucleic acid containing an inducible promoter operably linked to a nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide capable of inducing programmed cell death (PCD).

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a 31-33 kDa glycoprotein of D. immitis (DiT33) is provided which represents another member of the family of putative pepsin inhibitors. Other known members include Ov33 (a.k.a. Ov33.3, Oc3.6, OvD 5B), Bm33 and Av33. These filarial molecules possess significant homology to the known pepsin inhibitor (Aspi3) of A. suum. Using DiT33 or Ov33, in the form of a recombinant fusion or non-fusion protein, antibody responses to DiT33 may be monitored and used in immunodiagnosis of heartworm infection in mammals. Antibodies reactive with the DiT33 or Ov33 may also be used to detect DiT33 antigen as a means of immunodiagnosis of heartworm infection in mammals.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for the detection, diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of hematological malignancies, and in particular, B cell leukemias, lymphomas and multiple myelomas. Disclosed are compositions, methods and kits for eliciting immune and T cell responses to specific malignancy-related antigenic polypeptides and antigenic polypeptide fragments thereof in an animal. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for use in the identification of cells and biological samples containing one or more hematological malignancy-related compositions, and methods for the detection and diagnosis of such diseases and affected cell types. Also disclosed are diagnostic and therapeutic kits, as well as methods for the diagnosis, therapy and/or prevention of a variety of leukemias and lymphomas.

Abstract: A human protooncogene having a base sequence of SEQ ID: 1 or a fragment thereof is overexpressed in various cancer tissues and can be used in diagnosing various cancers and an antisense gene complementary thereto can be used in treating cancers.

Abstract: A strain of hepatitis E virus from Pakistan (SAR-55) implicated in an epidemic of enterically transmitted non-A, non-B hepatitis, now called hepatitis E, is disclosed. The invention relates to the expression of the whole structural region of SAR-55, designated open reading frame 2 (ORF-2), in a eukaryotic expression system. The expressed protein is capable of forming HEV virus-like particles which can serve as an antigen in diagnostic immunoassays and as an immunogen or vaccine to protect against infection by hepatitis E.

Abstract: A Method for detecting hepatitis B virus as well as a kit and a reagent therefor, comprising using a phosphate buffer that specifically binds to hepatitis B virus, for example a monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to a specific site of core-related protein of hepatitis B virus.

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

Abstract: Described are DNA sequences encoding an E6 or E7 fusionprotein of HPV, wherein said DNA sequences are characterized by a combination of the following features: original codons are exchanged by codons which lead to an enhanced translation in a mammalian cell, they contain a deletion resulting in the production of a truncated non-functional protein, and they encode a fusionpartner which is a highly immunogenic polypeptide capable of enhancing the immunogenicity of the E6 or E7 protein in the mammalian host. Furthermore, the modified E6 or E7 protein encoded by said DNA sequences as well as expression vectors containing said DNA sequences are described as well as several uses of the these compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved methods of producing and recovering sporulation-deficient B. anthracis mutant stains, and for producing and recovering recombinant B. anthracis protective antigen (PA), especially modified PA which is protease resistant, and to methods of using of these PAs or nucleic acids encoding these PAs for eliciting an immunogenic response in humans, including responses which provide protection against, or reduce the severity of, B. anthracis bacterial infections and which are useful to prevent and/or treat illnesses caused by B. anthracis, such as inhalation anthrax, cutaneous anthrax and gastrointestinal anthrax.

Abstract: This invention provides the sequence of 5,299 nucleotides from the E. canis genome. There are four proteins, ProA, ProB, MmpA, and a cytochrome oxidase homolog, as well as a partial lipoprotein signal peptidase homolog at the carboxy terminus, coded for in this cloned fragment. The antigenic properties of these proteins allow them to be used to create a vaccine. An embodiment of this invention includes the creation of a DNA vaccine, a recombinant vaccine, and a T cell epitope vaccine. Another embodiment of this invention includes the use of serological diagnosis techniques.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid comprising a single retroviral LTR, a polypurine tract, a packaging signal, a primer binding site and a rev responsive element. Further provided is an isolated nucleic acid comprising a heterologous nucleotide sequence, a single retroviral long terminal repeat (LTR), a packaging signal, a rev responsive element, a polypurine tract, a eukaryotic promoter, a primer binding site, a bacterial origin of replication and a bacterial selection marker. In addition, the present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid comprising a 5′ retroviral LTR and a 3′ retroviral LTR, a heterologous nucleotide sequence, a packaging signal, a rev responsive element, a polypurine tract, a eukaryotic promoter, a primer binding site, a bacterial origin of replication and a bacterial selection marker cassette, wherein the bacterial origin of replication and bacterial selection marker are located between the two LTRs.

