Abstract: This invention relates to the production and use of recombinant Pseudomonas-derived toxins modified to increase their toxicity and potency in therapy. More particularly, the invention relates to certain deletions in domain II of the amino acid sequence of Pseudomonas exotoxin the domain which relates to the toxin's natural proteolytic processing.

Abstract: New chimeric proteins, DNA encoding the same, and the use of these proteins in stimulating immunity against respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, including shipping fever pneumonia, are disclosed. The chimeric proteins include at least one epitope of an RTX cytotoxin fused to an active fragment of a cytokine. The chimeric proteins can be used in a vaccine composition. Also disclosed are methods of vaccination as well as methods of making the proteins employed in the vaccines.

Abstract: This is an immunochemical assay that uses enzyme-linked immunosorbence to detect the presence of antibodies against environmental protein sequences that mimic the human opioid peptide dynorphin in samples of human body fluid. The assay makes it possible to correlate and diagnose psychobiological or medical disorders related to alterations in the normal levels of dynorphin peptides or their receptors.

Abstract: Substantially pure enterotoxins of Shigella flexneri 2a are described, along with a method for obtaining the same, antibodies having binding specificity to the enterotoxins and a method for use of the enterotoxins to develop a non-reactogenic Shigella flexneri 2a vaccine candidate.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical composition containing Ecotin in a therapeutically effective amount for inhibition of blood coagulation.

Abstract: An Escherichia coli (ATCC 68319) containing a gene encoding a novel maltogenic amylase of Bacillus licheniformis (BLMA), wherein said gene has a length of about 3.5 kb; said gene expresses a gene product capable of hydrolyzing cyclodextrin, pullulan, as well as starch at an optimum temperature of about 50.degree. C. at a pH of about 7; said gene product has sugar transferase activity in the presence of glucose; and said Escherichia coli produces said gene product optimally when grown in Luria broth, for 24 hours, at 37.degree. C.

Abstract: A class of site-specific DNA cleavage agents comprising a sequence-specific DNA binding protein and a nucleolytic moiety attached thereto at an amino acid that is close to DNA in the specific protein-DNA complex, but that is not close to DNA in the non-specific protein DNA complex. These site-specific DNA cleavage agents cleave DNA at specific DNA recognition sites and have little or no non-specific DNA cleavage activity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are immunogenic mutant Shiga-Like Toxin II variants and vaccines containing such toxins. The mutant toxin comprises an SLT-IIv where the amino acid at position 167 in the A subunit has been replaced by a differently charged amino acid that essentially maintains the structure of the native A subunit. In a preferred embodiment, the glutamic acid is replaced with glutamine. An analogous modification may also be made at position 170. The vaccines are used for edema disease of swine.

Abstract: Linoleic acid is converted into .gamma.-linolenic acid by the enzyme .DELTA.6-desaturase. The present invention is directed to an isolated nucleic acid comprising the .DELTA.6-desaturase gene. More particularly, the isolated nucleic acid comprises the promoter, coding region and termination regions of the .DELTA.6-desaturase gene. The present invention provides recombinant constructions comprising the .DELTA.6-desaturase coding region in functional combination with heterologous regulatory sequences. The nucleic acids and recombinant constructions of the instant invention are useful in the production of GLA in transgenic organisms.

Abstract: A chimaeric protein, suitable for incorporation in a vaccine and capable of forming parts of a capsid assembly, comprises the amino acid sequence of the coat protein of phage MS-2, or a conservatively modified variant thereof, or sufficient of said sequence or variant to retain capsid-forming capability, which amino acid sequence has been modified by insertion of a foreign epitope in the region corresponding to a protuberant protein hairpin in the capsid assembly as shown in the crystal structure of the intact phage.

Abstract: A method of purifying B. burgdorferi proteins comprising the steps of (a) disrupting a B. burgdorferi cell and fractionating the disrupted cell into membrane and cytoplasmic components; (b) resuspending the membrane component in a non-denaturing detergent thereby producing a solubilized protein and an insolubilized material and then separating said solubilized protein from said insolubilized material; (c) subjecting the solubilized protein to ion-exchange chromatography so as to produce protein fractions; and (d) assaying the protein fractions to identify those fractions which contain proteins of interest wherein the purified proteins of interest are in a biologically active form suitable for use in vaccines, is disclosed.

Abstract: Photochromic compositions comprise a bacteriorhodopsin suspension, at least one organic nitrogen-containing compound and a binder. The composition may further include a detergent. Photochromic materials comprise a support and a photochromic film formed on the support from a photochromic composition as described.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions of botulinum neurotoxin containing higher specific toxicity and increased stability at higher temperatures than currently available preparations.

