Abstract: A C-terminal pilin peptide vaccine for immunizing or treating a patient for infection by a Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infection is disclosed. The peptide comprises the peptide identified as SEQ ID NOS. 3-6; and a carrier protein conjugated to the peptide. Also disclosed is a pilin peptide C-terminal PA pilin peptide having the amino acid sequence identified as SEQ ID NO:3, and analogs thereof having one of residues T, K, or A at position 130, D, T, or N at position 132, Q, A, or V at position 133, E, P, N, or A at position 135, Q, M, or K at position 136, and I, T, L, or R at position 138, excluding SEQ ID NOS: 1, 2, 9, 10, and 11, and the ability to cross-react with antibodies against the corresponding C-terminal peptides from PA strains PAK and PAO.

Abstract: Proinsulin peptide compounds that modulate an immunological response by T cells of Type I diabetic subjects are disclosed. The proinsulin peptide compounds of the invention are preferably derived from a region of proinsulin that spans the junction between the B chain and C peptide of proinsulin. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the proinsulin peptide compounds are also disclosed. An immunological response to a proinsulin peptide compound of the invention can be used as an indicator of Type I diabetes in a subject. Accordingly, the invention provides diagnostic assays for Type I diabetes using the proinsulin peptide compounds. Methods for inhibiting the development or progression of Type I diabetes in a subject by administering a proinsulin peptide compound are also disclosed.

Abstract: Four antigenic preparations are provided, each of which contains a different protein from Leptospira which can be used immunologically in vaccines for leptospirosis caused by this organism. Also provided in the invention are polynucleotides encoding these four proteins and antibodies which bind the proteins for use in the diagnosis of leptospirosis.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing an immune response in a mammal to an antigen which comprises modifying said antigen by introducing an alkyl aldehyde group into said antigen and introducing said modified antigen into the mammal. Periodate or glycolaldhyde may be used as the agent to introduce the aldehyde groups.

Abstract: A peptide consisting of an invariable 26-amino-acid-long region, named IR6, which is antigenically conversed among strains and species of the B. burgdorferi sensu lato complex, and immunodominant in both human and nonhuman primate hosts is described. This peptide is characterized by the sequence MKKDDQIAAAMVLRGMAKDGQFALKD (SEQ ID NO:1). This peptide is useful for rapid and specific diagnosis of Lyme disease, as are proteins containing this peptide and nucleic acid sequences encoding this peptide and these proteins.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the therapy and diagnosis of cancer, such as ovarian cancer, are disclosed. Compositions may comprise one or more ovarian carcinoma proteins, immunogenic portions thereof, polynucleotides that encode such portions or antibodies or immune system cells specific for such proteins. Such compositions may be used, for example, for the prevention and treatment of diseases such as ovarian cancer. Methods are further provided for identifying tumor antigens that are secreted from ovarian carcinomas and/or other tumors. Polypeptides and polynucleotides as provided herein may further be used for the diagnosis and monitoring of ovarian cancer.

Abstract: Transfusion of contaminated blood has become the major route of transmission for Chagas' disease. Current screening tests are insensitive and yield conflicting results, while confirmatory assays do not exist. The present invention relates to antigens and their use for serological diagnosis of Chagas' disease. More specifically, the present invention concerns assays which are able to reliably and accurately detect the presence of antibodies to various specific antigens of Trypanosoma cruzi in a highly sensitive and specific manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a family of vaccines that contain stress protein-peptide complexes which when administered to a mammal are operative to initiate in the mammal a cytotoxic T cell response against cells infected with a preselected intracellular pathogen. Also disclosed are methodologies for preparing and administering vaccines containing such stress protein-peptide complexes.

Abstract: A hematopoietic progenitor cell antigen and reagents, notably antibodies, that specifically bind to the antigen are provided. Expression of the antigen is highly tissue specific. It is only detected on a subset of hematopoietic progenitor cells derived from human bone marrow, fetal bone marrow and liver, cord blood and adult peripheral blood. The subset of cells recognized by AC133 is CD34bright and contains substantially all of the CFU-GM activity present in the CD34+ population. This highly specific distribution of AC133 makes it exceptionally useful as a reagent for isolating and characterizing human hematopoietic progenitor and stem cells. Cells selected for expression of AC133 antigen can be further purified by selection for other hematopoietic stem cell and progenitor cell markers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibody which specifically induces an immune response against a glycosphingolipid. Additionally, this invention provides a method of producing the anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibody. Finally, this invention provides a composition of matter comprising an effective amount of a cytokine and a melanoma ganglioside-specific antibody attached to a carrier.

