MXPA05010436A - Peptides and mimetics for reducing symptoms of toxic shock syndrome and septic shock - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to compositions and methods for providing protection against, or reducing the severity of, toxic shock syndrome, septic shock, food poisoning, and autoimmune diseases which are associated with toxin producing bacteria. This invention also relates to methods of using peptides, derivatives, mimetics, and antibodies for the prevention and treatment of toxic shock syndrome, septic shock, food poisoning, and autoimmune diseases, and other related diseases, conditions, and syndromes.

Description

PEPTIDES TO REDUCE SYMPTOMS OF TOXIC ATTACK SYNDROME AND SEPARATE ATTACK FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to compositions and methods for providing protection against, or reducing the severity of, toxic attack syndrome, septic attack, food poisoning, and autoimmune diseases that are associated with toxin producing bacteria.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The attack is a potentially fatal physiological reaction to a variety of conditions, including malaise, injury, hemorrhage, and dehydration, usually characterized by marked loss of blood pressure, decreased blood circulation, and inadequate blood flow to the tissues. Toxic Attack Syndrome (TSS) and Septic Attack (SS) are two types of attack that are still among the most life threatening syndromes that affect humans. Toxic attack syndrome is a potentially fatal and sudden blood-borne condition induced by the release of toxins from bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus. The progression of this disease results in a decrease in blood pressure and renal failure. There are approximately 20,000 cases in the United States of TSS each year with a 10% mortality rate (Weiss, K.A. and: Laverdiere, Cam. J. Surg. 40: 18-25, 1997). Current therapy is directed primarily at treatment symptoms with the administration of fluids, antibodies, vasopressor agents and occasionally steroids (Howe, L.M., Vet.Clin.North Am. Small Anim. Pract. 28: 249-267, 1998). There have been numerous vaccine trials for SS, none of which has been successful to date (Howe, LM, Vet. Clin., North Am. Small Anim. Pract. 28: 249-267, 1998; Weiss, KA, and M. Laverdiere, Can. J. Surg. 40: 158-161, 1988). The "toxic attack type syndrome" is the term previously used to describe the syndromes caused by the streptococcal and staphylococcal bacterial exotoxins different from the toxin of the toxic attack syndrome (TSST-1) of S. aureus. Currently, the term "toxic attack syndrome" is used to describe the syndromes caused by TSST-1 and the other bacterial toxins, particularly pyrogenic exotoxins. Septic attack is another disease that is an attack condition caused by bacterial endotoxins released in the blood. Septic attack, as used herein, describes hypotension and organ failure associated with bacterial infections. In the United States, there are approximately 500,000 reported cases each year, of which 200,000 result in the attack with a 40% mortality rate (Schoenberg, et al., Langenbecks Arch. Surg. 383: 44-48, 1998) . Several clinical characteristics of gram-septic attack Negative can be reproduced in animals by the administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The administration of LPS to animals can initiate severe metabolic and physiological changes, which can be fatal. Associated with the injection of LPS is the extensive production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a). Mice injected with recombinant human TNF develop piloerection of the hair (puckering), diarrhea and neglected and withdrawn appearance, followed by death if sufficient amounts are given. Rats treated with TNF become hypotensive, tachykinic and die of sudden respiratory arrest (Tracey et al., Science 234, 470-474, 1986). Severe acidosis, marked hemoconcentration and biphasic changes in blood glucose concentration were also observed. Gastrointestinal discomforts can also be induced by "bacterial toxins, in particular staphylococcal enterotoxins (Spero and Metzger J., J. Immunol., 120: 86-89, 1978) .The clinical effect after having ingested only a few micrograms of the toxin. It occurs in 2 to 4 hours and is manifested by nausea and diarrhea.These symptoms can be caused by leukotrienes and histamine released from mast cells.In addition, both staphylococcal and streptococcal exotoxins are involved in gram-positive attack.While the septic attack related to the super Antigen appears to be mediated mainly by TNF-α and IL-12, other cytokines can not be neglected (Chapes et al., J. Leukoc, Biol. 55: 523-529, 1994, Hackett and Stevens, DL, J. Infect. Dis. 168: 232- 235, 1993; Imanishi et al. , Int. Arch. Allergy. Immunol. 106: 163-165, 1995). Unregulated or excessive production of TNF has been implicated in the mediation or irritation of a number of diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid spondylitis, osteoarthritis, gout arthritis and other arthritic conditions; sepsis, septic attack, endotoxic attack, gram-negative sepsis, toxic attack syndrome, adult respiratory distress syndrome, cerebral malaria, chronic pulmonary inflammatory disease, silicosis, pulmonary sarcoidosis, bone resorption diseases, repercussion injury, graft versus reaction of host, allograft rejections, fever and myalgias due to infection, such as influenza, cachexia secondary to infection or malaise, cachexia secondary to human acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), ARC (complex related to AIDS), keloid formation , Scar tissue information, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or pyresis, in addition to a number of autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, autoimmune diabetes and systemic lupus erythematosis. The toxins that induce TSS, SS, and other related diseases are classified as endotoxins or exotoxins. Endotoxins are complex polysaccharide and phospholipid found in the cell walls of mainly gram-negative bacteria and are released in cell lysis. Endotoxins cause fever and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) defined as coagulation of diffused blood. DIC results in widespread bleeding because the blood coagulation proteins are consumed, in addition to low blood pressure and stroke, and eventually death if left untreated. However, endotoxins are generally weakly toxic and rarely fatal. The exotoxins comprise a diverse group of soluble proteins released either by gram-positive or gram-negative bacterial cells. Generally, exotoxins are highly toxic and often fatal. Enterotoxins are a subset of exotoxins that damage the digestive functions of the host. Staphylococcal enterotoxins have been implicated in staphylococcal food poisoning (Spero et al., J. Immunol 120: 86-89, 1978), as well as toxic attack type syndromes (Bergdoll, MS 1985. In. J. Jelijaszewicz (ed. The Staphylococci, Gustav Fischer Verlag, New York, NY, pp247-254). For example, in food poisoning, Vibrio cholera secretes an enterotoxin that inactivates the Na + Ka + ATPase pump of the intestinal epithelial cells, interfering with the intestinal cell intake of nutrients. The toxin leads in this way to malabsorption and resulting osmotic diarrhea with water and loss of electrolytes. Group A streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins and Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins, which are also pyrogenic exotoxins, constitute a family of structurally related toxins that share similar biological activities (Hynes et al., Immun., 55: 837-840, 1987).; Johnson et to the. , Molecular General Genetics. 203: 354-356, 1986). In addition, streptococcal and staphylococcal pyrogenic exotoxins also share important amino acid homology throughout their sequences (Hynes et al., Immun 55: 837-840, 1987, Marrack and Kappler, Science 248: 705-71 1, 1990; Hoffman et al., Infection and Immunity, 62: 3396-3407, 1994). In this family of pyrogenic exotoxin, there are nine main types of toxins, and several variants or allelic subtypes. Several studies have shown that common motifs shared by toxins are based on immunological cross-reactivity between toxins (Spero et al., J. Immunol 120: 86-89, 1978, Spero and Molock, J. Biol. Chem. 253: 8787-8791, 1978). These toxins can bind the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules of infected hosts, as well as the variable beta chain (Vß) of the T cell receptor complex (TCR), resulting in an aberrant proliferation of specific T cell subgroups ( Choi ef al., Proc. Nati, Acad. Sci. USA, 86: 8941 -8945, 1989; Fleischer and Schrezenmeier, J. Exptl. Med. 167: 1697-1707,1988; Janeway ef al. , Immunol. Rev. 107: 61 -88, 1989). This property of the toxins has labeled them as "super antigens" (White et al., Cell 56: 27-35, 1989) since they do not interact with the TCR and MHC molecules in the manner of conventional antigens (Kappler, et al. ., Science, 248: 705, 1989, Marrack ef al., J. Expel Med. 171: 455-464, 1990). With respect to super antigens, streptococcal group A (SPE) pyrogenic exotoxins and enterotoxins Staphylococcus aureus (SE) constitute a family that share similar biological activities (Hynes et al., Infect. Immun 55: 837-840, 1987; Johnson et al., Mol. Gen. Gene. 203: 354-356, 1986 ). These stimulate CD4 +, CD8 +, and T + cells by a unique mechanism. These toxins share the ability to bind the elements of the beta variable chain region (Vß) on the lateral side of the T Cell Receptor (TCR) and simultaneously bind to the lateral side of the major histocompatibility class II (MHC) complex. of cells that present antigen, causing an aberrant proliferation of specific T cell subgroups (Choi et al., Proc. Nati, Acad. Sci. USA, 86: 8941-8945, 1989, Fridkis-Hareli, M., and JL Strominger , J. Immunol., 160: 4386-4397, 1998; Fleischer, et al., Med. Micro, Immunol., 184: 1-8, 1995, White, et al., Cell 56: 27-35, 1989). Super antigens have evolved independently over time, and in each case they have been associated with a different infectious pathogen. MHC Class II molecules are expressed mainly in the cells included in the initiation and maintenance of immune responses, such as T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, macrophages, and the like. Class I MHC molecules are recognized by helper T lymphocytes and induce the proliferation of helper T lymphocytes and the amplification of the immune response to the particular antigenic peptide shown. Bacterial toxins, including endotoxins, exotoxins, and enterotoxins, cause a variety of syndromes in humans. The toxic attack syndrome originates from any of the various related staphylococcal exotoxins. S. aureus exotoxins are protein compounds that are secreted at certain times during bacterial growth. The most common TSS toxins are toxin-1 from toxic attack syndrome (TSST-1) and staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), where approximately 75% and 20-25% of cases originate from these toxins, respectively. Gene sequences and amino acid sequences deduced from at least six staphylococcal enterotoxins ("SE" s): A, B, C, D, E, and H, are known, ie, SEA, SEB, SEC (SEC-i, SEC2 , SEC3), SED, SEE, and SEH (Marrack and Kappler, Science 248: 705-711, 1990; Reda ef al., Infect. Immun. 62: 1867-1874, 1994). Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins ("SPE") have been implicated in causing the symptoms of scarlet fever and toxic attack syndrome (Hauser et al., J. Clin. Microbiol., 29: 1562-1567, 1991; Merrifield, RB, J Am. Chem. Soc. 85: 2149-2154, 1963; Stevens et al., The New England Journal of Medicine, 321: 1-7, 1989). The sequences of three members of the SPE family: SPEA, SPEC, and SSA, have been reported (Goshon and Schlievert, PM, Infect. Immun., 56: 2518-2520, 1988; Reda ef al., Infect Immun. 62: 1867 -1874, 1994; Weeks and Ferretti, JJ, Infect.Immun.52: 144-150, 1986). Two distinct regions of SE / SPE toxins that share highly conserved amino acid similarity have been identified. These regions are highly homologous in amino acid sequence and contain consensus patterns that have been identified because they are common in all members of the toxin family (Choi, et al., Proc. Nati, Acad. Sci. USA, 86: 8941-8945, 1989). The first consensus region comprises the amino acid sequence Y-G-G- (LIV) -T-x (4) -N. All staphylococcal enterotoxins and streptococcal exotoxins except for TSST-1 contain this consensus pattern. The sequence is located on the C terminal side of the tank cycle. The second consensus region has the amino acid sequence K-x (2) - (LIV) -x (4) - (LIV) -D-x (3) -R-x (2) -L-x (5) - (LIV) -Y. This particular pattern has been identified in all staphylococcal enterotoxins, streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins, including TSST-1 (Bannan, et al., Infect. Dis. Clin. North. Am. 13: 387-396, ix, 1999; WO 98 / 45325; WO 00/20598). TSST-1 shares similar biological activity with enterotoxins and streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins; however, it is not closely related in a structural manner (Blomster-Hautamaa et al., J. Biol. Chem. 261: 15783-15786, 1986). The toxic attack syndrome may be aggravated by the synergistic effects of TSST-1 with the SE / SPE family of toxins (Hensler et al., Infect Imam 61: 1055-1061, 1993, Smith et al., Infect. Dis. 19: 245-247, 1994). Stimulation of immune cells by super antigens can aggravate autoimmune syndromes by inducing the expansion of self-reactive T cell subsets, regulation of MHC-I expression, and potentiation of the cytotoxic T cell response (Brocke et al. ., Nature: 365: 642-644, 1993; Kotzin ef al., Adv. Immunol., 54: 99-166, 1993; Lí eí al., Clin. Immunol. Immunopathol. 79: 278-287, nineteen ninety six; Schiffenbauer et al. , Proc. Nati Acad. Sci. USA. 90: 8543-8546, 1993; Schwab e al. , J. Immunol. 150: 4151-4159, 1993). Specifically, the super antigen, SEB, is capable of inducing toxic attack effects. These effects are the result of activation of a substantial subset of T cells, which lead to systemic immune reactions mediated by severe T cell. This response is characteristic of the responses mediated by T cell, and can be treated with etherlequin 10 (IL-10), or its analogs or antagonists. Mechanically, the super antigens appear to interact directly with the Vß element of the T cell receptor and activate T cells with relatively poor MHC II class specificity. (See Herman ef al., Ann. Rev. Immunol., 9: 745-772, 1991). Although TSS is a specific syndrome originated by either Staphylococcal or Streptococcal organisms, septic attack is induced either by gram-negative or gram-positive organisms. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are an integral part of the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria and are a potent inducer of cytokine released by macrophages (Glauser, M.P., Drugs, 52 Suppl 2: 9-17, 1996). More specifically, LPS binds to macrophage receptors CD14 and activates the release of several cytokines including IL-1 and TNF-α (Cohen ef al., Trains Biotechnol 13: 438-445, 1995). In this way, the therapies have been designed towards the neutralization of LPS or cytokines induced by LPS (Wang et al., Lvmphokine Cvtokine Res. 1 1: 23-31, 1992). However the Use of monoclonal antibodies directed against part of the LPS molecule or the use of soluble CD14 receptors in vaccine assays does not result in favorable data (Baumgartner, JD, Eur J. Clin. Microbiol. Infect. Dis. 9:71 1 -716 , 1990). These failures can be the result of: 1) the type of patient selected, where several were already in irreversible attack; 2) the LPS sites were not blocked completely by the monoclonal antibody; and 3) the LPS molecules were not blocked completely by the soluble CD14 receptors. It has been proposed that for the lethal septic attack to occur, there must be at least two independent pathways. In fact, there is growing evidence that both gram-positive and gram-negative infections occur in patients with septic attack (Rangel-Frausto et al., JAMA 273: 1 17-123, 1995). It has also been shown that both LPS and super antigens can act synergistically to produce lethal septic attack in animal models (Schleivert, et al, J. Clin Immunol., 15: 4s-10s, 1995). In accordance with the above, a hypothesis of "two successes" has been presented, in which a significant number of cases of septic attack include early gram-negative infection which causes important symptoms of vasodilation and hypotension. After treatment with fluids and antibiotics, patients quickly recover. However, a few days later, a gram-positive attack either through sepsis of the skin by an intravenous needle or gastrointestinal flora causes irreversible attack severe in a patient previously sensitized by LPS (Bannan, et al., Infectious Disease Clinics of North America 13: 387-396, 1996; WO 00/20598). The combined effects of LPS and super antigens greatly increase the lethal properties of both molecules. In an effort to block the harmful effects of these toxins, a number of researchers (for example, Ericsson et al., Microb. Pathoo., 25: 279-290, 1998; Hu ef al., FEMS Immunol. Med. Microbriol. : 237-244, 1999; Jett, et al., Infect, Immun., 62: 3408-3415, 1994; Kum, et al., Can. J. Microbio. 46: 171-179, 2000) have used synthetic peptides. to block or alter the specific actions of known toxins such as staphylococcal enterotoxins B or A (SEB or SEA). Important sites of cytokine production and peptide inhibition for these toxins have been identified. Nevertheless, only two reports have appeared in which a single peptide is reported to inhibit the lethal and proliferative effects of a number of toxins. One report describes using a 12 amino acid peptide CMYGGVTEHEGN (SEQ ID NO: 1) (also called peptide 6343) which is a variant of the native SEB consensus sequence. CMYGGVTEHNGN (SEQ ID NO: 27) of a common region in order to inhibit the blastogenic properties of a large number of toxins. Of these toxins, three new streptococcal toxins previously not described are also reported to be inhibited. In addition, this twelve amino acid peptide (6343) was reported to block the lethal effects of three separate toxins and antigériicamente distinct in a mouse model of toxic or septic attack (Visvanathan, ef al., Infection and Immunity, 69: 875-884, 2001, WO 00/20598). This 12-mer peptide (6343) binds to an MHC II molecule, which can prevent the binding and activation of cell proliferation by super antigens. Arad, I went to. , use a different 12 amino acid peptide, YNKKKATVQELD (SEQ ID NO: 26) (Arad et al., Nature Medicine 6: 414-420, 2000). The peptide of Arad, et al. is a variant of the amino acid sequence SEB 150-TNKKKVTAQELD-161 (SEQ ID NO: 29) of a second common region. The peptide reported by Arad, et al. , inhibits the expression of IL-2 RNA by 18-40 folds and the same results are observed with 2-3 other toxins. In addition, this peptide rescues the mice from the lethal effects of bacterial toxins as reported in a mouse toxic attack model. Antibodies raised against common peptide regions for several super bacterial antigens have been shown to block the biological effects of various super antigens. For example, antibodies are raised against peptides containing amino acid sequence variants of the consensus region (ie, peptide 6344: CMYGGVTEHEGNGC * (SEQ ID NO: 23)), consensus region 2 (ie, peptide 6346; CGKKNVTVQELDYKIRKYLVDNKKLYGC) * (SEQ ID NO: 24)), and both consensus regions 1 and 2 (i.e., peptide 6348: CMYGGVTEHEGNKKNVTVQELDYKIRKYLVDNKKLYGC * (SEQ ID NO: 25); where (*) indicates that the peptides are polymers degraded compounds of the sequence described). (See, for example, US Patent 6,075, 1 19 and WO 00/20598). Antibodies against peptide 6348 recognize the conserved regions of several bacterial toxin molecules, including TSST-1 (see Figure 5 of US Patent 6,075,119) and inhibit toxin-mediated blastogenesis of human PBMCs stimulated with Staphylococcal and Streptococcal pyrogenic toxins (See Figure 6 of U.S. Patent 6,075,119). Passive protection against septic and toxic attack induced by SPEA and SEB in a rabbit model using the antibody directed against the peptide is also demonstrated. However, there still remains a need in the art to provide compositions and methods for preventing and treating individuals having TSS and SS, or other diseases or conditions affected by the bacterial toxin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to compositions and methods for providing protection against, or reducing the severity of, toxic attack syndrome, septic attack, food poisoning, and autoimmune diseases associated with toxin-producing bacteria. This invention also relates to methods for using peptides, derivatives, mimetics, and antibodies (both monoclonal and polyclonal) for the prevention and treatment of toxic attack syndrome, septic attack, food poisoning, and autoimmune diseases, and other related diseases, and syndromes that occur as a result of the toxicities associated with bacterial toxins. One embodiment of this invention relates to peptides, derivatives, and / or mimetics related to homologous sequences from a family of bacterial toxins, including, but not limited to, staphylococcal and streptococcal pyrogenic toxins, antibodies thereto, and compositions thereof. In one embodiment of this invention, the peptides, derivatives, and / or mimetics thereof, have the amino acid sequence comprising a tyrosine residue in a dimer or trimer, and / or an amino acid sequence of tyrosine and methionine, and / or TEHEGN amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 7), wherein said peptide, derivative, and / or mimetic consists essentially of 12 or a few amino acids, with the proviso that the amino acid sequence is not an amino acid sequence that is find in either the native toxin molecule and the peptide not that CMYGGVTEHEGN of SEQ ID NO: 1 or any peptide specifically disclosed in US Pat. UU No 6, 075, 1 19 and WO 98/45325, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. A further embodiment of the invention provides modified peptides, derivatives, or mimetics, wherein said peptides, derivatives or mimetics are found in the natural L conformation, or more preferably the D conformation. In particular, one embodiment of this invention is refers to trimers of configuration D, cmy and ymc. Yet another embodiment of the invention relates to dimers or trimers comprising a contiguous methionine and tyrosine, such as but not limited to, conformational peptides L, AMY, MYC, CYM and MY. In a further embodiment, dimers or trimers containing a tyrosine, such as but not limited to, CAY and CV, are also provided. Longer peptides containing any of these functional dimers or trimers are also provided. One embodiment of the invention provides purified and isolated nucleic acids encoding the peptides, or mimetics of the invention, as described herein, and transformed host cells containing these nucleic acids. Another embodiment of the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a peptide, derivative, mimetic, or antibody as described herein, or a structural and / or immunologically related antigen in a pharmaceutically and physiologically acceptable carrier for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal syndrome. toxic attack, septic attack, food poisoning, autoimmune diseases, and other diseases, conditions and related syndromes. The invention further relates to the use of these compositions in diagnostic assays and in prophylactic and therapeutic methods to prevent or treat the toxic attack syndrome, septic attack, food poisoning, autoimmune diseases, and other diseases, syndromes, and conditions that occur as result of toxicities associated with bacterial toxins. In one embodiment of this invention, methods are provided for inhibiting the blastogenesis of human mononuclear cells in the presence of at least one bacterial toxin by administering a peptide, derivative, or mimetic of this invention. A preferred embodiment of the invention is to treat an individual at risk of developing toxic attack syndrome, septic attack, food poisoning, or autoimmune diseases associated with bacterial toxins, or an individual with symptoms of toxic attack syndrome, septic attack, intoxication. food, or autoimmune diseases associated with bacterial toxins when administering to such an individual the peptides, derivatives, or mimetics of this invention. One embodiment of this invention relates to methods of passively immunizing a mammal against the toxic effects of bacterial toxins by administering, in vivo, an immunologically sufficient amount of an antibody that binds to a peptide, derivative, or mimetic and at least one bacterial toxin. A further embodiment of the invention provides methods for inducing antibodies that bind at least one bacterial toxin by administering a peptide, derivative, mimetic, or nucleic acid encoding at least one peptide, of this invention, and methods of its use to prevent, treat, or protect against the toxic effects of bacterial toxins, including, but not limited to, if not entirely, staphylococcal and streptococcal pyrogenic toxins.