Abstract: According to the present invention, the biological or pharmacological activity of a test material like a plant or herbal material, an extract of a plant or herbal material, a natural or synthetic compound or some combination thereof, can be quantified by observing the pattern of structural changes induced in a eukaryotic cell's proteins. These structural changes may be evidenced by protein phosphorylation, by protein-protein interactions and the like. The amount and nature of protein phosphorylation is qualitatively and quantitatively related to the in vitro concentration of biologically/pharmacologically active components to which the mammalian cells are exposed. Additionally, formation or loss of protein-protein complexes may be determined in whole cell homogenates through the use of non-denaturing electrophoresis and staining for proteins or protein phosphorylation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transmission blocking vaccines against malaria. Vaccines of the present invention contain a recombinant virus encoding all, or a unique portion, of the 25 kDa sexual stage surface protein of Plasmodium falciparum, Pfs25, or the Pfs25 protein purified from host cells infected with the above-described recombinant virus. Mice inoculated with the recombinant virus developed antibodies with transmission blocking activity. The present invention also relates to recombinant viruses used in the vaccines of the present invention, host cells infected with the recombinant viruses of the present invention and methods of preventing or treating malarial infections using the vaccines of the present invention.

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: Human Borna disease virus (BDV) nucleic acids and polypeptides are described from three psychiatric patients. The human BDV-derived nucleic acids and polypeptides are useful in both DNA- and protein-based assays to detect human BDV in a subject, particularly the detection of BDV nucleic acids, BDV polypeptides and BDV antibodies generated in response to BDV infection.

Abstract: A plant-based edible vaccine against autoimmune disease prepared by expressing a CTB-autoantigen chimeric gene construct in plant cells and transgenic plants is disclosed. DNA constructs, expression vectors comprising a nucleotide sequence that encodes a CTB-autoantigen chimeric gene, which are optimized for expression in plants, are described.

Abstract: Isolated proteins, designated Cpa1 and Cpa49, and their corresponding amino acid and nucleic acid sequences are provided which are useful in the prevention and treatment of infection caused by group A streptococcal bacteria such as Streptococcus pyogenes. These proteins have been observed to bind to collagen, and thus methods are provided, such as by administration of the proteins or antibodies generated thereto, whereby streptococcal binding of collagen can be inhibited, and streptococcal infection can be greatly reduced. In addition, medical instruments can be treated using the collagen-binding proteins of the invention in order to reduce or eliminate the possibility of their becoming infected or further spreading the 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: Dominant negative alleles of human mismatch repair genes can be used to generate hypermutable cells and organisms. By introducing these genes into cells and transgenic animals, new cell lines and animal varieties with novel and useful properties can be prepared more efficiently than by relying on the natural rate of mutation. These methods are useful for generating genetic diversity within genes encoding for therapeutic antigens to produce altered polypeptides with enhanced antigenic and immunogenic activity. Moreover, these methods are useful for generating effective vaccines.

Abstract: Disclosed are reverse transcriptase molecules which are capable of synthesizing nucleic acids using a template polynucleotide and a nucleotide primer, such that the nucleotide primer provides a free 3′-OH and the nucleotide comprising the free 3′-OH does not need to be paired with a complementary base on the template polynucleotide. Preferred reverse transcriptases are pFOXC2-RT and pFOXC3-RT, which are derived from the mitochondria of the fungus Fusarium oxysporum. Also disclosed are improved methods of making long or short cDNAs using the reverse transcriptases derived from the mitochondria of the fungus Fusarium oxysporum. Also disclosed are polynucleotides and recombinant vectors that encode the reverse transcriptases derived from the mitochondria of the fungus Fusarium oxysporum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to: parasitic helminth cuticlin proteins; parasitic helminth cuticlin nucleic acid molecules, including those that encode such cuticlin proteins; antibodies raised against such cuticlin proteins; and compounds that inhibit parasitic helminth cuticlin activity. The present invention also includes methods to obtain such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies, and inhibitory compounds. Also included in the present invention are therapeutic compositions comprising such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies and/or inhibitory compounds as well as the use of such therapeutic compositions to protect animals from diseases caused by parasitic helminths.

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 invention provides BASB081 polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding BASB081 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 polynticleotides from Neisseria meningitidis encoding BASB040 polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to live attenuated RTX-toxin producing bacteria of the family Pasteurellaceae, of which the attenuation is due to the fact that they produce RTX toxin in a non-activated form. The invention also relates to vaccines for the protection of mammals against infection with RTX-toxin producing bacteria of the family Pasteurellaceae, and to methods for the preparation of said live attenuated bacteria and vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to attenuated forms of bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) viruses. In particular, the present invention relates to attenuated BVD viruses made by mutating the Npro protease gene and inserting a bovine ubiquitin coding sequence. The attenuated viruses of the present invention can be used to raise antibodies against BVDV. Immunogenic compositions and vaccine compositions, as well as therapeutic and diagnosis methods, are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: An endopeptidase is described which shows specificity for cleavage of a LPXTG (SEQ ID NO: 1) motif found in the cell membranes of gram positive bacteria, having an apparent molecular weight of 14,000 daltons, having a pH optimum of about 7.5 to 10, being salt sensitive, being heavily glycosylated, rich in alanine, lacking aromatic amino acids, having a Km of 0.26 mM and having a backbone comprised of about 30% unknown amino acids, and containing carbohydrates that are essential for its activity. Methods of use and pharmaceutical compositions of this inhibitor are described.

