Abstract: Described is a method for identification, isolation and production of hyperimmune serum-reactive antigens from a specific pathogen, a tumor, an allergen or a tissue or host prone to autoimmunity, said antigens being suited for use in a vaccine for a given type of animal or for humans, which is characterized by the following steps:—providing an antibody preparation from a plasma pool of said given type of animal or from a human plasma pool or individual sera with antibodies against said specific pathogren, tumor, allergen or tissue or host prone to auto-immunity,—providing at least one expression library of said specific pathogen, tumor, allergen or tissue or host prone to auto-immunity,—screening said at least one expression library with said antibody preparation, identifying antigens which bind in said screening to antibodies in said antibody preparation, —screening the identified antigens with individual antibody preparations from individual sera from individuals with antibodies against said specific pathog

Abstract: Provided are immunogenic compositions and methods for eliciting an immune response against B. anthracis and other bacteria that contain 3-methyl-3-hydroxybutyrate- or 3-hydroxybutyrate-substituted saccharides. Conjugates of 3-methyl-3-hydroxybutyrate- or 3-hydroxybutyrate-substituted saccharides elicit an effective immune response against B. anthracis spores in mammalian hosts to which the conjugates are administered.

Abstract: An object is to provide: a protein antigen or a peptide antigen usable as a vaccine composition which has an ability to practically prevent or treat a Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, and which can cope with the diversity of clinical isolates derived from patients with a Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection; and an antibody directed against the antigen. The present invention provides a protein antigen or a peptide antigen and an antibody directed against these, which are for use in diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of a disease associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. According to the present invention, a protein or a peptide derived from a Pseudomonas aeruginosa-outer membrane protein PA4710, and an antibody directed against these are provided, which are for use in diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of a disease associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Abstract: Hybridoma cell lines which produce and secrete monoclonal antibodies which selectively bind to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis have been produced. Cells of M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis in biological samples may be detected and quantified by contacting the sample with the antibodies to form a M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis/antibody immunocomplex when M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis is present, which immunocomplex may then be detected. The monoclonal antibodies also may be incorporated into kits for the detection and quantification of M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis.

Abstract: An antibody which reacts with N-acetylheparosan and heparan sulfate that is derived from bovine kidney but does not substantially react with heparan sulfate derived from a murine Engelbreath-Holm-Swarn tumor tissue, the antibody being produced with a hybridoma which is prepared using a substance composed of a protein and N-acetylheparosan bound to the protein.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for eliciting an immune response against Streptococcus pneumoniae. More particularly, the compositions and methods relate to immunogenic polypeptides, including fragments of PhtD and variants thereof, and nucleic acids, vectors and transfected cells that encode or express the polypeptides. Methods of making and using the immunogenic polypeptides are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides genes encoding novel microbial proteins (i.e., for example, exosporium genes and proteins) that mediate the attachment of microbial spores to surfaces. Specific fragments of these microbial spore proteins may be utilized to inhibit the attachment of microbial spores to surfaces, thereby providing an infection control agent. The invention provides recombinant expression vectors comprising genes encoding exosporium proteins, as well as host cells containing these expression vectors. Further provided herein are screening methods for identifying infection control compositions comprising exosporium proteins that inhibit bacterial spore attachment to either bodily tissues or solid surfaces. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of nucleic acid inhibitors of exosporium protein expression by hybridizing with nucleic acid sequences encoding exosporium proteins as well as with exosporium mRNA.

Abstract: An isolated protein or peptide selected from the group consisting of Bordetella colonization factor A (BcfA) protein and antigenic fragments thereof is described, along with an isolated nucleic acid encoding the same, antibodies that bind to the same, methods of producing an immune response in a mammalian subject in need thereof by administering the proteins, peptides or antibodies, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunoglobulin-binding protein, wherein at least one asparagine residue has been mutated to an amino acid other than glutamine or aspartic acid, which mutation confers an increased chemical stability at pH-values of up to about 13-14 compared to the parental molecule. The protein can for example be derived from a protein capable of binding to other regions of the immunoglobulin molecule than the complementarity determining regions (CDR), such as protein A, and preferably the B-domain of Staphylococcal protein A. The invention also relates to a matrix for affinity separation, which comprises an immunoglobulin-binding protein as ligand coupled to a solid support, in which protein ligand at least one asparagine residue has been mutated to an amino acid other than glutamine.

