Abstract: This invention relates to antibodies with altered binding to FcRn, and particularly antibodies having enhanced binding to FcRn and/or enhanced serum half-lives. The invention also relates to methods of using the antibodies and compositions comprising them in the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of diseases such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory disorders, and infectious disease.

Abstract: A chimeric polyvalent recombinant protein for use as a vaccine and diagnostic for Lyme disease is provided. The chimeric protein comprises epitopes of the loop 5 region and/or the alpha helix 5 region of outer surface protein C (OspC) types. The OspC types may be associated with mammalian Borrelia infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, comprising an amount of an antibody, antibody fragment or antibody conjugate sufficient to treat Group A streptococcus (GAS) infection or complication thereof in a subject or a disease or complication associated with GAS infection in a subject wherein said antibody, antibody fragment or antibody conjugate binds immunospecifically to a B-cell epitope of GAS M-protein. The present invention also provides methods for the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of infection by GAS and complications thereof comprising administering the compositions to a subject in need thereof.

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: Disclosed are EspFU (EspF-like polypeptide encoded by a gene of the cryptic prophage CP-933U of enterohemorrhagic E. coli) polypeptides, fragments thereof, nucleic acids that encode EspFU polypeptides, or fragments thereof, and cells including the polypeptides, fragments, and/or nucleic acids. Also disclosed are model systems, kits, and methods for screening that use, for example, EspFU polypeptides and nucleic acids. Also included are pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions and methods of diagnosis and treatment of EHEC infections.

Abstract: A novel method for selectively removing leaked protein A from antibody purified by means of protein A affinity chromatography is disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions for preventing and/or treating S. pyogenes infection which comprise one or more active agents. The active agents are SLO antigens, nucleic acid molecules encoding the SLO antigens, and/or antibodies which selectively bind to the SLO antigens.

Abstract: Disclosed is a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for bacterial infectious diseases, which comprises an antibody capable of binding to a toxin or an antitoxin that constitutes a bacterial toxin-antitoxin system to inhibit the interaction between the toxin and the antitoxin or a gene for the antibody as an active ingredient.

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: To provide an immunological detection method which can detect or quantify a pneumococcal antigen in a sample derived from a living body conveniently, rapidly, and with high sensitivity, and an antibody for use in the method. The present invention provides an antibody which specifically recognizes a pneumococcal F-antigen; a method for detecting or quantitating a pneumococcal antigen, characterized in that the method detects or quantitates a pneumococcal F-antigen in a sample derived from a living body through immunological assay employing the antibody; and a kit for detecting a pneumococcal antigen, the kit containing the antibody.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment of Chlamydial infection are disclosed. The compositions provided include polypeptides that contain at least one antigenic portion of a Chlamydia antigen and DNA sequences encoding such polypeptides. Pharmaceutical compositions, vaccines and diagnostic kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses attenuated Clostridium perfringens organisms that express a substantially nontoxic alpha-toxin. The expressed alpha-toxin is a deletion mutein that relative to the alpha-toxin of the mature alpha-toxin of Clostridium perfringens strain 13, is missing at least nine consecutive amino acid residues including His68. The present invention also discloses attenuated organisms that encode the muteins, as well as the use of such attenuated organisms as vaccines.

Abstract: Therapeutic, diagnostic and environmental monitoring methods employing proteins encoded by the rbmBCDEF gene cluster and by bap1.

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: The invention relates to an immunogenic composition and method of the immunogenic composition for the production and administration of a passive immunoprophylactic against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. The immunoprophylactic is made collecting anti-adhesin in the colostrum or milk of vaccinated domesticated animals such as cows. The immunoprophylactic is administered either as a dietary supplement or in capsular or tablet form.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition for use in raising an immune response to P. gingivalis in a subject, the composition comprising an amount effective to raise an immune response of at least one polypeptide having an amino acid sequence substantially identical to at least 50 amino acids, or an antigenic or immunogenic portion, of one of the polypeptides corresponding to accession numbers selected from the group consisting of AAQ65462, AAQ65742, AAQ66991, AAQ65561, AAQ66831, AAQ66797, AAQ66469, AAQ66587, AAQ66654, AAQ66977, AAQ65797, AAQ65867, AAQ65868, AAQ65416, AAQ65449, AAQ66051, AAQ66377, AAQ66444, AAQ66538, AAQ67117 and AAQ67118. The invention also provides a method of preventing or treating a subject for P.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of immunology and vaccinology. In particular, it relates to antigens derived from Chlamydia trachomatis that are expressed on the cell surface and so are ideal for use in immunisation as well as combinations of these antigens.

