Abstract: The present invention relates to transformed plants and plant cells comprising DNA molecules encoding Bacillus thuringiensis proteins with insecticidal activity. The invention relates more particularly to transformed plants and plant cells comprising DNA molecules encoding the protease resistant toxins BTS02618Aa or BTS02618Ab, as well as to methods of rendering plants or plant cells resistant to insects using these DNA molecules.

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

Abstract: Pertactin (formerly 69 kDa protein) is recovered in stable biologically pure form having no detectable adenylate cyclase activity from fermentation broth from the fermentation of Bordetella pertussis as well as from the cells. The broth is processed to selectively remove pertussis toxin (PT) and filamentous haemagglutinin (FHA), the pertactin is precipitated by ammonium sulphate and the precipitate is dissolved in buffer at pH 6.0 to 8.5, the solution then is passed through hydroxyapatite and ion-exchange chromatograph columns before final ultrafiltration. Cells are extracted with urea and the extract ultrafiltered and diafiltered. The pertactin is precipitated from the extract and the precipitate processed as above. In a variation, the broth is contacted with ammonium sulphate to precipitate pertactin, PT and FHA, the precipitate is dissolved and the PT and FHA selectively removed, before the solution is passed to the chromatograph columns.

Abstract: A hybrid botulinal neurotoxin is disclosed. In one embodiment, the neurotoxin comprises a combination of a botulinal neurotoxin heavy chain and light chain, wherein the light chain and heavy chain are not of the same serotype and wherein the heavy and light chains are linked by a homobifunctional sulfydryl linker. A method for creating hybrid neurotoxins comprised of different functional domains is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided herein for the se of a novel mutant form of E. coli heat-labile enterotoxin which has lost its toxicity but has retained its immunologic activity. This enterotoxin is used in combination with an unrelated antigen to achieve an increased immune response to said antigen when administered as part of an oral vaccine preparation.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided herein for the use of a novel mutant form of E. coli heat-labile enterotoxin which has lost its toxicity but has retained its immunologic activity. This enterotoxin is used in combination with an unrelated antigen to achieve an increased immune response to said antigen when administered as part of a vaccine preparation.

Abstract: The invention provides a vaccine for immunizing poultry and other animals against infection by a gram-negative bacteria, and a method of immunizing an animal using the vaccine. The vaccine may contain purified siderophore receptor proteins derived from a single strain or species of gram-negative bacteria or other organism, which are cross-reactive with siderophores produced by two or more strains, species or genera of gram-negative bacteria. The invention further provides a process for isolating and purifying the siderophore receptor proteins, and for preparing a vaccine containing the proteins. Also provided is a method for diagnosing gram-negative sepsis.

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 provides proteins for use in vaccines which are capable of inducing protective antibodies directed against C. perfringens epsilon toxin when administered to animals or man and thereby providing prophylaxis or therapy against infection by C. perfringens epsilon toxin. Particularly the present invention provides proteins which are based upon the mature toxin of the clostridium perfringensepsilon toxin gene, but which have a mutation such that the amino acid at position 106 is different to the wild-type sequence and their use in vaccine compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed are Bacillus thuringiensis strains comprising novel crystal proteins which exhibit insecticidal activity against coleopteran insects including red flour beetle larvae (Tribolium castaneum) and Japanese beetle larvae (Popillia japonica). Also disclosed are novel B. thuringiensis crystal toxin genes, designated cryET33 and cryET34, which encode the colepteran-toxic crystal proteins, CryET33 (29-kDa) crystal protein, and the cryET34 gene encodes the 14-kDa CryET34 crystal protein. The CryET33 and CryET34 crystal proteins are toxic to red flour beetle larvae and Japanese beetle larvae. Also disclosed are methods of making and using transgenic cells comprising the novel nucleic acid sequences of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to Streptococcus suis infection in pigs, vaccines directed against those infections and tests for diagnosing Streptococcus suis infections. The invention provides an isolated or recombinant nucleic acid encoding a capsular gene cluster of Streptococcus suis or a gene or gene fragment derivated thereof. The invention further provides a nucleic acid probe or primer allowing species or serotype specific detection of Streptococcus suis. The invention also provides a Streptococcus suis antigen and vaccine derived thereof.