Abstract: Methods for producing a mutacin, by growing a mutacin-producing cell in a liquid medium under conditions in which mutacin is produced and isolating mutacin from the liquid medium. Methods are also provided for isolating and purifying mutacin I/III from fermentation broths of Streptococcus mutans strains CH43 and UA787 to homogeneity. Fermentation are conducted in anaerobic bioreactors under anaerobic conditions at a cultivation temperature of about 35-42° C., with agitation rate of between 50-250 rpm.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for treating prostate cancer are provided. The inventive compounds include polypeptides containing at least a portion of a prostate tumor protein. Vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions for immunotherapy of prostate cancer comprising such polypeptides, or DNA molecules encoding such polypeptides, are also provided, together with DNA molecules for preparing the inventive polypeptides.

Abstract: Disclosed are a novel prostatic acid phosphatase and corresponding coding region derived from mouse. Also disclosed is a method of producing an immune response against an autologous polypeptide tumor antigen by immunizing a subject with a xenogeneic polypeptide antigen, either alone, as part of a viral antigen construct, or as part of a pulsed dendritic cell preparation.

Abstract: The use of genetic methodology based on the fusion of the proteins with the alcaline phosphatase (Lim et al., 1995) has allowed the isolation of a new exported protein of M. tuberculosis. In the present article, first of all the isolation of a gene encoding this exported protein called DES is described as well as its characterization and its destribution among the different microbacterial species. It is notably shown that the protein has in its primary sequence amino acids only found at the level of active sites of enzymes of class II diiron-oxo proteins family. Among the proteins of this family, DES protein of M. tuberculosis does not present significative homologies with stearoyl ACP desaturases. Secondly, the antigenic feature of this protein has been studied. For this, DES protein of M. tuberculosis has been overexpressed in E. coli under recombinant and purified protein from from this bacterium. The reactivity of tuberculous patients sera infected by M. tuberculosis or M.

Abstract: The present invention provides for compositions and methods for serological immunoassay for the detection of Lyme disease using recombinant P37/FlaA protein antigen and methods for producing such protein antigen.

Abstract: The present invention includes recombinant proteins derived from Clostridium botulinum toxins. In particular, soluble recombinant Clostridium botulinum type A, type B and type E toxin proteins are provided. Methods which allow for the isolation of recombinant proteins free of significant endotoxin contamination are provided. The soluble, endotoxin-free recombinant proteins are used as immunogens for the production of vaccines and antitoxins. These vaccines and antitoxins are useful in the treatment of humans and other animals at risk of intoxication with clostridial toxin.

Abstract: The invention provides BASB019 polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding BASB019 polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic uses.

Abstract: An immunogenic detoxified protein comprising the amino acid sequence of subunit A of a cholera toxin (CT-A) or a fragment thereof or the amino acid sequence of subunit A of an Escherichia coli heat labile toxin (LT-A) or a fragment thereof wherein the amino acids at, or in positions corresponding to Ser-63 and Arg-192 are replaced with another amino acid. The immunogenic detoxified protein is useful as vaccine for Vibrio cholerae or an enterotoxigenic strain of Escherichia coli and is produced by recombinant DNA means by site-directed mutagenesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to Epstein Barr Virus induced (EBI) genes. In particular, the present invention relates to DNA segments coding for EBI 1, EBI 2, or EBI 3 polypeptide; EBI 1, EBI 2, or EBI 3 polypeptide; recombinant DNA molecules; cells containing the recombinant DNA molecules; antisense EBI 1, EBI 2, or EBI 3 constructs; antibodies having binding affinity to an EBI 2, EBI 2, or EBI 3 polypeptide; hybridomas containing the antibodies; nucleic acid probes for the detection of the presence of Epstein Barr Virus; a method for detecting Epstein Barr Virus in a sample; and kits containing nucleic acid probes or antibodies.

Abstract: LbpB polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing LbpB polypeptides and polynucleotides in the design of protocols for the treatment of neisserial disease, among others, and diagnostic assays for such conditions.

Abstract: Colon cancer specific promoter sequences and adenovirus vehicles are provided. By providing for transcriptional initiating regulation dependent upon transcription factors that are only active in specific, limited cell types, virus replication will be restricted to the target cells. The modified adenovirus may be used as a vehicle for introducing new genetic capability, particularly associated with cytotoxicity for treating neoplasia.

Abstract: The invention provides proteins from Neissena meningitidis (strains A & B), including amino acid sequences, the corresponding nucleotide sequences, expression data, and serological data. The proteins are useful antigens for vaccines, immunogenic compositions, and/or diagnostics.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acids encoding an allergen of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Der p III, are disclosed. A cDNA encoding a peptide having a Der p III activity and a predicted molecular weight of about 24,985 daltons is also described. The nucleic acids can be used as probes to detect the presence of Der p III nucleic acid in a sample or for the recombinant production of peptides having an activity of Der p III. Peptides having an activity of Der p III can be used in compositions suitable for pharmaceutical administration or methods of diagnosing sensitivity to house dust mites.