In addition, in another embodiment of the invention, methods for detecting antibodies to bacterial toxins in a sample are provided, wherein the sample is contacted with a peptide, derivative or mimetic of this invention and the peptide, derivative, or mimetic bound to the antibody, it is detected. Also, one embodiment of the invention provides diagnostic assays and kits comprising peptides, derivatives, mimetics, and / or antibodies against the peptides, derivatives, or mimetics to detect the presence of bacterial toxins.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1 shows the results of algorithmic alanine substitution at specific locations of the peptide against SEB, as determined by the blastogenesis assay by measuring the concentrated stored thymidite and using human PBMCs. Peptide constructs in which the alanine amino acid substitutions unique to the peptide Complete 12-mer (6343) are prepared and added to the cavities (Table 1). Substitution of alanine in any of the first three amino acids of the N-terminal end of the peptide results in the greatest loss of the inhibitory activity of the peptide. FIG. 2 shows the average results of the blastogenesis assays using the peptide derivatives constructed to have amino acids deleted from the N-terminal and C-terminal ends (Table 2). The graph shows a percentage comparison of inhibition of the various peptide derivatives for SEB (2 μg / well), as measured by the incorporated thymidine concentrate. NM represents normal media and PHA is phytohemagglutinin, a positive mitogenic control. FIG. 3 shows the results of blastogenesis assays with human PBMCs. The graph shows a percentage comparison of inhibition of peptides: CMY, acetylated CMY, cmy, YMC, ymc, and peptides 12-mer 6343 and 6343S for SEB (2 μg / well) when measuring concentrated thymidine. A mixed version of peptide 6343 is the 6343S peptide (EHEGNCMYGGVT; SEQ ID NO: 28). Each of the peptides is added in varying doses ranging from 25 μg to 200 μg, as indicated. The uppercase letters indicate the natural L conformation of the peptide while the lower case letters indicate the D conformation of the peptides. The 6343S peptide has a minimal effect (less than 20%) on inhibition of SEB proliferation. CMY or YMC almost as effective as the original 12-mer peptide 6343 in the block of super antigen activity. Surprisingly, conformations D, cmy and ymc, are the most effective in the block of super antigen activity. FIG. 4 shows the results of the blastogenesis assays using human PBMCs as described above and in Example 1. The graph shows the percentage comparison of inhibition of several peptide and peptide derivatives 12-mer (6343) for SEB (2 μg / cavity), as measured by thymidine Concentrate incorporated. The various combinations of dimer and trimer peptides containing tyrosine (Y) are also effective. Lower doses of these dimers and trimers are also more effective than the 12-mer peptide. FIG. 5 shows the results of the blastogenesis assay using human PBMCs and SEB toxin according to the methods described above and in Example 1. Peptides are added to the cells in varying doses ranging from 75 μg - 200 μg. Although tyrosine-containing dimers and trimers are found to be especially effective (FIG 4), the three-tyrosine-containing trimer peptide (YYY) is not inhibitory. FIG. 6 shows the percentage inhibition comparison of peptide derivatives: CMYGK (SEQ ID NO: 21) and CMYKK (SEQ ID NO: 22) and 12-mer peptide (6343) as compared to SEB (2 micrograms / well) in various concentrations of peptide as measured by the incorporated thymidine concentrate. All three peptides result in similar inhibitory percentages. FIG. 7 shows the results of a peptide blastogenesis assay comparing the peptides: CMY, CMYG (SEQ ID NO: 20) and peptide 12-mer (6343) compared to SEB (2 micrograms / well) at various concentrations of peptide as measured by concentrated thymidine incorporated. The trimer has similar inhibitory effects as compared to peptide 6343. FIG. 8 shows the results of a blastogenesis assay using human PBMCs and SEB toxin. The cells (100 microliters) are mixed either with PHA (5 micrograms) in the well alone or with 200 micrograms of peptide (CMY, YMC, ymc, and cmy) for a total volume of 200 microliters in the well. After 96 hours of incubation 3 microCuries of concentrated thymidine is added to each cavity. The cell mixture is further incubated for 18 hours and then collected for analysis by using a beta count reader. There is no significant difference in PHA stimulation counts with or without peptides.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to compositions and methods for providing protection against, or reducing the severity of attack, including but not limited to, toxic attack syndrome, septic attack, food poisoning, and autoimmune diseases associated with bacteria that they produce toxin. In particular, this invention provides classes of peptides useful for preventing or treating toxicity due to bacterial infection. Peptides or derivatives thereof, of this invention consist essentially of 2-12 amino acids, preferably 2-9 amino acids, more preferably 2-6 amino acids, and more preferably 2-3 amino acids. The peptides or derivatives of this invention have a tyrosine residue in a dimer or trimer, and / or a contiguous tyrosine and methionine amino acid sequence, and / or an amino acid sequence TEHEGN (SEQ ID NO: 7). The peptides of this invention are not peptide 6343 12-mer having the amino acid sequence CMYGGVTEHEGN (SEQ ID NO: 1), or any of the peptides specifically disclosed in US Pat. UU 6,075, 1 19 and WO 98/45325 which are incorporated herein by reference. The peptides of this invention include any chemical derivative or substituted analog or mimetic thereof, of a peptide that relates to the consensus sequence of staphylococcal enterhoxins (SE) and streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins (SPE). Preferred peptides of this invention inhibit toxin-mediated blastogenesis and block toxin activity by about 45-50%, preferably 50-60%, more preferably 60-80%, and more preferably, 80-100%. The non-limiting examples of peptides of this invention have amino acid sequences of: CY, MY, CMY, CYM, YMC, MYC, AMY, CAY, CMYGGVTEHEG (SEQ ID NO: 4), CMYGGVTEHE (SEQ ID NQ: 5), CMYGGV (SEQ ID NO: 6), TEHEGN (SEQ ID NO: 7), CMY AGVTEHEGN (SEQ ID NO: 1 1), CMYGAVTEHEGN (SEQ ID NO: 12), CMYGGATEHEGN (SEQ ID NO: 13), CMYCK (SEQ ID NO: 21), and CMYKK (SEQ ID NO: 22), wherein the peptide, or derivative thereof, is found in its natural L-conformation, and preferably in its D-conformation. In addition, a larger peptide comprising peptides of 2-6 amino acids is also preferably contemplated in an embodiment of the invention. The peptides of the invention are preferably non-toxic, but toxic peptides may be useful in this invention, for example, in the production of antibodies in a non-human system. Particularly preferred are those peptides which, surprisingly, consist of only two or three amino acids, and more preferably, D-conformational dimers and trimers, and which maintain their inhibitory effects. Unexpected results show that peptides possessing relatively few amino acids, such as dimers and trimers, are as effective, if not more, than larger peptides in reducing or inhibiting the toxicity associated with bacterial toxins or bacterial toxins per se. Thus, this invention includes peptides consisting essentially of six amino acids, preferably five amino acids or four amino acids, and more preferably peptides of only three amino acids or two amino acids are also effective in the inhibition of bacterial toxin. Without being theorized by theory, it is believed that the peptides, derivatives, mimetics, and / or antibodies directed against the peptides of the present invention block the toxin pathway, thereby preventing the onset of bacterial toxin poisoning, and in particular, lethal attack induced by the combination of LPS with one or more super antigens. In particular, one embodiment of this invention provides compositions comprising peptides, derivatives, and / or mimetics thereof related to a conserved region of bacterial toxins, preferably, staphylococcal enterotoxins and streptococcal pyrogenic toxins. These compositions are useful to provide protection against, or reduce the severity of attack bacterial induced, such as toxic attack syndrome, septic attack, autoimmune reactions, and food poisoning of bacterial infections, in mammals, including humans. A further embodiment of the invention pertains to the peptides themselves, or as used as haptens, they are capable of producing the production of antibodies that can bind to bacterial toxins, specifically, staphylococcal and streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins, or endotoxins. The antibodies generated according to this invention using the peptides described herein also bind to staphylococcal and streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins.

