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: A DNA encoding a cell surface polypeptide of Porphyromonas gingivalis, and a recombinant DNA being a DNA having integrated said DNA thereinto. The cell surface polypeptide of the periodontopathic organism useful for prophylaxis and diagnosis of periodontal diseases can be obtained in a large amount by a microorganism containing the recombinant DNA wherein the DNA was integrated.

Abstract: Disclosed are amphiphilic compounds comprising Formula I: wherein R1, R2, and R3 are C2-C12 straight or branched alkyl; unsubstituted phenyl, biphenyl, C3-C8 cycloalkyl, or C3-C8 cycloalkenyl; or phenyl, biphenyl, C3-C8 cycloalkyl, or C3-C8 cycloalkenyl substituted with one, two, or three C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl groups; or R1 and R2 combined are C3-C8 cycloalkyl, C3-C8 cycloalkenyl; or C3-C8 cycloalkyl or C3-C8 cycloalkenyl substituted with one, two, or three C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl groups; one of R4 or R5 is selected from the group consisting of C2-C6-straight or branched alkyl-(dimethyl-N-oxide), alkyl-(dimethylamine), alkyl-(trimethylammonium), alkyl-glucosyl, alkyl-maltosyl, glucosyl, maltosyl, and polyethylene(glycosyl); the other of R4 or R5 is selected from the group consisting of H, C2-C6 straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, C2-C6-straight or branched alkyl-(dimethyl-N-oxide); alkyl-(dimethylamine), alkyl-(trimethylammonium), alkyl-glucosyl, alkyl-maltosyl, glucos

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid compounds encoding the stem peptide biosynthetic gene murI of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Also provided are vectors and transformed heterologous host cells for expressing the MurI enzyme product and a method for identifying compounds that inhibit stem peptide biosynthesis.

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: Compounds and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of Chlamydial infection are disclosed. The compounds provided include polypeptides that contain at least one antigenic portion of a Chlamydial antigen and DNA sequences encoding such polypeptides. Pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines comprising such polypeptides or DNA sequences are also provided, together with antibodies directed against such polypeptides. Diagnostic kits containing such polypeptides or DNA sequences and a suitable detection reagent may be used for the detection of Chlamydial infection in patients and in biological samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides comprising an immunogenic portion of a M. vaccae protein and DNA molecules encoding such polypeptides, together with methods for their use in the diagnosis and treatment of mycobacterial infection. Methods for enhancing the immune response to an antigen including administration of M. vaccae culture filtrate, delipidated M. vaccae cells or delipidated and deglycolipidated M. vaccae cells are also provided.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns novel Bacillus thuringiensis strains containing parasporal proteins with pesticidal properties against whitefly, aphid, jassid, and possibly other sucking insects of agronomic importance, and peptide sequences to these proteins that can be used to obtain structural genes. The spores or crystals of these microbes, or mutants thereof, are useful to control hymenopteran pests in various environments. The genes of the invention can be used to transform various hosts wherein the novel toxic proteins can be expressed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biotechnology and genetic engineering, particularly the expression of proteins of viral origin in microorganisms through their fusion, by applying the recombinant DNA technology, to bacterial peptides. The present invention provides an efficient process for the expression in Escherichia coli of heterologous proteins as fusion polypeptides with a view to obtaining them with a high degree of purity, in commercially useful amounts, and in an appropriate form for their inclusion in vaccine preparations intended to human use. To this effect, what is essentially used is a stabilizing sequence derived from the first 47 amino acids of the antigen P64k of Neisseria meningitidis B:4:P1.15. In particular, use is made of a recombinant plasmid containing said sequence, under the control of the tryptophane promotor of E.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid compounds encoding a novel MTG of Staphylococcus aureus. Also provided are vectors and transformed heterologous host cells for expressing the MTG and a method for identifying compounds that bind and/or inhibit the enzymatic activity of the MTG.

Abstract: Attenuated strains of Mycobacterium, particularly species of the tuberculosis complex, have the mycobacterial cell entry (mce) gene functionally disabled. The gene may be disabled by an insertion into the gene which disrupts the mycobacterial cell entry function thereof of a selectable marker which is used for screen for homologous recombinants in which a double cross-over event has been effected. The attenuated strains may be used in the immunization of hosts against Mycobacterium disease.