Abstract: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of pneumoniae, meningitis, and major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world by bacterial otitis media, pneumoniae, meningitis, and bacteraemia. It is an important agent of disease in man especially among infants, the elderly and immunocompromised persons. The present invention provides a solution to this problem by providing a substantially pure or isolated disease related antigen selected from the group consisting of the isolated, recombinant or synthetic S. pneumoniae human immunogenic antigens of SP_0562, SP_0965, SP_0082 (in particular the fragments SP4 and SP 17 of said SP_0082), and a Periplasmic Binding Protein (PBP) (in particular SP_1683 or SP_1386), or a fragments thereof or substantially identical antigen for use in a treatment to induce a immunological memory in a human against S. pneumoniae cells for use in a vaccination treatment of S. pneumoniae disorder in human or against S. pneumoniae in a human.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a vaccine for the treatment of disease caused by Neisseria, the vaccine including one or more immunogenic components for Neisseria serogroups, as well as antibodies to the immunogenic components and methods of preventing and treating Neisseria infections. The immunogens are based on elements of the inner core lipopolysaccharide.

Abstract: This invention provides binding molecules with improved binding affinity to lipoteichoic acids exposed on the surface of the bacteria, useful in the prevention and treatment of infections caused by Gram positive bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses monoclonal antibodies that bind to lipoteichoic acid (LTA) of Gram positive bacteria. The antibodies also bind to whole bacteria and enhance phagocytosis and killing of the bacteria in vitro. The invention also provides antibodies having human sequences (chimeric, humanized and human antibodies). The invention also sets forth the variable regions of three antibodies within the invention and presents the striking homology between them.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel class of monoclonal antibodies which have a high affinity, broad spectrum neutralizing reactivity to flagellin from various Gram-negative bacteria including, but not limited to, E. coli, Salmonella, Serratia, Proteus, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Campylobacter and Pseudomonas. The present invention further provides methods of treating infections and diseases using anti-flagellin antibodies in humans, other animals and birds.

Abstract: Antibodies that specifically bind to toxins of C. difficile, antigen binding portions thereof, and methods of making and using the antibodies and antigen binding portions thereof are provided herein.

Abstract: Antibodies that specifically bind to toxins of C. difficile, antigen binding portions thereof, and methods of making and using the antibodies and antigen binding portions thereof are provided herein.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition includes a purified antibody and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The antibody is enriched for immunoglobulins having both an antigen-binding portion that binds a Staphylococcus aureus capsular polysaccharide antigen and a constant region that does not bind staphylococcal protein A.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding polypeptides comprising amino acid sequences of streptococcal matrix adhesion (Ema) polypeptides. The invention provides nucleic acids encoding Group B streptococcal Ema polypeptides EmaA, EmaB, EmaC, EmaD and EmaE. The present invention provides isolated polypeptides comprising amino acid sequences of Group B streptococcal polypeptides EmaA, EmaB, EmaC, EmaD and EmaE, including analogs, variants, mutants, derivatives and fragments thereof. Ema homologous polypeptides from additional bacterial species, including S. pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, E. faecalis and C. diptheriae are also provided. Antibodies to the Ema polypeptides and immunogenic fragments thereof are also provided. The present invention relates to the identification and prevention of infections by virulent forms of streptococci.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies which can bind to the SdrF protein of Staphylococcus epidermidis are provided which can be useful in the treatment and protection against infection from staphylococcal bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis. The monoclonal antibodies of the invention are advantageous in that they can also recognize binding domains and subdomains of the S. epidermidis SdrF protein in addition to the protein itself. Suitable compositions and passive vaccines based on the monoclonal antibodies of the invention, as well as methods for their use, are also provided.

Abstract: A polypeptide, called Tir (for translocated intimin receptor, which is secreted by attaching and effacing pathogens, such as the enteropathogenic (EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) E. coli. These bacterial pathogens inserts their own receptors into mammalian cell surfaces, to which the bacterial pathogen then adheres to trigger additional host signaling events and actin nucleation. Diagnosis of disease caused by pathogenic E. coli can be performed by the use of antibodies which bind to Tir to detect the protein or the use of nucleic acid probes for detection of nucleic acids encoding Tir polypeptide. Isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding Tir polypeptide, Tir peptides, a recombinant method for producing recombinant Tir, antibodies which bind to Tir, and a kit for the detection of Tir-producing E. coli are provided. A method of immunizing a host with Tir to induce a protective immune response to Tir or a second polypeptide of interst is also provided.

Abstract: If pathogen factors such as meningococcal NMB 1870 or flaviviral NS1 are able to sequester factor H in the blood then its inhibitory effect on complement may be disturbed, thereby permitting C3 to initiate a dramatic attack on host endothelial tissue. In combination with a strong inflammatory response, this attack can result in sever damage to the endothelium, with resulting hemorrhagic syndrome. Blocking the interaction between pathogen factors and factor H may thus be used to treat and/or prevent these pathogen-induced hemorrhagic syndromes. The interaction may, for instance, be blocked by antibodies, either delivered endogenously (passive immunisation) or produced by a patient's immune system (active immunisation).

Abstract: Forms of GAS25 (streptolysin O) which are not toxic but which still maintain the ability to induce protection against S. pyogenes are useful in vaccine compositions to induce protection against S. pyogenes.