Definitions A "peptide" of this invention refers to any chemical derivative or substituted analogue of a purified and isolated peptide. The term "peptide" as used herein, should also be construed as referring to any amino acid sequence of any molecular weight, or chemical derivative thereof. The term "derivative" as used herein is a substance related to another substance, such as a peptide, by medication or partial substitution. The peptides of this invention, derivatives, or mimetics thereof, also include, but are not limited to, those altered amino acid sequences, in which the functionally equivalent amino acid residues are replaced by residues within the sequence that results in a silent change. For example, one or more amino acid residues within the sequence can be replaced by another amino acid of a similar polarity that acts as a functional equivalent, resulting in a silent alteration. Substitutes for an amino acid within the sequence can be selected from other members of the class to which the amino acid belongs. For example, non-polar (hydrophobic) amino acids include alanine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, proline, phenylalanine, tryptophan, and methionine. Polar neutral amino acids include glycine, serine, threonine, cysteine, tyrosine, asparagine, and glutamine. The positively charged (basic) amino acids include arginine, lysine and histidine. The negatively charged (acidic) amino acids include aspartic acid and glutamic acid. The invention further relates to "mimetics", defined herein as molecules that mimic the elements of the secondary protein structure, such as the peptides described in this invention. See, for example, Jonson et al. (ln: Biotechnology and Pharmacv. Pezzuto, ef al., (Eds.), Chapman and Hall, New York, 1993). In particular, mimetics or peptidomimetics are sterically similar compounds that are formulated to mimic key parts of the peptide or protein structure or to specifically interact with MHC. The design of "mimetics" may include placing functional groups in such a way that the functional interactions between the molecules are reproduced. The mimetics they may be desirable when the active compound is either difficult or expensive to synthesize, or when the administration of an active compound is ineffective, for example, the peptides for the oral compositions are rapidly degraded by proteases in the food channel (US Pat. No. 5,770,377 to Picksley, ef al.). In particular, these mimetics are directed to, but are not limited to, the peptides or derivatives of this invention that inhibit the activity of toxin and blastogenesis of toxins. The present invention describes the mimetic molecules that contact the alpha alpha 1 domain helix of the MHC class I I molecule. Since peptides and mimetic molecules suppress or block the interaction between super antigens and MHC class II molecules, the activity of super antigen and blastogenesis of toxins is also inhibited. Also encompassed by the present invention are molecules that mimic or resemble the hydrophobic interaction (s) between the alpha alpha 1 domain helix of the MHC class II molecule and the bacterial toxin, such as but not limited to the super antigen, SEB. Such mimetic molecules possess molecules of structural similarity that have hydrophobic interactions with the alpha alpha 1 domain helix of the MHC class I I molecule. Non-limiting examples of mimetic molecules are described herein and have similar properties to or contain any of the following amino acid sequences: CY, MY, CMY, CYM, YMC, MYC, AMY, CAY, CMYGGVTEHEG (SEQ ID NO: 4 ), CMYGGVTEHE (SEQ ID NO: 5), CMYGGV (SEQ ID NO: 6), TEHEGN (SEQ ID NO: 7), CMYAGVTEHEGN (SEQ ID NO: 1 1), CMYGAVTEHEGN (SEQ ID NO: 12), CMYGGATEHEGN (SEQ ID NO: 13), CMYGK (SEQ ID NO: 21), and CMYKK (SEQ ID NO: 22). The mimetic molecules of the invention are amino acid sequences, peptides, polypeptides, or small molecules, natural or synthetic organic products, which share structural similarity with a native binder, such as a toxin, for the alpha 1 alpha domain helix containing polypeptide. of the MHC class II molecule and interacts with the alpha 1 alpha domain helix-containing polypeptide and thus modulates the activity of the alpha 1 alpha domain helix-containing polypeptide. Native ligands or binder mimetics that have a cysteine residue that forms a disulfide ring or a tyrosine residue that can bind to the alpha alpha 1 domain helix of an MHC class I I molecule. In particular, the interaction between the mimetic compound occurs in the residues of alanine 61, leucine 60, and / or glutamine 57 of the alpha alpha 1 domain helix of an MHC class I I molecule, thereby inhibiting the activity of the bacterial toxin. The steps for designing a mimetic of a compound having a specific objective property first comprises achieving the critical components of the compound. This can be achieved by substituting the amino acid residues of a peptide for example. Those parts or residues that have been identified as the active region of the compound are defined as their "pharmacophorus". The mimetic structure can thus be designed using the physical properties of the compound. A tempered molecule that contains functional groups, which mimic the pharmacophorus, can be used to synthesize the mimetic. In the present invention, the hardened molecule is peptide 6343 12-mer, which showed that the N-terminal end, in particular the CMY, interacts with the MHC class I I molecule.

Compositions-Peptides Compositions comprising purified and isolated peptides, derivatives, and / or mimetics having amino acid sequences related to a conserved region of the staphylococcal enterotoxins and streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins are provided in one embodiment of this invention. These peptides can be used to directly inhibit the toxic activity of bacterial toxins or to produce an immunogenic response in mammals, including responses that provide protection against, or reduce the severity of, toxic attack of bacterial toxins, such as but not limited to, exotoxins. pyrogenic streptococcal and staphylococcal. Preferably, these bacterial toxins are staphylococcal or streptococcal exotoxins and more preferably SEB. Peptides, derivatives, or mimetics thereof of this invention can be prepared by synthetic methods or by recombinant DNA methods well known in the art. The peptides of the present invention and the antibodies directed against these peptides refer to a conserved region of various toxins bacterial, preferably super bacterial antigens. The "super bacterial antigens", as defined herein, are toxins, primarily gram-positive bacteria, which stimulate large populations of T cells. The super antigens are first attached to the major histocompatibility complex II (MHCII) as a binary complex, then bind to the T cell antigen (TCR) receptors in a specific manner of Vß (Fleischer and Schrezenmeier, BH, J. Exp. Med. 167: 1697-1707, 1988; Mollick et al., Science 244: 817-820, 1989; Janeway et al., Immunol., Rev. 107: 61-88, 1989; White et al., Cell 56: 27-35, 1989). Bacterial toxins are comprised of two main toxin groups: endotoxins and exotoxins. The exotoxins further comprise enterotoxins, wherein the super antigens include Staphylococcal enterotoxins and streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins. The peptides of this invention can be subjected to various modifications that are provided for certain advantages in their use. For example, the amino acids in the D-conformation are preferably substituted by those amino acids in the natural L-conformation in order to increase the in vivo stability of the peptides, while still retaining the biological activity (Senderoff et al., J. Pharm Sci. 87: 183-189, 1998). Specifically, the D-conformation of amino acids for CMY and YMC are more preferred. They have been shown to significantly inhibit blastogenesis compared to the 12-amino acid or 12-mer peptide (see Figure 3). Additionally, since the D-conformations of the The trimer may be as or more effective than the L-conformations of the trimer, the trimers having the D-conformation may not be readily degraded by several enzymes in the gastrointestinal system, i.e., droplet or circulation. In this way, these D-conformation trimers can result in a longer lasting half-life in plasma and are preferred in the treatment subjects, i.e., humans. In addition, retro-inverso peptides containing NHC-CO bonds in place of peptide CO-NH bonds have been shown to be more resistant to proteolysis than peptides from L-conformation and monoclonal antibody binding (Chorev and Goodman, M. Trains Biotechnol.3: 438-445, 1995). In this way, those peptides that have at least one amino acid in the D-conformation, preferably in the amino terminal of the molecule and that have functional activity, are also considered part of the invention, as well as the retro-inverso peptides that contain one or more of the amino acid sequences of the invention and which retain functional activity. Both the D- and L-conformations of the trimers having amino acid substitutions as described in Figures 1, 3-5 suggest that the amino acid side chains and their interactions may be an important site to block the activity of the super antigen. Also contemplated in this invention are any of the peptides, derivatives, or mimetics designed to block the key hydrophobic interactions with the MHC class II molecule, or T cell receptor. The tyrosine residue side chains of the peptide, derivative, or mimetic that interact hydrophobically with MHC class II molecule residues are of particular interest. Peptides comprising the amino acid sequence TEHEGN (SEQ ID NO: 7), and more particularly, those peptides having glutamic acid, threonine, and glycine are also important for their hydrophobic interactions with the MHC class II molecule. Preferred peptides of the invention are those that exclude full-length native toxin molecules. Preferred peptides of this invention are non-toxic, but toxic peptides may be useful in this invention, for example, in the production of antibodies in a non-human system. The most preferred peptides of the invention do not contain amino acid sequences in the sequence in which they are found in any particular native toxin molecule. The present invention also encompasses homogeneous or heterogeneous polymers of the peptides described herein (e.g., concatenated, degraded and / or fused identical peptide units or miscellaneous, concatenated, degraded and / or fused peptide units), and mixtures of the peptides , polymers, and / or conjugates thereof. The amino acid cistern "C" is used to facilitate the degradation through the formation of disulfide bonds. The amino acid glycine "G" or serine "S" can be used as separating residues.

The low molecular weight species of the invention are useful in themselves in the inhibition of T cell proliferation induced by super antigen and / or reduction, inhibition, or elimination of harmful effects of bacterial toxins, in particular exotoxins in vivo, either when used alone or in combination with another form of therapy, for example, antibodies directed against cytokines. The linkers useful in this invention may, for example, be simply peptide bonds, or may comprise amino acids, including amino acids capable of forming disulfide bonds, but may also comprise other molecules such as, for example, polysaccharides or fragments thereof. The linkers for use with this invention may be selected in order to contribute to their own immunogenic effect which may be either the same, or different, from that produced by the consensus sequences of the invention. For example, such linkers can be bacterial antigens that also produce antibodies for infectious bacteria. In such cases, for example, the linker may be a protein or protein fragment of an infectious bacterium, or a bacterial polysaccharide or polysaccharide fragment.

