The United States of America, As Represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services

University of Georgia Research Foundation Inc

Frederick Quinn

Candace McCombs

Russell K Karls

David S Stephens

Kristin A Birkness

Peter King

Efrain M Ribot

Nigel Raymond

Manon Deslauriers

David S Beall

The present invention includes cold-adapted, acid-fast bacterium for use as a vaccine and a vaccine vector. In preferred embodiments, the cold-adapted, acid-fast bacterium is a, for example,

Microbial vaccine and vaccine vector

Provided herein is an in vitro granuloma model and methods of its use. Methods of detecting and/or diagnosing latent tuberculosis in a subject are also provided, as are latency-specific antigens (and antibodies thereto), such as &#x3b1;-crystallin, and methods of identifying and using such molecules. Also provided are immunostimulatory compositions, for instance for use in eliciting an immune response in a subject, such as an immune response to a latent tuberculosis infection. Kits for carrying out the provided methods are also described.

Latent human tuberculosis model, diagnostic antigens, and methods of use

Genes isolated from , as well as isolated nucleic acids, probes, expression cassettes, polypeptides, antibodies, immunogenic compositions, antisense nucleic acids, amplification mixtures, and new invasion deficient swains of are provided Methods of detecting and nucleic acids, and methods of inhibiting the invasion of mammalian cells by are also provided.

Invasion associated genes from Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B

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Avondale Estates, GA, United States of America

Frederick Quinn