Abstract: A recombinant plasmid comprises the cyaC and the cyaA genes of Bordetella which directs the expression of Bordetella, adenylate cyclase in a transformed host cell. A recombinant DNA molecule can comprise the Bordetella cyaA gene containing at least one insertion of a heterologous DNA sequence at at least one permissive site. In addition, a recombinant Bordetella adenylate cyclase comprises a heterologous epitope at a permissive site. Methods of inducing a specific B cell, helper T cell, and CTL cell immune response are provided.

Abstract: A method of determining the presence and quantity of an analyte of interest in a particulate-containing sample is disclosed, as is a construct for use in the method. The method is particularly useful for determining an analyte in whole blood and in fermentation suspensions. The construct is comprised of a first moiety, which is a particulate-binding moiety and a second moiety, which binds the analyte of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a substantially pure preparation of the simian hepatitis A viral isolate AGM-27; a substantially pure preparation of the genomic DNA of simian hepatitis A viral isolate AGM-27; a pharmaceutical composition comprising the simian hepatitis A viral isolate AGM-27; a method of preventing hepatitis A in an animal; and a vaccine comprising the simian hepatitis A viral isolate AGM-27.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a novel in vitro process for identifying and quantifying native antigens on potentially pathogenic group B streptococci bacteria present in a clinical specimen. The invention process is made possible by the discovery of novel bacterial markers denoted .gamma. and .delta. epitopes which are expressed by a variety of group B streptococcal strains.

Abstract: The invention concerns a carrier-bound recombinant protein obtainable by expression of a fusion protein gene in gram-negative bacteria which codes for at least one hydrophobic non-lytically active protein domain capable of membrane integration as well as the recombinant protein and of a gene which codes for a lytically active membrane protein from bacteriophages or a lytically active toxin release gene or lytically active partial sequences thereof and isolation of the carrier-bound recombinant protein from the culture broth. The recombinant protein is thereby firmly incorporated into the cell wall complex of gram-negative bacteria via a target sequence. Furthermore the invention concerns a recombinant DNA for the production of the protein, the production process as well as the use of carrier-bound recombinant proteins according to the present invention for immunization and as vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antigenic proteins specific to Borrelia burgdorferi which have a molecular weight of 28 kDa or 39 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE and are reactivity with Lyme borreliosis serum or fragments thereof and to the corresponding DNA. The proteins, especially the 39 kDa proteins (.alpha. and .beta.) can be used to diagnosis mammals previously or currently infected with the Lyme borreliosis causing agent.

Abstract: Substantially pure enterotoxins of Shigella flexneri 2a are described, along with a method for obtaining the same, antibodies having binding specificity to the enterotoxins and a method for use of the enterotoxins to develop a non-reactogenic Shigella flexneri 2a vaccine candidate.

Abstract: Methods for treating cancer are described, including methods for treating colon and pancreatic cancer. Bacterial toxins and portions of bacterial toxins are employed as both diagnostic and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Antigenic compositions are disclosed for use in diagnostic kits and the like for detecting the presence of antibodies specific for Campylobacter pylori, bacteria often associated with the occurrence of Type B gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. Samples of bodily fluids, for instance, may be contacted with immobilized antigen which is then washed and tested for the occurrence of significant levels of antigen/antibody complex. Levels exceeding a predetermined positive threshold are indicative of antibodies to Campylobacter pylori in the sample tested. Kits employing the antigenic compositions of the invention preferably include means for detecting the antigen/antibody complex such as materials and reagents for conducting an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot technique, liposome-based assay or other known detection tests.

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: Purified Bordetella pertussis antigen having a molecular weight between 67,000 and 69,000 and determined by 12% (W/W) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and a proline glutamic acid ratio of substantially 1:1 as determined by amino acid analysis.

Abstract: An insoluble mammalian protein is extracted from transformed bacteria expressing the mammalian protein while avoiding irreversible insolubilization of bacterial host proteins by homogenizing the fermentation broth, centrifuging the homogenized broth and removing the supernatant liquid for the inclusion body containing pellet. In another embodiment, the pH of the homogenized broth is adjusted to 2.0 prior to centrifugation. The acidified broth is then centrifuged, and the pellet is resuspended in buffer, homogenized again, and the inclusion body is isolated by centrifugation.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to pneumococcal fimbrial protein A. In particular, the present invention relates to a DNA segment encoding a pneumococcal fimbrial protein A gene; polypeptides encoded by said DNA segment; recombinant DNA molecules containing the DNA segment; cells containing the recombinant DNA molecule; a method of producing a pneumococcal fimbrial protein A polypeptide; antibodies specific to pneumococcal fimbrial protein A; and a method of measuring the amount of pneumococcal fimbrial protein A in a sample.