Abstract: Peptides that are capable of suppressing autoimmune arthritis are disclosed. The polypeptides described by the present invention which are capable of suppressing autoimmune arthritis in mammals include analogues of CII 245-270. The peptides do not provoke a material immunogenic response from T cells, and thus are useful therapeutic agents for suppressing autoimmune arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, spondylo arthritis, relapsing polychondritis and other connective tissue diseases. A method of surpressing autoimmune arthritis in mammals is also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: The methods and compositions of the present invention are directed to enhancing an immune response and increasing vaccine efficacy through the simultaneous or sequential targeting of specific immune system components. More particularly, specific immune components, such as macrophages, dendritic cells, B cells and T cells, are individually activated by component-specific immunostimulating agents. One such component-specific immunostimulating agent is an antigen-specific, species-specific monoclonal antibody. The invention is also directed to a method for the in vitro production of the antigen-specific, species-specific monoclonal antibodies which relies upon the in vitro conversion of blood-borne immune cells, such as macrophages and lymphocytes. Vaccine efficacy is enhanced by the administration of compositions containing component-specific immunostimulating agents and other elements, such as antigens or carrier particles, such as colloidal methods, such as gold.

Abstract: Fusion protein compositions containing the sequence of a 17 kilodalton antigenic polypeptide of Rochalimaea (SEQ ID NO:12) are disclosed for diagnosis of cat scratch disease and bacillary angiomatosis by detection of antibodies specifically binding to the polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunogenic conjugate comprising a carrier molecule coupled to an autoinducer of a Gram negative bacteria. The immunogenic conjugate, when combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, forms a suitable vaccine for mammals to prevent infection by the Gram negative bacteria. The immunogenic conjugate is also used to raise and subsequently isolate antibodies or binding portions thereof which are capable of recognizing and binding to the autoinducer. The antibodies or binding portions thereof are utilized in a method of treating infections, a method of inhibiting autoinducer activity, and in diagnostic assays which detect the presence of autoinducers or autoinducer antagonists in fluid or tissue samples.

Abstract: A diagnostic reagent for hepatitis C virus infection obtained by sensitizing a solid phase with HCV antigen and a conjugated antigen prepared by chemical bonding of HCV antigen and a carrier protein, and a method of diagnosing hepatitis C virus infection, which comprises adding the diagnostic reagent for hepatitis C virus infection to a sample, and measuring the degree of agglutination of carrier particles as the solid phase. The diagnostic reagent and the method of diagnosis enable many samples to be measured with higher sensitivity and rapidity.

Abstract: The invention provides a human PINCH protein homolog (PINCH-PH) and polynucleotides which identify and encode PINCH-PH. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for treating or preventing disorders associated with expression of PINCH-PH.

Abstract: Peptides for suppressing autoimmune arthritis by disrupting formation of trimolecular complexes which stimulate T cells.

Abstract: A cellfree extract of Haemophilus parasuis that exhibits toxic activity is described. The cellfree extract is useful as a vaccine or diagnostic reagent.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of preparing a vaccine suitable for administration to humans for the prevention or treatment of cancer. The vaccine is prepared by culturing human cancer cells in a serum-free medium and recovering from the culture medium the cell surface antigens shed from the human cancer cells during culturing. After purification, the collected or recovered shed antigens are employed to produce a vaccine consisting essentially of said antigens for the treatment or prevention of human cancer.

Abstract: An isolated and purified outer membrane protein of a Moraxella strain, particularly M. catarrhalis, has a molecular mass of about 200 kDa. The about 200 kDa outer membrane protein as well as nucleic acid molecules encoding the same are useful in diagnostic applications and immunogenic compositions, particularly for in vivo administration to a host to confer protection against disease caused by a bacterial pathogen that produces the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein or produces a protein capable of inducing antibodies in a host specifically reactive with the about 200 kDa outer membrane protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for eliciting an immune response and the prevention and treatment of primary and metastatic noeplastic diseases and infectious diseases. The methods of the invention comprise administering a composition comprising an effective amount of a complex, in which the complex consists essentially of a heat shock protein (hsp) noncovalently bound to an antigenic molecule in combination with administering antigen presenting cells sensitized with complexes of hsps noncovalently bound to an antigenic molecule. “Antigenic molecule” as used herein refers to the peptides with which the hsps are endogenously associated in vivo as well as exogenous antigens/immunogens (i.e., with which the hsps are not complexed in vivo) or antigenic/immunogenic fragments and derivatives thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the complex is autologous to the individual.

Abstract: A chimera antigen peptide containing the epitope regions in the core region, the NS3 region, and the NS4 region of the HCV polypeptide. A sensitive detection of a wide range of infection by hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be carried out.

