Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of veterinary parasitology, especially of canine Babesiosis. In particular the invention relates to a polypeptide being a novel canine Babesia antigen (CBA), or fragments thereof, and to compositions comprising this antigen, to nucleic acids encoding the antigen, antibodies against the antigen, and medical uses of this antigen, fragments, antibodies, or encoding nucleic acids. In particular the invention relates to the use of such components in vaccines against canine Babesiosis.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for conducting assays utilizing real-time polymerase chain reactions (“PCRs”) in detection of serotypes L I, L II, and L III, but not stereotype B, of Chlamydia trachomatis, capable of causing lymphogranuloma venereum (“LGV”). These assays take advantage of a deletion occurring in the cytotoxin gene locus specific to the L I, L II, and L III serotypes. Each assay employs a first primer having a nucleotide sequence flanking one side of the deletion point and a second primer having a nucleotide sequence flanking the other side of the deletion point, wherein the first primer and the second primer are capable of hybridizing respectively to the plus strand and the minus strand of the genome of Chlamydia trachomatis during PCR. Synthesis during PCR of a sequence-specific amplicon containing this deletion point indicates that the sample contains nucleic acid specific to an LGV-causing serotype of Chlamydia trachomatis.

Abstract: The present invention is related with the field of Biomedicine. It comprises the engineering of the Pertactin protein (Prn) and using it as part of bacterial vaccines, and more precisely, as part of acellular vaccines against Bordetella pertusis. The engineered Prn molecules comprise on their structure polimorfisms from different B. pertussis strains, and induce immune responses with protective capacity and opsonophagocytic activity when assayed as vaccines, higher than that generated by other pre-existing vaccines. The engineered Prn variants of the present invention are applicable in human and veterinary medicine.

Abstract: Provided are diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions containing a microorganism or a cell containing a DNA molecule encoding a detectable protein or a protein that a detectable signal, such as a luminescent or fluorescent protein. Methods of tumor targeting and tumor imaging using the microorganisms and cells are provided. Also provided are therapeutic methods in which the microorganisms and cells, which can encoded a therapeutic protein, such as a cytotoxic or cytostatic protein, are administered.

Abstract: The specification discloses modified Clostridial toxins comprising an exogenous Clostridial toxin di-chain loop protease cleavage site located within the di-chain loop region; polynucleotide molecules encoding such modified Clostridial toxins; method of producing such modified Clostridial toxins, method of activating such modified Clostridial toxins and methods of activating recombinantly-expressed Clostridial toxins.

Abstract: The invention relates to mutant channelrhodopsins having improved properties, nucleic acid constructs encoding same, expression vectors carrying the nucleic acid construct, cells comprising said nucleic acid construct or expression vector, and their respective uses.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to field of biology and medicine, and especially relates to a novel antibiotic, its nucleotide sequence, methods of construction and uses thereof. A novel antibiotic, wherein the end of any peptide of the allosteric colicin is connected linearly to the end of peptide of the Staphylococcus aureus pheromone AgrD I, AgrD II, AgrD III, AgrD IV or Staphylococcus epidermidis pheromone. Wherein the allosteric colicin being yielded by artificially mutating the amino acid residues G11A, H22R, A26G, V31L and H40K in the peptide chain of wild type Colicin E1, Ia, Ib, A, B, N, or their ion channel-forming structural domain. In comparison with the traditional antibiotics, the novel antibiotics in the present invention are not likely to lead to drug resistance and cause hypersensitivity reaction.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to compositions and methods for designing and producing functional DNA binding effector molecules and associated customized services, tool kits and functional assays. In some aspects, the invention provides methods and tools for efficient assembly of customized TAL effector molecules. Furthermore, the invention relates to uses of TAL effector molecules and functional evaluation of such TAL by, for example, customized assays.