Compositions-Nucleic Acids This invention further relates to purified and isolated nucleic acid molecules that encode the peptides, derivatives, or mimetics of the invention as previously described. The encoded peptides may be monomers, polymers, or may be linked to other peptide sequences (ie, they may be fusion proteins). Other features of the invention include vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecules of the invention operably linked to promoters, as well as transformed cell strains, such as prokaryotic (e.g., E. coli), and eukaryotic (e.g., CHO) cells. and COS) possessing the nucleic acid molecules of the invention. Vectors and compositions for allowing the production of the peptides in vivo, in the individual to be treated or immunized, are also within the scope of this invention. The nucleic acids encoding the peptides of the invention can be introduced into a vector, such as a plasmid, cosmid, phage, virus or mini-chromosome, and inserted into a host cell or organism by methods well known in the art. See, for example, Sambrook ef al. (Molecular Cloning: A Laboratorv Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 1989), which is incorporated herein by reference. In general, vectors containing these nucleic acids can be used in any cell, either eukaryotic or prokaryotic, including mammalian (e.g., human (e.g., HeLa), mono (e.g., COS), rabbit (e.g. , rabbit reticulocytes), rat, hamster (e.g., CHO and baby hamster kidney cells) or mouse cells (e.g., L cells), plant cells, yeast cells, insect cells or bacterial cells (for example, E. coli). The vectors that can be used to clone and / or express these nucleic acids are the vectors that are capable of duplicating and / or expressing the nucleic acids of the invention in the host cell in which it is desired that the nucleic acids are duplicated and / or express. See, for example, F. Ausubel, ef al. , Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Greene Publishing Associates and Wiley-lnterscience (1992) and Sambrook, et al. , (1989) for examples of suitable vectors for various types of host cells. Strong promoters compatible with the host in which the gene is inserted can also be used. These promoters can be inducible. Host cells containing the nucleic acids can be used to express large amounts of the protein useful for producing pharmaceuticals, diagnostic reagents, vaccines, and therapeutics. Nucleic acids can also be used, for example, in the production of peptides for diagnostic reagents, vaccines, and therapies for diseases related to endotoxin and pyrogenic exotoxin. For example, vectors expressing high levels of peptide can be used in immunotherapy and immunoprophylaxis, after expression in humans. Such vectors include retroviral vectors and also include direct injection of DNA into muscle cells or other recipient cells, resulting in efficient expression of the peptide, using the technology described, for example, in Wolff et al. , (Science 247: 1465-1468, 1990, Woiff et al., Human Molecular Genetics 1: 363-369, 1992) and Ulmer ef al. , (Science 259: 1745-1749, 1993). See also, for example, WO 96/36366 and WO 98/34640.

Compositions-Antibodies In another embodiment of this invention, antibodies are provided that react with the peptides, derivatives, or mimetics of the invention. The term "antibodies" is used herein to refer to immunoglobuiin molecules and immunologically active portions of immunoglobulin molecules. Exemplary antibody molecules are intact immunoglobulin molecules, substantially intact immunoglobulin molecules and parts of an immunoglobulin molecule, including those parts known in the art as parts of an immunoglobulin molecule, including those parts known in the art as Fab, Fab ', F (ab') 2 and F (v) as well as chimeric antibody molecules. An antibody useful in the present invention typically occurs by immunizing a mammal with one or more peptides, derivatives, or mimetics thereof of the invention, or a structurally and / or antigenically related molecule, to induce, in the mammal, molecules of antibody having immunospecificity to immunize the peptide or the peptides. The peptide (s), derivative (s), or mimetic (s) thereof or related molecule (s) can be monomeric, polymeric, conjugated to a carrier, and / or administered in the presence of an adjuvant In a embodiment, the peptides of the invention bind to separators, such as but not limited to, amino acids glycine and serine, and are conjugated to adjuvants, including tetanus toxoid. Another embodiment of this invention is directed to peptides such as conjugated haptens for a large carrier molecule, such as, for example, a protein. As with other peptides, the molecular weight of the peptide alone, or when conjugated to a vehicle, or in the presence of an adjuvant, is related to its immunogenicity. Commonly used vehicles that chemically attach to the peptides include, but are not limited to, bovine serum albumin (BSA), key limpet hemocyanin (KLH), and thyroglobulin (Eds: Ed Marion, David Lane, Antibodies, 1988). Cold Spring Harbor Press, Chapter 5, p.78). In this way, the peptide can vary in molecular weight in order to improve its antigenicity or immunogenicity. The total size of the peptide is limited only to its ability to tolerate itself physiologically. An additional embodiment of this invention relates to conjugated peptides for hexanoic acid, which has been reported to induce or cause antibodies to bind to bound peptides. The antibody molecules produced by the peptides of the invention can thus be collected from the mammal if they are to be used in immunoassays or to provide passive immunity. For the production of antibodies, several hosts, including goats, rabbits, sheep, rats, mice, humans, and others, can be immunized by injection with one or more of the peptides of the invention, or any fragment containing epitope and / or immunogenic or oligopeptide thereof, which have immunogenic properties. Depending on the host species, several adjuvants can be used to increase the immune response. Non-limiting examples of suitable adjuvants include Freund mineral gels (incomplete) such as aluminum hydroxide or silica, and surface active substances such as lysolecithin, pluronic polyols, polyanions, peptides, oil emulsions, KLH, and dinitrophenol. Adjuvants typically used in humans include BCG (Bacillus Calmette Guérin) and Corynebacterium parvumn. The antibody molecules of the present invention may be polyclonal or monoclonal. Monoclonal antibodies can be produced by methods well known in the art. Monoclonal antibodies can be used to test for the presence of specific antigens, to study cross-reactivity between antigens, and to purify antigens. A monoclonal antibody is specific for a certain epitope, originating only on certain proteins. The hybridoma technique originally described by Kohier and Milsterin, (Eur. J. Immunol. (1 976) 6:51 1) is widely applied to produce hybrid cell strains that secrete high levels of monoclonal antibodies against several specific antigens (see , for example, Example 10). The hybrid cell is selected on the basis of the ability to grow in a specific medium in which no from the pure spleen cell, neither the pure myeloma cell can grow. The hybrid cell has the property of the immortal character of the tumor cell and the production of specific antibody since it has a double complement of genes. The hybridoma and its clones can be injected into animals to induce antibody-secreting myelomas, or they can grow in mass culture to produce a specific antibody. A single hybridoma cell clone produces large amounts of identical antibody against a single epitope (antigenic determinant). Fragments of immunoglobulin molecules can also be produced and used by methods commonly known in the art. For example, Fab fragments that maintain the ability to bind specific antigens are within the scope of this invention. In addition, human antibodies can be produced in transgenic animals that express a "human" immune system or antibodies originating in species other than humans, can be humanized according to methods known in the art. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6, 180,370 for Queen, ef al .. The antibodies of this invention can also be contained in various vehicles or media, including blood, plasma, serum (eg, fractionated or unfractionated serum), hybridoma supernatants and the like. Alternatively, the antibody of the present invention is isolated to the desired degree by well-known techniques such as, for example, use Sephadex DEAE, or affinity chromatography. The antibodies can be purified in order to obtain specific classes or subclasses of antibody such as IgM, IgG, IgA, IgG ^ IgG2, IgG3, IgG and the like. Antibodies of the IgG class are preferred for purposes of passive protection.

Methods of Use-Peptides Although the mechanism of action of the peptides of this invention is unclear, these peptides, derivatives, or mimetics thereof, are believed to be used to provide active immunization for the prevention of related disease. to the harmful effects of bacterial toxins, specifically, staphylococcal and streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins. The specific antibodies produced according to this invention can also be used to provide passive immunization therapy. The peptides, derivatives, or mimetics of this invention appear to preferentially inhibit the toxic activity of bacterial toxins., including endotoxins and exotoxins by means of a mechanism independent of the generation of antibodies. Accordingly, the peptides, derivatives, or mimetics of this invention are used to prevent or treat symptoms due to the release of bacterial exotoxins and endotoxins, either through their direct action or through their ability to produce the generation of protective antibodies. In another embodiment of the invention, the peptides, derivatives, or mimetics of this invention can induce antibodies that react with a variety of bacterial toxins, including staphylococcal and streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins (preferably with at least two, more preferably with at least four, and more preferably with at least seven of the pyrogenic exotoxins , for example, A, B, C, E, F, G, K, M). These peptides are also useful for inducing antibodies to therapies to prevent and / or treat the toxic attack syndrome, septic attack, food poisoning, and / or any other disease or condition related to the bacterial toxin. A further embodiment of this invention relates to the peptides, derivatives, and mimetic of this invention, which are also useful in diagnostic assays and kits for detecting the presence of antibodies to staphylococcal and streptococcal pyrogenic toxins, preferably exotoxins, and to help in the diagnosis of diseases related to the presence of these toxins. The peptides, derivatives, or mimetics of this invention may also be useful to protect against, or lessen the effects of, autoimmune diseases which are associated with, or result from, the presence of bacterial toxins.

Methods of Use-Antibodies The antibodies provided by this invention react with the peptides, derivatives, or mimetics thereof. the invention, in addition to a variety of bacterial toxins such as staphylococcal and streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins. These antibodies are believed to be useful for passive immunization therapy to increase resistance to or prevent toxic attack syndrome or septic attack, or other disease related to the presence of bacterial toxins. The antibodies may also be useful in protecting against or attenuation of the effects of autoimmune diseases that are associated with, or result from, the presence of bacterial toxins. The antibodies of the invention will also be useful in diagnostic tests and kits for detecting the presence of bacterial toxins such as staphylococcal and streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins and / or endotoxins. In another embodiment, the antibodies of this invention have a number of therapeutic and diagnostic uses. The antibodies can be used as an in vitro diagnostic agent to be tested for the presence of various bacterial toxins in biological samples in standard immunoassay protocols and to aid in the diagnosis of various diseases related to the presence of bacterial toxins. Preferably, assays using the antibodies to detect the presence of bacterial toxins in a sample include contacting the sample with at least one of the antibodies under conditions that will allow the formation of an immunological complex between the antibody and the toxin that may occur in the sample. The formation of a complex immunological if any, indicating the presence of the toxin in the sample, is detected as such and measured by appropriate means. Such assays include, but are not limited to, radioimmunoassays, (RIA), ELISA, indirect immunofluorescence assay, Western blot and the like. The antibodies can be labeled or not labeled depending on the type of assay used. Labels that can be coupled to the antibodies include those known in the art, such as, but not limited to, enzymes, radionucleotides, chromogenic and fluorogenic substrates, cofactors, biotin / avidite, magnetic particles and colloidal gold. Modification of the antibodies is allowed for coupling by any of the known means for carrying proteins or peptides or for known supports, for example microliter plates of polyvinyl or polystyrene, glass tubes or glass beads and chromatographic supports, such as paper, cellulose and cellulose derivatives, and silica. Preferably, a high-throughput screening method for bacterial toxins can be used with a microchip, glass slide, or other similar support. Such assays can be, for example, direct format (where the first labeled antibody reacts with the antigen), an indirect format (wherein a labeled second antibody reacts with the first antibody), a competitive format (such as the addition of a labeled antigen), or an intercalated format (where both the labeled and unlabeled antibody are used), as well as other formats described in The matter. In such an assay, the biological sample comes into contact with the antibodies of the present invention and a labeled second antibody is used to detect the presence of bacterial toxins, to which the antibodies are ligated. The antibodies of the present invention are also useful as therapeutic agents in the prevention and treatment of diseases caused by the harmful effects of bacterial toxins. Antibodies to produce passive immunity in mammals, preferably humans, are preferably obtained from other humans previously inoculated with compositions comprising one or more of the consensus amino acid sequences of the invention. Alternatively, antibodies derived from other species can also be used. Such antibodies used in therapeutics suffer from various deficiencies such as a limited half-life and a propensity to produce a noxious immune response. Several methods have been proposed to overcome these deficiencies. The antibodies made by these methods are comprised by the present invention and are included herein. One such method is the "humanization" of non-human antibodies by cloning the gene segment encoding the antigen-binding region of the antibody to the human gene segments encoding the rest of the antibody. Only the antibody binding region is thus recognized as foreign and is less likely to elicit an immune response. Queen, ef al. , describe such antibodies (Proc. Nati, Acad. Sci., USA 86 (24): 1 0029, 1989) incorporated herein by reference.