Abstract: A method for producing a conjugate vaccine includes mixing a uronium salt reagent with a first moiety (e.g., a polysaccharide). According to the invention, the uronium salt reagent has a chemical structure corresponding to formula I: wherein R1 is defined as wherein R6 represents the carbon, hydrogen, and optionally one or more heteroatoms which, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, constitute a 5 to 10 membered heterocyclic ring, which may be substituted or unsubstituted. R2, R3, R4, and R5, each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, or an alkynyl having 2 to 6 carbon atoms. Alternatively, R2 and R3, when taken together, can represent the carbon, hydrogen, sulfur, nitrogen, or oxygen atoms necessary to complete a 5 to 7 membered heterocyclic ring with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached.

Abstract: Isolated and purified envelope protein of HTLV-I is provided devoid of non-envelope protein of HTLV-I and having substantially the same conformation as the envelope protein in native HTLV-I. The protein is produced recombinantly using a dual vaccinia/T7 polymerase system. Non-glycosylated and glycosylated forms of the protein are produced. Glycosylated forms are recognized by antibodies specific for the envelope protein of HTLV-I. Monoclonal antibodies are provided which are specific for the HTLV-I envelope protein and non-binding to HTLV-I envelope protein in denatured form. The HTLV-I envelope protein is cross-reactive with antibodies of HTLV-II and STLV. The envelope protein is useful in diagnosis of infection by HTLV-I and HTLV-II.

Abstract: Synthetic peptide antigen analogues of native peptide antigens with partial or complete retro, inverso or retro-inverso modifications are provided. When administered as an immunogen to an immunocompetent host the synthetic peptide antigen analogues induce the production of antibodies which recognize the native peptide antigen. Uses of these analogues, vaccines and methods of preparing vaccines comprising these antigen analogues, and antibodies generated using these antigen analogues are also provided.

Abstract: A Treponema pallidum fused antigen in which at least two surface antigens of Treponema pallidum are fused and an assay for anti-Treponema pallidum antibodies, using the above Treponema pallidum fused antigen.

Abstract: Disclosed are the dbp gene and dbp-derived nucleic acid segments from Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiological agent of Lyme disease, and DNA segments encoding dbp from related borrelias. Also disclosed are decorin binding protein compositions and methods of use. The DBP protein and antigenic epitopes derived therefrom are contemplated for use in the treatment of pathological Borrelia infections, and in particular, for use in the prevention of bacterial adhesion to decorin. DNA segments encoding these proteins and anti-(decorin binding protein) antibodies will also be of use in various screening, diagnostic and therapeutic applications including active and passive immunization and methods for the prevention of Borrelia colonization in an animal. These DNA segments and the peptides derived therefrom are contemplated for use in the preparation of vaccines and, also, for use as carrier proteins in vaccine formulations, and in the formulation of compositions for use in the prevention of Lyme disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies that are specific for the protein thymidylate synthase, and hybridomas producing these monoclonal antibodies. The invention further relates to methods of detection and diagnostic kits to test for the presence of thymidylate synthase. The invention also relates to the use of the monoclonal antibodies in determining the presence of colon carcinoma cells.

Abstract: The invention provides gidB polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding gidB polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing gidB polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: The invention provides gidB polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding gidB polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing gidB polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: The invention provides greA polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding greA polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing greA polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: A process for selectively immobilizing viral glycoproteins on lectin-coated surfaces for use in solid phase immunoassays is disclosed. This method does not require that the virus or antigen be purified prior to immobilization. This method provides an inexpensive and effective immunoassay method to screen fluids for the presence of viral antibodies.

Abstract: The invention provides folC polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding folC polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing folC polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: The invention provides novel uses for n-glycolylated gangliosides and N-acetylated gangliosides, or derivatives and/or oligosaccharides thereof The invention further provides methods of obtaining such gangliosides, as well as vaccine compositions comprising said gangliosides. The gangliosides may be coupled to carriers and may be accompanied by adjuvants. The vaccine compositions can be used in the treatment of breast cancers, whereby the gangliosides are used to elicit an immune response to corresponding gangliosides on breast tumor cells.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are isolated polypeptides consisting of amino acid sequences derived form ospA and/or ospB of various B. burgdorferi or portions thereof and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing an antigen-induced immune response through use of a ribonucleocapsid complex are provided. Composition containing a ribonucleocapsid complex and an antigen which are capable of enhancing the immune response to the antigen are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel Borrelia, and OspA antigens derived therefrom. These antigens show little homology with known OspA's and are therefore useful as vaccine and diagnostic reagents. Multicomponent vaccines based on OspA's from different Borrelia groups are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to immunogenic peptides from vespid antigen 5. These immunogenic peptides can be used in immunotherapy for vespid venom allergic individuals. The present invention is thus directed to T cell epitopes of vespid antigen 5 that can anergize T cell responses in sensitive individuals.