Abstract: Provided herein is consensus amino acid sequences of P. falciparum (P.f.) proteins and their encoding sequences, as well as expression constructs expressing the sequences. Also provided herein are methods for generating an immune response against P. falciparum using the expression constructs provided herein.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to an immunogenic composition that includes a mutant Clostridium difficile toxin A and/or a mutant Clostridium difficile toxin B. Each mutant toxin includes a glucosyltransferase domain having at least one mutation and a cysteine protease domain having at least one mutation, relative to the corresponding wild-type C. difficile toxin. The mutant toxins may further include at least one amino acid that is chemically crosslinked. In another aspect, the invention relates to antibodies or binding fragments thereof that binds to said immunogenic compositions. In further aspects, the invention relates to isolated nucleotide sequences that encode any of the foregoing, and methods of use of any of the foregoing compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides enzymes capable of hydrolysing organophosphate (OP) molecules. In particular, the invention provides a phosphotriesterase enzyme identified from an Agrobacterium radiobacter strain isolated from soil that hydrolyses OP pesticides, and the gene encoding that enzyme. The invention also provides mutants of the identified phosphotriesterase enzyme which have altered substrate specificity. The use of these enzymes in bioremediation strategies is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a mutant blue fluorescent protein (BFP), mutated by an error-prone PCR method or a DNA shuffling method with using a BFPvv D7 of SEQ ID NO:2 as parents, obtained from a wild type blue fluorescent protein BfgV of SEQ ID NO:1, obtained from Vibrio vulnificus, wherein a set of mutation positions of the mutant BFP corresponding to SEQ ID NO:2 comprises position 176 and position 178. In a preferred embodiment, the set of mutation positions of the mutant BFP corresponding to SEQ ID NO:2 comprises a S176R mutation or a V178I mutation. Moreover, methods of using the blue fluorescent proteins from Vibrio vulnificus for fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and a blue fluorescent fish are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel nucleotide sequence and other constructs used for expression of novel recombinant P. falciparum circumsporozoite proteins in bacterial cells such as E. coli. Processes are provided for producing a soluble recombinant P. falciparum CSP from E. coli. Methods to produce a human-grade, highly immunogenic anti-malaria vaccine based on CSP are shown. The novel recombinant P. falciparum circumsporozoite protein by itself or in combination with other malaria antigens or adjuvants can form the basis of an effective malaria vaccine.

Abstract: Embodiments herein report compositions, methods and uses for inducing an innate immune response in a subject. Embodiments herein also generally report compositions, methods and uses for bacterial-derived peptides to induce an innate immune response in a subject having a bacterial or viral disorder and/or cancer. In certain embodiments, compositions herein concern derivatives of p60 protein of Listeria monocytogenes.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, assays, methods, diagnostic methods, kits and diagnostic kits for the specific and differential detection of a non-Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (non-MAP) organism, wherein a non-MAP organism is a Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) organism that does not belong to the Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) organism, from samples including veterinary samples, clinical samples, food samples, forensic sample, an environmental sample (e.g., soil, dirt, garbage, sewage, air, or water), including food processing and manufacturing surfaces, or a biological sample. Exemplary non-MAP organisms including M. avium subsp. avium (MAA), M. avium subsp. hominissuis (MAH), and M. avium subsp. silvaticum (MAS) can be detected by the present compositions, kits and methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel recombinant vaccines providing protective immunity against tuberculosis. Further, the present invention refers to novel recombinant nucleic acid molecules, vectors containing said nucleic acid molecules, cells transformed with said nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides encoded by said nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and materials for delivering a cargo compound into a brain cancer cell and/or across the blood-brain barrier. Delivery of the cargo compound is accomplished by the use of protein transport peptides derived from Neisseria outer membrane proteins, such as Laz. The invention also provides synthetic transit peptides comprised of the pentapeptide AAEAP. The invention further discloses methods for treating cancer, and specifically brain cancer, as well as other brain-related conditions. Further, the invention provides methods of imaging and diagnosing cancer, particular brain cancer.

Abstract: The present invention refers to the use of gene sequences or portions thereof characterized in that the same belong to the classes of in vitro and ex vivo induced, repressed or conserved genes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis currently infected human macrophages and to corresponding peptides or consensus peptides or proteins for the preparation of specific bio-markers for the diagnosis and prevention of active or latent disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunogenic agents based on trypanosomes, related compositions, and related methods.

Abstract: There is provided a method of identifying a protective Leptospira vaccine composition, comprising determining that the composition contains a protective concentration of a Lipl32 epitope polypeptide, for example, of a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO:13 or an antigenic variant or portion thereof. There is also provided a vaccine composition comprising a protective concentration of at least one Lipl32 epitope polypeptide having up to 250 amino acids and comprising SEQ ID NO:13 or an antigenic variant or portion thereof. There is further provided a method of identifying an immunogenic element in a vaccine composition comprising submitting the composition to a two-dimensional liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (2D LC/MS) process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase (PHA synthase) mutant originated from Pseudomonas sp. 6-19 (KCTC 11027BP) which can prepare lactate polymer and/or copolymer by using lactyl-CoA as a substrate. The present invention relates to a method for preparing lactate polymer and/or copolymer with the synthase mutant. The polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase mutants of the present invention originated from Pseudomonas sp. 6-19 can efficiently prepare lactate polymer and/or copolymer by using as a substrate lactyl-CoA which is difficult to be used as a substrate by conventional polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 71. In another aspect, the invention relates to an immunogenic composition including an isolated non-lipidated, non-pyruvylated ORF2086 polypeptide from Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B, and at least one conjugated capsular saccharide from a meningococcal serogroup.

