Abstract:
Host cell lipid molecules (''receptors'') which permit binding of microorganisms are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions are formed from receptors in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. The present invention also provides microbial proteins (''adhesins''), which mediate binding of microorganisms to host cells, and DNA sequences encoding adhesin proteins. Vaccines are formed from an adhesin protein in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.
Abstract:
Compounds and compositions for the in vitro and in vivo inhibition of microbial colonization are provided. In particular, isolated host cell phospholipid molecules (''receptors''), and derivatives thereof, which bind microorganisms are disclosed.
Abstract:
A variety of conjugates, comprising at least one agent coupled to at least one receptor which binds a microorganism, are provided. Preferred agents include anti-infectives, such as antibiotics and synthetic drugs. Uses of the conjugates include as in vitro inhibitors and as therapeutic agents, e.g., for the treatment of infections due to pathogenic microorganisms.
Abstract:
A variety of methods are provided for growing bacterial cells on lipids, acidic lipids, phospholipids, phosphatidylserine, or mucus, egg or milk fractions or subfractions. Pathogenic bacteria are preferred and include bacteria such as Salmonella, Yersinia, Shigella, Campylobacter, Helicobacter, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, E. coli, Haemophilus, Mycobacterium, Proteus, Klebsiella, Neisseria, Branhamella, Bacteroides, Listeria, Enterococci, Vibrio, Yersinia, Bordetella, Clostridium, Treponema, and Mycoplasma. The present invention also discloses methods for the selection of mutant strains which cannot grow in animals and use of such mutants as host cells for expression of cloned DNA molecules. In addition, methods are provided for the isolation of proteins whose expression is induced or enhanced by growth in the presence of phosphatidylserine or compositions containing phosphatidylserine. Such proteins have a number of uses, including as components of vaccines and as diagnostic markers. The present invention also provides methods for preparing bacteria or fractions thereof for use within cellular or acellular vaccines.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein are immunogenic polysaccharide-H. influenzae adhesin protein conjugates, a purified H. influenzae adhesin protein and related proteins and polypeptides, DNA useful for producing the proteins, synthetic polyribosylribotol phosphate (PRP) oligosaccharides and intermediates useful for their synthesis, and methods of making and using these materials. The conjugates comprise a PRP fragment, preferably a synthetic oligosaccharide, coupled to an H. influenzae adhesin protein. The invention further comprises purified H. influenzae adhesin proteins and novel PRP oligosaccharides. The invention also comprises methods of producing these materials and using them in a vaccine to protect humans and other mammals against H. influenzae infection.