The disclosure provides synthetic (e.g. recombinant) pneumococcal saccharides comprising one or more repeat unit(s) .fwdarw.4)--D-Glcp-(1.fwdarw.4)-[Gro-(2.fwdarw.P.fwdarw.3)]--D-Galp-(1.fwdarw.4)--L-Rhap-(1.fwdarw.. Also provided are conjugates comprising a .fwdarw.4)--D-Glcp-(1.fwdarw.4)-[Gro-(2.fwdarw.P.fwdarw.3)]--D-Galp-(1.fwdarw.4)--L-Rhap-(1.fwdarw., immunogenic compositions, vaccines and their use in preventing or treating infection by Streptococcus pneumoniae.

The invention is directed to Muramyl Dipeptide (MDP) derivative compounds of structural Formula-VIII, a process for synthesis, intermediates used in the synthesis and use thereof: ##STR00001##
wherein, R can be a linear or branched alkyl, an aryl, a substituted aryl, or an alkoxy alkyl. These compounds possess excellent pharmacological properties, in particular immunomodulating properties for use as adjuvant in vaccine formulations. These compounds are particularly useful as adjuvants in vaccines.

Devices, bandages, kits and methods are described that can control or regulate the mechanical environment of a wound to ameliorate scar and/or keloid formation. The mechanical environment of a wound includes stress, strain, and any combination of stress and strain. The control of a wound's mechanical environment can be active, passive, dynamic, or static. The devices are configured to be removably secured to a skin surface in proximity to the wound site and shield the wound from endogenous and/or exogenous stress.

The present inventive technology is directed the novel therapeutic application of muropeptides as class of novel ATP synthase agonists. In particular, the invention includes systems, methods and compositions for the use of muropeptides as novel ATP synthase agonists, and their use as a therapeutic agents to treat diseases and conditions that involve abnormal ATP synthase and mitochondrial activities.