Abstract: High affinity antibodies for binding epitopes of BoNT/Aand hybridomas that produce such antibodies are described. The antibodies may be used in a kit for detecting BoNT/A in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies immunologically specific for an attaching and effacing Escherichia coli (AEEC) virulence-associated protein, products, compositions and methods and to their use thereof in the prevention of an AEEC infection in a mammal. The antibody of the invention is immunologically specific for an AEEC virulence-associated protein and is capable of preventing an in vivo AEEC intestinal infection when administered to a mammal. The antibody of the invention is preferably useful for preventing the development of A/E intestinal lesions associated with the AEEC. This is achieved by preferably using IgY antibodies immunologically specific for one or more AEEC virulence-associated proteins, such as Eae, Tir, EspA and Paa.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the cloning, sequencing, expression, and characterization of an immunoreactive ferric binding protein (Fbp) (38-kDa) protein of Ehrlichia canis encoded by a polynucleotide therefor. In particular embodiments, the protein is employed in an immunogenic composition, such as a vaccine. Methods to induce an immune reaction in an individual with compositions of the invention are provided.

Abstract: Anti-idiotypic antibodies which recognise the idiotope of an antibody specific for a yeast killer toxin possess microbicidal activity. Fragments (e.g. decapeptides) of these anti-idiotypic antibodies, particularly those comprising CDR residues, also show microbicidal activity, as do peptides having 5 the same sequence but composed of D-amino acids, or including amino acid substitutions. Peptidomimetics of these microbicidal polypeptides are also provided. Antiviral activity is also seen.

Abstract: In this application are described monoclonal antibodies which specifically recognize V antigen of Y. pestis and epitopes recognized by these monoclonal antibodies. Also provided are mixtures of antibodies of the present invention, as well as methods of using individual antibodies or mixtures thereof for the detection, prevention, and/or therapeutical treatment of plague infections in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: Piglet feed is supplemented with anti-E. coli K88 antibody-containing egg powder having a titer of the K88 antibodies of at least 1/256,000 as a means of improving growth performance of piglets.

Abstract: Isolated monoclonal antibodies that bind and/or neutralize anthrax protective antigen (PA) are disclosed as well as hybridomas secreting such antibodies. The invention also provides anti-PA fragments of the antibodies of the invention and recombinantly produced antibodies. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions containing the antibodies or antibody fragments and uses and methods involving same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for assessing the likelihood of the presence or formation of fetal heart disease (such as HLHS) in a fetus. In this methodology, the mother, either before or during pregnancy, is tested for the presence of anti-strep antibodies. If positive, the fetus is evaluated and monitored for the presence of fetal heart disease; the fetus can be treated, if appropriate. In addition, either prior to pregnancy or during the first trimester, the mother can be treated to prevent the formation of such antibodies or to neutralize their presence or effect fetal heart tissue.

Abstract: The invention includes a GAS antigen, GAS 40, which is particularly suitable for use either alone or in combinations with additional GAS antigens, such as GAS 117, GAS 130, GAS 277, GAS 236, GAS 40, GAS 389, GAS 504, GAS 509, GAS 366, GAS 159, GAS 217, GAS 309, GAS 372, GAS 039, GAS 042, GAS 058, GAS 290, GAS 511, GAS 533, GAS 527, GAS 294, GAS 253, GAS 529, GAS 045, GAS 095, GAS 193, GAS 137, GAS 084, GAS 384, GAS 202, and GAS 057.

Abstract: The invention fully humanized monoclonal antibodies that neutralize Bacillus anthracis. Also provided are methods of treating or preventing a Bacillus anthracis infection. The invention also provides methods of passive vaccination of a subject against Bacillus anthracis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vaccine for the treatment of disease caused by Neisseria, the vaccine including one or more immunogenic components for Neisseria serogroups, as well as antibodies to the immunogenic components and methods of preventing and treating Neisseria infections. The immunogens are based on elements of the inner core lipopolysaccharide.

Abstract: The invention provides lipid A deficient mutant Neisseria meningitidis cells, pharmaceutical compositions incorporating such cells, and methods of using such cells.

Abstract: The characterization and isolation of F20G75, F20G76 and F20G77, anti-PA monoclonal antibodies which also have neutralizing activities is described. The monoclonal antibodies may be used as a pharmaceutical composition for treating individuals suspected of or at risk of or having a Bacillus anthracis infection. The monoclonal antibodies bind to a specific region comprising amino acids 311-316 of PA, ASFFDI or a larger fragment comprising amino acids 301-330 of PA, SEVHGNAEVHASFFDIGSSVSAGFSNSNSS. Vaccines comprising these peptides may be used to immunize individuals against Bacillus anthracis infection.