Abstract: Methods for the detection, monitoring and treatment of malignancies in which the HER-2/neu oncogene is associated are disclosed. Detection of specific T cell activation (e.g., by measuring the proliferation of T cells) in response to in vitro exposure to the HER-2/neu protein, or detection of immunocomplexes formed between the HER-2/neu protein and antibodies in body fluid, allows the diagnosis of the presence of a malignancy in which the HER-2/neu oncogene is associated. The present invention also discloses methods and compositions, including peptides, for treating such malignancies.

Abstract: The invention relates to the isolation of a nucleic acid molecule which encodes an esophageal cancer associated antigen. Also a part of the invention is the antigen itself, and the uses of the nucleic acid molecule and the antigen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunological adjuvants comprised of the N-formyl methionyl peptide fMLP. FMLP, when used as an adjuvant in accordance with the present invention, provides for an immune response to suboptimal doses of recombinant antigens.

Abstract: Polynucleotide sequences are provided for the diagnosis of the presence of retroviral infection in a human host associated with lymphadenopathy syndrome and/or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, for expression of polypeptides and use of the polypeptides to prepare antibodies, where both the polypeptides and antibodies may be employed as diagnostic reagents or in therapy, e.g., vaccines and passive immunization. The sequences provide detection of the viral infectious agents associated with the indicated syndromes and can be used for expression of antigenic polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for the systematic analysis of the structure and function of polypeptides by identifying active domains which influence the activity of the polypeptide with a target substance. Such active domains are determined by substituting selected amino acid segments of the polypeptide with an analogous polypeptide segment from an analog to the polypeptide. The analog has a different activity with the target substance as compared to the parent polypeptide. The activities of the segment-substituted polypeptides are compared to the same activity for the parent polypeptide for the target. A comparison of such activities provides an indication of the location of the active domain in the parent polypeptide. The invention also provides methods for identifying the active amino acid residues within the active domain of the parent polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of autoimmune disease. Specifically, compositions comprising heat shock proteins, including gp96, hsp90, and hsp70, are disclosed. Immunotherapeutic methods for administering the hsp-containing compositions are disclosed. Furthermore, methods for preventing rejection of organs transplanted to treat autoimmune disease are disclosed. The disclosed methods are useful for treating a variety of autoimmune diseases, including insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of acrosomal sperm protein in immunocontraception of male and female subjects and uses thereof as a marker for fertility.

Abstract: A general method for vaccinating against any pathogen is presented. The method utilizes expression library immunization, where an animal is inoculated with an expression library constructed from fragmented genomic DNA of the pathogen. All potential epitopes of the pathogen's proteins are encoded in its DNA, and genetic immunization is used to directly introduce one or more expression library clones to the immune system, producing an immune response to the encoded protein. Inoculation of expression libraries representing portions of the Mycoplasma pulmonis genome was shown to protect mice from subsequent challenge by this natural pathogen. Protection against Listeria.

Abstract: An immunomodulatory peptide is disclosed which is a thymic humoral factor .gamma.2 (THF-.gamma.2) analog of at least eight amino acids or a functional derivative or a salt thereof. The peptide has the amino acid sequence: Leu-Glu-Asp-Gly-Pro-Lys-Phe-Leu (SEQ ID No:1) but differing therefrom by(i) addition of one to three amino acids at the N- and/or C-terminus;(ii) substitution of one to four amino acids by a protein natural or non-natural amino acid;(iii) cyclization through a free carboxyl group and a free amino group or through disulfide bonds of cysteines residues; or(iv) linkage of two to four sequences of modified sequences of (I) corresponding to anyone of (i), (ii), or (iii) above, through a peptidic or non-peptidic linkage.

Abstract: Isolated and purified envelope protein of HTLV-I is provided devoid of non-envelope protein of HTLV-I and having substantially the same conformation as the envelope protein in native HTLV-I. The protein is produced recombinantly using a dual vaccinia/T7 polymerase system. Non-glycosylated and glycosylated forms of the protein are produced. Glycosylated forms are recognized by antibodies specific for the envelope protein of HTLV-I. Monoclonal antibodies are provided which are specific for the HTLV-I envelope protein and non-binding to HTLV-I envelope protein in denatured form. The HTLV-I envelope protein is cross-reactive with antibodies of HTLV-II and STLV. The envelope protein is useful in diagnosis of infection by HTLV-I and HTLV-II.

Abstract: Synthetic peptides and fragments of oncogene protein products which elicit T cellular immunity, for use in cancer vaccines and compositions for anti-cancer treatment.

Abstract: An immunogen comprising a residue of a histamine-releasing peptide comprising a cationic N-terminal head and a hydrophobic C-terminal tail, together with a residue capable of eliciting antibodies against said peptide whilst inhibiting histamine release by said peptide is useful in anti-allergy treatment. Preferably the histamine-releasing peptide is of formula:Lys-Thr-Lys-Gly-Ser-Gly-Phe-Phe-Val-Phe,optionally amidated at the C terminal.Antibodies to the histamine-releasing peptide are useful for passive immunisation.