Phosphoethanolamine cellulose and methods of making and using it are disclosed. In particular, the invention relates to a method of producing a phosphoethanolamine cellulose biosynthetically using a BcsG phosphoethanolamine transferase for cellulose modification. Recombinant constructs encoding BcsG are described, including constructs encoding BcsG by itself or in combination with BcsE and BcsF, which increase the extent of cellulose modification and the amount of modified cellulose produced. Production of phosphoethanolamine cellulose in cell culture and derivatization of phosphoethanolamine cellulose are also described.

An approach for modifying multiple types of bacteria to produce surface modifications that enhance the immunologic response when used as a vaccine. A series of plasmids (pYF, pYFC, pYFP, pSF, pSPF, and pSCF) may be used to transform bacteria which then produce surface-exposed ligands that bind to complement receptors on antigen presenting cells. When modified bacteria are used as a vaccine, the vaccine recipients produce significantly higher titers of specific antibodies and are better protected against challenges from the disease-causing bacteria.

An isolated polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence EEAEKAKEAAEKALNEAFE or an amino acid sequence with a sequence identity of least 70%, 80%, or 90% identity to that sequence. The polypeptide is no longer than 200 or 170 amino acids. A nucleic acid encodes the polypeptide, a gene therapy vector includes the nucleic acid and genetically modified cells express the polypeptide. The polypeptide, the nucleic acid, the gene therapy vector and/or the cell can be used for the treatment of a disease associated with pathogenic long-lived plasma cells.

An isolated polypeptide includes the amino acid sequence EEAEKAKEAAEKALNEAFE or an amino acid sequence with a sequence identity of least 70%, 80%, or 90% identity to that sequence. The polypeptide is no longer than 200 or 170 amino acids. A nucleic acid encodes the polypeptide, a gene therapy vector includes the nucleic acid and genetically modified cells express the polypeptide. The polypeptide, the nucleic acid, the gene therapy vector and/or the cell can be used for the treatment of a disease associated with pathogenic long-lived plasma cells.

In certain embodiments, a recombinant attenuated derivative of a pathogenic Salmonella enterica serovar typhi cell is provided, (a) wherein one or more genes encoding subunits of a stg operon (Salmonella typhi Δstg) are inactivated or deleted resulting in a decrease of Stg adhesin/fimbriae production as compared to genes encoding a wild-type Stg operon (stgABCC′D), and/or (b) the cell comprises a nucleic acid encoding at least one of a gene encoding a subunit of a long polar fimbriae (Lpf) of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium protein. In certain embodiments, vaccines and compositions, and methods of use of the recombinant attenuated derivative of a pathogenic Salmonella enterica serovar typhi cell are provided.

In certain embodiments, a recombinant attenuated derivative of a pathogenic Salmonella enterica serovar typhi cell is provided, (a) wherein one or more genes encoding subunits of a stg operon (Salmonella typhi Δstg) are inactivated or deleted resulting in a decrease of Stg adhesin/fimbriae production as compared to genes encoding a wild-type Stg operon (stgABCC′D), and/or (b) the cell comprises a nucleic acid encoding at least one of a gene encoding a subunit of a long polar fimbriae (Lpf) of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium protein. In certain embodiments, vaccines and compositions, and methods of use of the recombinant attenuated derivative of a pathogenic Salmonella enterica serovar typhi cell are provided.

A recombinant Flagrp170 protein and pharmaceutical compositions comprising a Flagrp170 protein and related molecules encoding same, and cells presenting such a protein are provided. The Flagrp170 protein comprises an NF-.sub.KB-activating domain of Flagellin and an ATP-binding domain truncated Grp170. The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention can be used for the treatment or prevention of cancer or infectious disease.

A recombinant Flagrp170 protein and pharmaceutical compositions comprising a Flagrp170 protein and related molecules encoding same, and cells presenting such a protein are provided. The Flagrp170 protein comprises an NF-.sub.KB-activating domain of Flagellin and an ATP-binding domain truncated Grp170. The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention can be used for the treatment or prevention of cancer or infectious disease.

Provided herein are immunogenic compositions comprising a recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a flagellin, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a heterologous disease-associated antigen, wherein the immunogenic composition induces increased T-cell and antibody mediated immune responses specific for the heterologous disease-associated antigen when administered to a subject, e.g. a human subject, and related methods and uses.

This disclosure relates to immunogenic compositions and methods of enhancing an immune response to an antigen. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to virus-like carries comprising a TLR5 agonist on the exterior without an antigen.