Abstract: There are provided compositions and methods for activating expression of an exogenous polynucleotide of interest only in the presence of a specific endogenous miRNA in a cell. Further provided are uses for the compositions in treatment and diagnosis of various conditions and disorders, for example by selectively activating expression of a toxin only in target cell populations.

Abstract: The specification discloses modified Clostridial toxins comprising an exogenous Clostridial toxin di-chain loop protease cleavage site located within the di-chain loop region; polynucleotide molecules encoding such modified Clostridial toxins; method of producing such modified Clostridial toxins, method of activating such modified Clostridial toxins and methods of activating recombinantly-expressed Clostridial toxins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective peptide of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) or a functional active variant thereof, optionally further consisting of additional amino acid residue(s); a nucleic acid coding for the same; a pharmaceutical composition comprising said peptide or said nucleic acid; an antibody or functional active fragment thereof specifically binding to the antigen; a hybridoma cell line which produces said antibody; a method for producing said antibody; a pharmaceutical composition comprising said antibody; the use of said peptide or said nucleic acid for the manufacture of a medicament for the immunization or treatment of a subject; the use of said antibody or functional fragment thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of an infection; a method of diagnosing an E. faecalis infection; and the use of said peptide for the isolation and/or purification and/or identification of an interaction partner of the peptide.

Abstract: Compositions useful for detecting Clostridial toxin activity comprising a cell that comprises a membrane-associated Clostridial toxin substrate comprising a first member of a fluorescence resonance energy transfer pair; and a Clostridial toxin recognition sequence including a cleavage site; and a membrane-associated second member of the FRET pair and methods useful for determining Clostridial toxin activity using such Clostridial toxin substrates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) antigens that are useful in therapeutic and vaccine compositions for stimulating a VL specific immunological response. The identified antigens are also useful in diagnostic assays to determine the presence of active VL in an individual. Combinations of antibodies raised against these antigens are especially useful in detection of VL infections. Accordingly, the present invention includes polypeptide molecules, nucleic acid molecules, vaccine compositions, diagnostic assays, and methods of diagnosis and monitoring treatment related to these VL antigens.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for treating or preventing a bacterial infection, particularly infection by a Staphylococcus bacterium. The invention provides methods and compositions for stimulating an immune response against the bacteria. In certain embodiments, the methods and compositions involve attenuated S. aureus strains having deletions in their genome, such as in the srtA and saeR regions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and materials for delivering a cargo compound into a cancer cell. Delivery of the cargo compound is accomplished by the use of protein transduction domains derived from cupredoxins. The invention further discloses methods for treating cancer and diagnosing cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to three isolated DNA molecules that encode for proteins, BigL1, BigL2 and BigL3, in the Leptospira sp bacterium which have repetitive Bacterial-Ig-like (Big) domains and their use in diagnostic, therapeutic and vaccine applications. According to the present invention, the isolated molecules encoding for BigL1, BigL2 and BigL3 proteins are used for the diagnosis and prevention of infection with Leptospira species that are capable of producing disease in humans and other mammals, including those of veterinary importance.

Abstract: This disclosure features methods of identifying an organism. In certain embodiments, the invention provides methods of distinguishing virulent and non-virulent strains of Listeria monocytogenes.

Abstract: The invention features recombinant exotoxins from Vibrio cholerae are for the therapeutic treatment of a variety of human diseases, particularly diseases characterized by an abundance or excess of undesired cells.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, cells and constructs for optical measurement of membrane potential. These methods can be used in cells that are not accessible to presently available methods using electrodes. The methods can be directed to, for example, high-throughput drug screening assays to determine agents that can affect membrane potential of a target cell.

Abstract: Ciliate organisms are provided that comprise reduced proteolytic processing in granules. For example, ciliates are provided that lack detectable expression of one or more sortilin (SOR) gene product. Methods for producing such genetically altered ciliates and methods for protein production in a these organisms are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the selective silencing of neurons in pain pathway by using a combination of inhibitory light-sensitive protein gene transfer and wavelength specific illumination.

Abstract: A cellulose hydrolase and a gene thereof are obtained by screening a cDNA genomic library constructed with Orpinomyces sp. Y102. The gene is 1071 base pairs long and comprises an open reading frame (ORF) for producing the cellulose hydrolase comprising 357 amino acids by translation. A transformed cell and a carrier carrying the gene are introduced. The gene is transferred to E. coli by transformation, such that E. coli can acquire activity of decomposing CMC, beta-glucan, and xylan. The cellulose hydrolase is multifunctional and is capable of decomposing cellubiose and directly decomposing fiber into glucose.