Pharmaceutical Compositions This invention relates to compositions and methods for providing protection against, or reducing the severity of, toxic attack syndrome, septic attack, food poisoning, and autoimmune diseases that are associated with toxin producing bacteria. Furthermore, this invention relates to methods for preventing or inhibiting the above-mentioned diseases, syndromes, and conditions in mammals by directly administering the peptides, derivatives, or mimetics to the mammal, preferably human, in an effective amount. The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention contain a pharmaceutically and / or therapeutically effective amount of at least one peptide with or without a covalently linked carrier thereof, antibody, or nucleic acid encoding a peptide of this invention. In one embodiment of the invention, the effective amount of peptide per unit dose is an amount sufficient to inhibit T cell proliferation stimulated by bacterial toxins, specifically staphylococcal and streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins. In another embodiment of this invention, the effective amount of peptide per unit dose is an amount sufficient to prevent, treat, or protect against the toxic effects of bacterial toxins, including but not limited to, diarrhea, fever, chills, vomiting, angina. , headache, sepsis, and heart failure.

Any reduction, mitigation, or elimination of one or more of these symptoms caused by bacterial toxins is understood to be a useful dose. In addition, the amount of peptide per dose of unit depends, among other things, on the inoculated mammalian species, the body weight of the mammal, and the selected inoculation regime, all of which are assessed by a person skilled in the art. At least three different classes of pharmaceutical compositions are provided by this invention. Some being pharmaceutical compositions comprising peptides, derivatives, or mimetics thereof, which act directly to inhibit the toxicity of bacterial toxins. In another pharmaceutical composition, the peptides are provided in a suitable amount to produce an immunogenic response by themselves. Another embodiment comprises pharmaceutical compositions comprising antibodies generated in response to the peptides of this invention. Such pharmaceutical compositions are useful to provide passive protection against bacterial toxins.

Modes of Administration The peptides, derivatives, mimetics, and / or antibodies of the invention are intended to be provided to the recipient subject in an amount sufficient to prevent, or attenuate the severity, degree, or duration of the harmful effects of the bacterial toxins. Such harmful effects can manifest as attack syndrome toxic, septic attack, food poisoning, and autoimmune diseases associated with toxin-producing bacteria. Non-limiting examples of symptoms associated with bacterial toxins that can be prevented or treated in accordance with this invention include, but are not limited to, fever, chills, vomiting, angina, headache, diarrhea, reduced urine output, myalgia severe, vaginal hyperemia, oropharyngeal, or conjunctivitis or alteration and consciousness, desquamation (typically palms and soils), decrease in blood pressure (attack), renal failure, liver failure, and heart failure.

Peptides Peptides, derivatives, or mimetics thereof, of this invention comprising low molecular weight species are useful for inhibiting peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation and / or for reducing, inhibiting, or eliminating harmful effects of bacterial exotoxins in vivo, either when used alone or in combination with other types of therapy, for example, passive immunization. In addition, these peptides are administered via routes including, but not limited to, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intradermal, intraperitoneal, intrathecal, intrapleural, local, and the like. Intravenous administration may be the preferred route of administration in a mammal having acute symptoms related to diseases associated with toxin-producing bacteria.

The administration also be by transdermal or transmucosal means. For transdermal or transmucosal administration, the penetrants suitable for the barrier to permeabilize are used in the formulation. Such penetrants are generally known in the art, and include, for example, for transmucosal administration bile salts and fusidic acid derivatives. In addition, detergents can be used to facilitate permeabilization. Transmucosal administration can be, for example, by nasal spray or suppository. For oral administration, the peptides of this invention, or variants thereof, are formulated in conventional oral administration forms such as capsules, tablets, and toxics. A system for the sustained delivery of the peptides of the invention can also be used. For example, a delivery system based on containing a peptide in a polymer binder of biodegradable microspheres can be used (Jeong et al., Nature 338: 860-862, 1997). One such polymer binder includes the poly (lactide-co-glycolide) polymer (PLG). PLG is biocompatible and can be introduced intravenously or orally. Following injection of the microspheres into the body, the encapsulated protein is released by a complex process that includes the hydration of the particles and the dissolution of the drug. The duration of the release is governed primarily by the type of PLG polymer used in the release of the modifying excipients (Bartus, et al .. Science 281: 1 161 -1 162, 1998).

Generally, it is desirable to provide the container with a peptide dose of at least about 150 mgs / kg of body weight, preferably at least about 100 mgs / kg of body weight, and more preferably at least about 50 mgs / kg of body weight or more of the container. A range of about 50 mgs / kg of body weight to about 100 mgs / kg of body weight is preferred, although a higher or lower dose may be administered. Unbound by theory, it is believed that the dose is effective to block the toxin pathway, which in turn is capable of preventing or inhibiting the initiation of intoxication by bacterial toxin and in particular, the lethal attack induced by the combination of the LPS and one or more of the super antigens in the container, preferably human.

Peptides as Immunogens The term "unit dose" as it pertains to the use of peptides of this invention to induce an immune response refers to physically discrete units suitable as unit doses for mammals, each unit containing a predetermined amount of active material (peptide ) calculated to produce the desired immunogenic effect in association with the required diluent or excipient. When the peptide of the invention is used as an immunogen, the pharmaceutical composition contains an effective, immunogenic amount of the peptide of the invention. The peptide can mix with an adjuvant. The peptide can also bind to a non-host or toxic protein carrier to form a conjugate or can be attached to a saccharide vehicle and / or a non-toxic non-host protein carrier to form a conjugate. The effective amount of peptide per unit dose sufficient to induce an immune response depends on, inter alia, the inoculated mammalian species, the mammalian body weight, and the selected inoculation regime, as well as the presence or absence of a adjuvant These conditions are commonly known in the art in such a way that the skilled person could be able to adequately dose the patient. The inocula are typically prepared as a solution 'in a physiologically acceptable diluent or excipient such as saline, phosphate-regulated salt and the like to form an aqueous pharmaceutical composition. When used as an immunogen, the peptide can be mixed with an adjuvant. Any pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant is suitable for use with the peptides of this invention, for example, aluminum, and tyrosine stearyl. The peptide can also bind to a non-toxic, non-host protein vehicle to form a conjugate or can bind to a saccharide carrier to form a conjugate. Various methods for conjugating the peptides are known in the art. See, for example, W. E. Dick and M.B. Beurret (Cruse JM, Lewis RE Jr (eds): "Conjúgate Vaccines." Contrib., Microbiol. Immunol., Basel, Karger, 1989, vol.10, pp. 48-1 14).

Inoculants typically contain peptide concentrations of about 100 micrograms to about 5 milligrams per inoculation per unit (dose), preferably about 3 micrograms to about 500 micrograms per dose, more preferably about 100 micrograms to 250 micrograms. When used as an immunogen, inocula for a human or mammal of equal size typically contain peptide concentrations of about 1 to 5 micrograms / kg of body weight of the mammal per dose of inoculation. The use of higher or lower amounts are contemplated. The number of doses is preferably 3, but any lower or higher, are contemplated. Standard procedures for determining the dose response ratios known to those skilled in the art can be used to determine the optimal peptide doses to be used either to prevent or treat septic or toxic attack or other related diseases or conditions, or to raise the antibodies for the prevention or treatment of them. The route of inoculation of the peptides of the invention is typically parenteral and is preferably intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and the like, which may result in the production of protective antibodies against the deleterious effects of staphylococcal and streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins. . The dose is administered at least once. In order to increase the level of antibody, at least one repetitive dose it can be administered after the initial injection, preferably at about 4 to 6 weeks after the first dose. Subsequent doses may be administered as necessary.

Antibodies The antibodies of this invention are generally administered with a pharmaceutically and physiologically acceptable diluent, excipient, or vehicle for them. A physiologically acceptable diluent or excipient is one that does not cause an adverse physical reaction in the administration and one in which the antibodies are sufficiently soluble and retain their activity to deliver a therapeutically effective amount of the compound. The therapeutically effective amount and method of administration of the antibodies may vary based on the individual patient, the indication being treated and other criteria apparent to one skilled in the art. A therapeutically effective amount of the antibodies is sufficient to attenuate the dysfunction without causing significant side effects such as nonspecific T cell lysis or organ damage. The routes of administration of the antibodies include, but are not limited to, parenteral injection, and direct at an affected site. Parenteral routes of administration include but are not limited to intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal and subcutaneous. This invention includes the compositions of the antibodies described above, suitable for parenteral administration including, but not limited to, pharmaceutically acceptable, sterile, isotonic solutions. Such solutions include, but are not limited to, phosphate-regulated saline and saline for intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous or direct injection into a joint or other area. In the delivery of the antibodies of the present invention to a recipient mammal, preferably a human, the dose of antibodies administered varies depending on factors such as the age of the mammal, weight, height, sex, general medical condition, previous medical history, and the similar. In general, it is desirable to provide the container with a dose of antibodies ranging from about 5 mg / kg to about 20 mg / kg of body weight of the mammal, although a lower or higher dose may be administered. In general, the antibodies will be administered intravenously or intramuscularly. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) can generally be given with a loading dose of 200 mg / kg, with monthly injections of approximately 100 mg / kg. High-dose IVIG can be given at 400-800 mg / kg, for patients deficient in antibodies. See, for example, The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, 16th Edition, (Berkow R and Fletcher AJ, Eds.), Merck Research Laboratories, Rahway, NJ (1992). When a composition of the invention is used to induce an immunogenic response, specifically by inducing antibodies, at least one repetitive dose can be administered after the initial injection, preferably at about 4 to 6 weeks after the first dose, in order to increase the level of antibodies. Consequently, the doses can be administered as appropriate. To monitor the antibody response of the individuals administered with compositions of the invention, antibody concentrations can be determined. In most cases it will be sufficient to assess the concentration of antibody in serum or plasma obtained from such an individual. Decisions as to whether the repetitive inoculations are administered or the amount of the composition administered to the individual is changed, can be at least partially based on the concentration. The concentration can be based either on an immunounion assay that measures the concentration of antibodies in the serum that binds to a specific antigen, i.e., peptide or toxin; or bactericidal assays that measure the ability of the antibodies to participate with the complement in the death of the bacteria. The ability to neutralize the in vitro or in vivo biological effects of pyrogenic exotoxins can also be concentrated to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. The presence of the antibodies of the present invention, whether polyclonal or monoclonal, can be determined by several tests. Assay techniques include, but are not limited to, immunounion techniques, immunofluorescence (IF), indirect immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation, ELISA, agglutination and Western blot.

Therapeutic Uses v / o General Prophylactic The administration of the agent compositions of this invention, including peptides, derivatives, mimetics, and antibodies, can be either for "prophylactic" or "therapeutic" purpose. When provided prophylactically, the agents are provided in advance of any symptom. Prophylactic administration of the agent serves to prevent or ameliorate any of the subsequent harmful effects of, toxic attack syndrome, septic attack, food poisoning, and autoimmune diseases that are associated with toxin producing bacteria. When provided therapeutically, the agent is provided at the beginning (or shortly after) of the onset of a symptom of infection with bacteria, preferably by expressing the staphylococcal and streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins. The agent of the present invention, in this way, can be provided either prior to the early exposure to the bacterial toxins (in order to attenuate the anticipated severity, duration or degree of disease symptoms) or after the onset of infection. The agent can also be provided to individuals at high risk of bacterial infection and subsequent toxic responses, particularly with bacteria expressing staphylococcal and streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins. Vector-based therapies, such as viral vectors containing acid sequences, are also contemplated nucleic acids that are encoded for the peptides described herein. These molecules, developed in such a way that they do not cause a pathological effect, will stimulate the immune system to respond to the peptides. For all therapeutic, prophylactic, and diagnostic uses, the peptides of the invention, alone or attached to a carrier, as well as the antibodies and other necessary reagents and suitable devices and accessories can be provided in a computer form in order to be easily available and used in an easy way. Where immunoassays are included, such kits may contain a solid support, such as a membrane (eg, nitrocellulose), a bead, wait, test tube, rod, and so on, to which a receptor such as an antibody specific for the target molecule will be joined. Such equipment may also include a second receptor, such as a labeled antibody. These equipment can be used for intercalated assays to detect toxins. Teams for competitive trials are also contemplated. Any of the therapeutic methods described above can be applied to any individual in need of such therapy, including, for example, mammals such as dogs, cats, cows, horses, rabbits, monkeys, and most preferably, humans. The following examples illustrate certain modalities of the present invention, but should not be construed as limiting its scope in any way. Certain modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the teachings of the foregoing description and the following examples, and these are intended to be understood by the spirit and scope of the invention. Unless otherwise defined, all scientific and technical terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by any person skilled in the art to which the disclosed invention pertains. Although various methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are as described. The publications cited herein and the material for which they are cited are incorporated specifically for reference. Nothing herein shall be construed as an admission that the invention is not authorized to antedate such disclosure by virtue of the prior invention. It should be noted that as used in the present and the appended claims, the singular forms, "a," "an," and "the" include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a "host cell" includes a plurality of such host cells, reference to "antibody" is a reference to one or more antibodies and equivalents thereof known to those experts in the field, and so on. The present invention will now be described by way of examples, which are understood to illustrate, but not limit, the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES EXAMPLE 1 MATERIALS AND SUPER-ANTIGEN METHODS All super antigens were purchased from Toxin Technology (Sarasota, FL).

Peptide Construction A number of peptides were constructed based on SE / SPE toxin consensus sequences. The peptides were constructed and purified by HPLC according to standard methods (Merrifield, B., Science 232: 341-347, 1986, Patarroyo, et al., Nature 328: 629-632, 1987). HPLC analysis was performed and revealed that all the peptides had a purity of more than 95%. Peptides were constructed by Multiple Peptide Systems (San Diego, CA) or at the Protein / DNA Technology Center at Rockefeller University (New York, NY).