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 object is to provide an antibody and a vaccine composition which have an ability to practically prevent or treat a Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, and which can cope with the diversity of clinical isolates derived from patients infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. According to the present invention, an antibody against a PA1698 protein that is a type III secretion system component protein of Pseudomonas aeruginosa or against a peptide of the protein, and a vaccine composition comprising the protein or the peptide are provided.

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: Immunogenic compositions and vaccines are described comprising GAS Markers. Methods for detecting GAS diseases in a subject are also described comprising measuring GAS markers in a sample from the subject. The invention further provides kits for carrying out the methods of the invention and therapeutic applications for GAS diseases employing GAS markers, polynucleotides encoding the markers, and/or binding agents for the markers.

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: 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 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: Provided are oligonucleotides for isolating human antibody cDNAs from cells or cell lines, such as hybridomas. The invention also provides cDNAs that encode at least one provided CDR of a heavy chain or a light chain of a human monoclonal antibody that binds to B. anthracis protective antigen; and cDNAs that encode at least one provided CDR of a heavy chain or a light chain of a human monoclonal antibody that binds to B. anthracis lethal factor. The invention further provides expression vectors that contain one or more cDNAs isolated according to the methods of the invention, host cells expressing one or more inventive cDNAs, and transgenic plants and animals that express one or more inventive cDNAs. In certain embodiments of the invention the expression system is a plant-based expression system. The invention further provides antibody compositions comprising one or more antibodies produced by expressing a cDNA isolated according to the methods of the invention in a suitable expression system.

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: The present invention relates to novel vaccines for the prevention or attenuation of infection by Streptococcus pneumoniae. The invention further relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding antigenic polypeptides of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Antigenic polypeptides are also provided, as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention additionally relates to diagnostic methods for detecting Streptococcus nucleic acids, polypeptides and antibodies in a biological sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are antibodies (immunoglobulins) and fragments thereof that hydrolyze or bind polypeptide antigens belonging to Staphyloccus aureus, hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus and Alzheimer's disease. Also disclosed are novel methods to improve the antigen reactivity of the immunoglobulins and to treat a pathophysiological condition using the immunoglobulins as therapeutics.

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: The identification of a highly conserved, immunologically accessible antigen at the surface of Neisseria facilitates treatment, prophylaxis, and diagnosis of Neisseria diseases. This antigen is highly resistant to Proteinase K and has an apparent molecular weight of 22 kDa on SDS-PAGE. Specific polynucleotides encoding proteins of this class have been isolated from three Neisseria meningitidis strains and from one Neisseria gonorrhoeae strain. These polynucleotides have been sequenced, and the corresponding full-length amino acid sequences of the encoded polypeptides have been deduced. Recombinant DNA methods for the production of the Neisseria surface protein, and antibodies that bind to this protein are also disclosed.

Abstract: There are provided various novel antigens from Streptococcus pneumoniae, as well as homologues, derivatives and fragments thereof. The use of these in medicine is described, particularly in the treatment or prophylaxis of S. pneumoniae infections. The use of the antigens in diagnosis is also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new and emerging serotype of Streptococcus pneumoniae designated serotype 6C, and assays and monoclonal antibodies useful in identifying same. Also disclosed is a novel pneumococcal polysaccharide with the repeating unit {?2) glucose 1 (1?3) glucose 2 (1?3) rhamnose (1?3) ribitol (5?phosphate}. This new serotype may be included in pneumococcal vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of bacterial infection, for example extraintestinal E. coli infection such as E. coli bacteremia, meningitis and sepsis. The invention relates also to methods of diagnosis and prevention.

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: The present invention relates to protein antigens IcsP2 and SigA2 from Shigella that are common among numerous Shigella types and species and which can protect against shigellosis or other enteric infections when administered as vaccines. In addition, the present invention relates to antigens that are in common between Shigella species and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC). The invention also relates to the use of antibodies raised against these antigens and of DNA probes for use in the diagnosis of Shigella and EIEC infections.

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: 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 provides the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of mycobacterial infection.