Abstract: The invention provides proteins and compositions for the treatment and prevention of Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B streptococcus; GBS).

Abstract: The present invention includes the complete genome sequence for the methanogen, Methanobrevibacter ruminantium, including polynucleotides which encode M. ruminantium polypeptides or peptides, as well as polynucleotides from non-coding regions. Also included are the encoded M. ruminantium polypeptides and peptides, and antibodies directed to these peptides or polypeptides, in addition to expression vectors and host cells for producing these peptides, polypeptides, polynucleotides, and antibodies. The invention further includes methods and compositions for detecting, targeting, and inhibiting microbial cells, especially methanogen cells such as M. ruminantium cells, using one or more of the disclosed peptides, polypeptides, polynucleotides, antibodies, expression vectors, and host cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cells that have been genetically manipulated to have an altered capacity to express and/or produce proteins of interest. In particular, the present invention relates to modified host cells of Gram-positive microorganisms, such as Bacillus species that are capable of overexpressing ymaH. The invention encompasses polynucleotide constructs and expression vectors containing polynucleotide sequences that encode YmaH, and the modified host cells comprising them. In particular, the present invention relates to compositions and methods of overexpressing YmaH for enhancing the expression and production of proteins of interest (e.g., proteases) in Bacillus species.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having endoglucanase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: Disclosed is an isolated strain of a previously unknown Staphylococcus, Staphylococcus pseudolugdunensis. Also disclosed are the sequences of the S. pseudolugdunensis tuf gene and 16s rRNA and methods for distinguishing S. pseudolugdunensis from other staphylococcal species.

Abstract: There is provided a diagnostic reagent useful to determine whether an animal has a tuberculosis infection or has been exposed to a tuberculosis agent, for example a Mycobacterium. The reagent is useful to distinguish between such an animal and an animal which has been vaccinated against a tuberculosis infection.

Abstract: The invention provides mutants of GAS57 (Spy0416) which are unable to cleave IL-8 and similar substrates but which still maintain the ability to induce protection against S. pyogenes. The invention also provides antibodies which specifically bind to GAS57 and which inhibit its ability to cleave IL-8 and similar substrates. The mutants are useful, inter alia, in vaccine compositions to induce protection against S. pyogenes. The antibodies are useful, e.g., as therapeutics for treating S. pyogenes infections.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the discovery and isolation of the entire cluster of genes encoding R-type high molecular weight bacteriocins that specifically kill Clostridium difficile bacteria, dangerous pathogens. Also disclosed are methods of producing the R-type bacteriocins in innocuous aerobic producer cells. Disclosed also are small, non-ORF1374 receptor binding domains (RBDs), which are incorporated into diffocins to form engineered or variant diffocins having altered killing spectra. Variant diffocins provided herein may include a heterologous RBD and its cognate base plate attachment region (BPAR), or a fused BPAR. This invention offers a potent bactericidal agent with increased thermal and pH stability, and methods for producing it, in order to kill selectively C. difficile bacteria in the environment of the gastrointestinal tract where they can cause great harm and even death of the infected patient or farm animal.

Abstract: The present invention features immunogenic compositions based on pre-fertilization or post-fertilization antigens expressed in the circulating gametocytes in the peripheral blood of infected persons or on the malaria parastes' stages of development in the mosquito midgut including extracellular male and female gametes, fertilized zygote and ookinete. The invention also features methods to prevent the transmission of malaria using the immunogenic compositions of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optimized immobilization antigen cDNA sequence of cryptocaryon irritans, which has been processed codon replacement and caused the cDNA to express in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell and translate a protein has similar immunogenicity as the immobilization antigen purified from the theront of Cryptocaryon irritans. The present invention further provides a DNA vaccine produced using the cDNA to prevent fish form cryptocaryon irritans infection.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are enhanced polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, cells and organisms comprising novel DNA-binding domains, including TALE DNA-binding domains. Also disclosed are methods of using these novel DNA-binding domains for modulation of gene expression and/or genomic editing of endogenous cellular sequences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: A method for identifying a risk factor for diseases, disorders or conditions, such as those caused by human immunodeficiency virus, using the polymerase chain reaction and specific primers. Methods for treating patients having these diseases, disorders or conditions by antimicrobial treatment of the risk factor by combined antiviral and antibacterial treatment or by sustaining or stimulating the subject's immune system. Methods for screening biological products including red blood cell preparations. Primers and methods for detecting nucleic acids or microbial agents associated with red blood cells, such as those associated with red blood cells in subjects infected with HIV and undergoing antiretroviral therapy.