Blastogenesis / Proliferation Assays Mononuclear cells of human peripheral blood (PBMCs) were isolated by standard Ficoll-Hypague techniques and adjusted to 2x106 cells / ml. PBMC (2x105) in 200 microliters of complete medium (RPMl + 10% of human AB serum) were placed in 96-well concentration plates and stimulated with varying doses of super antigen or a combination of each toxin with varying doses of peptides. The cells were incubated for 6 days and the results were measured by incorporation of concentrated thymidite. CPM represents counts per minute. The presented data are the results of the average of 3 different experiments. All tests were performed in triplicate.

Feasibility Studies Human PBMCs were isolated as described above and 2x105 cells were plated in 96-well concentration plates. PHA was added at a concentration of 5 micrograms / well. All peptides were added to PHA at a concentration of 200 micrograms / well. The plates were incubated at 37 ° C in a CO2 incubator for 72 hours at which time 3 microCuries of concentrated thymidine was added to the cells. After an additional incubation of 18 hours, the cells were harvested and the CPM of concentrated thymidine was counted. All the experiments were carried out in triplicate. A second viability test was performed by laminating 2x105 PBMCs in 96-well concentration plates. Several concentrations of peptide were added. An aliquot of cells with and without peptide stained with Trypan Blue every day for five days to observe the viability of the cells in the presence or absence of peptide.

Animal Toxic Attack Experiments Female BALB / c mice of eight weeks old were used for all experiments. The animals were housed in the Anima Research Facility of the Rockefeller University Laboratory (LARC) and the experiments were submitted as described herein. All mice were sensitized with 0.001 mg of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and 20 mg of D-Galactosamine by intraperitoneal injection (Blank, et al., J. Immunol.27 (4): 825-833). Eight hours later, the mice were injected with varying doses of super antigen that had been shown to cause 100% lethality. In the protection experiments, two hours before the injection of the super antigen, saline or 1.5 mg of the peptide was administered to the experimental mice by subcutaneous injection. One hour before the injection of the super antigen, the mice were injected again with either saline or 1.5 mg of peptide (3.0 mg total). One hour after the second injection, all mice were challenged with the appropriate dose of toxin, ie, super antigen, (by intraperitoneal injection) and the mice were observed for 24-48 hours.

ANTIBODY PRODUCTION Three WNZ female rabbits (3 kg) are used for injections. The initial injection is 500 micrograms of polymerized peptide in the complete Freund's Adjuvant. Two repetitions of 250 micrograms per rabbit in the incomplete adjuvant are thus administered separately 21 days apart and 21 days after the initial injection. Antibody concentrations of 1 x 106 / ml are routinely obtained using ELISA plates coated with a peptide of this invention. The larger polymerized peptides are known to be more immunogenic (Patarroyo, et al., Nature 332: 158-161, 1988). The IgG fraction of serum antibodies directed against a peptide of the invention are isolated using a protein A column for further enrichment. These antibodies, in addition to those raised against other regions of bacterial toxin, are used to demonstrate that the anti-peptide serum is able to recognize the conserved regions of several bacterial toxins, but not that of TSST-1. In addition, the antibodies show strong inhibition of blastogenesis for all bacterial toxins tested. In addition, the nanogram amounts of total IgG are determined to be sufficient to achieve 93-1 00% inhibition of super antigen. However, a highly concentrated antibody directed against the enriched group A streptococcal carbohydrate is unable to block the biological properties of the toxins.

EXAMPLE 2 ALANIN SUBSTITUTION CONSTRUCTIONS In order to assess the contribution of specific amino acids in peptide sequences related to the SEB consensus sequence, where the 6343 12-mer peptide (CMYGGVTEHEGN; SEQ ID NO: 1) has been previously reported which induces toxin inhibition, several peptides were constructed by substituting a single amino acid alanine for each amino acid of peptide 6343 12-mer leaving all other peptide amino acids intact. The alanine was selected as being a single amino acid substitution of relatively neutral peptide. The examples of the constructions are listed in Table i, in which the substitution alanine (A) is underlined and of the black typeface.

TABLE 1 Alanine Replacement Constructions As shown in Figure 1 and Table 1, the alanine substitution for any of the first three amino acids at the N-terminus, ie, Cysteine, G (SEQ ID NO: 8), Methionine, M (SEQ ID NO: 9), and Tyrosine, Y (SEQ ID NO: 10), resulted in significant loss of the inhibitory properties of the peptide. Peptides with the alanine substitution after the third amino acid resulted in relatively little loss of activity. The substitution of alanine at amino acid residues 4-8 inhibited biological activity. Substitution of any of the first three amino acids resulted in a much greater loss of inhibition. The tyrosine alanine substitution resulted in a complete loss of the inhibitory properties of the 12-mer peptide, indicating that tyrosine is more crucial for the inhibitory activity of the peptide. In addition, Figure 1 surprisingly shows that the alanine substitution of the seventh and eighth amino acids (A in 7; A in 8) of the N-terminus resulted in the best inhibition of biological activity than the original 12-mer peptide (6343 ) itself.

EXAMPLE 3 AMINO ACID REMOVAL STUDIES A series of peptides were prepared in which the single amino acid was removed in succession from the N-terminal end and the C-terminal end of the peptide. The constructs were designed starting the original 12-mer peptide (6343) as described in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Suppressions of N-terminal Suppressions of C-terminal Figure 2 shows the results of the inhibition of direct blastogenesis peptide. Removal of the specific amino acids from the N-terminal or C-terminal end of the original 12-amino acid peptide affects the biological properties of the peptide. As shown in Figure 2, removal of the first amino acid from the N-terminus of the peptide resulted in a loss of inhibitory activity of approximately 30% (98.65% -69.37%) at a dose of 250 μg. The removal of the second amino acid resulted in the loss of about 50% inhibitory activity. The removal of a single amino acid from the C-terminal resulted in 18% loss of activity while the removal of two amino acids had a 54% loss of activity. Finally, the use of any of the first six amino acids of the N-terminal or C-terminal portion of the peptide resulted in approximately equal loss of peptide activity (52% and 48%, respectively). The mimetics designed to have similar properties as the peptides of the invention can act as and directly inhibit T cell stimulation of super antigen.

EXAMPLE 4 TRIMMER STUDIES The single amino acid substitution experiments in the N-terminal part of the molecule that completely blocked the inhibitory properties of the peptide caused the construction of peptide by revolving around the first three amino acids of the peptide.

N-terminal, mainly, C, M, and Y. Figure 3 depicts the results of a peptide blastogenesis assay comparing the CMY trimer peptide, and its derivatives, and the original 12-mer peptide (6343) to SEB ( 2 μg / cavity). Ficoll-Hypague isolated PBMCs were mixed with varying doses of either positive control 12-mer peptide (peptide 6343) or trimer. The YMC and CMY trimers resulted in the inhibition of SEB proliferation comparable to that of the original 12-mer. The acetylation of the CMY peptide did not significantly change the inhibitory effects of CMY. However, at higher doses, the D-conformation of CMY and YMC, ie, cmy and ymc, had significantly greater inhibitory effects on the control 12-mer peptide or its respective L-conformation peptides. The low concentrations of peptides did not affect the inhibition of SEB proliferation significantly. The "mixed" 12-mer control peptide, referred to as 6343S peptide, having an amino acid sequence of EHEGNCMYGGVT (SEQ ID NO: 28), had minimal effect on bacterial toxin proliferation as demonstrated in Figure 3.

EXAMPLE 5 BLASTOGENESIS ASSAYS OF VARIOUS PEPTIDES OF TRIMMER AND DIMER Because both the D- and L-conformations of the CMY trimer, as well as the inverted trimer peptide, YMC, were found to be effective in inhibiting the super antigen activity of the toxin, a series of trimers and dimers were built. Several amino acids were replaced instead of the original CMY trimer. Blastogenesis assays were performed on human PBMCs as previously described using the following peptides: cmy-OH, cmy-NH2, AMY, CAY, MYC, CYM, CY, MY, and the original 12-mer peptide (6343). Figure 4 demonstrates that a variety of trimers and even dimers that are stirred around the CMY trimer were all effective in inhibiting blastogenesis of the toxins. In further experimentation, it was also apparent that trimers containing neither cysteine (C) or methionine (M) were also effective, suggesting that tyrosine is a crucial amino acid for inhibitory activity.

EXAMPLE 6 BLASTOGENESIS ESSAYS THAT STUDY THE IMPORTANCE FROM ROSINA TI The AAA, AV, and TTT peptides were purchased from Biochem Company (King of Prussia, PA) and it was established that they were more than 98% pure. Figure 5 shows the results of the tests of blastogenesis that analyze the importance of the amino acid tyrosine. The results of Figure 5 demonstrate that either a trimer or dimer lacking tyrosine was not effective, suggesting that tyrosine is important for inhibitory activity. Surprisingly, the trimer containing three tyrosines was not inhibiting either.

EXAMPLE 7 TRIMMER AND TETRAMER PEPTIDE STUDIES The additional tetrameric and trimeric peptides were constructed for analysis as follows: CMY CMYG (SEQ ID NO: 20) CMYGK (SEQ ID NO: 21) CMYKK (SEQ ID NO: 22). All the above-described peptides were synthesized using the solid phase synthesis technique according to standard procedures (Merrifield, B., Science 232: 341-347, 1986; Patarroyo, et al., Nature 328: 629-632, 1987; ) and were prepared by Multiple Peptide Systems (San Diego, CA). HPLC analysis of all the peptides revealed a purity of at least 95%. Since increased solubility allows for better binding of peptides to, for example, the MHC molecule, additional amino acids that improve solubility were added to the trimer and tetramer peptides. The addition of Usinas has been reported to increase the solubility of the peptides. Figure 6 shows the results of using peptides that have added one and two mills to the C-terminal end of the tetramer and trimer, respectively. The peptide CMYKK (SEQ ID NO: 22) resulted in the inhibition of SEB proliferation that was comparable and in higher concentrations better than the original 12-mer peptide (6343). Similarly, the addition of a lysine to CMYG tetramer (SEQ ID NO: 20) resulted in the inhibition of SEB proliferation comparable to that of the original 12 amino acid peptide. In fact, at a concentration of 200 μg, both CMYKK (SEQ ID NO: 22) and CMYGK (SEQ ID NO: 21) inhibited the proliferation of SEB more efficiently than the peptide 12-mer 6343. Both the CMY trimer and tetramer peptides CMYG (SEQ ID NO: 20) were built. Figure 7 shows the average results of the blastogenesis assays using these peptides. The trimer was as active as the original 12 amino acid peptide (ie, peptide 6343) in inhibiting the proliferative effects of the toxin. However, the tetramer had comparatively little effect on toxin inhibition without considering the concentration.

EXAMPLE 8 VIABILITY TEST To ensure that the peptides were not interfering with normal cell function, a 72-hour phytohemagglutinin (PHA) blastogenesis assay was performed with human PBMCs (100 microliters; 2x106 cells / ml) at which 200 micrograms of each peptide of interest was added to the 96-well concentration plate cavities to a total volume of 200 microllts per well. All the experiments were performed in triplicate. PHA, a positive mitogenic control, was added at a concentration of 5 micrograms / cavity. After incubation for 96 hours, 3 microCi of concentrated thymidine was added to each well and collected after an additional 18 hours of incubation. The counts were analyzed by a beta count reader. Figure 8 shows that the PHA stimulation was not affected even when the highest dose of each peptide (CMY, YMC, ymc, cmy) was added to the cavities. A Trypan blue exclusion trial was performed as a second feasibility test. Cell death for each peptide was examined for several days. Observations of PMBCs by this method did not reveal the difference in cell counts between cells with or without peptide.

EXAMPLE 9 IN VIVO ANALYSIS OF MOUSE PROTECTED WITH VARIOUS PEPTIDES The murine in vivo experiments were performed using the YMC trimer peptide in six BALB / c control and four experimental (8 weeks old) female mice. The mice were first primed and sensitized with 0.1 micrograms of LPA and 20 micrograms of galactosamine per mouse by injection. intraperitoneal (Blank, et al., Eur. J. Immunol., 27: 825-833, 1997). Eight hours later, an adequate dose of super antigen or toxin was administered to the mice to cause approximately 100% mortality in 24 to 48 hours. In the protection studies, 3.0 milligrams / 1000 microliters of YMC trimer peptide or saline control was administered to each animal intraperitoneally (IP) 1 hour before the administration of toxin. One hour later, all mice were challenged with 0.02 micrograms of SEB (by intraperitoneal injection) and the mice were observed for 24-48 hours. The results are shown below in Table 3. Administration of the YMC trimer prevented the indication of lethal attack in the experimental animals when compared to injected saline controls.

TABLE 3 Additional studies using the D-conformation trimers, ymc * and cmy * were performed by IP injecting female Balb / c mice of 8-10 weeks of age at time 0 with 0.01 mgs of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, Calbiochem) and 20 mgs of D-galactosamine. In 5 hours, the experimental mice were injected IP with 0.05 μgs in 100 microliters of SEB (Sigma), while the control mice received phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) in the same volume. Table 4 shows the effects of using trimers to protect against super antigen attack in Balb / c mice.