Abstract: Common oral diseases such as periodontitis and dental caries can be prevented effectively by passive immunization. The present invention provides human single chain Fv (scFv) and diabody antibody fragments based on the binding characteristics of the murine monoclonal antibody Guy's 13. Like the parent antibody, these derivatives bind specifically to SAI/II, the surface adhesin of Streptococcus and the human diabody derivative is capable of aggregating streptococcal cells, making it a useful candidate therapeutic agent for passive immunization against oral diseases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to diagnostic tools and therapies using antibodies to Bacillus anthracis. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a B. anthracis-specific monoclonal antibody that binds to the EA1 antigen (corresponding to the eag gene) of the S-layer (surface layer) of spores. This monoclonal antibody may be used in a variety of applications, including to specifically detect and diagnose B. anthracis. Preferably, antibodies are monoclonal and bind to a surface protein, such as EA1 protein, on the spores of B. anthracis, and not to spores of either B. cereus or B. thuringiensis. Antibodies can be incorporated into detection kits using, for example, colloidal particle based lateral flow detection system. Such detection kits can distinguish anthrax spores from non-pathogenic varieties of spores. In addition, the invention is directed to B.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies and related molecules that specifically bind to protective antigen of Bacillus anthracis (PA). Such antibodies have uses, for example, in the prevention and treatment of anthrax and anthrax toxin poisoning. The invention also relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding anti-PA antibodies, vectors and host cells containing these nucleic acids, and methods for producing the same.

Abstract: Assays to identify Vpr/AIF interaction and translocation inhibitors are disclosed.

Abstract: A protein from Streptococcus pyogenes, serotype Ml has been characterized. This protein, called protein SIC, plays a role in S. pyogenes pathogenicity and virulence. It inhibits hemolysis by interacting with the plasma proteins clusterin, and members of the cystatin protein super family such as histidine rich glycoprotein (HRG). The protein, comprises at least one of the following partial amino acid sequences: (a) glu thr tyr thr ser arg asn phe; (b) asp trp ser gly asp asp trp pro glu asp asp trp; Cc) arg ser gly val gly leu ser gln tyr gly trp ser; (d) trp ser ser asp lys lys asp glu thr glu asp lys thr; (e) gly thr gly tyr glu lys arg asp asp trp gly gly pro gly; (f) lys arg asp asp trp arg gly pro gly his ile pro lys pro. The protein and antibodies specific for the protein can be used in analytical procedures for determining the presence of virulent Streptococcus pyo genes in a sample. The protein can also be used in vaccine compositions.

Abstract: The present invention describes a detoxified Gram negative J5 core lipopolysaccharide/group B meningococcal outer membrane protein complex vaccine given in conjunction with CpG 7909 adjuvant. This vaccine composition can be used for either active or passive immunization of mammals for the prevention or treatment of sepsis and infection with Gram negative bacteria. The addition of CpG to the vaccine was shown to markedly increase the antibody response in mice. Furthermore, the ability of the endotoxin vaccine in protecting against Gram-negative bacteria such as Francisella tularensis in vivo is also demonstrated herein.

Abstract: The invention features methods and compositions for treating or preventing Gram-negative bacterial infections.

Abstract: Anti-?-1,3-glucan antibodies have been found to be protective against systemic fungal infection with Candida albicans. The present invention provides monoclonal antibodies that bind to ?-1,3-glucan, hybridoma cell lines producing the antibodies, compositions comprising the antibodies and methods of using such antibodies for treatment of microbial infections, particularly against Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatis infections. The antibodies of the present invention are not specific for ?-1,6-glucan.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cell-surface-located polypeptides of Streptococcus pneumoniae and their use in immunisation against Streptococcal infection, in diagnosis of Streptococcus and in identification of compounds with anti-Streptococcus activity. In a further aspect, the invention relates to antibodies capable of recognising cell surface-located polypeptides of Streptococcus pneumoniae and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for in vitro seriological diagnosis of Whipple's disease, whereby the bacteria responsible for the disease are isolated and established in a culture and brought into contact with the serum or biological fluid of an infected patient. The invention also relates to useful oligonucleotides with a probe and a primer for amplifying, sequencing and detecting the gene rpoB of the bacteria, Tropheryma whippelii.

Abstract: In this application is described the production of recombinant, chimeric, humanized antibodies specific for both BoNt/A and BoNT/B. The humanized antibodies were converted from a mouse anti-BoNT/A/B Fab fragment into a whole human IgG1 antibody. The antibodies are useful in assays for detecting human exposure to BoNT/A and BoNT/B.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid and amino acid sequence of the novel I-1 and I-2 polypeptides, which are associated with human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods of diagnosing and treating inflammatory bowel disease using the IBD-associated I-1 and I-2 antigens also are provided.

Abstract: A method for improving body weight gain and increasing feed conversion efficiency of in animals by feeding the animals a diet containing antibodies against anti-nutritional factors in food.

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.