The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infections. In particular, the present invention provides vaccines comprising a Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (u) antigen, antibodies which bind a PVL antigen and compositions containing the same, methods of making such compositions and methods for treating S. aureus infections, including those that are community acquired methicillin-resistant infections. The present invention also provides PVL antibodies, including PVL antibodies specific for a single PVL subunit, and PVL antigens, including conjugated and mutated PVL antigens.
Vaccines comprising an S. aureus alpha-toxin antigen and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are provided, and are useful for treating and preventing infections. The S. aureus alpha-toxin antigen may contain at least two alterations that reduce its toxicity and/or may be conjugated to or co-administered with another bacterial antigen. The vaccines may comprise one or more other bacterial antigens. Antibody compositions comprising antibodies to alpha-toxin and optionally one or more other bacterial antigens also are provided, and are useful for treating and preventing infections.
Vaccines comprising an S. aureus alpha-toxin antigen and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are provided, and are useful for treating and preventing infections. The S. aureus alpha-toxin antigen may contain at least two alterations that reduce its toxicity and/or may be conjugated to or co-administered with another bacterial antigen. The vaccines may comprise one or more other bacterial antigens. Antibody compositions comprising antibodies to alpha-toxin and optionally one or more other bacterial antigens also are provided, and are useful for treating and preventing infections.
Novel hapten-carrier conjugates are capable of inducing the production of antibodies, in vivo, that specifically bind to nicotine. These conjugates comprise a nicotine hapten conjugated to an immunogenic carrier protein. The novel conjugates preserve the chirality of nicotine in its native (S)-(-) state, and have good stability properties. The conjugates are useful in formulating vaccines for active immunization, that are used to prevent and treat nicotine addiction. The antibodies raised in response to the nicotine hapten-carrier conjugate are used for passive immunization. These antibodies are administered for prevention and treatment of nicotine addiction.
The present invention provides a method of preventing or treating bacteremia caused by Staphylococcus aureus, comprising administering a monoclonal or polyclonal antibody composition comprising antibodies specific for one or more S. aureus antigens. In one specific embodiment, the composition is a hyperimmune specific IGIV composition. In another specific embodiment, the composition comprise antibodies to a capsular polysaccharide S. aureus antigen, such as the Type 5 and/or Type 8 antigens. In another embodiment, the composition comprises monoclonal antibodies to a capsular polysaccharide S. aureus antigen. This method provides an effective tool for preventing or treating S. aureus bacteremia, and can be used alone or in combination with other therapies.