Genetic and structural elucidation of capsular polysaccharides from Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 23A and 23B, and comparison to serotype 23F.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a globally important encapsulated human pathogen with approximately 100 different serotypes recognized. Serogroup 23 consists of serotype 23F, present in licensed vaccines, and emerging serotypes 23A and 23B. Here, we report the previously unknown structures of the pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides serotype 23A and 23B determined using genetic analysis, NMR spectroscopy, composition and linkage analysis and Smith degradation (of polysaccharide 23A).

Immunogenicity and safety of a tetravalent E. coli O-antigen bioconjugate vaccine in animal models.

Background: Extra-intestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) are major human pathogens; however, no protective vaccine is currently available. We assessed in animal models the immunogenicity and safety of a 4-valent E. coli conjugate vaccine (ExPEC-4V, serotypes O1, O2, O6 and O25 conjugated to Exotoxin A from Pseudomonas aeruginosa (EPA)) produced using a novel in vivo bioconjugation method.

Prevention of Staphylococcus aureus infections by glycoprotein vaccines synthesized in Escherichia coli.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of superficial and invasive human disease that is often refractory to antimicrobial therapy. Vaccines have the potential to reduce the morbidity, mortality, and economic impact associated with staphylococcal infections. However, single-component vaccines targeting S.

Complete genome sequence of the Enterobacter cancerogenus bacteriophage Enc34.

Enterobacter cancerogenus is widely distributed in nature and is generally recovered from environmental or vegetal sources. In some cases, it has also been associated with human infections. In this study, the complete genomic sequence of virulent E.

Different binding modes of free and carrier-protein-coupled nicotine in a human monoclonal antibody.

Nicotine is the principal addictive component of tobacco. Blocking its passage from the lung to the brain with nicotine-specific antibodies is a promising approach for the treatment of smoking addiction. We have determined the crystal structure of nicotine bound to the Fab fragment of a fully human monoclonal antibody (mAb) at 1.