The present invention is directed to isolated bacteriophages having specificity and lytic activity against strains of Shigella species, methods of using the bacteriophages, progeny and derivatives derived therefrom, to control the growth of Shigella species in various settings (e.g., food safety, sanitation, modulating microbiome, prebiotics, probiotics).

The subject invention provides compositions and methods for treating human dermatological conditions by employing a microbiome-centered treatment approach. Preferred embodiments of the invention provide pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions, and the methods of using the same, comprising a strain of Lactobacillus fermentum bacterium, or bioactive extracts thereof, derived from human microbiota and capable of growing in biofilm phenotype.

Disclosed are genetically modified nudiviruses capable of being sexually transmitted by an insect useful for controlling pest populations. The genetically modified nudiviruses are capable of causing sterility in a target population of insects. Also disclosed are insects infected with the disclosed genetically modified nudiviruses, methods of making the genetically modified nudiviruses, and methods of using the genetically modified nudiviruses to control an insect pest population.

An immunoresponsive cell, such as a T-cell expressing (i) a second generation chimeric antigen receptor comprising: (a) a signalling region; (b) a co-stimulatory signalling region; (c) a transmembrane domain; and (d) a binding element that specifically interacts with a first epitope on a target antigen; and (ii) a chimeric costimulatory receptor comprising (e) a co-stimulatory signalling region which is different to that of (b); (f) a transmembrane domain; and (g) a binding element that specifically interacts with a second epitope on a target antigen. This arrangement is referred to as parallel chimeric activating receptors (pCAR). Cells of this type are useful in therapy, and kits and methods for using them as well as methods for preparing them are described and claimed.

Provided is a novel bacteriophage CJ23 (KCCM11365P). In addition, the present invention relates to an antibacterial composition including the bacteriophage CJ23 (KCCM11365P) as an active ingredient. Further, provided is a method of preventing and/or treating infectious diseases by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli(APEC) in birds using the bacteriophage CJ23(KCCM11365P) or the antibacterial composition containing the bacteriophage CJ23(KCCM11365P) as an active ingredient.

Provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions related to a Blautia strain useful as a therapeutic agent.

The invention relates to methods, uses, systems, arrays, engineered nucleotide sequences and vectors for inhibiting bacterial population growth or for altering the relative ratio of sub-populations of first and second bacteria in a mixed population of bacteria. The invention is particularly useful, for example, for treatment of microbes such as for environmental, medical, food and beverage use. The invention relates inter alia to methods of controlling microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) or biofouling of a substrate or fluid in an industrial or domestic system.

The invention relates to methods, uses, systems, arrays, engineered nucleotide sequences and vectors for inhibiting bacterial population growth or for altering the relative ratio of sub-populations of first and second bacteria in a mixed population of bacteria. The invention is particularly useful, for example, for treatment of microbes such as for environmental, medical, food and beverage use. The invention relates inter alia to methods of controlling microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) or biofouling of a substrate or fluid in an industrial or domestic system.

Methods and compositions are provided for delivery of a polynucleotide encoding a gene of interest, typically an antigen, to a dendritic cell (DC). The virus envelope comprises a DC-SIGN specific targeting molecule. The methods and related compositions can be used to treat patients suffering from a wide range of conditions, including infection, such as HIV/AIDS, and various types of cancers.

Methods and compositions are provided which employ a silencing element that, when ingested by a pest, such as a Coleopteran plant pest or a Diabarotica plant pest, decrease the expression of a target sequence in the pest. In specific embodiments, the decrease in expression of the target sequence controls the pest and thereby the methods and compositions are capable of limiting damage to a plant. The present invention provides various target polynucleotides set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1-236 or active variants and fragments thereof, wherein a decrease in expression of one or more the sequences in the target pest controls the pest (i.e., has insecticidal activity). Further provided are silencing elements which when ingested by the pest decrease the level of the target polypeptide and thereby control the pest. In specific embodiment, the pest is D. virgifera virgifera, D. barberi, D. speciosa, or D. undecimpunctata howardi. Plants, plant part, bacteria and other host cells comprising the silencing elements or an active variant or fragment thereof of the invention are also provided.