Abstract: A method of deriving an antigen from Bordetella pertussis, wherein the antigen is characterized by the following features: a relative molecular weight of about 67,000 to 73,000 as determined by 12%(w/w) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and a proline:glutamic acid ratio of about 1:1 as determined by amino acid analysis. The method comprises: (a) culturing Bordetella pertussiscells; (b) treating the culture of (a) to obtain an outer membrane fraction; and (c) isolating the antigen from the outer membrane fraction of (b).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel bacterial hemoglobin receptor protein and genes that encode such a protein. The invention is directed toward the isolation, characterization, diagnostic and therapeutic use of a bacterial hemoglobin receptor protein, nucleic acid encoding such a protein, recombinant expression constructs comprising such nucleic acids and cells transformed therewith, and antibodies and epitopes of such hemoglobin receptor proteins. The invention relates particularly to hemoglobin receptor proteins and genes encoding such proteins from Neisseria species, especially N. meningitidis. Methods for the diagnostic and therapeutic use of the proteins, epitopes, antibodies and nucleic acids of the invention are also provided, including the use of the proteins, epitopes, antibodies and nucleic acids of the invention for the production of vaccines effectinve in providing immunization of a human against infection by pathogenic bacteria of Neisseria species.

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 discloses a process for extracting a cell-bound protein of bacterial origin, useful in acellular vaccines, comprising contacting a suspension of the cell-bound protein with a flocculating agent prior to heat treatment.

Abstract: Novel Bacillus thuringiensis genes encoding toxins which are active against lepidopteran insects have been cloned from novel lepidopteran-active B. thuringiensis microbes. The DNA encoding the B. thuringiensis toxins can be used to transform various prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes to express the B. thuringiensis toxins. These recombinant microbes can be used to control lepidopteran insects in various environments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel .delta.-endotoxin, designated CryET29, that exhibits insecticidal activity against siphonapteran insects, including larvae of the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis), as well as against colcopteran insects, including the southern corn rootworm (Diabrotica undecimpunctata), western corn rootworm (D. virgifera), Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica), and red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneur). Also disclosed are nucleic acid segments encoding CryET29, recombinant vectors, host cells, and transgenic plants comprising a cryET29 DNA segment. Methods for making and using the disclosed protein and nucleic acid segments are disclosed as well as assays and diagnostic kits for detecting cryET29 and CryET29 sequences in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract: Vitamin B.sub.12 receptor modulating agents capable of modulating cell surface receptors by affecting the cell surface receptor trafficking pathway are disclosed. The vitamin B.sub.12 receptor modulating agents are comprised of a covalently bound rerouting moiety and targeting moiety linked by a water-solublizing linker.

Abstract: The cytA gene encoding the 28 kDa polypeptide of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis crystals was disrupted in the 72 MDa resident plasmid by in vivo recombination. The absence of the 28 kDa protein in B. thuringiensis israelensis did not affect the crystallization of the other toxic components of the parasporal body. However, the absence of the 28 kDa protein did abolish the hemolytic activity of B. thuringiensis serovar israelensis crystals. The mosquitocidal activity of the 28 kDa protein-free crystals did not differ significantly from the wild-type crystals.

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: Methods and compositions for the control of pests of the family Calliphoridae are described. Specifically, Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) isolates having anti-calliphorid activity are disclosed. Also described are recombinant hosts which express B.t. genes coding for pesticidal toxins. The B.t. isolates and recombinant proteins are shown to be useful in a method for controlling calliphorids including screw-worms and the sheep blowfly.

Abstract: Therapeutic proteinaceous substances produced by Staphylococcus (e.g., the active moiety of BacR1) having a molecular weight of from about 3 to 4 kilodaltons are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of inhibiting the growth of procaryotic or eucaryotic cells using these substances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a purified stress protein of 86 Kd and fragments thereof isolated from the genus Corynebacterium. Particular fragments include those with apparent molecular weights of 50 Kd and 52 Kd. The stress protein has been found to be an immunodominant conserved antigen. Patients with Corynebacterium jeikeium septicemia or endocarditis have antibody to the 52 Kd breakdown product. The protein cross-reacts with a peptide antigen KVIRKNIVKKMIE (see SEQ ID No. 1) using a mouse monoclonal antibody against the peptide. The stress protein is useful for improved diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of Corynebacterium infections and diseases.