Abstract: Safe and effective mono and polyvalent vaccines against Streptococcus iniae may be prepared from formalin-killed cells and concentrated extracellular products of Streptococcus iniae which include one or more of deposited strains NRRL B-30238 and NRRL B-30242. Intraperitoneal and intramuscular vaccination of tilapia show acquisition of effective immunity against homologous and heterologous isolates of S. iniae.

Abstract: A method for the selective purging ex vivo of CD77 positive cells from bone marrow or peripheral blood containing stem cells prior to autologous transplantation is described. The method involves treating the bone marrow or blood sample with shiga toxin or shiga-like toxin-1 to kill CD77+ cells or to remove them by affinity chromatography. The toxin selectively binds to CD77+ cells and not to other stem cells. The method offers a means for curing non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, myelomas and breast cancers expressing CD77.

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

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

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: 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: Methods for the treatment of skin disorders, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, alopecia areata and skin cancers are provided, such methods comprising administering a composition having antigenic and/or adjuvant properties. Compositions which may be usefully employed in the inventive methods include inactivated M. vaccae cells, delipidated and deglycolipidated M. vaccae cells, M. vaccae culture filtrate and compounds present in or derived therefrom, together with combinations of such compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed are Bacillus thuringiensis strains comprising novel crystal proteins which exhibit insecticidal activity against coleopteran insects including red flour beetle larvae (Tribolium castaneum) and Japanese beetle larvae (Popillia japonica). Also disclosed are novel B. thuringiensis crystal toxin genes, designated cryET33 and cryET34, which encode respectively the coleopteran-toxic proteins, CryET33 (29-kDa) crystal protein, and CryET34 (14-kDa) crystal protein. Also disclosed are methods of making and using transgenic cells comprising the novel nucleic acid sequences of the invention.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is amino acid sequences of the AC-Hly from B. pertussis. B. parapertussis and/or B. bronchiseptica, carrying epitopes capable of inducing a protective immune response against infection by Bordetella. The subject of the invention is antibodies, especially monoclonal antibodies, directed against these epitopes.

Abstract: Provided is a method of stimulating a class I-restricted immune response to a protein of interest or antigenic portion thereof in a host, as well as a protein delivery vehicle for use in the method. A nucleic acid molecule encoding the protein of interest or antigenic portion thereof is introduced into an avirulent Salmonella spp., such that the resulting Salmonella encodes a chimeric protein comprising the protein of interest or antigenic portion thereof and an injectable protein which is a target of a type III secretion system or an injectable portion thereof. This resulting Salmonella can be introduced into a host, in which the Salmonella will inject the chimeric protein into the cytosol of the cells of the host. The injection of the chimeric protein results in the stimulation of a class I-restricted immune response to the protein of interest or antigenic portion thereof in the host.

Abstract: All Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato isolates characterized to date have one or a combination of several major outer surface proteins (Osp). Mutants of B. burgdorferi lacking Osp proteins were selected with polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies at a frequency of 10−6 to 10−5. One mutant that lacked OspA, B, C and D was further characterized in the present study. It was distinguished from the OspA+B+ cells by its (i) auto-aggregation and slower growth rate, (ii) decreased plating efficiency on solid medium, (iii) serum- and complement-sensitivity, and (iv) diminished capacity to adhere to human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The Osp-less mutant was unable to evoke a detectable immune response after intradermal live cell immunization even though mutant survived in the skin the same duration as wild-type cells.

Abstract: All Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato isolates characterized to date have one or a combination of several major outer surface proteins (Osp). Mutants of B. burgdorferi lacking Osp proteins were selected with polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies at a frequency of 10−6 to 10−5. One mutant that lacked OspA, B, C and D was further characterized in the present study. It was distinguished from the OspA+B+ cells by its (i) auto-aggregation and slower growth rate, (ii) decreased plating efficiency on solid medium, (iii) serum- and complement-sensitivity, and (iv) diminished capacity to adhere to human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The Osp-less mutant was unable to evoke a detectable immune response after intradermal live cell immunization even though mutant survived in the skin the same duration as wild-type cells.