TABLE 4 Table 4 shows that the ymc * trimer of D-conformation was ineffective in protecting mice against the attack of super antigen, SEB. The cmy trimer of D-conformation also provided some protection against the super antigen-induced attack.

EXAMPLE 10 PRODUCTION OF SUPER-ANTIGEN ANTIBODY MONOCLONAL Two Balb / c mice were immunized with peptide 6348 (which contains both consensus regions I and ll) twice at one month intervals, and injected at two separate sites. The first injection contained 200 micrograms (200 microliters) of peptide 6348 and Freund's complete adjuvant, while the second injection used the incomplete adjuvant. The retro-orbital bleeds were obtained ten days after the second injection. A more repetitive dose in saline was administered, and the animals were retested 10 days later by retro-orbital bleeds. The collected sera were probed by ELISA for antibody concentrations for the 6348 peptide. Mouse # 1 had the highest concentrations for the 6348 peptide (ie, 1.0 OD, 450 nm to 1: 50,000 dilution) in comparison to mouse # 2, which had concentrations of 0.9 OD to 1: 50,000 dilution. Mouse # 1 was selected and used for further studies. The # 1 mouse was given a repetitive dose of 200 μg of 6348 IP peptide in distilled water (100 microliters) two days before the animal was sacrificed and before fusing the mouse myeloma and the spleen cells. Splenocytes were obtained and treated with 84% ammonium chloride to destroy the erythrocytes with plants according to the standard protocol (Antibodies: A Laboratorv Manual, 1988, Chapter 6, "Monoclonal antibodies", Eds. E. Harlow &D; Lane, Cold Spring Harbor Press). The splenocytes were washed in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) and resuspended and counted. The fusion was carried out using standard techniques with the SP2 / 0 mouse myeloma lineage (acquired from ATCC) in a ratio of 4 spleen cells from mouse # 1 to 1 myeloma cell. The total number of splenocytes was 2x107 cells in 10 ml per 96-well plate (200,000 cells / cavity). The final medium was DMEM, 10% hypoxanthine-aminopterin-thymidine solution (HAT) and 10% fetal goat serum (FCS). Culturing the cell mixture fused in HAT solution allowed the selection of myeloma / spleen fusion cells, since the unfused spleen cells had limited growth potential and died, while the unfused myeloma cells died due to that can not grow when the De Novo nucleotide synthesis has been blocked with the HAT medium. The 96-well plates were observed for two weeks at which time those cavities that showed cell growth compared to the control expanded. The growing and living myeloma / spleen cell hybrids were cultured in DMEM with the addition of 5% fetal bovine serum for 20-30 days to dilute any remaining aminopterin. Usually, three rounds of cloning of limiting dilutions was sufficient to isolate the monoclonal cell line appropriately. Forty to fifty days after cell fusion, supernatants from the selected cavities were collected and tested for the presence of antibodies against the immunized antigen in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The supernatants were tested in the ELISA assays for activity against the 6348 peptide. The positive ELISA cavities were transferred into 6 ml culture wells. Of the 15 clones selected, 3 clones that showed ELISA concentrations Higher against peptide 6348 were saved and prepared for further testing. The present invention provides three clones of hybridomas labeled 2D5, 1 H 10, and 1 B1 deposited in the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), P.O. Box 1549, Manassas, VA 20108 in and under ATCC Access Nos. According to the terms of the Budapest Treaty. These 3 clones labeled 2D5, 1 H 10 and 1 B1 were expanded for further testing using the immunoblot technique containing six super antigens that had been transferred from 15% SDS gels. The six super antigens that were tested included: SEA, SEB, SEC, SPEA, SPEC, and TSST-1. All the routes were loaded as follows: 5 μg of toxin / cavity for SEA, SEB, SEC; 10 μg of toxin / cavity for SPEA and TSST-1; 7 μg of toxin / cavity for SPEC. The immunoblot was developed by covering the 2D5 monoclonal antibody for 2 hours. After the removal and washings, goat anti-mouse IgG conjugated alkaline phosphatase antibody was applied for 1 hour at a dilution of 1: 500. The purple liquid substrate system 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl phosphate / nitro blue tetrazolyl (BCIP / NBT) for membranes was added for 5 minutes and the reaction was stopped with distilled water. The immunoblot experiments were performed in the same way using clones 1 H10 and 1 B1. The results of the immunoblot experiments for all three clones: 2D5, 1 H10 and 1 B1 are shown below in Table 5.

TABLE 5 The results of the immunoblot experiment and monoclonal antibody 2D5 were such that clone 2D5 showed high reactivity against the super antigens and identified 6 of the 6 super antigens tested. However, clones 1 H 10 and 1 B1 were not as reactive against the super antigens as that of clone 2D5. Specifically, clone 1 H10 recognized 2 super antigens: SEA and SEB, while 1 B1 reacted with 4 of 6 super antigens: SEA, SEB, SEC and SPEC.

EXAMPLE 1 1 MONOCLONAL SUPERTIGEN ANTIGENING ANTIBODY PRODUCTION USING TRIMMER PEPTIDES Following the method described by Mikolajczyk SD, et al. , Bioconjug. Chem. 1994 Vol. 5: p636-46, oxidation of periodate binds serine to the Cysteine end of the trimer, eg, cmy, either in L- or D-conformation. A reductive deamination step is thus carried out to bind a tetanus toxoid (TT) vehicle to the serine.

In this way, the trimer as the hapten becomes immunogenic. Balb / c mice are immunized with the trimer-TT peptide conjugate twice at one month intervals, and injected at two separate sites. The first injection contains 200 micrograms (200 microliters) of the trimer-TT peptide and complete adjuvant of Freund, while the second injection uses the adjuvant • incomplete. Retro-orbital bleeds are obtained ten days after the second injection. The collected serum is tested by ESLIA by the presence of antibody concentrations for the trimer-TT peptide. A third dose can be administered subcutaneously in saline. If Mouse # 1 has higher concentrations for the trimer peptide, compared to Mouse # 2, at a 1: 50,000 dilution and 450 nm, then Mouse # 1 can be selected and used for further studies. The monoclonal antibodies directed towards the peptides described in the present application are produced as previously described and according to the standard protocol (Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, 1 988, Chapter 6, "Monoclonal antibodies", Eds. E. Harlow & D. Lane, Cold Spring Harbor Press).

EXAMPLE 12 STUDIES OF PEPTIDE ABSORPTION WITH ANTIBODIES MONOCLONALS ELABORATED AGAINST THE PEPTIDE 6348 In order to confirm that the monoclonal antibodies generated are directed against all regions of the peptide or only to consensus region 1, peptide 6348 (directed to consensus regions 1 and 2) is used to immunize the mice and be absorbed with the peptide 12-mer 6343 or less as described therewith. To determine if the monoclonal antibody recognizes the total peptide of, for example, the peptide 12-mer 6343, the supernatant of clone 2D5, which recognizes all 6 super antigens, is absorbed with 10 mgs of 6343 peptide by mixing the directed monoclonal antibody against peptide 6348 at 37 ° C for one hour and then when mixed overnight at 4 ° C. After centrifugation for 30 minutes at 10,000 RPM, the supernatant is covered over the immunoblots containing the 6 super antigens. The goat anti-mouse IgG labeled with alkaline phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase substrate is used for development. The peptide antigen 6343 absorbs all antibodies directed against the super antigens if the monoclonal antibodies are directed towards the peptide or consensus region 1. The controls include absorption with peptides unrelated to the 6343 peptide as well as the peptide from the consensus region. , peptide 6346. Absorption assays are also performed with other peptides as described herein, such as, but not limited to, the L- or D-conformation trimers.

EXAMPLE 13 CONFIRMATION OF MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES Limiting dilutions of the selected clones, including 2D5, they are made in order to produce a cell clone of a single fused cell that can be maintained in a cell culture and will continue to secrete monoclonal antibodies. The expansion and test in immunoblots are performed with the other 8 clones. The limiting dilutions are made as follows: 10 microliters (containing 2x106 cells) of each clone to be diluted is placed in 10 milliliters of DMEM with 5% FBS in such a way that 100 cells / well are in Row 1. Then these cells are diluted 1: 1 with normal medium and 100 microliters passed over Row 2. This procedure is repeated until all 12 rows of a 96-well plate complete. Finally, all the cavities receive 100 microliters of normal medium for a total of 200 microliters / cavity. If one of these cloning dilution clones is again positive for all six super antigens, this clone will be tested for other super antigens not yet tested, such as, but not limited to, SED, SPEG, SPEH, SPEZ. In addition, a second limiting dilution will be made to ensure that a single monoclonal antibody is obtained. ELISA is performed to test for activity of the various clones. All clones, both expanded and original clones, are recoverable frozen at -125 ° C in liquid nitrogen. After purification of the clone, the monoclonal antibody is compared to the monoclonal antibody, which is already known to be protective in a toxic attack mouse model as previously described. Positive results suggest that a single monoclonal antibody is reactive against all the super antigens tested. This clone can be "humanized" and used in humans as a protective agent for the prevention of super antigen bioterrorism.

EXAMPLE 14 MHC CLASS II MOLECULES THAT I NTERACT WITH THE PEPTIDE Several 3-D models of interactions between the MHC class II molecule and the 12-mer peptide (6343) were constructed in order to determine with this that the 12-mer peptide was able of inhibiting the blastogenesis properties of super antigens (Visvanathan, K., ef al., Infection and Immunitv 69: 875-884, 2001) and the role of tyrosine in peptides that were able to inhibit toxin activity. Model construction was achieved using the MODELLER program (Salí, A. and Blundell, T.L. J. Mol. Biol .. 234: 779-815, 1993). The model construction was done automatically by satisfying the constraints at various dihedral distances, angles and angles using this program. The first stage in the comparative model was the identification and analysis of the temperate structures, structures 1 SEB and 2SEB of protein data bank (PDB) (Dessen, ef al., Immunitv 7: 473-481, 1997; Jardetzky, ef al., Nature 368: 71 1-718, 1994). The analysis of the interactions between the super antigen (SEB) and the MHC class II molecule revealed that a disulfide cycle (residues 92-96) contacted the alpha 1 (a1) domain of the MHC class II molecule of its alpha helix. Based on previous studies in which a cysteine was included in the disulfide cycle and the alpha 1 domain interaction (Visvanathan, K., et al., Infection and Immunitv 69: 875-884, 2001), the disulfide cycle was used as the tempered structure to model the interaction between the 6343 peptide and the MHC class molecule I. The first model was designed using the target-tempered alignment: Model 1: Tempered peptide: C- YFSKK- (SEQ ID NO: 30) Target peptide: CMYGGVTEHEGN (SEQ ID NO: 1) Further analysis of the models using the LIGPLOT program (Wallace, et al., Protein Eng. 8: 127-134, 1995) indicated that the side chain of the tyrosine residue hydrophobically interacts with the MHC class II molecule residues, is say, Alanine 61, Leucine 60, and Glutamine 57). This observation was consistent with the empirically observed importance of the tyrosine residue in the peptide-MHC class II interaction. Models 2 and 3 were designed using the following objective-tempered alignment: Model 2: Tempered peptide: CYFSKK (SEQ ID NO: 31) Target peptide: CMYGGVTEHEGN (SEQ ID NO: 1) Model 3: Tempered peptide: «CYFSKK- - (SEQ ID NO: 31) Target peptide: CMYGGVTEHEGN (SEQ ID NO: 1) EXAMPLE 15 MHC CLASS I SESSION ASSAY The plates are coated with MHC purified human immunoaffinity DR1 (of the type provided by Dr. Strominger, Harvard University) overnight at 4 ° C in 0.1 M of TRIS, pH 8.0 at a concentration of 1 μg per well. A 1% BSA solution in PBS is used to block the coated plates for 1 hour. Peptide 6343 was added to the wells in various concentrations and allowed to incubate for 1 hour. After washing in the ELISA wash buffer three times, rabbit anti-peptide antibody (6343) diluted 1: 500 in RPMl was added and incubated for another hour. HRP conjugated antibodies of suitable affinity are used at a dilution of 1: 1000. A 1: 1 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and TMB substrate (100 μl; Kirekegaard and Perry, Inc.) is applied in the dark for 20 minutes after from which the plate is read. All incubation steps are carried out at room temperature. The plates are washed 3 times with ELISA Wash Controller between each incubation stage. The pH of the binding medium is adjusted to ensure that all assays were at the same pH 7.0. Care is taken to ensure that the ionic strength is adjusted for each test. Apparent Kd, the equilibrium dissociation constant, is calculated using the Lineweaver-Burk equation (Segal, IH 1975. "Enzyme Kinetics", pp. 107-108. In: Behavior and Analysis of Rapid Equilibrium and Steadv-State Enzyme Systems. John Wiley &Sons), as previously described by Fridkis-Hareli and JL Strominger (J. Immunol., 160: 4386-4397, 1998).