Abstract: Polypeptides encoded by a continuous segment of chromosomal DNA from E. coli O157:H7, isolated on plasmid pSC(overlap) (ATCC No. 69648), that encodes an adhesin (SEQ ID NO:5) that mediates bacterial colonization of bovine intestines, vaccines derived therefrom, and antibodies directed against the adhesin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunogenic complexes of heat shock proteins (hsp) noncovalently bound to exogenous antigenic molecules which when administered to an individual elicit specific immunological responses in the host. Methods of prevention and treatment of cancer and infectious disease are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and products for establishing nutrient recognition and improving nutrient utilization and growth in a human or an animal by immunologically stimulating digestion or a gastric cascade within the gastrointestinal tract, by orally or parenterally immunizing the human or animal with an immunizing effective amount of an ingestible antigen or a mixture of ingestible antigens and orally reintroducing the antigen(s). Another aspect of the invention provides a method and products for preventing and treating gastrointestinal disease by immunologically stimulating a gastric cascade, namely, blood flow, production of mucus and release of digestion regulatory factors within the gastrointestinal tract of a human or an animal, by orally or parenterally immunizing the human or the animal with an immunizing effective amount of an ingestible antigen or a mixture of ingestible antigens and orally reintroducing the antigen(s).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of purifying cholera toxin using a matrix with at least one ion chosen from among matrix with Ni.sup.+2, Co.sup.+2, Cd.sup.2 or Zn.sup.+2 immobilized thereon. It is possible thereby to selectively elute the B subunit for cholera toxin from the matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a DNA molecule conferring on Mycobacterium tuberculosis an ability to enter mammalian cells and to survive within macrophages. The protein encoded by this gene fragment is useful in vaccines to prevent infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, while the antibodies raised against this protein can be employed in passively immunizing those already infected by the organism. Both these proteins and antibodies may be utilized in diagnostic assays to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis in tissue or bodily fluids. The protein of the present invention can be associated with various other therapeutic materials, for administration to mammals, particularly humans, to achieve uptake of those materials by such cells.

Abstract: Glycosaminoglycans, including heparinases 1, 2 and 3 as well as chondroitinases AC and B from the Gram negative bacteria Flavobacterium heparinum, can be used either separately or in combination to manipulate cell proliferation. In one embodiment, heparinases are administered to degrade heparan sulfate components of the extracellular matrix, thereby allowing the heparin binding growth factors which are stored in the extracellular matrix to migrate to adjacent cells. The mobility of chemoattractant agents, growth factors and cells also can be increased by treating tissues with glycosaminoglycan degrading enzymes, both chondroitinases and heparinases. The enzymatic removal of chondroitin sulfates from cell surfaces effectively increases the availability of growth factor receptors on the cell's surface. Selectively removing heparan sulfate from cell surfaces while leaving the extracellular matrix intact, conversely, inhibits cell proliferation by down regulating the cell's response to growth factors.

Abstract: This invention relates to antigenic conjugate molecules comprising the capsular polysaccharide of Group B streptococcus type II which are covalently linked to protein. This invention further relates to antigenic conjugate molecules comprising the capsular polysaccharide of Group B streptococcus type V which are covalently linked to protein. This invention also relates to vaccines and methods of immunizing mammals, including humans against infection by Group B streptococcus type II (GBS II) and/or Group B streptococcus type V (GBS V). Multivalent vaccines comprising the conjugate molecules of this invention and antigens to other pathogenic bacteria are also claimed.

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: Regions of the PspA protein of the Rx1 strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae have been identified as containing protection-eliciting epitopes which are cross-reactive with PspAs of other S. pneumoniae strains and which is cross-protective. One region comprises the 68-amino acid sequence extending from amino acid residues 192 to 260 of the Rx1 PspA, another region comprises the C-terminal amino acid sequence extending from amino acid residues 293 to 588 of the Rx1 PspA, while a third region comprises the N-terminal amino acid sequence extending from amino acid residues 1 to 115 of the Rx1 PspA.

Abstract: The present invention provides a staphylococcal accessory regulatory protein sar, and the gene encoding that protein(sar). This protein relates to the recognition and control of bacterial infections, particularly infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The sar protein and gene are thus useful in preventing or treating staph infections, and in diagnostic kits and assays for detecting the presence of the sar protein and sar gene.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to an assay for Lyme disease which detects the antibody to Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease. More specifically, the assay employs antigens derived from amino acid regions in the flagellum of Borrelia burgdorferi. These antigens are immunoreactive with antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi but are not substantially immunoreactive with antibodies to Treponema pallidum, the syphilis causing agent. DNA sequences of the antigens, clones and vectors containing the DNA sequences are also disclosed. Polypeptides derived therefrom can be used as reagents for the detection of antibody to Borrelia burgdorferi in the body fluids from individuals with Lyme disease.

Abstract: A method for screening compounds for antimicrobial activity is described that utilizes bacterial protein-protein binding in vitro. The method may be performed using immobilized elements and the immobilization may be carried out using a variety of immobilization means (e.g., columns, beads, adsorbents, nitrocellulose paper, etc.) in order to screen large libraries of compounds.