Abstract: New immunological carrier systems, DNA encoding the same, and the use of these systems, are disclosed. The carrier systems include chimeric proteins which comprise a leukotoxin polypeptide fused to a selected antigen. The leukotoxin functions to increase the immunogenicity of the antigen fused thereto.

Abstract: A method for rapid identification of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in a sample containing suspect colonies which includes the steps of:(i) coating latex particles with a solution of antibodies or antisera against outer membrane proteins of V. parahaemolyticus at an appropriate concentration to obtain a latex reagent, and(ii) mixing the sample with the latex reagent obtained in the (i) under conditions appropriate to complete agglutination; and a kit for accomplishing the method are disclosed.

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: A process is provided for the purification of pertussis toxin (PT) and/or filamentous hemagglutinin antigen (FHA) from a B. pertussis fermentation broth or cell free culture supernatant containing at least one antigen, which comprises contacting the fermenation broth or cell free culture supernatant with a hydroxyapatite adsorbent for a sufficient time to adsorb the antigen(s) at a pH which both PT and FHA are adsorbed and eluting a mixture containing the adsorbed antigen(s) from the adsorbent with eluant at a pH which both PT and FHA are eluted. The PT and FHA may be further purified by two sequential chromatographic columns, one of which involves apolar-ligand chromatography.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are variant versions of Streptolysin O produced by recombinant DNA techniques. In an embodiment, the variant is soluble upon expression and has a specific hemolytic activity of about 14 hemolytic units per milligram.

Abstract: Induction of virulence related proteins in virulent pathogenic E. coli and Shigella by growing such bacteria in the presence of Congo Red as induction triggering factor, and the application of the induction for purposes of diagnosing virulent pathogens and their antibiotic sensitivity.

Abstract: The entire genome of the hepatitis D virus has been shown to be a circular single-stranded RNA of 1679 bases. Several open reading frames in both the genomic and complementary strands indicate possible protein products. The products encoded in one open reading frame. ORF5, are identified as vital polypeptides p24.sup..delta. and p27.sup..delta., of which the nuclear .delta. antigens in HDV infected liver is comprised. These products, as well as others encoded in ORFs 1, 2, 6, and 7 are produced in recombinant expression systems. The ORF5 products, in particular, are useful for HDV diagnosis and vaccines.

Abstract: Novel hG-CSF polypeptide derivatives having an amino acid sequence derived from the amino acid sequence of the human granulocyte colony stimulating factor polypeptide by substitution of at least one amino acid by a different amino acid and/or deletion of at least one amino acid, recombinant plasmids containing a DNA fragment insert coding for any of these hG-CSF polypeptide derivatives, microorganisms carrying one of such plasmids, methods of producing the hG-CSF polypeptide derivatives using the microorganisms, a monoclonal antibody binding to the hG-CSF polypeptide derivative, and chemically modified hG-CSF or derivatives thereof are disclosed.

Abstract: Bifunctional proteins, obtainable by genetic manipulation, composed of an interleukin-2 and a granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor constituent have the biological activity of both components but are distinguished by increased stability. These proteins are thus medicaments which are suitable for the treatment of malignant neoplasms.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody specific for enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli 0157:H7 and 026:H11 is produced by immunizing BALB/c mice with a strain of E. coli 0157:H7. The antibody reacts strongly by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with an approximately 5,000-6,000 dalton molecular weight outer membrane protein of strains of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli 0157:H7 and 026:H11. A rapid and sensitive assay for detecting these organisms is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are Bacillus thuringiensis isolates designated B.t. PS45B1, B.t. PS24J, B.t. PS94R3 B.t. PS17, B.t. PS62B1 and B.t. PS74G1 which produce novel .delta.-endotoxins active against acarid pests. Thus, these isolates, or mutants thereof, can be used to control such pests. Claimed are genes encoding these novel .delta.-endotoxins, which can be removed from these isolates and transferred to other host microbes, or plants. Expression of the toxins in microbe hosts results in the control of acarid pests, whereas transformed plants become resistant to acarid pests.

Abstract: The gene encoding the TcpA pilus has been cloned. It encodes a protein useful in live, killed-cell, and synthetic vaccines. Protein production is enhanced by specific medium conditions.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns novel methods and compositions for thrombolytic therapy. More specifically, a receptor with high affinity for plasmin has been characterized, purified, cloned, and expressed. This receptor can be used in combination therapies where it is administered prior to, concurrently with, or after a plasminogen activator. Also, this receptor can be bound to plasmin and administered to humans or animals in need of fibrinolytic activity. Additionally, the invention pertains to a novel immobilized form of plasmin which advantageously accumulates at the point where antifibrinolytic activity is needed.