Abstract: A-X202X203X204X205X206X207X208X209X210X211X212X213-B, wherein A represents amino acid residues 38-201 of SEQ ID NO: 2, B represents a sequence starting from amino acid 214 of SEQ ID NO: 2 and terminating at an amino acid between residues 1131 and 1164, inclusive, of SEQ ID NO: 2, and X202 through X213 are each selected independently from Ala, Val, Leu, Ile, Pro, Met, Phe, Trp, a bond, or a wild-type amino acid as found at a corresponding position of residues 202-213 of SEQ ID NO: 2, with the proviso that at least one of X202 through X213, inclusive, is other than the wild type amino acid found at the corresponding position of SEQ ID NO: 2. The LPXTG motif, as found in the native protein at amino acid residues corresponding to residues 1132-1136 of SEQ ID NO: 2, may be deleted in the sequence of the mutant C&bgr; protein.

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

Abstract: The invention includes a gene encoding csrA, the protein encoded thereby and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Methods of preparing recombinant Bacillus anthracis protective antigen or a variant or fragment thereof for use in vaccines is disclosed. The protein is expressed in a recombinant microorganism which comprises a sequence which encodes PA or said variant or fragment thereof wherein either (i) a gene of the microorganism which encodes a catabolic repressor protein and/or AbrB is inactivated, and/or (ii) wherein a region of the PA sequence which can act as a catabolic repressor binding site and/or an AbrB binding site is inactivated. Useful quantities of protein are obtainable from these organisms.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an isolated protein or polypeptide which elicits a hypersensitive response in plants as well as an isolated DNA molecule which encodes the hypersensitive response eliciting protein or polypeptide. This isolated protein or polypeptide and the isolated DNA molecule can used to impart disease resistance to plants, to enhance plant growth, and/or to control insects on plants. This can be achieved by applying the hypersensitive response elicitor protein or polypeptide in a non-infectious form to plants or plant seeds under conditions effective to impart disease resistance, to enhance plant growth, and/or to control insects on plants or plants grown from the plant seeds.

Abstract: An antigenic preparation is provided containing an outer membrane protein associated with pathogenic strains of Leptospira. The protein has been designated “LipL46” for “lipoprotein from Leptospira” and because the isolated polypeptide migrates to a position corresponding to a molecular weight of 46 kD in a denaturing polyacrylamide gel. The invention provides polynucleotides encoding LipL46 and antibodies that bind the protein which are useful in the diagnosis of leptospirosis. In addition, LipL46 can be used immunologically as a vaccine for spirochete-associated pathologies.

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: The invention provides spoIIIE polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding spoIIIE polypetides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing spoIIIE polypeptide for the protection against infection, particularly bacterial infections.

Abstract: Proteinaceous antibiotics produced by ruminal bacteria are provided. The diverse group of ruminal bacteria known as Butyrivibrio spp. is a preferred source of such proteinaceous antibiotics. The proteinaceous antibiotics are generally resistant to gastric proteases, exhibit a high level of hydrophobicity, are effective to inhibit growth of target organisms under anaerobic conditions, are ineffective in aerobic conditions, and have a molecular weight of less than about 5 kDa. Also provided are methods for identifying ruminal bacteria which produce such proteinaceous antibiotics, and methods for producing the proteinaceous antibiotics.

Abstract: The invention relates to bacterial choline binding proteins (CBPs) which bind choline. Such proteins are particularly desirable for vaccines against appropriate strains of Gram positive bacteria, particularly streptococcus, and more particularly pneumococcus. Also provided are DNA sequences encoding the bacterial choline binding proteins or fragment thereof, antibodies to the bacterial choline binding proteins, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the bacterial choline binding proteins, antibodies to the bacterial choline binding proteins suitable for use in passive immunization, and small molecule inhibitors of choline binding protein mediated adhesion. Methods for diagnosing the presence of the bacterial choline binding protein, or of the bacteria, are also provided. In a specific embodiment, a streptococcal choline binding protein is an enolase, which demonstrates strong affinity for fibronectin.

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 invention provides nrdE polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding nrdE polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing nrdE 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: The present invention provides novel antigenic preparations comprising proteinaceous material associated with adenylate cyclase activity in cultures of B. pertussis, the said preparations being useful as components of acellular whooping cough vaccines. The invention further provides methods for the isolation of such antigenic preparations.