Abstract: Receptors for the zonula occludens toxin of Vibrio cholera, as well as methods involving the use of the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A DNA encoding a cell surface polypeptide of Porphyromonas gingivalis, and a recombinant DNA being a DNA having integrated the encoding DNA thereinto. The cell surface polypeptide of the periodontopathic organism useful for prophylaxis and diagnosis of periodontal diseases can be obtained in a large amount by a microorganism containing the recombinant DNA wherein the DNA was integrated.

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. A method for creating hybrid neurotoxins comprised of different functional domains is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a recombinant plasmid comprising the cyaC and the cyaA genes of Bordetella which directs the expression of Bordetella adenylate cyclase in a transformed host cell. This invention also relates to a recombinat DNA molecule comprising the Bordetella cyaA gene containing at least one insertion of a heterologous DNA sequence at at least one permissive site. This invention further relates to recombinant Bordetella adenylate cyclase comprising a heterologous epitope at a permissive site as well as methods of inducing a specific B cell, helper T cell, and CTL cell immune response.

Abstract: Bites from Amblyomma americanum, a hard tick, have been associated with a Lyme disease-like illness in the southeastern and south-central United States. Present in 2% of ticks collected in four states were uncultivable spirochetes. Through use of the polymerase chain reaction, partial sequences of the flagellin and 16s rRNA genes of microorganisms from Texas and New Jersey were obtained. The sequences showed that the spirochete was a Borrelia sp. but distinct from other known members of this genus, including B. burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease. Species-specific differences in the sequences of the flagellin protein, the flagellin gene and the 16s rRNA gene between the new Borrelia species and previously known species provide compositions and methods for assay for determining the presence of this new spirochete, or for providing evidence of past or present infection by this spirochete in animal reservoirs and humans.

Abstract: An improved Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) delta-endotoxin is created by the modification of the gene encoding the toxin. The toxicity of a B.t. toxin was improved by replacing the native protoxin segment with an alternate protoxin segment by constructing a chimeric toxin gene.

Abstract: A method of preparing an analog of bacteriorhodopsin in which organic cations selectively replace calcium and magnesium cations. The method comprises preparing a cation-free blue membrane and incubating the blue membrane with an organic cation selected from the group consisting of monovalent quaternary ammonium cations, bolaform cations and pyridinal cations.

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

Abstract: The invention features methods and compositions for inducing protective and/or therapeutic immune responses to an antigen in a mammal. In these methods, an antigen is administered to the mammal with a toxin of a Clostridium (e.g., C. difficile), or a fragment or derivative thereof having adjuvant activity.

Abstract: Receptors for the zonula occludens toxin of Vibrio cholera, as well as methods involving the use of the same are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, compounds, compositions and kits that relate to pretargeted delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic agents are disclosed. In particular, methods for radiometal labeling of biotin and for improved radiohalogenation of biotin, as well as related compounds, are described. Also, clearing agents, anti-ligand-targeting moiety conjugates, target cell retention enhancing moieties and additional methods are discussed.

Abstract: The invention provides spoIIIE polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding spIIIE 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: This invention is directed to a vaccine for the prevention of disease caused by Bordetella pertussis which comprises the pertussis antigens filamentous hemagglutinin, detoxified lymphocytosis promoting factor and a 69 kilodalton outer membrane protein, where said antigens are individually purified prior to being combined to form the vaccine. The invention is further directed to pertussis vaccines where the antigens are combined in any ratio, including ratios not possible in whole cell or co-purified acellular pertussis vaccines. The pertussis antigens may be further combined with other individually purified pertussis antigens, pertussis structural components, adjuvants, stabilizers and non-pertussis vaccine components.

Abstract: A polypeptide exhibiting the antigenicity of Mycoplasma gallisepticum, a fused polypeptide comprising the above polypeptide and, connected to the N-terminus thereof, a signal membrane anchor of a type II outer-membrane polypeptide of a virus that infects birds, or a polypeptide capable of reacting with a mycoplasma-immune serum or a mycoplasma-infected serum and exhibiting a substantially pure antigenecity, respectively having amino acid sequences of about 32 kDa, about 40 kDa, or about 70 kDa. The expression with a recombinant virus of a polypeptide modified to such an extent as to exhibit an antigenicity equivalent to that of any of the above polypeptides. The use of a recombinant virus as a live vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to pesticidal strains and proteins. Bacillus strains which are capable of producing pesticidal proteins and auxiliary proteins during vegetative growth are provided. Also provided are the purified proteins, nucleotide sequences encoding the proteins and methods for using the strains, proteins and genes for controlling pests.