Abstract: A competitive protein binding assay for rapamycin and biologically-active metabolites, derivatives and analogues thereof in blood and other biological fluids is disclosed, wherein the binding reagent is a specific rapamycin binding protein either substantially purified from the soluble cytoplasm of target cells of rapamycin action, particularly normal or transformed lymphocytes, freshly collected or in established cell lines, or synthesized by recombinant DNA techniques. Solution phase and solid state assay systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for purifying and detecting IgM antibodies employ binding substances which are Borellia burgdorferi cells, or cellular or extracellular components obtained or derived therefrom and which bind to this class of antibodies. The binding substances may be attached to a solid substrate and then the substrate contacted with a solution containing IgM antibodies under conditions such that the antibodies bind to the binding substance on the substrate. The substrate is then contacted with a solution that releases the IgM antibodies from the substrate and the antibodies are recovered or detected. Applications of these methods include, for example, assays for diagnosing diseases which elicit primary and/or secondary IgM antibody-mediated immunity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for purification of a surface exposed, immunogenic outer membrane protein of Haemophilus influenzas which is conserved amongst strains. The protein, designated P6, is relatively free of detergent, contaminating RNA and undesirable cellular components.In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for purifying an immunogenic outer membrane protein of H. influenzas consisting essentially of:a) suspending H.

Abstract: Expression of a gene coding for human granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (CSF) in bacteria results in CSF proteins which are biologically active. Modification of the natural or of a synthetic gene structure results in biologically active derivatives with a modified amino acid sequence.

Abstract: A method for refolding insoluble, improperly folded IGF-I is provided, wherein the IGF-I, precipitated from prokaryotic host cells, it concurrently solubilized, unfolded, and refolded into a biologically active conformation in a single buffer. The buffer contains reducing agent and chaotropic agent to solubilize the IGF-I at concentrations sufficiently low to allow solubilization and folding to occur. Also provided is a triple-protease deficient E. coli host suitable for use in the process.

Abstract: The molecular cloning and nucleotide sequence of the complete structural gene encoding Mycoplasma pneumoniae P1 cytadhesin and the amino acid sequence of the protein is described. The present invention provides recombinant DNA clones encoding the complete P1 protein as well as clones expressing P1 polypeptides with cytadhesin epitopes. The substantially purified nucleic acid molecules, recombinant vectors, recombinant cells, and recombinant polypeptides of the present invention are useful as hybridization probes and immunodiagnostic reagents and may be used to prepare anti-mycoplasmal vaccines.

Abstract: A process for extracting and purifying a protein having an apparent molecular weight of about 69,000 daltons from the outer membrane of the bacterium Bordetella pertussis is provided. The process includes inactivating Bordetella pertussis cells with a bacteriostatic agent, repetitive extraction, and purification of the 69,000 dalton protein from extract by dye ligand chromatography followed by chromatofocusing. The process results in improved yield and stability of the 69,000 dalton protein.

Abstract: A functional food which comprises a glucosyltransferase and/or a fructosyltransferase each having a water-soluble polysaccharide production ability, and a base therefor.

Abstract: DNA sequences, hybrid DNA sequences, recombinant DNA molecules and processes for producing streptavidin-like polypeptides and for producing fused proteins consisting of a streptavidin-like polypeptide joined end to end with another protein, polypeptide, peptide or amino acid. The DNA sequences, hybrid DNA sequences and recombinant DNA molecules of this invention are characterized in that they include DNA fragments that code for streptavidin-like polypeptides. These DNA sequences, hybrid DNA sequences and recombinant DNA molecules and the hosts transformed with them may be employed in the processes of this invention to produce streptavidin-like polypeptides and fused proteins.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody, specific for N. gonorrhoeae, specifically binds to a protein which is obtained from N. gonorrhoeae, which has a molecular weight of about 14 kD as determined by SDS-PAGE and which specifically binds to antibody secreted by hybridoma NG 28 (ECACC 89 07 19 01).

Abstract: A protein isolated from Pseudomonas maltophilia is found to possess an exposed, immunologically accessible protein which binds to the FC region of several species of immunoglobulins. The protein is found to bind both IgG and IgA immunoglobulins and is found to have an effective molecular weight of approximately 30,000 daltons. The protein is found to be useful in isolation of IgA immunoglobulins from biological mixtures. The protein makes IgA immunoglobulins available for further analytical techniques, including identifying bacteria which contain IgA binding proteins. Because of the increased availability of IgA immunoglobulins, it is possible to diagnosis and treat IgA-related diseases and their sources.