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: An OspC Dra fragment fusion peptide isolated from Borrelia burgdorferi is described herein for the prevention, treatment and early diagnosis of Lyme disease in humans and other animals. This invention also relates to a screening method detecting anti-Osp borreliacidal antibody activity, and antibodies reacting with a protein fragment encoded by a DraI-SmaI DNA fragment of OspC.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, a B.t. hybrid toxin fragment comprising at its C-terminus domain III of a first Cry protein, or a part of said domain or a protein substantially similar to said domain; and comprising at its N-terminus the N-terminal region of a second Cry protein, or a part of said region or a protein substantially similar to said region.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated polynucleotides and the proteins encoded thereby, and to their use in controlling lamellicorn beetles (Scarabaeidae). In addition, the invention relates to a method of producing those proteins. The polynucleotides of the invention encode proteins that are identical to or at least related to the crystal proteins characteristic of Bacillus popilliae and that are suitable for the inhibition of the feeding activity and/or for the destruction of adult and/or larval scarabaeids, especially Melolontha species and species closely related thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjuvant product which is intended to improve the activity of a molecule when administered to a host, characterized in that it comprises at least one part of the P40 protein of Klebsiella pneumoniae or a protein having at least 80% homology with the P40 protein of Klebsiella pneumoniae. The invention also relates to nucleotide sequences which encode these peptides or proteins and to the use of these sequences as a medicament. More particularly, such DNA sequences can be used in compositions which are intended for immunization by the intramuscular or intradermal route.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the prevention and diagnosis of Lyme disease. OspA and OspB polypeptides and serotypic variants thereof, which elicit in a treated animal the formation of an immune response which is effective to treat or protect against Lyme disease as caused by infection with B. burgdorferi. Anti-OspA and anti-OspB antibodies that are effective to treat or protect against Lyme disease as caused by infection with B. burgdorferi. A screening method for the selection of those OspA and OspB polypeptides and anti-OspA and anti-OspB antibodies that are useful for the prevention and detection of Lyre disease. Diagnostic kits including OspA and OspB polypeptides or antibodies directed against such polypeptides.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a novel restriction endonuclease and its DNA obtainable from Helicobacter pylori CH4 (NEB#1236), hereinafter referred to as “HpyCH4IV”, which endonuclease: (1) recognizes the nucleotide sequence 5′-ACGT-3′ to in a double-stranded DNA molecule as shown below, 5′-A↓CGT-3′ 3′-TGC↑A-5′ (wherein G represents guanine, C represents cytosine, A represents adenine, T represents thymine and N represents either G, C, A, or T); (2) cleaves said sequence in the phosphodiester bonds between the A and C as indicated with the arrows; and (3) cleaves double-stranded PhiX174 DNA to produce 19 fragments, including fragments of 1036, 749, 397, 379, 371, 365, 362, 343, 282, 282, 268 base pairs, and 8 fragments smaller than 200 base pairs.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel polypeptide, and methods of its use in effective thrombolytic therapy in the treatment of coronary and pulmonary thrombosis. Its use is also disclosed in vaccines to abrogate a streptococcal infection. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the novel polypeptide are included. One particular form of the novel polypeptide is streptococcal surface enolase (SEN), a specific binding protein for human plasmin and/or human plasminogen on group A streptococci that displays classical &agr;-enolase activity, i.e., it can catalyze the dehydration of D-glycerate-2-phosphate to phosphoenolpyruvate. In addition, SEN impedes the inhibition of the fibrinolytic activity of plasmin by &agr;2-antiplasmin and can bind plasminogen without preventing streptokinase from cleaving this plasmin precursor.

Abstract: A nucleic acid sequence encoding an avian E. coli iss gene and an Iss polypeptide encoded thereby are disclosed. Methods for detecting and using such sequences are also provided as are immunogenic compositions and vaccines.

Abstract: Rhotekin polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing rhotekin polypeptides and polynucleotides in diagnostic assays.

Abstract: Various immunologically active proteins from Borrelia burgdorferi have been prepared by genetic manipulation in microorganisms. To do this, the specific DNA sequences were selected from a B. burgdorferi gene bank using suitable screening methods, or were prepared directly by DNA amplification using selected hybridization probes, and were placed under the control of inducible promoters such as, for example, the lac promoter. It has been possible, owing to description of efficient purification methods for the expressed antigens, to provide the proteins in a suitable way. These proteins can be used to produce specific and sensitive diagnostic assay kits. The specific combination of the immunologically active proteins makes precise diagnosis possible. Furthermore, monoclonal antibodies have been generated and are used as reagents for detecting pathogens directly in test samples or after cultivation.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid compounds encoding GrpE of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Also provided are vectors and transformed host cells for expressing the encoded protein, and a method for identifying compounds that bind and/or inhibit said protein.