Abstract: Presented are methods of isolation of pili and pilus-like structures from Gram-positive bacteria including Streptococcus pneumoniae and compositions that include such isolated pili. These compositions are useful as immunogenic compositions for the production of antibodies and immunostimulation. Also presented are methods of inhibiting Streptococcus pneumoniae, and methods of identifying inhibitors of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Abstract: This invention relates to a prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of footrot, and in particular to a vaccine effective in prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of footrot. Specific polypeptides of Dichelobacter nodosus have been identified as vaccine candidates. In some embodiments the polypeptide is expressed more strongly when the bacterium is grown in vivo or is expressed more strongly in the presence of ovine hoof powder. In other embodiments the polypeptide are reactive against sera recovered from animals repeatedly infected with D. nodosus.

Abstract: The present inventors succeeded in cloning the CDT genes of C. coli and C. fetus, which were previously unknown, and in determining their sequences. In addition, the inventors also developed specific primers and primers common to the two species by comparing the CDTs of C. jejuni and C. fetus. Furthermore, the inventors demonstrated that these primers were applicable to multiplex PCR that simultaneously allows for the rapid and convenient determination of the presence of Campylobacter CDT and identification of species, and that they can also be used in PCR-RFLP-based typing.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of detecting and preventing infectious diseases caused by Enterococcus faecalis and/or Enterococcus faecium.

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: Antigenic compositions are provided comprising a single chain polypeptide comprising first and second domains, wherein said first domain is a clostridial neurotoxin light chain or a fragment or a variant thereof and is capable of cleaving one or more vesicle or plasma membrane associated proteins essential to exocytosis; and said second domain is a clostridial neurotoxin heavy chain HN portion or a fragment or a variant thereof, wherein said second domain is capable of (i) translocating the polypeptide into a cell or (ii) increasing the solubility of the polypeptide compared to the solubility of the first domain on its own or (iii) both translocating the polypeptide into a cell and increasing the solubility of the polypeptide compared to the solubility of the first domain on its own; and wherein the second domain lacks a functional C-terminal part of a clostridial neurotoxin heavy chain designated HC thereby rendering the polypeptide incapable of binding to cell surface receptors that are the natural cell sur

Abstract: A method is provided for improving the solubility of proteins, for example, bacterial toxins. In one embodiment, solubility is improved by introducing point mutations that replace cysteine residues capable of forming intermolecular disulfide bonds with other amino acid residues that do not form such bonds. By abrogating the ability of the cysteine residues to form inter-molecular disulfide bonds, aggregation of the protein is reduced, thereby improving the solubility of the protein. In another embodiment, solubility of the protein is improved by producing truncated forms of the protein that express the LHN domain and a fragment of the Hc domain. Proteins made according to the method of the invention are useful, for example, as immunodiagnostic agents and vaccine components.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant triple helical proteins or collagen-like proteins comprising a prokaryotic protein or one or more domains of a prokaryotic protein comprising a collagen-like peptide sequence of repeated Gly-Xaa-Yaa triplets and, optionally, one or more domains from a mammalian collagen. Also provided are expression vectors and host cells containing the expression vectors to produce these recombinant proteins and methods of producing the same. Additionally, antibodies are provided that are directed against a recombinant collagen-like protein that, preferably, binds an integrin. Furthermore, a method of screening for potential therapeutic compounds that inhibit the integrin-binding or integrin-interacting activities of recombinant collagen-like proteins.

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: This invention relates to conjugates of the O-specific polysaccharide of E. coli O157 with a carrier, and compositions thereof, and to methods of using of using of these conjugates and/or compositions thereof for eliciting an immunogenic response in mammals, including responses which provide protection against, or reduce the severity of, bacterial infections. More particularly it relates to the use of polysaccharides containing the tetrasaccharide repeat unit: (?3)-?-DGalpNAc-(1?2)-?-D-PerpNAc-(1?3)-?-L-Fucp-(1?4)-?-D-Glcp-(1?), and conjugates thereof, to induce serum antibodies having bactericidal (killing) activity against hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) causing E. coli, in particular E. coli O157. The conjugates, and compositions thereof, are useful as vaccines to induce serum antibodies which have bactericidal or bacteriostatic activity against E. coli, in particular E. coli O157, and are useful to prevent and/or treat illnesses caused by E. coli O157.

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.