EXAMPLE 16 MIMETIC DESIGN In order to design a mimetic of a compound, such as

Claims (65)

1. for example, but not limited to, a peptide or derivative of the invention, having a given objective property, several steps are taken. First, the specific components of the molecule, peptide, or derivative, which are necessary to determine the objective property, are achieved. This is achieved by systematically varying the amino acid residues of the peptide. For example, by replacing each residue methodically, the "pharmacophore", or active region of the compound, is determined. The tyrosine residue has been identified as a critical residue in the peptide of the invention. Having identified the pharmacophore, the structure can be modeled according to its physical properties, such as stereochemistry, binding, size and / or loading, using techniques well known in the art. A variant method covers the model of the three-dimensional structure. A hardened molecule is thus selected, on which the chemical groups that mimic the pharmacofor join. In addition, the mimetics determined by this method are selected for the objective property. However, a mimetic may be any molecule that mimics the structure, function, and / or actions of another molecule, including but not limited to a peptide or derivative of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or will be able to achieve no more than routine experimentation, several equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be understood by the following claims. CLAIMS 1. A peptide or derivative thereof, which inhibits the activity of bacterial toxin, wherein said peptide, derivative, or mimetic comprises at least one amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of: an adjacent amino acid tyrosine and methionine sequence; and an amino acid sequence TEHEGN SEQ ID NO: 7; and wherein said peptide consists essentially of 12 or fewer amino acids, with the proviso that the amino acid sequence is not an amino acid sequence that is found in any native toxin molecule and the peptide is not CMYGGVTEHEGN of SEQ ID NO: 1.
2. 2. A peptide or derivative thereof, which inhibits the activity of bacterial toxin, wherein said peptide comprises an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of: CY; MY; CMY; YMC; MYC; AMY; CAY; CMYGGVTEHEG of SEQ ID NO: 4; CMYGGVTEHE of SEQ ID NO: 5; CMYGGV of SEQ ID NO: 6, TEHEGN of SEQ ID NO: 7; CMYAGVTEHEGN of SEQ ID NO: 1 1; CMYGAVTEHEGN of SEQ ID NO: 12; CMYGGATEHEGN of SEQ ID NO: 13; CMYGK of SEQ ID NO: 21; and CMYKK of SEQ ID NO: 22.
3. 3. The peptide or derivative thereof according to claim 1 consisting essentially of six or less amino acids.
4. 4. The peptide or derivative thereof according to claim 1 consisting essentially of five or fewer amino acids.
5. 5. The peptide or derivative thereof according to claim 1 consisting essentially of four or less amino acids.
6. 6. The peptide or derivative thereof according to claim 1, wherein said peptide is a trimer.
7. The peptide or derivative thereof according to claim 6, wherein said peptide has an amino acid sequence consisting of a trimer selected from the group consisting of: CMY, CYM, YMC, MYC, AMY, and CAY.
8. 8. The peptide or derivative thereof according to claim 7, wherein said trimer is in a D-conformation.
9. 9. The peptide or derivative thereof according to claim 1, wherein said peptide is a dimer.
10. The peptide or derivative thereof according to claim 9, wherein said peptide has an amino acid sequence consisting of a dimer selected from the group consisting of: CY and MY. eleven .
11. The peptide or derivative thereof according to claim 10, wherein said dimer is in a D-conformation.
12. 12. A mimetic of a peptide or derivative according to claim 1, wherein the mimetic initiates hydrophobic interactions between an alpha alpha 1 domain helix of a major histocompatibility class I I complex molecule and a toxin bacterial
13. 13. A mimetic of a peptide or derivative according to claim 2, wherein the mimetic initiates the hydrophobic interactions between an alpha alpha 1 domain helix of a class I complex molecule of major histocompatibility and a bacterial toxin.
14. 14. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a peptide or derivative thereof, which inhibits the activity of bacterial toxin, wherein said peptide, derivative, or mimetic comprises at least one amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of: a tyrosine residue, a contiguous amino acid tyrosine and methionine sequence, and an amino acid sequence TEHEGN SEQ ID NO: 7, and wherein said peptide consists essentially of 12 or fewer amino acids, with the proviso that the amino acid sequence is not an amino acid sequence which is in any native toxin molecule and the peptide is not CMYGGVTEHEGN of SEQ ID NO: 1, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient.
15. 15. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a peptide or derivative thereof, wherein said peptide comprises an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of: CY; MY; CMY; YMC; MYC; AMY; CAY; CMYGGVTEHEG of SEQ ID NO: 4; CMYGGVTEHE of SEQ ID NO: 5; CMYGGV of SEQ ID NO: 6, TEHEGN of SEQ ID NO: 7; CMYAGVTEHEGN of SEQ ID NO: 1 1; CMYGAVTEHEGN of SEQ ID NO: 12; CMYGGATEHEGN of SEQ ID NO: 13; CMYGK of SEQ ID NO: 21; and CMYKK of SEQ I D NO: 22, and a physiologically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient.
16. 16. The pharmaceutical composition comprising the peptide or derivative thereof according to claim 14, consisting essentially of six or fewer amino acids, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient.
17. 17. The pharmaceutical composition comprising the peptide or derivative thereof according to claim 14, consisting essentially of five or fewer amino acids, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient.
18. 18. The pharmaceutical composition comprising the peptide or derivative thereof according to claim 14, consisting essentially of four or fewer amino acids, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient.
19. 19. The pharmaceutical composition comprising the peptide or derivative thereof according to claim 14, wherein said peptide is a trimer, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient.
20. The pharmaceutical composition comprising the peptide or derivative thereof according to claim 19, wherein said peptide has an amino acid sequence consisting of a trimer selected from the group consisting of: CMY, CYM, YMC, MYC, AMY, and CAY , and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient. twenty-one .
21. The pharmaceutical composition comprising the peptide or derivative thereof according to claim 20, wherein said trimer is in a D-conformation, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient.
22. 22. The pharmaceutical composition comprising the peptide or derivative thereof according to claim 14, wherein said peptide is a dimer, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient.
23. 23. The pharmaceutical composition comprising the peptide or derivative thereof according to claim 22, wherein said peptide has an amino acid sequence consisting of a dimer selected from the group consisting of: CY and MY; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient.
24. The pharmaceutical composition comprising the peptide or derivative thereof according to claim 23, wherein said dimer is in a D-conformation, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient.
25. 25. The pharmaceutical composition comprising a mimetic of a peptide or derivative according to claim 14, wherein the mimetic initiates hydrophobic interactions between an alpha alpha 1 domain helix of a major histocompatibility complex class II molecule and a bacterial toxin, and a vehicle , pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or excipient.
26. 26. The pharmaceutical composition comprising a mimetic of a peptide or derivative thereof according to claim 15, wherein the mimetic initiates the hydrophobic interactions between an alpha alpha 1 domain helix of a class II master histocompatibility complex molecule and a bacterial toxin, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient.
27. 27. A method for inhibiting the blastogenesis of mononuclear cells in the presence of at least one bacterial toxin comprising: a) adding a pharmaceutically and physiologically effective amount of peptide or derivative according to claim 1 or a mimetic according to claim 12 in a diluent pharmaceutically acceptable to mononuclear cells having at least one bacterial toxin; and b) inhibiting the blastogenesis of mononuclear cells having at least one bacterial toxin.
28. 28. A method for inhibiting the blastogenesis of mononuclear cells in the presence of at least one bacterial toxin comprising: a) administering to a mammal an amount of a peptide or derivative according to claim 2 or a mimetic according to claim 13; and b) inhibit blastogenesis.
29. 29. The method according to claim 28, wherein said mammal is a human.
30. 30. A method for preventing or treating a mammal in need of treatment due to the toxicity of bacterial toxins comprising administering a peptide, derivative, or mimetic according to claim 1 or a mimetic according to claim 12 in a therapeutically effective amount for preventing or treating the mammal in need of it.
31. 31 A method to prevent or treat a mammal in need of treatment due to the toxicity of bacterial toxins • comprising: administering a peptide, derivative, or mimetic according to claim 2 or a mimetic according to claim 13 in a therapeutically effective amount to prevent or treat the mammal in need thereof.
32. 32. A method for inducing antibodies that bind at least one bacterial toxin comprising: a) administering to a mammal an amount of a peptide, derivative, or mimetic according to claim 1 or a mimetic according to claim 12, conjugated to a physiologically acceptable carrier; and b) producing the production of said antibodies that bind at least one bacterial toxin.
33. 33. A method for inducing antibodies that bind at least one bacterial toxin comprising: a) administering to a mammal an amount of a peptide, derivative, or mimetic according to claim 2 or a mimetic according to claim 13, conjugated to a physiologically acceptable carrier; and b) producing the production of said antibodies that bind at least one bacterial toxin.
34. 34. A method for passively immunizing a mammal against the toxic effects of bacterial toxins comprising administering in vivo a immunologically sufficient amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody that binds to a peptide, derivative, or mimetic according to claim 1 or a mimic according to claim 12 and wherein said antibody binds to at least one bacterial toxin.
35. 35. A method for passively immunizing a mammal against the toxic effects of bacterial toxins comprising administering in vivo an immunologically sufficient amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody that binds to a peptide, derivative, or mimetic according to claim 2 or a mimetic according to claim 13 and wherein said antibody binds to at least one bacterial toxin.
36. 36. A nucleic acid encoding at least one peptide or derivative according to claim 1.
37. 37. A nucleic acid encoding at least one peptide, derivative, or mimetic according to claim 2.
38. 38. A host cell containing the nucleic acid according to claim 36.
39. 39. A host cell containing the nucleic acid according to claim 37.
40. 40. A method for inducing antibodies that bind bacterial toxins comprising: a) administering to a mammal in need of a nucleic acid according to claim 36 in a physiologically acceptable carrier; b) expressing an immunologically sufficient amount of the encoded peptide; and c) producing said antibodies.
41. 41 A method for inducing antibodies that bind bacterial toxins comprising: a) administering to a mammal in need of a nucleic acid according to claim 37, in a physiologically acceptable carrier; b) expressing an immunologically sufficient amount of the encoded peptide; and c) producing said antibodies.
42. 42. A method for detecting the presence of antibodies to bacterial toxins in a sample comprising: a) contacting said sample with a peptide, derivative, or mimetic according to claim 1 or a mimetic according to claim 12; and b) detecting the peptide or derivative linked to said antibodies.
43. 43. A method for detecting the presence of antibodies to bacterial toxins in a sample comprising: a) contacting said sample with a peptide, derivative, or mimetic according to claim 2 or a mimetic according to claim 13; and b) detecting the peptide or derivative linked to said antibodies.
44. 44. An antibody made by the method according to claim 40.
45. 45. An antibody made by the method according to claim 41.
46. 46. A device for detecting the presence of bacterial toxins in a sample which comprises contacting said sample with any of the antibodies according to claim 44 and detecting the antibody bound to said toxin.
47. 47. A kit for detecting the presence of bacterial toxins in a sample comprising contacting said sample with any of the antibodies according to claim 45 and detecting the antibody bound to said toxin.
48. 48. A peptide, derivative thereof, or mimetic, which inhibits bacterial toxin activity, consisting essentially of a CMY amino acid sequence.
49. 49. A peptide, derivative thereof, or mimetic, which inhibits the activity of bacterial toxin, consisting essentially of an amino acid sequence of YMC.
50. 50. A peptide, derivative thereof, or mimetic, which inhibits the activity of bacterial toxin, consisting essentially of an amino acid sequence of CAY.
51. 51. A peptide, derivative thereof, or mimetic, which inhibits the activity of bacterial toxin, consisting essentially of an amino acid sequence of AMY.
52. 52. A peptide, derivative thereof, or mimetic, which inhibits the activity of bacterial toxin, consisting essentially of an amino acid sequence of MYC.
53. 53. A peptide, derivative thereof, or mimetic, which inhibits the activity of bacterial toxin, consisting essentially of an amino acid sequence of CYM.
54. 54. A peptide, derivative thereof, or mimetic, which inhibits bacterial toxin activity, consisting essentially of a cmy amino acid sequence, wherein the peptide is a D-conformation peptide.
55. 55. A peptide, derivative thereof, or mimetic, which inhibits bacterial toxin activity, consisting essentially of an amino acid sequence of ymc, wherein the peptide is a D-conformation peptide.
56. 56. A peptide, derivative thereof, or mimetic, which inhibits the activity of bacterial toxin, consisting essentially of an amino acid sequence of CY.
57. 57. A peptide, derivative thereof, or mimetic, which inhibits the activity of bacterial toxin, essentially consisting of of an amino acid sequence of MY.
58. 58. A peptide, derivative thereof, or mimetic, which inhibits bacterial toxin activity, consisting essentially of an amino acid sequence of CMYAGVTEHEGN of SEQ ID NO: 1 1.
59. 59. A peptide, derivative thereof, or mimetic, which inhibits bacterial toxin activity, consisting essentially of an amino acid sequence of CMYGAVTEHEGN of SEQ ID NO: 12.
60. 60. A peptide, derivative thereof, or mimetic, which inhibits the activity of bacterial toxin, consisting essentially of an amino acid sequence of CMYGGAVTEHEGN of SEQ ID NO: 13.
61. 61. The peptide or derivative thereof according to any of claims 1-11 and claims 48-60, wherein said peptide or derivative thereof is a peptide.
62. 62. The antibody according to claim 44, wherein said antibody is a monoclonal antibody.
63. 63. The antibody according to claim 45, wherein said antibody is a monoclonal antibody.
64. 64. A hybridoma producing the monoclonal antibody according to claim 62.
65. 65. A hybridoma producing the monoclonal antibody according to claim 63.